Putting a pool in your backyard isn't for the faint of heart. We took the plunge here in Raleigh and learned a few things along the way. So let's shake the June Gloom and make way for summer!
Let me tell you a tale...
To distract my local home-hunters from the fact that we are still so patiently waiting for more inventory to hit the market, I share stories about what we joked about out West as "June Gloom", which is a predictable weather pattern along the coast that socked in our days with a dense, moody fog until late afternoon when the sun would blaze out clear and strong to lift everyone's spirits.
Well...
Apparently that June Gloom has followed us to the opposite shores, where we have experienced too many days of dark, dreary weather!
SO let's coax the sun out of hiding by sharing the skinny on what it takes to go into the blue in your own backyard:
FIRST
Don't even think about designing in the spring if you have visions of swimming laps by the end of summer. This is a process. And it takes more time than many of us would ever imagine. So start early!
Here's the skinny on what it really takes to build that backyard retreat in blue:
1 - Get the lay of the land
Go to iMaps and look up your home address. Add some layers to see if you have any major stumbling blocks to overcome, such as the Neuse River buffer, flood zoning, or city stormwater easements. Just get familiar with where you might be able to place a pool in your own backyard.
ALSO
Be sure you have a current survey for your property. You can order one for about $500 if you don't have one already in your home files (but you SHOULD). The pool contractor will need this to submit for permitting and your fencing company will need this to flag and install your chosen fencing materials.
I'll admit to having visions of open-air expanses like the gorgeous dip photographed here, but city codes encouraged us to think outside of the box to capture the look and feel we had in mind.
You can do some light reading about Wake County pool code here, but in essence, a 48" permanent fence is required enclosing your watery oasis along with self-closing/self-latching gates.
And, in case you were wondering...mature hedges and other "natural" boundaries do not meet code. In fact nothing can be planted within 3' of the exterior facing side of your fence (please note) BUT I'd love to imagine our fledging little bits of green one day growing up like this stately image (below) to conceal the aluminum fence we had installed. Daydreaming....!
2 - Think about budget.
Pools are quite an investment. You might consider fiberglass, vinyl liner, or concrete. But concrete or gunite inground pools are the standard that you hope will last a lifetime. Gone are the days of plaster finishes as newer aggregate interiors help ensure waterproofing and longevity, while also making the tactile experience less prone to scraping and scuffing. So its a beautiful merging of form and function!
Without decking, you should still plan on budgeting $80-$100k for construction here in Raleigh. Add another $50k+ for decking, retaining walls, or more complicated water features such as a lazy river, infinity edge, etc. And let's not forget about the bubbles...an attached hot tub will run about $25k.
Pricing will be impacted by countless other options which will cloud your headspace while you are pool-obsessed, including the dimensions of your pool (footprint AND depth). Construction materials are costly and drive much of your final quote. So, think....do you you want a true diving pool with a minimum of 8' depth in the deep end (ie LOTS of rebar and concrete)? Or a sport pool from one end to the other, at around 3.5' of depth?
3 - Make Instagram your Friend
Stop looking at swimwear websites and stick to the plan. Be design-minded! You can do this.
Start an inspiration folder of images including pool shape, water color, landscaping, special features- sun shelf, umbrella holder, overflows- and finishing materials. There are great resources out there to help you visualize all of the options you will have for selections like coping, decking, and tile.
We used prior travel and hotel pools to inspire our own style choices. So go ahead and get creative.
4 - Learn the Lingo
I found it wildly confusing trying to walk the walk and talk the talk with our pool builder. But they patiently made corrections when I couldn't understand why the image in my head and my lack of tiling knowledge created an engineering impossibility in reality. Trust them, they know their business and they are usually very eager to help you and your pool education.
Coping = protective cap (min 14" width) on the top of the pool wall usually made of stone, concrete, or brick. It's an aesthetic choice as well as a necessary one, protecting the pool structure and hopefully preventing debris from entering your pool, in a non-slip fashion. This is the part of the pool you sit on while dangling your legs over the edge, cool drink in hand.
Waterline Tile = Min 6" band of tile that rests just beneath the lip of the coping, remains partially exposed visually even when your pool is full, and connected with the interior finishing material of the pool that remains underwater once your pool is up and running.
Tile is a beautiful thing....like Clay Imports' patterned options below. I've fallen in love with so many options on the market today, BUT only a few are viable for this placement. They must be exterior tile, capable of withstanding frosts, and hearty enough to handle the continuous exposure of chemicals from the pool water. So my delicate glass tiles didn't make the cut. However I did place the more hearty glass tiles in our hot tub and couldn't be happier. We had to pay a surcharge for special grout and substrate, but in the smaller perimeter, we found a way to justify it!
Linear Foot vs Square Foot = LF will be quoted for thing like waterline tile and fencing but SF will be quoted for thing like tile covering the exposed exterior surfaces of a raised hot tub.
Shock = the feeling you get when you review competing quotes from pool contractors.
Kidding kidding....I now fully appreciate their worth!
But keep shock and conditioner on hand, even for salt-water pools, because your crystal clear pool will remain that way - thanks to diligent chemical rebalancing or your pool maintenance company- until the day before your pool party. You will have a minor panic attack. So remember this warning and do not be alarmed. With shock and conditioner on hand, you can do a quick overnight "shock" treatment and clarity and calm will be restored!
