Building a Swimming Pool

[N/A N/A]

NOT for a rental, NOT for a resale.

I'm thinking about having a pool installed at my home (personal residence). I know you don't get the money back when you sell, but I'll probably be in this house for at least 20+ years, so that's not an issue.

Does anyone have any wisdom/experience to share about installing an inground pool? I'm interested in anything you might know -- what should I pay, what's the best type, are there any parts that can be done DIY, filtering systems, diving boards, etc., etc. Any mistakes you've made, regrets, etc. Anything you did or have seen done that is really cool? I haven't created a budget yet, so I'm at that dreamy stage where theoretically anything is possible (until reality sets in).

[Mark Y]

The regret I have is that I put one in. I'm glad I sold that home and someone else has the headache. I live in Phoenix and if I had to guess, I'd say that 80% of homes have pools. I'd also estimate that 90% of these go UNUSED after the 2 year novelty wears off. You're then left with a money pit.

My advice, they're a PITA.

[N/A N/A]

Pain in the butt to install yourself. Pay to have it done!!!

[Richard F.]

Although I haven't kept up with new techniques or products, here's some food for thought-

The winter/summer freeze/thaw cycles are a major problem (I am talking about in-ground, concrete, permanent pools). There is moisture in the ground, there is moisture IN the concrete, and, depending on your preference, the pool itself may be left full (or nearly) over winter. As a result, all this moisture ALSO freezes/thaws, which is not a good thing. Originally, my pool had a "marbelite" coating, with a ceramic tile band at the waterline. I can't even tell you how many times the tile popped off in different areas. then, eventually, the marbelite started popping off. Of course, these both led to more moisture getting directly at the concrete, and eventually (in spite of numerous recoating and retiling projects over the years) the rebar within the concrete began corroding, and spalled the concrete severely. About every three or four years we spent a lot of time and money repairing. As time went by, we settled for no tile, hydraulic cement repairs and a troweled on finish coat which we kept scrupulously painted with a two part epoxy based product called "Mira-plate". this was done the first time after having sandblasted the entire pool. Man, it is hot at the bottom of a white pool in a sandblast suit, and shoveling 6 tons of sand back up OUT of the pool when you are done is no fun either. Then the only problems we had were not getting the pipes cleared out for winter completely (because they "settled" with low spots over the years) and freezing/bursting the the lines causing large suction leaks when we fired it up in the spring. Then all I had to do was tear up the apron and repipe the whole thing with pvc, install drain tiles and a wider apron (after a little additional landscaping). Let me tell you, pouring 18 yards of concrete will prove who your friends are. Believe me, you will find you have MANY more friends when the work is done, and the pool is clear and cool with some frosty drinks at hand.

If I were to do it over, I would only go with a one-piece fiberglass unit. then all you have to worry about is the water table rising and your pool pops out of the ground (although that happens to concrete pools too).

In spite of all that, if you love poolside life, and like to entertain, it makes for a great summer. Except, I could never relax when there were children around. Parents NEVER watch them close enough. I saved two, thankfully.

You can get a chemical, I forget the name, and put it in the pool so when the kids (or adults) pee it will turn BLUE and they are SOOO busted!

Enjoy!