Is having your own pool or hot tub worth it? (2 Viewers)

[flranger]

Why a salt water pool? I know nothing of these

Just about maintenance free from my experience.  The salt water goes through a cell where the Sodium is released from the chlorine (NaCL) due to electrical current which puts free chlorine in the pool.  Eventually the Sodium and Chlroine find happiness and get together again in the pool so you don't have to keep adding.  Sweet spot is around 3300 PPM but I keep mine anywhere between 3000-3600.

You'll end up having circuit board issues and cell issues along the way, but I have an outside non-screened pool in central Florida and other than a bag of salt here and there, I do almost nothing to the pool year round other than a little vacuuming here and there.  In the 12 years I've had the pool, I've probably spent $1000 total in parts and cells for replacement, but I do all the work myself and troubleshoot so it keeps costs down.  I did replace the pump before necessary to take advantage of better efficiency.  Also did that myself.

 

[Binky The Doormat]

Just about maintenance free from my experience.  The salt water goes through a cell where the Sodium is released from the chlorine (NaCL) due to electrical current which puts free chlorine in the pool.  Eventually the Sodium and Chlroine find happiness and get together again in the pool so you don't have to keep adding.  Sweet spot is around 3300 PPM but I keep mine anywhere between 3000-3600.

You'll end up having circuit board issues and cell issues along the way, but I have an outside non-screened pool in central Florida and other than a bag of salt here and there, I do almost nothing to the pool year round other than a little vacuuming here and there.  In the 12 years I've had the pool, I've probably spent $1000 total in parts and cells for replacement, but I do all the work myself and troubleshoot so it keeps costs down.  I did replace the pump before necessary to take advantage of better efficiency.  Also did that myself.

the water feels a helluva a lot better too - it's basically "soft" water.  

no itchy in an hour or two after getting out of the water - the straight chlorinator pool water has a tendency to make for dry, itchy skin.  

 

[culdeus]

the water feels a helluva a lot better too - it's basically "soft" water.  

no itchy in an hour or two after getting out of the water - the straight chlorinator pool water has a tendency to make for dry, itchy skin.  

Nothing stops anyone from adding salt to a pool without a SWG.  

 

[Binky The Doormat]

Nothing stops anyone from adding salt to a pool without a SWG.  

ok

 

[The Commish]

Close on house already with a pool at end of April. Getting a saltwater system put in shortly after. 

Will make all the difference in the world.  We love ours and not walking around smelling like chlorine is freakin' awesome.

 

[=Smackdown=]

Concrete was poured last week in March.

Getting conflicting ideas as to when to we can do pavers around the pool. Have heard wait 30 days, wait 90 days and others saying lay pavers next spring and wait a year to be safe.

 

[That one guy]

I assumed concrete was just the way things got done nowadays, suddenly fiberglass shells are an option with a couple of the companies we're starting to get quotes from.  I’m in FL, if that makes any difference, but did any of you recent or soon to be built guys consider a shell and decide for or against?

 

[Punxsutawney Phil]

Concrete was poured last week in March.

Getting conflicting ideas as to when to we can do pavers around the pool. Have heard wait 30 days, wait 90 days and others saying lay pavers next spring and wait a year to be safe.

I have pavers, they are nice but if you can afford it you should go decorative concrete.  The problem I have with pavers is that when I pressure wash it blows sand out of the joints, and some gets in the pool.  Depending on the amount of shade / wet weather, they can get pretty nasty in places.  

https://www.google.com/search?q=decorative+concrete+pool+deck&client=ms-android-google&prmd=isvn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjnyJiPobnhAhUtrlkKHdrcCssQ_AUoAXoECAoQAQ&biw=412&bih=604

 

[bucksoh]

Wife has people coming over Sat. to give an estimate already getting my no face ready.

 

[Buckychudd]

We have an 8' deep we put in in 07. Five foot is useless if you ask me. The liability would seem crazy. Nobody can jump in the pool? 

Don't get a Hayward saltwater either. Get an Autopilot. Much better quality. We have a heat pump too (Aquatemp) and it's way cheaper to use than any propane heater and you can cool the pool. 

So why don't you like Hayward?

 

[=Smackdown=]

To answer the question in this thread . . . depends.

IF you plan on staying in the house for the next 10 years and your kids are old enough tor enjoy it - yes.

The 50-100K your going to spend on the entire pool (actual pool, equipment, pavers, etc) you will never get back - it does not add to the value of your home.

 

[Slider]

So why don't you like Hayward?

Walmart of generators. Made in China for mass market? You'll replace every 4-5 years on average.

 

[Punxsutawney Phil]

How many pool equipment manufacturers are there?  It seems like Hayward & Pentair have a duopoly on the entire industry.  

 

[culdeus]

How many pool equipment manufacturers are there?  It seems like Hayward & Pentair have a duopoly on the entire industry.  

And I'm 99% sure they buy their motors from the same place.  

Jandy uses the same motors as well.

