Brag about your pools! [Archive]

Jennifer

10-04-2005, 10:16 AM

floridarealtor sounds like you have a "vinyl liner" pool, and those are really common in parts of the country...my understanding is that the liner needs to be replaced every so often (7-10 years maybe, but I could be wrong about the length of time). If you have help and are ambitious DIYers you can do it yourself (I've seen instructions on the internet when I was researching pool types)...or you can hire a pool company to do it for a few thousand.

We're making pool choices right now - and hope to starting digging in Nov/December. I'll come back to brag once I have something more than some grass that needs mowing ;)

Hula1974

04-11-2006, 11:19 AM

Did you decide on a pool Jennifer?

maplekitty

04-11-2006, 11:30 AM

eeeee! I can play!
We just bought a house with a pool and I'm so excited for this summer! I still can't believe we found a house in Vancouver with a pool - that *we* could afford, no less!!

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/paffd4dc3dacf018f7a73d36a97a947fc/ef7bacdd.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pab34e3a27789bd1057d9675f6353f81e/ef7bac73.jpg

ManteoChik

04-11-2006, 03:42 PM

Here is the pool in our rental house. I always thought I'd *love* having a pool, but since my SO travels weekly for work (and I'm not very good at cleaning it) I haven't used it much. This will be our 2nd summer in the house (and hopefully last). I'm not sure if we'll have a pool put in our next house but if we do I'm definatly hiring a pool service.

Our pool is screened in and there is also a screened in lani attached with a door connecting them. Please excuse the dirty pool and pool area, these were taken when we made our first trip out to the house to look at it. We've since added cushions to the chairs and plants and things.

http://images.snapfish.com/34679%3C6%3C9%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2323%3D966%3D535%3D323 2966444%3C%3B%3Bnu0mrj

http://images.snapfish.com/34679%3C74%3B%7Ffp346%3Enu%3D3233%3E557%3E6%3A6%3E 2324557797%3A76ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/34679%3C74%3B%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E233%3C%3D%3A88%3D%3C97 %3DXROQDF%3E2323875525484ot1lsi

maplekitty

04-11-2006, 04:05 PM

The screen around it is nice. I'm going to have to get one of those fence things put around it for when our kids get mobile!
The previous owners got it professionaly cleaned every month, but I'm not sure we'll be able to afford that. Besides Curt is stoked about it and I'm sure will be very good at manitaining it (since he's pretty meticukous about maintaining our hot tub right now).

Jennifer

04-14-2006, 10:26 AM

Hula1974 - we did decide on a pool and are building it right now!

We live in Northern California and have been just about ready to build our "ark" instead of a pool the couple months - but we're making progress - I'm actually waiting right now for the inspector - if all goes well we'll gunite tomorrow and then we'll really be on our way!

We have kind of a tight space - an L shaped yard with a big deck - so most of our room for the pool is in our side yard....so here is a drawing of what used to be our grassy area - with the pool in it...
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b51/jenchamberlin/Swimming%20Pool%20Plans/poolinourfence.jpg

And here is a view off our deck post dig...such a mess, but we are excited to be moving!
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b51/jenchamberlin/Swimming%20Pool%20Plans/Dsc02154.jpg

Hopefully I'll have more finished pictures to post soon :D

allison

04-17-2006, 10:52 AM

We've had our pool redone due to unfortunate circumstances so here is a picture of the first one:
http://static.flickr.com/56/130782411_3b0f6772ba.jpg?v=0

The only picture I have of our after it was done was after the hurricane came so try to ignore the mess!
http://static.flickr.com/49/130782410_3d73041f62.jpg?v=0
And here's our pool now (almost the same but done better) we are currently having the plaster redone with a different color to make the water look darker so there isn't any water in it at the moment:
http://static.flickr.com/48/130782412_b6f1dbcbbf.jpg?v=0

Jennifer

04-18-2006, 08:31 AM

Allison - it's beautiful! Why did you have to redo? (as I'm in the midst of construction I like knowing what I should be watching out for!)

allison

04-18-2006, 09:29 AM

It's a long story! We can laugh about it now, but when we built our home, orignially the lot sat about 3 feet below street level. Since we're part of the flood plain we brought in truckloads of dirt to build the lot back up to about 3 feet above street level. We had the lot graded so that water would runoff to the ditches away from the house. We did everything we could to prevent flooding of any type.

