New Pool and Spa construction - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

j_builder · 08-31-2008, 06:26 PM

Well since there has been limited remodeling project for me lately I thought that I'd go back to my construction roots as I first started out in swimming pool construction as an excavator then turned to pool plumbing then remodeling pools. O/B pools we've been working on lately.

Any comments or criticism welcome)!

j_builder · 08-31-2008, 06:33 PM

This pool and spa will also have a waterfall and grotto with rock formations.

**joasis** · 08-31-2008, 06:44 PM

I would love to know what you know. I have been giving a lot of thought into pools.....when the building boom here cools, the "nesting" effect will take over, and home improvement will rule. Pools will be a stable niche, in my opinion. I am thinking about hooking up with a fiberglass pool maker and doing installs. Then I can also offer the stamped concrete, etc.

j_builder · 09-01-2008, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joasis

I would love to know what you know. I have been giving a lot of thought into pools.....when the building boom here cools, the "nesting" effect will take over, and home improvement will rule. Pools will be a stable niche, in my opinion. I am thinking about hooking up with a fiberglass pool maker and doing installs. Then I can also offer the stamped concrete, etc.

Thanks for your comments joasis

I think that we all have to understand that we must be flexible and be able to experience new trade skills as well as be diversified with the fact that there's not always going to be work all the time in ones particular trades profession(s).

I personally believed that I would always be in the pool industry but had an accident and the doctors told me that I would never be able to pick up more than 25lbs or be in the construction trades (you wanta bet doc).

Did house inspections "light duty" for 2 years then started my own company and thats been 10 years now...showing my son and workers what I've learned in the field of construction for over 30 years now, I just wish I had learn how to use the computer sooner than 5 years ago.

Good Luck with the fiberglass pool and stamped concrete business.
If you need any advise just let me know

GunitePoolGuy · 09-02-2008, 04:26 PM

Looking good. Hope you post some finished pictures.

NICKPAUS · 09-02-2008, 10:54 PM

Looks good J Builder. I am working on a Job in Palos verdes and did the rough pool excavation but am looking for someone with your knowledge to install the plumbing and rebar. The homeowner had rough layout on pool specs in Landscape blueprints but has been searching for an installer she can afford. This would be a good opportunity for me to learn how to construct a pool. My question is are all the plumbing details and rebar sizes layed out in the pool spec blue prints (Which she does not have) or do you guys lay it out yourself and not use blueprints? She did not want to spend more than $40 K but based of of bids it looks like $55k is lowest companies want to go even with no work. Pool size 15' x 30' with 4'x8' jacuzzi pump and heater 40' away from pool I have the rough part already dug.

j_builder · 09-03-2008, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GunitePoolGuy

Looking good. Hope you post some finished pictures.

I will be taking more pic's as progress develops on both jobsites...thanks for the compliment GPG

j_builder · 09-03-2008, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NICKPAUS

Looks good J Builder. I am working on a Job in Palos verdes and did the rough pool excavation but am looking for someone with your knowledge to install the plumbing and rebar. The homeowner had rough layout on pool specs in Landscape blueprints but has been searching for an installer she can afford. This would be a good opportunity for me to learn how to construct a pool.

My question is are all the plumbing details and rebar sizes layed out in the pool spec blue prints (Which she does not have) or do you guys lay it out yourself and not use blueprints?
You or the H/O will need approved swimming pool plans from a professional structural engineer along with a wet seal stamped on plans(signed by the structural engineer) for all pool/spa locations,sizes.depth/rebar details and sur-charges if required if it's free standing or located near any walls,berms,hillsides etc...I've always use approved plans to construct anything thats structural.

All detailed drawings/plans must be summited to the cities building department and reviewed for all permits are required for new/remodeled pool construction.Hope that you have building permits for the pool excavation regardless of those "Landscape Blueprints" those will NOT fly by the building department at all

.

She did not want to spend more than $40 K but based of of bids it looks like $55k is lowest companies want to go even with no work. Pool size 15' x 30' with 4'x8' jacuzzi pump and heater 40' away from pool I have the rough part already dug.

If I'm not mistaken doesn't Palos Verdes require type"L" copper plumbing with wrot fittings to be installed inside the swimming pool/spa along with whats called 'taco tees' for the jets,brass bottom skimmer, all copper at the equipment area along with either a 2sp/variable speed pump?