 

[Punxsutawney Phil]

Does anyone have color changing LED pool lights?  They have some in the $75-$150 range with remotes.   Then there is the Pentair Intellibrite that's like $500.  They seem to be the only option on the market, and get pretty poor reviews.  I have seen a pool with them though and they are amazing.

 

[culdeus]

Does anyone have color changing LED pool lights?  They have some in the $75-$150 range with remotes.   Then there is the Pentair Intellibrite that's like $500.  They seem to be the only option on the market, and get pretty poor reviews.  I have seen a pool with them though and they are amazing.

Yeah. I mean it's a novelty that wears off and we always set it to bright anyways. 

Except green for the Masters weekend.  Forgot about that. 

Making it go USA USA even gets old after a bit.  

 

[Punxsutawney Phil]

Yeah. I mean it's a novelty that wears off and we always set it to bright anyways. 

Except green for the Masters weekend.  Forgot about that. 

Making it go USA USA even gets old after a bit.  

Which one do you have?

 

[culdeus]

Which one do you have?

Pentair something. I'll have to check.  

 

[Phil Elliott]

If you don't have SWG pool, you can still add salt to your water to improve clarity/feel.  Check out the pool math app at troublefreepool.com for the amount to add. May take several bags. Want to get in the 1000 to 3000 ppm range.  Use very pure salt that doesn't have stabilizers/rust inhibiters/additives. Something like Diamond Crystal Solar Salt Extra Coarse Crystals works well. 

 

[flapgreen]

Alright, we're in the new house. Pool is just the right size for us.  Instead of installing a heater in the pool, we're considering getting a hot tub out next to the pool. Anyone have experience with hot tubs? 

 

[Punxsutawney Phil]

Someone gave me a sand filter that is still in good condition.  They removed their screen enclosure so the pool guy recommended a DE due to more stuff in pool.  I have a cartridge filter, but was thinking sand may be easier to deal with.  Anyone have any opinions on sand vs cartridge?  Also, has anyone heard of filling a sand filter with sand alternatives?  http://www.inyopools.com/Blog/pool-filter-sand-alternatives/

 

[Otis]

For lots of home buyers, the pool actually DECREASES the value of the house. With  small kids my wife and I wanted nothing to do with a pool when we were home shopping. 

 

[James Daulton]

For lots of home buyers, the pool actually DECREASES the value of the house. With  small kids my wife and I wanted nothing to do with a pool when we were home shopping. 

I get this but the pure fun of a pool with young kids far outweigh the risks imho.  Countless pool parties, just chilling by the pool in the sun, an escape from the oppressive summer heat, putting in a pool is the best thing we've done to our house.

Just have to have a locked gate and actually know where your kids are.

 

[James Daulton]

Alright, we're in the new house. Pool is just the right size for us.  Instead of installing a heater in the pool, we're considering getting a hot tub out next to the pool. Anyone have experience with hot tubs? 

Hot tubs are fun, a pain to keep clean but fun.

 

[pantherclub]

I really want to build a sauna at my house.  Anyone have any experience with those?

 

[Punxsutawney Phil]

For lots of home buyers, the pool actually DECREASES the value of the house. With  small kids my wife and I wanted nothing to do with a pool when we were home shopping. 

You could have just put a pool fence or had a really cool sand box.

 

[Punxsutawney Phil]

I really want to build a sauna at my house.  Anyone have any experience with those?

Like a Jacuzzi they sell units that are 100% ready to go out of the box assuming you have the electrical requirements.  Those barrel ones are interesting looking.

 

[Ron Swanson]

Someone gave me a sand filter that is still in good condition.  They removed their screen enclosure so the pool guy recommended a DE due to more stuff in pool.  I have a cartridge filter, but was thinking sand may be easier to deal with.  Anyone have any opinions on sand vs cartridge?  Also, has anyone heard of filling a sand filter with sand alternatives?  http://www.inyopools.com/Blog/pool-filter-sand-alternatives/

Sand can be easier maintenance...backwashing is easier than pulling out the cartridge and cleaning it.  The sand/media needs to be replaced less frequently than a cartridge. To the human eye, they filter equally well. DE technically filters finer, but the human eye can't see it.

Check the laterals and hub very closely for aging or cracks before you load it with sand.  Or replace them proactively. You don't want to get it filled up and realize you have a cracked lateral (sand back in pool).

As far as alternative media, I can only speak to zeolite.  It works great and traps particles better than sand, BUT if you don't stay up with the backwashing it becomes very difficult to get clean when you finally do backwash it.  You may have to open the filter and degrease or decalcify if it goes too long. If you go with sand, be sure to get #20 filter sand.  Most problems people have with sand come from them trying to use playground sand. It isn't sized the same and some of it will get past the laterals.

 

[Pipes]

I really want to build a sauna at my house.  Anyone have any experience with those?

https://rockymountainsaunas.com/

Go with one if these.  Just snaps together out of the crate. No moisture issues and just plug into a standard wall outlet.  Not sure if the bigger ones need a dedicated circuit.  We have the 2 person one though pretty tight for two and love it.  