When we had our pool built, the plan was to extend our patio our another 5 feet and then have two steps down to the pool decking and pool. The drains would then be halfway between the step and the edge of the pool. This way, no rain would pool/puddle against the foundation of our home. The first picture is that first pool and the picture was taken from our balcony. We were gone while they were building the pool and when we returned, they hadn't done anything we agreed to. Rather than extending the patio and having the steps, they just made the pool decking a part of the patio. There were no steps and the drains were about 3 feet from the foundation of our home. Also, the top of the pool was about a half a food higher than the top of our foundation so if we ever had a hard rain, the water would sit against the foundation of our house. Does any of that make sense? :p

The end result was that we had to have the pool taken out and rebuilt. It's so much better now and also, I'm so glad we did that because not long after the new one was finished was when hurricane Rita came through and we had lots of water everywhere, but none near our home!

We had the color redone because initially we wanted a darker color but due to city/county codes we couldn't go as dark as we wanted. So since we have already passed inspection, we can have it redone and go as dark as we wanted. We really wanted a lagoon effect and I think this is going to work. It's almost done being filled with water!!

luvalwaysMandy

04-21-2006, 02:22 PM

Kelly's Girl

04-24-2006, 02:07 PM

Kimberland30

04-24-2006, 02:07 PM

We are thinking about buying an above ground pool this winter to be put up next summer. I would love an in ground but we just don't have the money for that.

Does anyone have any pictures of above ground pools? I'm really looking for ideas about decking around it and such too!

Are you looking into a round, oblong or rectangle above ground pool? I want to get a round one and have some pictures stored of decking around it, so I can post those if you want.

Here's a couple of them....
http://www.swimnplay.com/pages/pageimages/endeck.jpg

http://www.estherwilliamspools.com/images/pic-carousel.jpg

This is a semi-inground with decking around it. I like this deck, and it could probably be built for a total above-ground pool too.
http://www.estherwilliamspools.com/images/pic-ewsemi-inground.jpg

Jodi AKA BostonTeacher

04-24-2006, 02:24 PM

We are in escrow on a house with a gunite pool. Since I have a hard enough time keeping up with our hottub I don't think this is a good thing. Also we are in New England where you are lucky to get 3 months of use out of it.

My parents have an above ground pool and my dad built a deck around it that comes off the house. It looks really nice.

allison

04-25-2006, 07:37 AM

Allison, can I ask if you are in South La.? We are wanting to build a pool and I have no idea where to start. Yours turned out lovely, and weathered the storm beautifully, and I'd love to ask you some questions if you don't mind. I am in BR. Thanks!

/hijack

No, we're in Houston near a lake and just a few blocks from a river with some swampy land around us. The pool did really well during the storm and we're so thankful for that. I would really be concerned about where they place the drains when building your pool. Insist that they not be withing 5 feet of your home for flooding purposes. If it rains hard and too fast for the rain to drain out, the water can build up at your foundation which isn't good. That was our main concern with the pool. Ask away! :D

luvalwaysMandy

05-04-2006, 05:17 PM

[QUOTE=Kimberland30]Are you looking into a round, oblong or rectangle above ground pool? I want to get a round one and have some pictures stored of decking around it, so I can post those if you want.

This is a semi-inground with decking around it. I like this deck, and it could probably be built for a total above-ground pool too.
QUOTE]

Really love that semi-inground! Too bad we couldn't afford that digging for such. I love the decking too. Thanks for the idea. If ya come across anything else will you please post them or let me know where you find them. Thanks for the ideas.

LILRTL

05-30-2006, 02:35 PM

This thread isn't touched much, but does anyone have an estimate of what an in-ground pool might cost? Just a basic - nothing fancy schmancy. I don't even know where to begin!! TIA!

amb411

05-30-2006, 05:35 PM

Last year I beleive I heard an average pool in my area was about $20,000+.
Amber

AHammer

06-02-2006, 10:12 AM

DH and I just moved into our new house last week, and I love our pool! It's not in the best shape, and the diving board is loose so we aren't using it, but it's so nice to jump in the pool after getting hot and sweaty working inside!

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y160/amyspencer4/pool1.jpg

Kimberland30

06-02-2006, 07:12 PM

Here's another plan for an above ground pool, found at www.deckplans.com

http://www.deckplans.com/Images/index/Splash_pool_deck_big.jpg

I actually had to look this up in my journal because I posted it last year, just an idea if I can ever convince my DH that we absolutely NEED a pool. :)

SmartyGrl

06-07-2006, 05:46 PM

OMG that pool is beautiful. The deck is great!