NICKPAUS · 09-03-2008, 10:03 PM

Its actually Palos Verdes Estates and everything must be approved by the art jury first. The pool location and size was approved with landscape blueprints by art jury. Now looks like She needs the blueprints for that size and location with engineering. Not sure on copper neighbors recently built theres with all pvc. As far as pool equipment Im sure it will need to be energy effficent to meet the strict title 24 rules.

j_builder · 09-05-2008, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NICKPAUS

Its actually Palos Verdes Estates and everything must be approved by the art jury first. The pool location and size was approved with landscape blueprints by art jury. Now looks like She needs the blueprints for that size and location with engineering. Not sure on copper neighbors recently built theres with all pvc. As far as pool equipment Im sure it will need to be energy effficent to meet the strict title 24 rules.

Palos Verdes Estates is just a higher rent district. Art Jury HUH? 'Only in California

Never heard of that before now...also it was years ago when I plumbed a pool in that area so the codes might have change for if nothing else the fact that the cost value difference's between copper vs pvc would be four times or more in cost. If you need any help with acquiring the engineer plans or drawings just let me know Nick.

j_builder · 09-17-2008, 07:27 PM

Well between both these jobs taking much longer than I had anticipated (for lack of better and more refined skills). Bottom line unprofessional tradesmen thinking that their work was up to par (BULLSH!T) I'm movin on with both projects to be completed hopefully by the end of October cause I picked up a redo project this week...back to smackin the nails and stubs and of course using my BIGFOOT and saw-zall...bring on the demo.

j_builder · 09-17-2008, 07:44 PM

This rock pool is going much faster within the time frame "real professionals" working here...that's right I did all the plumbing.

glad my son was around to do most of the digging in 100 degree temps

Poolman · 09-18-2008, 04:52 AM

j,
Looks good.
How come the last photo with the rock pool looks like there is no floor? Was a lot of dirt spilled in the pool or is it the way the photo was angled?
Scott

j_builder · 09-18-2008, 07:00 PM

Poolman thats a new trend that I'm starting...it's called the infinity deep end pool you just dive in and never reach the bottom.

Okay all kidding aside yes it's the angle of the shot at the time of day. I'll be taking some more photos tomorrow to show the progress developments. Thanks for your comment too!

GunitePoolGuy · 10-07-2008, 06:06 PM

looking good jbuilder. The coping looks great. Who makes it?

j_builder · 10-19-2008, 01:46 PM

Thanks for the comment GPG

The pool/spa coping is Pacific Clay 12" Pueblo single bull nose around the pool and 9" bull nose around the spa with custom mixed mortar grout... it took way to many 'brick layer's' to get the corner radius's right after telling many to go learn the cuts on their own time and not on my dime!

It's unfortunate that I'll not be showing anymore progress pic's from either of these jobs because of customer delays,dealing with subs who have no or limited skills,both jobs went sideways with so many unforeseen issues.

Shoreline58 · 10-22-2008, 08:56 AM

Must be a challenge working on such tight job sites. All the good weather must make up for it.

Workmanship looks very good, love to see the finished product.

Noticed all of the block work instead of fencing. Are masons inexpensive out your way. In Connecticut they get about $12.50 per block laid, material and labor. Or do they have wet shoes when they arrive at work?

POOLMANinCT · 10-28-2008, 12:43 AM

rock pool,

poolman thats the stuff i told him id need 13k to safety cover

Winchester · 10-28-2008, 01:23 AM

Looks beautiful! Wish I could do that stuff.

GunitePoolGuy · 11-01-2008, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j_builder

Thanks for the comment GPG

The pool/spa coping is Pacific Clay 12" Pueblo single bull nose around the pool and 9" bull nose around the spa with custom mixed mortar grout... it took way to many 'brick layer's' to get the corner radius's right after telling many to go learn the cuts on their own time and not on my dime!

It's unfortunate that I'll not be showing anymore progress pic's from either of these jobs because of customer delays,dealing with subs who have no or limited skills,both jobs went sideways with so many unforeseen issues.

I understand. Its hard to find good subs in this business. Even more so in my location. We end up keeping the detail work in house.