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!
Hi Julia! I have been following along for the pool journey and wanted to see if you could provide any insight into maintenance/ use costs (e.g., additional costs to heat, water, chemicals, etc.). The tips for installation budgeting have been incredibly helpful, would love to hear what it costs to maintain and use the pool.
Hi Julia,
Your home and backyard is absolutely beautiful. I also live in the triangle area in NC and we did not have a great experience with our pool vendor and building experience. Currently in the process of trying to buy a new home to renovate and was wondering if you would be willing to share some of the vendors you used for your backyard including landscaping and pool. Thank you kindly!
We are looking at a pool installation with a backyard for hosting. Yours is stunning! With 7’ depth, do you find the kids can jump in on that deeper end? Thanks!
The kids love jumping in on that side!
Do you have two separate heat pumps so that the spa can be a separate temperature than the pool? Does the spa water not spill over into the pool water?
Standard pool/spa combinations of this type typically use a single heater (or heat pump) with an automated valve system. When we want to use the spa, the valves turn so that the heater only cycles the water within the spa, allowing it to reach 100°F+ without heating the entire pool.
When the system is in “pool mode,” the water circulates through both the pool and the spa (spilling over) to keep the spa water filtered and chlorinated. When we switch to “spa mode,” the automated valves stop the spillover effect by closing the return to the pool. So the spa water can be heated independently to a much higher temperature without losing that heat to the larger pool.
Hi There, Your pool is beautiful, what type of tile did you use for the pool? It is beautiful. Where can I source this?
Thank you,
Gordon
We chose slate tile in the color pewter.