 

[Zegras11]

For lots of home buyers, the pool actually DECREASES the value of the house. With  small kids my wife and I wanted nothing to do with a pool when we were home shopping. 

that's it.  Everyone fill in their pools right now!

 

[James Daulton]

that's it.  Everyone fill in their pools right now!

Crap!  And it’s finally summer too.

 

[rascal]

I get this but the pure fun of a pool with young kids far outweigh the risks imho.  Countless pool parties, just chilling by the pool in the sun, an escape from the oppressive summer heat, putting in a pool is the best thing we've done to our house.

Just have to have a locked gate and actually know where your kids are.

I can do that with my HOA just fine for thousands less.

 

[flapgreen]

that's it.  Everyone fill in their pools right now!

####. And I just bought one. Is getting your pool filled in worth it now? 

 

[Zegras11]

####. And I just bought one. Is getting your pool filled in worth it now? 

your property will go up like $50k.

 

[Joe Mammy]

your property will go up like $50k.

Especially if you fill it with beer.

 

[James Daulton]

I can do that with my HOA just fine for thousands less.

That's all fine and good if you don't mind mingling with the unwashed masses.  I prefer to be the only unwashed mass when I'm chilling by the pool. 

 

[=Smackdown=]

Hole is dug.

They pouring concrete this Wednesday.

And so it begins . . .

Pool is done.

18X36 - 24,000 gallons - gas heated by a 400 BTU Jandy beast which can raise the heat 2 degrees every hour.

Just surrounded by dirt now - was told need to wait 90 days before pavers go down.

Next up - blowing out the side of the garage facing the pool and turning into a pool house / bar / man cave.

 

 

[Zegras11]

Pool is done.

18X36 - 24,000 gallons - gas heated by a 400 BTU Jandy beast which can raise the heat 2 degrees every hour.

Just surrounded by dirt now - was told need to wait 90 days before pavers go down.

Next up - blowing out the side of the garage facing the pool and turning into a pool house / bar / man cave.

 

How much $$$?

 

[=Smackdown=]

How much $$$?

Concrete pool - 4 feet going to 8 feet - heater, filter, etc - roughly 30K.

 

[Punxsutawney Phil]

Pulled the pool light that went out and the casing and rubber looks in bad enough shape where I am going to go ahead and replace it.  Started looking again and this is really a difficult product to shop for.  As stated before, there are only two brands.  The retailers are pretty limited.  Suspect online retailers and 2nd hand Amazon sellers.  Looking at the PDF instructions it looks like a diy possible project or diy with help.  Assuming I could easily pull the new wire.

 

[culdeus]

Concrete pool - 4 feet going to 8 feet - heater, filter, etc - roughly 30K.

That seems impossibly low.  Just opportunity cost around here bottoms you out around 55k.  

 

[culdeus]

Concrete pool - 4 feet going to 8 feet - heater, filter, etc - roughly 30K.

I mean a 400k heater installed is 3 grand on it's own. I know because mine just #### the bed.  

 

[gump]

We now have a hole lined with steel...concrete being shot on Monday...crazy to watch!  But with a cage, spa, heater...we’re at $80k.

 

[flapgreen]

We now have a hole lined with steel...concrete being shot on Monday...crazy to watch!  But with a cage, spa, heater...we’re at $80k.

Good Lord

 

[gump]

Good Lord

Pool is $35K.  Cage ($20K), spa, deck add up quick.  I have a close friend who's an ex-pool builder and he directed me to this company...they aren't a large opp so not the cheapest.

 

[ragincajun]

I have 4 quotes in hand.  15x32 with a 7x7 spa about 500 sqft of extra concrete with cool Crete.  Looking at around 72 ish.  I think we are going to wait until next spring however.  By the time we get HOA approval and build it then we will be in August.

 

[culdeus]

I have 4 quotes in hand.  15x32 with a 7x7 spa about 500 sqft of extra concrete with cool Crete.  Looking at around 72 ish.  I think we are going to wait until next spring however.  By the time we get HOA approval and build it then we will be in August.

My suggestion is to get a bid from @Smack Down s guy and put them up in a hotel for 2 weeks

 

[Binky The Doormat]

I have 4 quotes in hand.  15x32 with a 7x7 spa about 500 sqft of extra concrete with cool Crete.  Looking at around 72 ish.  I think we are going to wait until next spring however.  By the time we get HOA approval and build it then we will be in August.

omg.

 

[flapgreen]

Even more glad now we found a house already with a pool. 

 

[James Daulton]

Even more glad now we found a house already with a pool. 

This.  Put my pool in '09 during the heat of the recession.  We got a "great deal" for a 40x20 pool, grey bottom, heater, cave with waterfall, and lots of deck space for $62k.

Pools in the North are mucho expensive.