Kimberland30

06-07-2006, 08:14 PM

It's definately on my wish list. Even with the deck, it will run about 1/3rd of what an inground pool would cost. Now if I can only convince DH....

philnikki

06-08-2006, 12:30 PM

Keep these pictures coming! We are currently getting ready to build a house, and I am trying to decide what kind of pool to get! I really like the idea of the semi above groud pools....

Ericka_Jarett

06-10-2006, 09:52 AM

My brother got a price for a smaller kidney shaped inground and that is running about 25,000.

My parents had an above ground for years until my brother started to dive, than they went and got an in-ground. We just had the rectangle with a wood deck around it. Bought a slide from a neighbor who got rid of his pool and we had 2 ladders and a dive.

Here is what the pool looks like now, the new owners took the slide out and added some steps to the low end of the pool. http://www.buyowner.com/photos/PHL/2700/2732_3.jpg
http://www.buyowner.com/photos/PHL/2700/2732_2.jpg The slide was on the lower patio (right where the railing stops) and would have you drop on the slope of the pool (we had a small low end, small deep end and than a big slope combining the 2)

jc0000

06-23-2006, 11:04 AM

I can't brag that this is my personal pool, it's the one at the estate I manage and am responsible for so in some ways it's indirectly 'my pool'. :-P

http://image36.webshots.com/37/7/34/69/2240734690073712627gboQSU_ph.jpg

chefker

06-27-2006, 04:54 PM

We just opened ours for the season. :)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y49/chefker/House/poolshot.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y49/chefker/House/pool2.jpg

(Taken from inside the house--this is what I have to look at when I'm working from home!)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y49/chefker/DSC02658.jpg

Next year we're going to completely drain it and get some concrete & tile work, and painting done. I have no idea how much that will cost, but it needs to be done. :rolleyes:

isign

07-03-2006, 07:46 AM

DH & I are looking at pools. He thinks we can do a basic one in our area for about $10K, but I'm seeing 25K from some people.

Any advice on picking & building a pool?

HeatherFL

07-09-2006, 02:36 PM

Great pools! We don't have a pool at our house, just a hottub, but here is what we substitue with:

The pool at a club we belong to:
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/HeatherJWFL76/banner_wf.jpg

OR the good ol' beach:
http://cleanbeaches.org/bluewave/Florida/St%20Petersburg%20Clearwater/Clearwater%20Beach/cwtrbchbig.jpg

eli1126

07-09-2006, 02:48 PM

It's definately on my wish list. Even with the deck, it will run about 1/3rd of what an inground pool would cost. Now if I can only convince DH....

We bought our house and it came with an above ground pool and we love it. We actually replaced it with another above ground pool shortly after we moved in. DH built a deck right off our house and it looks great. An inground pool around here starts at $15,000 :eek: We also live in upstate NY where we get about 3 months except this year we weren't really in it in June due to it being the rainiest June on record :( So right now $15,000 seems like an awful lot to invest, especially seeing we just had insulation piped in, central air and a new furnace put in, and siding and new roof to follow :eek: I don't mind cleaning it because it gives me an excuse to be outside and I'm not the type of perosn who can just lay out so I need something to do and having to clean up the pool is the perfect excuse. I'll be back with pics when we stain the deck so you can see the full effect.

Beth

Standrea

07-19-2006, 06:45 PM

Just chiming in-

I live in upstate new york too (About 10 miles from Eli1126), and my girlfriends mother is having an inground installed. For a basic inground, with lights and a heater, and 6 foot surround cement, the cost is around $30,000. To me, it's not worth it since the pool can only be used for 3 months tops...

Kimberland30

08-10-2006, 07:28 AM

eli1126: Any pictures to share? I actually think DH is on board to get an above ground pool. I've been begging for one all summer but if we get one we'll install it next spring. I know we'll get a lot of use out of one, at least 5-6 months a year. I'm also thinking about adding a heater to it so we can also use it in the fall. We'll see.

eli1126

08-22-2006, 07:36 AM

kimberland30: I can take pictures and try to post! Just Keep in mind that we are under construction so right now it doesn't look as great as it will after I stain the deck.....which I still haven't gotten around to :o ETA: I just dug out my camera instructions and am charging the batteries that died. I am hoping I can have some pictures up today.

