hey SR, I am about to start contracting the build of my pool as well. I have quotes for I think everything so far except electrical. Would you mind sharing which contractors you used?

I am not far from you, in Richmond, TX.

If you would, you can send it to:

wingnuts91@hotmail.com

Day 3 Gunite pics...

Justin, check your email.

Looks good. Thanks for sharing.

I really like the design of your pool. This is awesome! I live in North Richmond area by Katy and really want to build my own pool. Would you mind sharing your sub's info? My email is bbmcd82@gmail.com

Did you get quotes from each sub before you started?

Looks like yours is coming along nicely!!

Ready for tile, but tile not as yet chosen...

Please share subs with me also. I live in SGL area. Love this pool. Glhernan@aim.com

Pool is ready...

Bbmcd and gl, haven't forgotten. Will send tomorrow.

Plumbing went in yesterday...

Hi SR - do you mind emailing me at m.mclaughlin2@gmail.com? I'm interested in doing the same; I live near the Clear Lake area. I'm happy to see both your rcush sharing this great information! Thanks, MIKE

The white turned out looking fantastic!! Great job. Who did you end up going with? I get plaster maybe tomorrow or Wednesday...

Hi, can I ask how much you're saving by doing this? I'm a pretty handy guy. I've done some remodels, have brothers in construction, and I work from home... which, MAY be conducive to being an owner GC for my own pool build. But, I'm definitely concerned about venturing into unknown territory, especially if the cost savings isn't substantial enough to justify it.

Your pool looks great, and you're making it look easy... maybe too easy;) THANKS!

Plaster...

First fill...

Wow, that looks incredible! Great design! Is that just plaster or is that a Pebble Tec type product? If so, what color did you go with?

Gruve, my estimated savings based on quotations is about 33%. I would recommend having the trades do the work and you manage. Have people who work on pools do your work. You can do the decking yourself if you want, but manage the pool construction.

Michael, it's Blue Surf Pebblesheen in the main pool and Aqua Marine Beadcrete on the sunshelf and in the spa.

I know you are glad to be done. Enjoy swimming!! I'll shoot a picture after our putting green is finished. Still will have to do landscaping...always a project! LOL!!

Yes Renee, the last couple weeks went by slow with the rain. Was finally able to get in last Saturday!

S R and rcush....I have been following your projects and comments. Looks great! I was my own general contractor on a previous house I built. It was quite the learning curve but I saved a lot just like you guys are doing here. However, when it was all said and done and because I was a first time GC building a house, there's a lot of things I would have done different if I could do it again. I'm interested in building my own pool but would love to know what you would have done differently now that you have done it. Such as mistakes or spending a bit more here or there for a better product. Thanks for any info!

Stainermcg, there's not much we would do differently. Maybe make the deep end a little bit wider. I would've staked out the hot tub better for the excavating crew. We did it last minute in the middle of the night with poor lighting (since the crew told us they were coming the next day and it was literally the only time we had to get it done). The hot tub shape is fine, but could've been improved on and I would change where I placed a couple of jets in the hot tub, and possibly positioned one pool light slightly more towards the shallow end. Happy with the subs though.

Thanks RCush. Do you mind saying how much you saved over a pool builder? And how did you find all the subs? Who designed your pool?

Thanks for the reply to my question also. Can you explain how and where you found and vetted your subs? I feel like that's probably the key to success. I'm not really interested in doing the work myself. Also, if you wish you changed positions of lights and jets, isn't that something your designer should have done better or did you do the design yourself?

Hi S R:

I also want to build my own pool, if you don't mind, can you share some information? My email is dutseal168@gmail.com. I live in Firethorne in Katy. Many thanks.

The blue is super super pretty..

Lovely! Would you mind sharing the tile sources? For both spa and pool!? Thanks.

looks gorgeous! What did you use to light your bubblers? Our builder says that it is crazy expensive to light them up.....looking for alternative ideas.

Pentair led bubblers... About $400 a piece, plus conduit and installation....

Lauren, spa and fountain wall - Vidrepur tiles.. Best prices from Agape tiles online... Have to buy from a dealer. Waterline from Noble tiles Houston. Limestone pavers/coping from QDI stone. Side walls from European tiles II Houston.

Hi, S R. I was planning to contract with a pool builder but have started researching the DIY route. I'm also in the Houston area (inner loop) and have a couple of questions about the process.

I was wondering how you handled liability. Did your subs handle their own insurance? How about liens and warranties?

I'd love to get a list of any subs that you'd recommend as well as any good sources for purchasing the pool equipment.

Feel free to answer here or PM me. Thanks so much for sharing your experience!!! Cool pool.

Wow, good construction.

S R, I'm considering going the same route as you. I'm in the Houston area too. Would you mind sharing your subcontractors with me? Also, did you purchase all the pool equipment, lighting, etc. and then have them installed or did the subcontractors do that? crlarson1978@gmail.com

Just wanted to drop in and say well done! That is gorgeous!

Hello SR, first off, awesome job! Your pool is beautiful. Second, would you please provide the contractors you used and lessons learned (other than the ones provided on this site). I've already talked to 3 pool builders and quickly realized I have the project management skills to do this and save $$$. My email is will2pwr9@yahoo.com. Thanks again for sharing!

Awesome job! I loved seeing the concept, build and final! Thanks for sharing.

Wow looks great! Could you please share the subs with me as well? Flannman70@aol.com

I think it is beautiful and what I like best is that it has clean lines and you will never see another just like it. Be proud. Fantastic job!

Thank you for sharing SR! I am trying to gather information such as cost, saving and all the contractors info. Trying to convince the wife to let me build my own pool. Any information is appreciated. I love your pool deign. Please email me at tle1226@gmail.com

Beautiful. Have you had any issues with the stones getting in the pool? I wanted them but I have small children and the contractor warned me about the possibility of the stones getting sucked into the plumbing...

S R, I hope you are enjoying you amazing pool. It turn out very nicely. It must have saved significantly versus traditional GC route. With all due respect as I understand it took time to find all your subcontractor, would you mind sharing your contacts for this built, as I am considering building a small (14x30) pool. I have been quoted 35-40k. I also live in Katy within city limits and considering permits and inspection cost, builders cost would intertain owner builder vs. hiring a GC, my email is rgonzal0003@gmail.com would appreciate your assistance and should there be a referal fee associated, I am willing to provide for your effort.

Thank you and look forward to your reply.

Roberto.

I would love to get a copy of your subs. We are looking into doing the same. Please email them to cbellard@gt.rr.com. Thanks!!!

Great job on your pool! I know you've been asked this many times over... Can you please share sub list with me: paul@crymarfinishes.com

Also interested in a putting green, if you wouldn't mind sharing that contact as well?

Thanks in advance,

Paul

Would you give me a call? I’d like to chat with you about your owner built pool. We’re just a few weeks out from starting ours. After seeing your pool done, I’d love to replicate it, changing just a few minor things. 8326134259 is my cell number. I’m happy to pay ya for your resources and hard work that I’m sure you put in. Thanks