Planning Phase (Jan 31st, 2015)

Marking up the backyard for ideas - this was redone like 5 times. Before paint, I used a really long rope, and digitized it using Google Sketchup

Before Demo:

After Demo:

Excavation (Feb 16th - Feb 17th, 2015)

We used Arban Excavation - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Very professional - works with a lot of owner builders, did a stellar job - even with me making a bunch of changes while he was digging.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSEq-5C7Ae8 (timelapse Day 1)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1ZyShvtLFQ (timelapse Day 2)

Rebar (Feb 19th, 2015)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mgRKA24MjM (Timelapse)

Flooding (Feb 20th - Feb 23rd, 2015)

Mini-heart attack when San Diego's skies opened up, and completely flooded the backyard. Nothing huge in the way of issues, but still had me in full fledged panic mode. I kept pumping water out of the ditches, and bottom of the pool. I noticed that the weather report showed more Rain coming on the 28th for like 5 days of pouring rain - so I RUSHED the crew to get plumbing done, so we could get to Shotcrete ASAP before the next rain.

Plumbing (Feb 24th - Feb 27th, 2015)

I called for the inspector to come out on the 26th, so he would come out on the 27th. The plumbing wasn't done yet, but I had faith it could get done in time. I asked the inspector to come at 4PM, he came at 2PM....plumbing wasn't done....it was ALMOST done. But not done - the inspector passed us anyways. fhew. This meant we could go to Shotcrete, but rain was coming TOMORROW - still panicking.

Shotcrete (Feb 28th, 2015)

Slight drizzle in the morning, hasn't RAINed yet - still holding out hope we can Shotcrete the pool today. Crew shows up in rain gear, and asking if they should come back another day. I tell them to push through - good thing too, because they finished just a few hours before 3 days of massive rain. (which was nice - because mother nature watered our pool for us)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqZiatlz88s (Timelapse)

More Shotcrete Videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fr0XDu3Ychg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVclECrodfw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEQzTN--kaI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSYL2UEBfYA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-h796teVd7M

Coping (Mar 4th - Mar 7th)

We went with a Quartzite coping (Sunset Gold). I have a real respect for this art, because it was a LOT of work over 4 days - but it turned out gorgeous.

Timelapses (3 days)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-X50QxnGyk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgM-fHrGdy4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md0OcLyrgjo

Rock Texture & Painting (Mar 7th - Mar 10th, 2015)

The guy we hired for the rock work came from Vegas after responding to one of my Craigslist ads. I guess Vegas is very competitive right now, and there's not a lot of work, so he branches out to San Diego. This guy is unbelievable! You can tell how much he cares about you, your project, and his art. Every aspect of his work was stellar, and I can't recommend him enough. If you need rock work done (Boulders, waterfall, slide, grotto, anything like that) please let me know, so I can refer you. He was A+ all around - really good guy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FVywBhGnlE (Timelapse - Rock Texture)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHuHcvMIoYQ (Timelapse - Rock Color)

More Videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT4OhITSips

March 17, 2015 - UPDATE

So here we are on March 17, exactly 1 month in to the project - and I've uploaded everything I have up to now. They are working on the Firepit, Bench, and BBQ Island. When I have more pictures, I will upload them.

To give a sense of scale - so far we have completed:

Completed

> Demolishion
> Excavation
> Rebar
> Plumbing
> Gas Lines
> Electrical & Lights (Pentair RGB LED ColorLogic lights - 1 for spa, 2 for pool)
> All Equipment Set (filter, heater, salt cell, 1 VS filtration pump, 1 spa jet pump, 1 waterfall/bubbler pump, 3 actuators, easy touch)

> Shotcrete
> Stone Coping
> Boulders & Fountain
> Drainage
> Grading

Total Paid so far: $38,000

Remaining

> BBQ Island
> Firepit & Bench
> 1,600 sq. ft. Deck (stamped concrete w\ crazy joints)
> Tile
> Stacked Stone Veneer
> Low Voltage
> Plaster
> Solar Heating

I would love some feedback from the experts on here - if you see anything odd\questionable. One thing I noticed is the stone coping dries out to a dull grey unless it's watered down. I'm assuming after a nice sealer the natural stone colors will POP more.

BBQ Island (Mar 17th - Mar 23rd, 2015)

Last week had a lot of work done. We are prepping for deck, so the Firepit, seats, and BBQ islands structures needed to go in.

BBQ Island location "BEFORE":

BBQ Island 3D visualization overlay:

Progress:

Firepit & Bench (Mar 17 - Mar 23, 2015)

The firepit had a mini-crisis. I did a 3D drawing of exactly how I wanted it, but it got lost in translation. The seat-backs had to be removed, and re-added. See below.

Concept:

What I came home to:

Needless to say - the floating rebar/mortar seat backs had to be removed, and replaced with block. The contractor agreed, and happily removed them and redid them correctly. I only wanted a very slight 2" - 3" reclined seat-back.

Torn out:

Rebuilding with block

DONE - the right way and STRONG - so comfy!

David,

I am interested in building my pool as ob. Would like to pick your brain and get my ducks in a row before starting. How can we connect offline. Let me know your thoughts and btw your project turned out awesome. We are in Leucadia. Thanks, Kris.

...and the completed pics? Wish I had the knowhow to op this....

I'm the worst - over a year late on this. Sorry I forgot to update. Everything finished June of 2015. Here's the final pics.

So glad you posted the final project pics! When I read the posting and everything halted in March 2015, I was afraid something horrible happened and the pool never got finished. You did an outstanding job. Especially the rock work.

Awesome job! This is an incredible pool with so many cool features. Have you thought about furnishing your baja step? It would look great with a few chairs or in-pool chaises.

Very nice! How did you do on your budget? Did you go over? Beat the estimates of the pool builders. You did a great job....

All-in, the whole back yard cost me less than 75k. Budget was 70k, so a little bit over...not much. This was all using top-of-the-line everything too. Didn't skimp on materials, or equipment. Pool builder quotes on the LOW end were 80k, for low-end materials, no waterfall, etc.... All-in, for the top of the line materials like I used, with deck, firepit, bbq island, waterfall, etc... the pool-builder quotes were closer to 120k.

So yes - very happy with the outcome. Saved around 45k, or close to 40%.

It was a LOT of work, and planning - but it payed off in spades.

We went with 9”, and feel like it’s perfect. We have little ones come by a lot and use it as a splash pad (with some upward shooting bubblers). I also like to lay down on it!

Either way I think you’ll be fine. Some furniture already tends to float in even 9”, so depending on what you’re putting there 12” might cause more floating.

David can I ask who did your permit construction and engineer plans for county permits? I’m starting my research and any input would be appreciated

All our permits were through the city, not through the county, and I did all the plans myself. The only part I did not do myself was the engineering plans, which I purchased. They were standard pool plans purchased online, but I apologize I don't remember where I got them.

Hi Davis this question might not get answered but I’m stuck in permit process any DIY co that pulls permits engineers pool for you. I hired a co but they are taking weeks to get back intouch w me.

I see your answer above thanks no worries great job