It was not an easy process, I wanted a simple 20x40 pool for teaching swimming lessons...no curves, no spa, no waterfalls (love them all but practicality wins out on this project)..the local pool builders gave me a quote of anywhere from 70k-100k for a vinyl pool and then said to add 20-30k to that if I wanted gunite (without pebblesheen) and poured concrete 1000 sq. ft. decking..

Time to find outside help and contract this pool on my own.
I pulled my permit last week and 'dugging' started yesterday!! Here is my plan, had to take off the two seats on the side near the fence...but other wise it looks just like intended!! I hired Sceadu (WONDERFUL guy and hardworking!) from this forum!!! to do the pool shell and working on finding help for the decking..I've got local guys helping reroute my electrical/plumbing that had to be dug into and things. Found an incredible deal on the pavers I'm using for the decking, a liquidation from Belgard meant a blessing on our end...all the folks I'm working with have been huge in helping make this dream come true...I'm amazed daily at the help I've received from many, including all the great Gardenweb members!! Thank you!!

So appreciate all the help/suggestions you can give along the way! We hope this pool will last us 25 years and then some...

20x40 Gunite
Pebble sheen (probably White Diamonds, recommended due to being able to keep it clean?? but may go with Irish Mist)
Jandy equipment Salt Water
Polaris 280
No heater

Decking: Bergerac Potomac Blend pavers

coping: Peacock Pavers precast concrete (Champagne or Buff)

Tile: Need help choosing!! Can't decide!

Thanks everyone!! Appreciate all the builders/owners who have shared their journeys..hopefully, my build will help others as yours have helped me! I think the dig went fairly well, Sceadu was in that trachoe pretty much all day...we've had so much rain here that I was worried he'd sink to China, but he did a great job and his helpers were wonderful....I was thankful we didn't hit boulders or find construction pit from the house build 10 years ago...little graces! Thanks Sceadu!!

Tara

I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts!

Thanks!!

It is a very hard decision, just today I had three guys out in my backyard joking about how I should have put in a round above ground pool so when my kids are tired of it he can pull it off and I can put in a garden....all that naysaying has me wondering if we did the right thing, then my heart starts going to all the children we hope to serve in the next 25 years and what joy and skills we can bring to them with this pool...then it all vanishes!! :)

I never thought I had expensive tastes, but quality does make a difference...I didn't want rock falls, slides, spas, etc...but I did want a solid built pool that would not cause me a headache just 5 years into it...we want our time to be spent helping out our community not telling them camp is cancelled due to a crack in the pool! I am fortunate in that I did contract a large scale remodel on my house and through that experience I found some great contractors who showed up, were honest, and had a great work ethic..generally if you find one of those, they refer and then they refer so you amass a long list of reputable people.

Building a gunite pool I knew I had to seek out experience...with a pool, any stage done wrong could wreck the whole project...so I had to put more funds on this part, and try to save money on the decking (saved over 3k just on materials!!) It does rob you of time, I spent a whole day taking over 17 calls, meeting 5 different subs and still schooling my kids! :) But, I remind myself it's just 8 weeks or less of this...a sacrifice on time we can afford. So, if you're considering contracting out yourself, try to invest more in the pool build, find the deals on decking and you'll be happier in the end. I did call several references/vendors and ultimately, with me at least it comes down to trusting that the man upstairs who is prompting us to do this ministry has it under control...even if I get burned on one or two things, I hope that my ability to handle it in a loving manner has some impact and there was a reason for it happening, I never question why things happen, but how I could have best responded....

Sorry, waxing philosophical on you! Good luck with your decision and maybe scale back on the fluff stuff and get a really well built pool that will serve you and any future family that may have your home...I see rock wall with water feature as a receptacle for mold/mildew and one more thing to clean, if it helped keep my pool structurally sound longer, then I might invest...but I'm a practical lady with a practical mission...build it good, make it last! :)

Tara

Your hard work and initiative are being put to good use and for a good cause. The pool is going to look wonderful on your lot and your efforts will create lasting memories for many.

Thank you so much for the thoughts and great ideas to remember. We too want a structurally sound and headache free pool with not many frills. Basically want to dip but planning on atleast a minimun pool size that that kids can jump into safely.

I wish you the best in your build and I am so happy to read what the pool is for....makes it all the better.

Thank you again Tara and we look forward to watching the build on the forum.

Crew got here early, we are having rains here for 48 hours so I am thankful they were able to finish before being soaked to the bone and frozen!! Plumbing goes in tomorrow then I call for inspection...hope all goes on schedule and no blips besides the RAIN!! Two years ago our governor asked for all the residents to pray for rain (2 year drought) I do believe our prayers have been answered in FULL!!! Hate to pray for no rain, stuck in the mud here :)

I got to see the equipment and pool lights, it's Jandy and looks like a solidly built system...I have been soo very impressed with everyone on this pool build and how hard and dedicated they are to their craft...OUTSTANDING!!!

I got the pavers delivered today, that part does seem daunting...wow 15 pallets that weigh over 3,000 pounds each...my upper arms will be rockets when we're done with that! Hoping they don't sink into the ground!!

Amazing job on the pool shell...inspection coming up first of the week and should have gunite next..looked at the forecast, more rain...I feel like Pooh and Piglet floating away in this incessant rain.

Tara

Mud everywhere...adding sump pump today...wet..wet...wet...

Tara

Once the plumbing is filled in, we can start on moving dirt and working on the deck...lots to do! Glad the weather has improved!! :)

Tara

Scott