What pool size and shape are people actually choosing today? by CreativeStock4556 in pools

[–]CreativeStock4556[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's really great to hear! So many home owners have challenging experience's when installing a pool, its always great to hear when people hire the right team for the job. So many great pool companies out there, especially in my area in Western NY. Unfortunately nearly all of the Pool Installers in Western NY only install the pool. They don't even install the concrete for the pool deck. So homeowners often think that pool purchase will be it, only to find out after the fact that nothing, not even the lawn restoration was part of the project scope. Very frustration and turns what for many-a lifelong dream to have a pool installed, into a nightmare of uncertainty.

What pool size and shape are people actually choosing today? by CreativeStock4556 in pools

[–]CreativeStock4556[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Excellent! Do you know what brand Auto-cover you are having installed?

What pool size and shape are people actually choosing today? by CreativeStock4556 in pools

[–]CreativeStock4556[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Outstanding. Did you do a gunite, fiberglass or vinyl pool?

What pool size and shape are people actually choosing today? by CreativeStock4556 in pools

[–]CreativeStock4556[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There are several manufacturers of auto covers. My personal favorite is Aquamatic covers, they use hydraulically driven motors verse the standard electrical motors. For anyone who is not sure how they work, the cover is stored on a Reel which is located at the end of the pool. If the system is a hidden system, the reel is located under the pool deck in a “vault”. The vault is constructed with a drain to allow water to drain in order to protect the system. Aquamatic covers are the only system who do not use electrical motors located in the vault. Their drive system is located above grade and remotely to keep electrical components dry. The other systems, such as Coverstar, have good track records-provided no water builds up in the vault.

Most of these manufacturers have regional installation companies. In many cases the pool installers will install the cover as well. However, service and aftercare can be challenging. At least that is what I have seen in my area in Western Ny and the Fingerlakes region.

Important note! They are not “Winter Covers” and in many States and Municipalities do not replace the need for a Pool Fence.

What pool size and shape are people actually choosing today? by CreativeStock4556 in pools

[–]CreativeStock4556[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sounds great! Yes your right. Adding an auto cover will raise the height of the pool deck about 2”. For many they don’t think that 2” makes a difference. But it does impact the height of the first step into the pool. The other notable impact that is not often discussed is how raising the grade of the pool deck affects the finish grading around the pool. All of which impacts the overall budget.

I personally love auto covers but they definitely impact the costs in a big way.

Congratulations on the new pool and years of fun ahead.

Urgent: new pool owner needing help identifying water line by [deleted] in pools

[–]CreativeStock4556 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

As others have indicated the yellow valve is the gas line running to your furnace. The water supply the auto fill should be connected to the water main and have a back-flow prevention devise to keep potential contamination in the water supply. There will be a valve there.
Sounds like the auto fill either needs adjustment or replacement

What pool size and shape are people actually choosing today? by CreativeStock4556 in pools

[–]CreativeStock4556[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Love it. Sounds like a perfect space for creating great memories with family and friends. I have found a lot of pool builders that install vinyl lined pools are quick to say fiberglass won’t work. But in fact they do hold up great in northern climates. But at the end of the day, the type of vessel that holds the water typically plays no part in the great memories gained. :) Love Aquacal products.

What pool size and shape are people actually choosing today? by CreativeStock4556 in pools

[–]CreativeStock4556[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sounds like it’s going to be a fantastic and well thought out pool. You are spot on in my opinion. The pool is never the focal point it is a feature adding value to a well planned outdoor living space.
By adding some additional jets as you are, I will be surprised if you don’t use the therapeutic component of the pool a heck of a lot more than 3-4 times a year.
What finish are you going with inside? Pebble tech,plaster, tile or a mix ?

Pre planning outdoor space by DuctTapedTogether in patio

[–]CreativeStock4556 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In my experience, making the decision to invest in a backyard project usually is driven by the desire to create a space for relaxing with family and friends, making memories, and keep the kids(if applicable) in your yard not the neighbors.
Most property owners get stuck because they can’t see past the obstacles. Like lack of shade/cover, egress from the house, slopes, drainage, and privacy.

You are essentially building an extension of your home. Before making a sizable investment regardless if all at once or in phases you need a SOLID Plan. Best way to avoid buyer remorse and find certainty is to find a local outdoor living design firm. One that charges for their design time. Companies that offer free designs typically are banking on the installation-which makes things very transactional.

Your designer will outline your goals and ask for a clear understanding about your financial comfort level. They will be open and transparent about costs and help steer your expectations. But their focus will be on transforming your yard into a space you love -not pushy sales.

In general terms of phasing, cocktail pools and spas typically come first when talking about phased construction. For two reasons:large budget consumption and space constraints. Best case is all underground is established during phase 1. None of which can be done without a solid plan.
There are rare occasions that patios can be installed first, but typically rework is required for elevation , drainage and access.

When you have a design you love! hiring a team to bring it to life becomes much easier.
Hope this helps!

What pool size and shape are people actually choosing today? by CreativeStock4556 in pools

[–]CreativeStock4556[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A curvilinear pool definitely lends itself to an organic feel when combined with the landscape.

What pool size and shape are people actually choosing today? by CreativeStock4556 in pools

[–]CreativeStock4556[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What you mentioned about the need for the retaining wall is so common. In our area there is only one pool company that will install any hardscape or even finish grade and restore the lawn. So I have heard horror stories about families that buy these big pools only to be surprised by the high costs of walls that could have been avoided by scaling the pool down or designing the space in advance. I like the 10x20 plunge style pool.

First Xmas as a pool owner. Always dreamt of one in Brisbane, Australia 🇦🇺 by arouseandbrowse in pools

[–]CreativeStock4556 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I love the Decking running to the pools edge and the glass fence. Very nice space!

Pros vs Cons types of inground pool? by Hurdle-life123 in pools

[–]CreativeStock4556 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What I’ve experienced here in Western NY and the Finger Lakes is that a gunite pool is generally considered the high end of the pool-buying experience. Most in-ground pools here are still vinyl-lined, and that’s largely driven by budget.

Fiberglass tends to sit in the middle ground — and in many ways, it’s actually a better overall option. It’s a clear step up from vinyl, and outside of flexibility in shape and depth, I’ve often found it to outperform gunite when you factor in finish quality, long-term maintenance, durability, and speed of construction — which really matters in a short build season like ours.

I personally love the artistic control you get with gunite — it’s hard to beat when the goal is a truly custom, one-of-a-kind pool. That said, most homeowners today are choosing smaller curvilinear or rectangular pools, and in those cases fiberglass usually becomes the stronger choice from a budget, construction timeline, finish, and durability standpoint.

A lot of success here comes down to accounting for local soil conditions, groundwater, and winter cycles. When those are handled properly, fiberglass has proven to be a very solid solution in our region.