Beth

eli1126

08-23-2006, 08:17 PM

Please Keep in Mind the Deck is not done and the yard is a major work in progress:
http://images1.snapfish.com/34795%3B%3B4%3A%7Ffp355%3Enu%3D3293%3E255%3E%3A57% 3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A9%3B439%3A83nu0mrj

Side View Coming into the backyard
http://images1.snapfish.com/34795%3B%3B4%3A%7Ffp347%3Enu%3D3293%3E255%3E%3A57% 3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A9%3B444874nu0mrj

Beth

eli1126

08-23-2006, 08:21 PM

View from the backyard: Again Keep in mind the house is a major work in progress:
http://images1.snapfish.com/34795%3B%3B4%3A%7Ffp352%3Enu%3D3293%3E255%3E%3A57% 3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A9%3B444824nu0mrj

Beth

Sami

09-17-2006, 10:57 AM

We're considering putting an offer on a home w/o a pool but want to add one in. I think the going rate is probably anywhere between $25,000-$40,000, but my question is how BEST to afford that. Has anyone taken out a home equity line of credit? Added the pool cost into the new home mortgage? Taken out a separate loan altoghether? Any help is very valued...not sure the best way to finance this thing. :D

Kimberland30

09-28-2006, 06:03 PM

I don't know if there is a way to add it into your mortgage at the begining.

It might be cheaper to do a second mortage (assuming you have enough equity in your house), but the interest rate will be higher than your existing mortgage. But then again, you can write off the interest on your taxes so it's a good deal.

Personal loans are usually more interest as well, and no write off.

Some pool companies also offer in-house financing, so you can check with them to see what kind of rates they offer.

When looking for a pool, keep in mind your budget (you can go overboard very quickly). You might also want to check your local building codes on pools and make sure you are able to put one in without added expense.

My DH would love an inground pool, but that would mean that we'd have to put in a required 6' privacy fence around our backyard...at a cost of over $18,000 with labor and materials. No thanks, we are going with an above-ground instead since we only have to fence in around the pool area and have a self closing gate at the base of the stairs.

ManteoChik

09-28-2006, 07:13 PM

Our rental house has an inground pool, which I posted earlier in the thread.

We were looking to purchase a home that had an above ground pool and was "semi-sunk" into the ground. You can see it here in the middle of the picture...it wasn't exactly a beauty:
http://images1.snapfish.com/347%3C6%3C7%3B%3A%7Ffp348%3Enu%3D324%3B%3E997%3E%3 B%3A6%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A88%3B76395nu0mrj

Had we bought the house we were going to rip it out and replace it with an inground pool. We lost out on the house though. :(

Kimberland30

09-29-2006, 11:02 AM

Hula1974

09-29-2006, 11:09 AM

You know, I've always wondered why people will semi-sink a pool. I mean, is it that much more to totally sink it? They have pool kits that you can DIY to do an inground, and it seems like a ton of work to only do it half way. Or maybe that's just me.

??

My parents did this....it was to make the deck around the above ground pool in line with the house. So you could walk out to it.

ManteoChik

09-29-2006, 11:16 AM

Ya know, I was wondering why people would semi-sink a pool down as well. I mean, cause its not like its an inground fiberglass or concrete pool...its an above ground pool put half way into the ground. In the case of that house I posted before, Their pool was in the backyard and not attatched to a deck so I still wasn't sure why they sunk it.

onfire

10-06-2006, 07:10 PM

Great pools everyone, as excited as I am for fall it makes me miss summer a little...

What are the approximate costs for the above-ground pools posted here?

rileyandfredsmom

10-07-2006, 07:41 PM

This is our new pool - it will officially be ours on Nov. 1....I'm so excited!!!

View #1 from kitchen
http://images1.snapfish.com/34834%3A748%7Ffp348%3Evq%3D32%3A7%3E464%3E248%3EWS NRCG%3D3234%3A85349349vq0mrj

View #2 from the back of the yard
http://images1.snapfish.com/34834%3A748%7Ffp358%3Evq%3D32%3A7%3E464%3E248%3EWS NRCG%3D3234%3A8534934%3Avq0mrj

**Sorry the pics are so small, they look awful at full size.

mindy75

10-10-2006, 11:00 AM

Any more pools out there? DH and I are planning to do an above-ground pool hopefully in the Spring. Ours will be in the yard, detached from the house deck with a deck all the way around it to hide the framing of the pool. We have a full walk-out basement, so attaching the pool to the house deck would not work at all. Onfire, in my area you can get an above-ground pool deck and all for 3-5k. From the perspective of my checkbook, that's way better than 15-40k for an inground plus the ongoing maintenance.