cheryl1955

Does anyone have actually pictures of a pool done with the Aqua or the Midnight Blue Diamond Brite. I can't decide between the colors and would love some real pictures. Or does anyone have other color suggestions if I want a very deep rich aqua color like the waters around Jamaica?

where in CF are you located. I am in Ocala and have some great prices

Thanks for you valuable input. It is helping me to make decisions. Is there any special reason you chose the 3M and not pebble sheen or diamond brite or any other company? This is a decision I have to make soon also and I am looling at them all. Thanks Cheryl

I would love suggestions on the best coping for an inground freeform salt water pool. I was going with flagstone, but have had several companies and people frown upon this. They say that the flagstone will minerlize and the leaking minerals will eventually stain the finish. Most have suggest to go with stamped and stained concrete for the coping and then use flagstone pavers for the rest. I also am trying to decide what pool finish company to use such as pebblesheen, diamond brite, hydrazzo, etc.I would love to hear what anyone feels is the best for the price. And especially which ones to NOT consider at any cost. Also to tile the waterline or not? I have been researching and most say that it makes cleaning the line better and it doesn't stain as bad. Any opinions? I would love to hear from anyone that can tell me things to NOT do, or things they would have done differently if they were to build a pool again. Thanks Cheryl1955@cox.net

Thanks for taking the time to give me some direction. I greatly appreciate all the helpful information. Also what is the controversy about using flagstone as coping on a salt water pool? Have you heard anything about NOT using flagstone because of the mineral leakage and staining the pool finish? Thanks for any info you can contribute. Cheryl

Thank you so much for reply and giving me some valuable things to think about. I have been visiting pools for the past two years to see what I really like. I decided on the "no birdcage" because the ones that I always enjoyed the most swimming in were the very "back to nature" pools. One is owned by my daughter, so I make sure I ask her every question I can think about the pool she owns. I would have gone with the cage but I have no trees within 100 feet of my house due to a tornado several years ago. My neighbor has the cage and I hate it, she is constantly trying to get the algae off and it never feels like I am really swimming in nature. I may decide to add it in years to come, but the expense in another thing, here in Florida it cost almost the price of the pool :-( I do have a six foot privacy fence with self closing locking gates and I have alarms on all doors and windos leading to the pool. As many have suggested I will also splurge for the safety cover, do you think that is a good idea or not? My brother in law is the engineer for water and sewer here in Ocala and has OKed the backyard and my lot for building the pool, can you think of anything else that I should do at this time? I just received my sealed plans to take to the building department today. Please any other things that you think that I should consider please feel free to tell me. I really do appreciate all info both good and bad, positive and negative. I am a realist and want to know real truths. Again thanks for the help and I hope you don't mind me picking your brain. Cheryl PS: Thanks for reminding me about the flood, thank God I am in a no flood zone. But I will make sure that I keep in mind that the pool can overflow and make sure that it has proper drainage for such an event. Thanks again for this info

I would love to hear the ins and outs of building your own pool. I can be reached directly at cheryl1955@cox.net. I have many questions, especially what NOT to do. Yes, I agree that the inground systems are priced way to high and am glad to rule that out of my meek budget. I am planning on a 16X32 freeform. Did you use one of the textures for the inside of the pool such as pebbletec or diamond brite? I am wondering if they are as great as some say. Please email me and send me pictures of your pool project, I would love to see them and to hear from someone that has lived through this process:-) Thanks Cheryl

Does anyone know where I can get a report (if one exists) on EE on pool equipment. I hope that one exists since as a nation we are trying to go green and EE, but I can't seem to find data on these tests. Can anyone lead me in the right direction? Thanks

I say go for it. I am also owner/builder and planning to break ground this December. I have found that networking is great. I have lived in my town for 52 years, my ex was a contractor, and I am and have been a high school teacher. Many of my students parents are into construction both home and pool and have been great at giving me advice, direction, and many leads. I always checkout everyone with the BBB and by word of mouth. I am finding that people are very good about helping. I have built two homes, but this is the first inground pool. I think that you will do fine. It will probably be very challenging, but many of us love a challenge. I say take it slow and be very selective. Be patient with yourself and with the others, but demand the job be done to your satisfaction. The houses I built were challenging but none could match the craftmanship, as I was on top of everything done and made sure I knew what I was doing, just as any professional would do. I listen and take in all advice, then I weight it and calculate it compared to all other.....check, check and recheck with others then proceed. You will do great and keep me informed as to your success. Remember to ask pool owners "What would you have done different if you built again".

I am going to put in a pool this coming December and will be the owner/builder. I would love to have any in put anyone has on the equipment/finishes/lighting etc. Anything.... advice or info that might help me in making decision about the really important things like equipment. I live in Central Florida and will not be having it screened in. It will be 16X32 freeform concrete. Decisions such as: Pentair vs Hayward, diamond brite vs pebble tec or any other and color to go with, infloor cleaning system or not, what type of filter, what lights, decking material, coping material, and any other things one can give advice on at this time. I would also love to hear from anyone out there that has built there own pool for the ins and outs. Thanks, Cheryl1955