We are planning a new pool. Plan was for rectangular pool with retractable cover. Friend's pool guy gave several suggestions all of which our contractor disagreed with! Can anyone with experience/expertise see which of these concerns/responses makes more sense:

1. Is the plaster you would use instead of pebbletech the marble dust plaster?

2. He recommended that you build the pool in the early fall/late summer but then you don't plaster it until the early spring to allow for setting.

3. HE recommended that the heater be a Raypack heater. WHat brand heater do you use?

4. HE really does not like saltwater for a pool but instead recommends an ultraviolet sanitation. HAve you ever used that?

5. What type of filter are you planning on using?

6. HE said that the deck needs to be properly pitched and set to drain well.

7. HE really does not like the retractable covers. HOw much would it save to not do a cover? aNd if we don't do a cover would you recommend a different shape pool?

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1. The exposed aggregate plaster alternative that we discussed is not a marble dust plaster. Aggregate plasters are either a quartz or a pebble with pebble being the most durable.

2. In regards to the pool building timeframe and the settling. The plan for your property is to use compaction machinery to compact all of the backfill in the pool and deck areas. This compaction is to be completed in 6" - 10" lifts and completely cancels out the need to allow for any settling since there should not be any settling taking place.

3. Raypak heaters are very good heaters and are always our second choice when applicable.

It is a much larger size unit with the same capabilities as the Pentair Mastertemp counterpart.

Pentair Mastertemp is also rated Best-in-class energy efficiency.

The MasterTemp heater is also certified for low NOx emission and outperforms industry standards.

We also like the Mastertemp because of its size and durability, not to mention that it can be moved and worked on, cleaned etc by 1 person and doesnt require an extra body to move it.

4. Salt Chlorine Generation is really a personal choice. Many people feel that the water is softer and less irritating to the eyes along with offering consistent everyday chlorination. The salt generator will automatically generate "Free" chlorine from the inert salt that is in the water.

There is not a salty taste or feel to the water as we are only adding approx 3200 parts per million based on your pool sizing.

UV Sanitation although a great process, still is recommended for use with a secondary sanitizer (chlorine, bromine ) and can be used in conjuction with a salt generator. It will allow the pool to need less chlorine and / or other chemicals but is uncommon in residential pools as the primary sanitizer.

5. The filter that we are planning to use, is a PENTAIR FNS PLUS D.E. filter.

This utilizes diatomaceous earth to coat the inner grids for proper filtration.

6. The setting of proper pitch and heights for the drainage of the deck is very important.

Industry standard is approx 1/4" per foot for drainage.

We also are installing a system of channel drains per builder that will ensure that the decking & patios drain properly.

7. The Auto cover option in our opinion is a great feature. When closed it is safer than a fence installed around the pool. There is a removeable key that is required for operation as an add'l safety feature.

When installed with the encapsulated track feature, the strength of the auto cover more than doubles as it is built into the beam of the pool.

The savings would be approx 10,000 after we factor in the cost of a deck mounted solid cover for winter.

The shape of the pool is really personal preference but in this instance I believe the rectangle works well with your property. If however , you eliminate the auto cover feature, your shape choices increase dramatically.