5- CALL Pebbletec for samples ASAP
While a custom pool build takes approximately 9-12 weeks from the day they start digging, the design and permitting process- along with your "wait" in line behind others who signed on the dotted line before you- can stretch everything out several more months. Little things make a great difference.
Seeing actual samples of interior finishes will be a massive help. But I recall the delivery of those 3"x3" squares taking many weeks themselves. So go ahead and dial for delivery!
NEXT...
6 - Interview
Chat with at least 3 pool contractors and set up time to meet with them in person/zoom conference to learn about how they manage and quote their projects. Give each of them the same parameters for your build and see how the bids compete.
There is no quoting "standard" so each bid will look slightly different from the others. Be prepared for some frustration as you try to come to some sort of apples to apples comparison, which is why I highly recommend you knock out Step #4 and Step #7!
Here are a few pool contractors in Raleigh you could consider:
7 - Bond with Your Spreadsheets
Start a chart of expenses, features, inclusions/exclusions for each builder you've gathered a quote from, including:
heater/no heater (cooler/no cooler)
water delivery
spa jet count
stock vs premium color choices
power washing the area after construction
brand of filtration equipment, lighting, pump, etc
gallons (size)
gas/electric hook ups
allowances for coping and tile
tech integration with your mobile devices
warranties
timeline (how many other projects are in front of yours?)
payment options
8 - Don't Dodge the Fence
Fun fact: the actual wall of the pool can serve as a protective barrier that passes inspections. As long as the wall rises at least 48" above the ground, it can be considered part of the fence. Glass fencing was a little difficult to source when we were hunting, but I think that would be a gorgeous element if you have a flat expanse to work with. Otherwise, you've got wood, chain link (please, no), and the popular aluminum styles readily available from any number of local fencing companies.
For a VERY rough estimate, consider about $25/linear foot for black aluminum panels.
Once you have chosen a pool contractor, you've already made good progress and now you've got the experts by your side to help guide you through the rest of the project.
Well done!
Almost done...
I'm assuming if you are still reading, you are very likely seriously considering a build of your own. So here are a final few hints from The Raleigh Edit.
* If you are doing anything extra-custom, like ordering your own tile, be sure you order extra grout and provide your builder with specific instructions regarding application as anything out of the ordinary can be prone to communication lapses and incorrect installation.
Check and double check!
* Same goes for elements of safety, such as bonding the pool. Be sure you ask your inspector to take a VERY close look at the way your builder bonds your pool and fencing (if applicable). Any metal within 5' of the pool will need to be bonded to avoid potential shock hazards. Keep this in mind when you place planters or landscape edging material nearby!
* Safety first (also) when it comes to having your utilities marked before the big dig. Private gas lines (like those to your BBQ) won't be marked by *811 which only shows public utilities.
* Your home will thank you if you protect your driveway by lining it with plywood so Raleigh's red clay doesn't soil and stain!
* Dark grout will show calcium but light grout can also collect stains...make your own cleanser with Muriatic Acid diluted 1:10 with water, or per your builder's guidance.
* Get written estimates of everything outside of the builder's responsibility.
* If you have irrigation in your yard already, be sure it is CAPPED and MARKED before excavation so you can hook up to it again after your pool is built.
* Schedule irrigation/landscape lighting BEFORE sod
Our finished product drove my builders nuts (sorry, guys!), but since I was the GC on the project, I was willing to do whatever it took to get the look we wanted. So I called quarries in Tennessee and readied for a road trip, but eventually found a great local source for the Tennessee Blue Sandstone I had my heart set on for the temperature control, smooth look and feel. Crazy...yes, crazy.
The lesson learned is that there are many moving pieces to constructing a backyard pool, but give yourself enough time to orchestrate things correctly and partner with a builder you trust and you will love the outcome.
Your pool becomes a part of your home's landscape so take the time to enjoy it even AFTER the thrill of the build is gone!
Here's what the rest of the project will look like:
Layout and Design - your pool designer will share 3D images with you as you plan
Architects will spray paint the design on your yard
Revise as necessary
Permitting is submitted and approvals are granted
Excavation begins
Builders shape and install the shell of the pool using lumber and steel
Shell is inspected
Plumbing is installed and inspected
Electrical and Gas installed and inspected
Concrete is poured/sprayed
Concrete cures and homeowners/builders spray down the completed shell every day
Tile craftsmen work on installing waterline tile and other tile flourishes
Interior finish is applied
Fence must be completed before water fills that pool
Bring in the buckets! Pool is filled immediately after interior finish is completed
Pool start-up - chemicals and brushing
Decking
Landscaping
Maintenance
Local's Tip:
Raleigh is a community that offers many country club memberships year-round (social, swim, tennis, and/or golf) and seasonal swim memberships at local pools to residents. The backyard pool obsession appears to be kicking off now...not surprisingly with Covid-19's influence on so many things house and home related!
Pool sales are indeed on the rise, according to my construction contacts.
These beautiful backyard pools are certainly helping homes sell faster during our warmer months when the club alternatives are meting out time slots in hopes of managing crowds and maintaining health.
So the growing appeal makes sense.
While conventional wisdom declared backyard pools a purchase for pleasure and zero return, my prediction is that we will continue to see well executed pools contribute positively to a home's resale returns in the future...so let's go take a dip!
Cheers...
Maggie
The Raleigh Edit
"Summer Edition"
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