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The Backyard Pool Installation

July 25, 2022

I think we got more questions about our backyard underground pool and the installation process than we have gotten on anything else - ever. And that's saying something!

I get it, the pool has been the most exciting topic around here, too, and we have all been anxiously awaiting the day it was finished. So, in honor of all your inquiries, I decided to do a full post taking you through the whole process and answering all of the most asked questions.

Let's dive in, shall we? 😏

First, in case you missed it, we did a full breakdown where I took you through the cost of our in-ground pool and how we budgeted for it. For those considering installing an in-ground pool, I'd recommend starting there! Our pool is 20×36 gunite pool. So it's a plaster finish--no liner--with a built in spa and tanning ledge.

We were pretty fortunate that we actually found our pool company through our landscaper. The two companies have worked together several times, so the communication was very fluid. We didn't have to handle any scheduling, which was very convenient.

How long did it take?

The official demo in the backyard started in December; however, they started digging the hole for the pool in January. Initially, they said it would take 20 weeks, but it took a little longer since the pool was officially done last week. 😬 Overall, it was about 24-25 weeks from start to finish.

Remember when the backyard looked like the photo below? Boy, we have come a loooong way.

How deep is the pool?

Originally we said it would be 6' deep, but we kept second-guessing that decision and decided to go with 7'. I'm so glad we added that extra foot because the water is only just over 6’ and it’s 6' 8" to the top of the deck—not sure where the 7’ went. In any case, we’re really happy with the depth.

I'm not sure if it is standard for every pool that the water does not go all the way to the top. So, if you are considering having a pool installed, I would recommend asking and seeing if they suggest digging a little deeper to ensure you get your desired water height.

Deciding on the color and texture

When we were picking the color, they showed us lots of different materials but what really helped us decide was when they showed us photos of what it looked like with the water-filled.

Due to the different ways the light reflects on the material determines the color of the water. Turns out the color of pool water is a science. Chris and I chose a gunite pool with a hybrid plaster (with quartz and mini pebble) in the color "Sharkskin." Since we don't live in Malibu, I didn't want a light blue pool - I wanted something more classic and traditional.

I also got several questions on the texture of the bottom since it almost looks rough to the eye, but it is a subtle pebble texture and actually very smooth to the touch.

No regrets. 😍

Is it a saltwater or chlorine pool?

We went with a saltwater pool which was recommended by the experts. Ultimately salt water is less expensive each year; maintaining chlorine levels can be pretty pricey! Salt water also has no harsh chemicals that irritate eyes and skin and has no harsh smell. And saltwater is overall less maintenance which we are all about.

One thing to keep in mind, a pool actually has to cure for 30 days before the salt can be added in. (Curing entails brushing it two times a day to prevent dirt from settling into the plaster.)

Is the pool heated?

It will be, but again, we have to wait 30 days for it to finish curing before we can heat it. However, the girls jumped in two days after it was filled and stated it was already very warm. We probably won't heat it in the summer, but the hot tub will have the heat turned on asap. And the pool will remain heated during the cooler months.

Will it stay filled year-round?

Yep! The automatic hardcover started getting over the weekend, allowing the pool to be covered yet still useable all year. The hardcover will also cover the pool when it is not in use for extra safety.

As a perk, the hardcover can be partially removed so only the hot tub can be uncovered if we like - which I am very much looking forward to this winter!

Are you worried about having a pool with young children?

In the last backyard update, I mentioned that by law in North Carolina, it is required to have a fence around a pool as a safety precaution. We additionally have an alarm that notifies our phones says when a door is opened to outside. The cover to the pool can only be opened with a code and, all of our girls have swim lessons. As a parent, that extra peace of mind is priceless.

This was our first in-ground pool installation, and wow, we learned a lot about what goes into creating an in-ground pool. Did you know so much went into planning a pool? What was the most surprising part for you? I want to hear in the comments!

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    1. There's steps in and on either side of the deep end there's kind of a platform that you can sit on/get out of the pool from. I think it's a relatively new pool thing that I'm LOVING!

  1. So fun to enjoy now before summer is over!! While I’ve also learned salt water pools are less expensive to maintain (especially due to recent chlorine plant production issues), it’s also true that the salt water corodes the pool equipment more quickly than standard chlorine so while you many save on chemicals, the life of system is shorter.

    Luckily there are other advantages and it’s easier on body! Enjoy!! ☀️

  2. Can you talk to us about what you used for the coping and the pool deck? We need to add on to ours and love the look of bluestone but it gets hot!! Looks beautiful!

  3. Fun facts for comparison: In Florida you have to have two exits from the pool so everyone has a built in seat on one end and the normal steps on the other. (ladders and/or handrails are NEVER used). We call the tanning ledge a “sun shelf!” 😀 And if you ever need to drain the pool, you call in thr pros to pump water into the ground all around the pool to stabilize it all. Otherwise the pool can pop out of the ground. #weirdscience ;)

  4. I love your pool! It’s pretty much exactly what I had in mind for our new pool except you added that shallow area. Can I ask what you did for the pool decking? Is it stamped concrete or did you do a cool deck?

      1. The most surprising part for me was how much I wanted a pool when I don’t even know how to swim! We decided to put one in just in case I decide to take a lesson 🙄 and practice, but mainly because how beautiful it looks.

  5. It looks lovely! I'm wondering, you mentioned NC law says you need a fence around the pool. Is that coming later? Curious what you have planned for that.

  6. I am finalizing the details on my pool project currently and the depth is something I have already been struggling with a bit. Glad I read this as I will def be sure to ask my contractor about it. Thanks for the heads up!

  7. If I could do it all Uber again, I’d definitely change the the height to 4-5 ft across the entire pool. During paring everyone seems to stay on the shallow side.

  8. It is a work of art, truly. I'm in awe when I see the photos of the pool and backyard every. single. time.

  9. Looks lovely! Will look nicer and nicer over the yers as the landscape matures. Interested in the actual swimming length, given that the steps and that very shallow area take up quite a bit of the length. How may feet of actual swimming length is there? Just wondering in case anyone want to use the pool to swim laps - looks like the length is actually kind of short - guessing you guys are not really "swimmers"?

  10. Looks amazing (no surprise) thanks for all of the details. We’re planning for a pool right now, could you tell us the size of the hot tub and tanning ledge that you chose? Thanks!

  11. Looks beautiful! My husband is a pool builder in Australia and the fencing regulations are a lot stricter... I realise why but aesthetically it looks a lot better without. Great job!

    1. I live in Virginia and our homeowners insurance requires a four-sided safety fence (the house cannot be one of the sides). Even with door alarms and a cover, I would never live in a home with a door that leads directly out to the pool.
      I agree, the fence isn’t aesthetically pleasing at all (one of my friends called it “jail-ish”). The fence would completely ruin the view, but the safety risks aren’t worth it!

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