Pools and outdoor fun

[S.McArthur]

Little back story, wife and I were going to put the house on the market and move closer to work, well COVID but a damper on her job and I don't mind the job. Also, the houses being built now are stupid, .25 acres and $300k+, you are buying nothing and they are building like crazy.
We made the decision to stay put in our house, but, we (my wife) want a pool. She has been with my son through the entire Rona shutdown and the house has become "small".
So, school me and help the decision process, this is not immediate, it will be for next season, I have to take down about 15 trees and clean up some dirt to prepare. I would be contractor bids, but I want a plan in place before I get swindled, I am clueless when it comes to this.
What we are thinking;
-Salt Water
-Above ground pool but dug into the ground (24-36") to utilize the existing large deck.
-Shallow & deep end (pretty sure this can be done)
-In ground is not out of the question, but seems unreasonable.
-Outdoor kitchen/lounge/smoker/etc. We have the space for all of this.
-Our neighbors have a "tiki" setup, so we have to one up their setup, need a new theme.

Anything I'm missing or should plan for?

 

[papasjeep]

Watch out for an above ground pool with a salt system. If the pool wall gets scratched it will rust out quicker than a clorine system.

Also if you bury an above ground pool system , do not backfill against the pool wall. It will collapse if you ever have to change your liner out.

We went with a chlorine system.
A little bit more work to keep the chlorine in check but it works fine with us.

Enjoy your pool.

 

[ranger101]

My parents installed a 30’ round above-ground pool that’s 4’ deep. With the deck they built around it, they have about $7,000 into the entire setup. I didn’t think a 4’ pool would be deep enough, but it fits their needs just fine. Also, it is not a salt water pool. Be prepared to have some sort of fence put up around if necessary in your area. We had to put one up with a lock to meet code in our neighborhood.

 

[S.McArthur]

4’ pool

I'm looking at having two depths, perhaps 3'-6', from what I can tell I'd have to deal with buying custom liners when I need to replace.

fence put up

Well, the neighbors have fenced off their side for their pool, I can tie into theirs (they'd be cool with it), I'm still deciding how much yard I want to fence.

 

[Mr. Bills]

While you are researching, spend a bit of time on "spools" and "cocktail pools," i.e. spa/small pool combinations.

I don't know much about them, but a friend suggested that I look into them for my particular needs. Apparently they are becoming quite popular.

An example from Google:

 

[S.McArthur]

Rust / do not backfill against the pool wall

I did not think about rust nor was I aware of the back fill. It may only be about 24" into the ground at most unless we go with a deep end. I will keep that tin mind. Thank you.

 

[S.McArthur]

spa/small pool combinations

Very cool, but we have a 4 year-old, I think the small pool will not fit our needs. I think a 20ft pool is the minimum we will look at. We are debating oval v. circle as well. Hot tub on the deck is in the mix as well.
Edit: they do have a lot of good ideas to pull from though!

 

[papasjeep]

My pool guy put up a salt system pool for a customer against his suggestion he told me within in two years it rusted through.

I'm sure any above ground can rust through.

 

[S.McArthur]

My pool guy put up a salt system pool for a customer against his suggestion he told me within in two years it rusted through.
I'm sure any above ground can rust through.

Both of the salt pools I've been in have been in-ground, you may be onto something important.

 

[Zorba]

Build it as far away from the house as you can. One word: foundation cracks. That's one reason why I refuse to have anything to do with a pool.

 

[Mr. Bills]

I am a big believer in OPP - other people's pools.

 

[papasjeep]

With all that, we have enjoyed our above ground pool, especially when the grandkids come over.

 

[Chris]

The previous home owner of our house paid 50k 6 months ago to put in this salt water pool. I’ve got to maintain it, but the kids absolutely love it.

 

[S.McArthur]

Build it as far away from the house as you can. One word: foundation cracks. That's one reason why I refuse to have anything to do with a pool.

How much do you charge to come do a blessing dance for the grand opening?

 

[Viking Jeeper]

I am a big believer in OPP - other people's pools.

I have a pool but am a big believer in other peoples boats.

 

[Rick Flair]

I am a big believer in OPP - other people's pools.

That’s a lot like when I had my boat, had more friends for some reason....

 

[S.McArthur]

other people's pools

Me too, but the ability to get in the pool after work would be awesome. It is way too damn hot and humid around here. That is why I have not bought a boat, the best boat to own is your friends.

 

[Viking Jeeper]

My pool/spa combo is screened in and salt water. A breeze to maintain.

We had a few trees that had to go to make room for the pool. We wanted to move them and keep them (palm trees). Some pool builders said they did not know how to deal with the trees and certainly did not want to move them but would take them out. Found one pool builder who just said "yeah I will move them". Hired him.

 

[S.McArthur]

50k 6 months ago

I forget what yours looked like, I would assume there was large cost to break up rock prior to install. My brother ran into that issue, they dug about 2-3' and hit a big slab of rock, that drive the cost up significantly.

 

[Flivver250]

Years ago I had a 30 foot above ground wooden pool by Crestwood. Quite nice. 6 feet deep in the center, gunnite bottom. We have an inground salt water pool now. Much nicer.

https://crestwoodpools.com/pools/above-ground-pools/round-above-ground-pools/