Part 1. Special guest Greg Leschber of Leschber Designs discusses with Frank some of the many things pool owners have wished they would have done differently with their pool projects.
Some of the things we hear pool owners say the wish they would have done something different with their pool and pool area design, equipment, features, and materials.
00:00-09.04: intro
09:05: flashing- flashing is a light coat of shotcrete applied to the soil edges of the excavated hole prior to the full shell completion. This process helps retain the soil and prevents cave-ins, especially during rains. Many builders and/or pool owners regret not having this done and have to deal with the excavated hole caving in, which increases cost and stops the construction.
10:50: #1 Many pool owners say they wish they would have done more decks. Adding deck. They did not realize how they would use the space and how restrictive not having enough can be. The deck can be added later, but it is more expensive and typically is difficult to match.
13:18: the placement of permanent structures like outdoor kitchens and built-in fire pits can also be a huge regret when pool owners realize how they use the space can be a big regret when they realize how the space is used.
16:00: tanning ledges. Tanning ledges are something that many regret not doing a tanning ledge or not making them big enough. Everyone’s needs are different, but many of our clients will tell you the tanning ledge is the most used area of the pool. But there are some who wish they didn’t have a tanning ledge.
20:30; pool depth regrets. Pool owners complain that they went too deep. Many have sports pools and realize too much depth greatly reduces the usability of the pool. Pool owners need to think about what depth will work for them. Some wish they went deeper, some wish they’d gone shallow.
26:10: not designing the pool so good circulation can be achieved. Builders need to place returns to the pool in locations that provide good circulation. Dead spots in circulation are problematic, especially as water ages and builds up minerals and organics.
29:08: vet your builder. There are many great pool builders. But there are a few that need to be avoided. Ask many questions. Check references. Search the owner’s name, not just the company name.
34:40 drainage in the pool area. Drainage is critical. We have seen many issues caused by inadequate drainage. Make sure drainage is being properly addressed.
38:50 have competent people take care of the pool, if you will maintain your own pool make sure you learn how well.
42:50 People regret not getting a heat pump/chiller on the pool. Heat pumps serve a different purpose than gas heaters.
46:00 When having electrical installed for pool equipment, have the electrician size it to be sufficient for possible future needs if there is any chance you may want to add something later, i.e., heat pump, electric spa, outdoor kitchen, etc…
48:30 water features can be a regret. Deck jets, waterfalls, spray jets. People can be underwhelmed or overwhelmed by the results they get from adding water features. This will be covered in more depth in part 2.
You can listen to “The Deep End Pool Podcast” every week at 9:00 AM CST on Saturdays. You can LISTEN LIVE online on TURF’S UP RADIO!
Do you have a pool question for Frank? You can email him at [email protected]. He just might read and answer your question on air!