We're thinking (seriously) about installing a pool in the backyard. The Concord summers would make it a useful thing to have and it's always been a sort of dream of mine to have a pool in the backyard. We've talked to a local contractor about installing a small fiberglass Viking-brand pool, but their quote was late, high and short (as in: it didn't seem like they are interested in the job).
We're presently still looking into the Viking Pool (if we can get an installer to actually call us) and we've been having a great discussion with a local gunite pool installer as well. Below are two plans, the fiberglass pool option (8.5X18) and the tradtional gunite pool (12X24). If anyone is interested in looking at a more detailed plan, a full PDF of the gunite plan is here. The gunite version could also be a vinyl-liner install as well -- we have no affinity to materials, really, as each has their pros/cons.
We've also entertained a DIY installation of an EndlessPool Waterwell at 10X15, but the depth is the most shallow at 4.5 feet. The price is about 1/2 the cost of the gunite install, but it would include quite a bit more DIY excavation and permiting.
There is one space where clearance might be an issue in the side yard by the large tree, but it's not too tight for a Bobcat (see icture below). We've also been told that equipment placement cannot be as close to the fenceline as planned in the Viking plan below, but would certinaly love to hear thoughts on that. Presently, we're thinking the boiler room might be large enough to house equipment or be expanded pretty easily (it's the black square on the gunite plan)... we're, of course, still in the planning stages and things can be flexible. The boiler room has/can have available 220V and 110V service and we'd not look to a pool contractor to add any new lines, but instead use our own electrician.
So:
- 12X24 (or 8.5X18 if fiberglass)
- gunite, fiberglass or vinyl
- no fancy upgrades on final finishes. a white/lt. blue non-pattern pool is our preference.
- no heat
- no spa
- no cover
- no fence
- electrical already in place (220V and 110V as needed)
- water already in place (presently in boiler room)
- equipment to reside in current boiler room... to be reconfigured/expanded as needed (by us)
- pool to include adequate coping, but not concrete surround.
- pool to include neutral 6X6 tiles (gray, white, lt. blue) around perimeter
- permits and approvals to be handled by contractor
If you happen to have thoughts, suggestions, comments or recommendations, please send them our way. We're definitely looking for other contractors to get a few point-of-reference on cost. Thanks. Comment below of send an email to [email protected].
I just stumbled upon your blog and this jumped out at me. We have a 35,000 gallon pool in our backyard. When you put your pool in I'll happily take the dirt to fill ours in (although the drive may be a bit much!). Maybe it's being in the south but that pool is a year round job. It was great when the kids were little but now it just tempts the dog. If you do get one installed get the saline pool, not one requiring chlorine. My neighbor has a saline pool and it's a whole lot cheaper to keep up. And don't use exposed aggregate for the apron - horribly painful on bare feet. Good luck!
Posted by: Karen | September 10, 2011 at 01:49 PM
I work for Royal Pools of Santa Clara. We're Diamond Certified and have developed over 7,000 pools. I'll work with you offline to quickly quote your pool.
- Rick
[email protected]
Posted by: Rick Swan | September 14, 2011 at 11:50 AM
Think at least 50K, maybe more with your narrow access way
Posted by: Bev | September 29, 2011 at 02:03 PM