As of now, currently {updated this week!}… our pool knowledge goes a little bit like this:
Me {read in your best redneck voice} : “Oh My Gawersh, Jamin! That house has a frickin’ pool. It’s falling apart just like the house, but they also cost on average, 65-85k to build {guesstimated number based on what others have told us because only rich people live in Nashville} and we’ve always wanted one… so buy that house!”
:: buy house ::
:: almost die trying to move here with inspections, kids, packing, tranquilized dogs, and two moving trucks and rocking chairs tied to the top of our truck a-la the Clampetts ::
Me: “Golly gee, Jamin. Now that we’re in the big citay, we aint owned no darsh darn pool before. Let’s hire us a pool guy!”
:: Ashley secretly hoping pool guy is hot because when in Rome ::
Wait, what?
:: Pool guy is more like legit company who totally gave us a wake up call about owning said pool ::
Expectation:
Yay reality!
Jamin to legit pool company, laughing awkwardly: {After living in Nashville for 3.5 weeks, Clampett accent has waned} “I bet you’ve seen worse before, right?”
Legit pool company guy: “Nope.”
Yehaw, y’all. It’s our very own real live cesspool of a swimmin’ hole!
:: Ashley hasn’t given up hope for future hot pool guy, but since they’re more of the DIY type, she just plans to have Jamin wear a bedazzled speedo while cleaning said pool ::
When in Nashville.
As you can see, our pool hasn’t been cared for. In a while. It’s really blown our minds.
So far, we know that it requires a new liner as it’s coming off on multiple sides, and we’re having that taken care of, as soon as it comes in. It’s costly to replace, but we also want to do it right. That monstrosity of a pump will be assessed afterwards, but it will be a touch and go thing {see duct tape covering various parts a-la frankenstein} -we think it can be properly repaired. This entire area is one of the things that needed to be brought up to par first with summer on the way. We figured while the redo is going on in the inside, the very least we can have is the pool cleaned up and ready to go for our kids. Not to mention, it also scares us to have them playing around such a sight. This water makes me want to gag, and you wouldn’t believe the smell because dead birds, so I apologize ahead of time for showing you the real deal. We have a vision for this yard.
We see an outdoor kitchen and bar area. A white picket fence. A screened in porch coming off the house after we add the addition. A new handmade hideaway for the kids. Pavers hiding the piping thingy going around pool… We think the outside needs more work than the inside.
Close your eyes. Can you see it? Maybe? Kind of? No?
One step at a time. Deep breaths. But not too deep, because that pool seriously smells.
This entire project is going to be a day at a time because it’s always something new. Right now, they want to re-inspect the already inspected septic tank. Yay permits!
So we’ve hired an expert to get it up to par and install a new liner… and from there, we’re all about educating ourselves to maintain it.
We know that it will cost 8k to relocate that pump. That was my first question. It’s almost like they closed their eyes, after spinning around on a bat, and pointed into the yard for a location. {Hello, eye sore front and center} So it will eventually be hidden, instead. We’d rather just stuff it in a closet when we eventually build our little outdoor bar/kitchen area and put our money into something that matters down the line. See: outdoor kitchen area.
And according to the experts, its half and half with the pros and cons as far as salt vs. chlorine. We’re looking into a new UV process, to help us clean and maintain the pool, and thinking of sticking with Chlorine since we already have the parts. We know that salt severely erodes over time, and that’s our major hang up. The previous owner changed the existing pool over twice, and went back with Chlorine. We’re still torn, but we’ll keep ya posted on the progress. I know people pick sides and teams and are quite adamant about it… so far it all scares us.
Let’s make T-shirts.
As you can see, we know absolutely nothing. But we’ve picked out some cool floats and found a pool company to help us get started… so that’s progress, right? Cool floats are super important.
We know you guys are visionaries like us. Or maybe just here for the train wreck. So that too. And if you’ve owned a pool before, we’d love your input on what you learned, what you’d recommend… what you would or wouldn’t do again… we’d just like to hear what you have to say. Because we are totally flying by the seat of our pants.
Have you noticed yet?
I’m still waiting for one of us to fall into this thing and dead bodies start popping up like that scene in Poltergeist.
Hashtag glamour. Hashtag Vogue. Hashtag youwanttobeus.
Living the life, y’all.
Fire away – we want to hear!
Cheers.
Beth M. says
My parents have a pool, and a great pool company is key! They just bought a solar pool cover to warm the water faster since the heater is so expensive to run. All these cool nights recently have the water quite frigid! Good luck!
ashley @ the handmade home says
RIght? I mean, do we live in Seattle? The weather is killing this tropics of Alabama gal- I’m going to hibernate this winter! We will have to look into that, because we’ve realized that it is colder more here and we want to be able to use it as much as possible!
Diane Henkler says
You two are stylin!
Do you have an automatic cleaner? That makes cleaning the pool much easier. Our pool was chlorine, no problems with it at all. Once you get the water clean and the system up and running, it is not too hard to keep it clean. I see lots of fun ahead your family. 🙂
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe thanks Diane! Definitely looking into our options – our legit pool company told us what to get so we’re shopping around ;}
Stacy says
Great first step with the pool company. And I second the automatic vacuum thing. Our pool is new and we have chlorine, but we also see pros/cons of salt. Just do what you and the pool company think is best. Love following along with y’all.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Yes! We’re so over our heads, we were all… MUST have pool company! I’m not even going to pretend to know. ;}
Beth A. Martin says
I don’t know anything about pools, but this is my favorite post EVER! I can’t wait to watch the transformation happen. You GOT this! 🙂 What an absolutely fantastic property. I can totally see your vision! Carry on and enjoy the ride. 🙂
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe thanks Beth! We done did buy it and are so excited! YEEEHAAAWWW!!! #Iwasntkiddingaboutbedazzledspeedos
Amanda says
I grew up with a pool – having a specific place (ideally nearby) is necessary for all the equipment. My dad built a small poolhouse/shed which housed all the supplies, fun floaties, chlorine tabs, plus our riding lawn mower. It was so nice to have right there. An automatic pool cleaner is also very helpful (our dogs loved to watch it, hours of entertainment). And make friends with other pool owners so you can help each other open & close. One thing to do as well is make sure you have a place to dump the dead frogs (if you go chlorine) where the dogs can’t get them.
When you’re weighing pros + cons, don’t forget the environmental impact of your choice.
Best of luck with your pool!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thanks Amanda! The property came with two little “barn houses” which is great since we will be losing our garage in refinishing the basement, until we can build a new one. And hadn’t thought about dogs and chlorine and frogs and all the critters that will get in. We will be checking it regularly to make sure – reading up on all the environment stuff as well. Great advice!
Wendy says
We have a mineral stick/ozone pool with low low dose chlorine. It is frickin’ awesome!! We’ve had the pool for 3 years. We do have to shock it in the summer (no biggie) and add chlorine to the chlorine holder thingy in the pump area (technical names, of course) but it’s very low maintenance and you can actually drink the water. It’s super clear, doesn’t burn your eyes and, as above, easy peasy to take care of. If you email me, I’d be happy to put you in touch with our pool lady. We’re in GA so she’ll know people there or point you in the right direction.
Don’t give up. We love our pool!! We use the heck out of it and our kid is 17. 🙂
ashley @ the handmade home says
Love that Wendy! Thanks so much – Yes, if we do Chlorine it will definitely be a low dose for sure. Good to remember!
Jamie says
Hi there! I’ve been reading your blog for some time now, but this is the first time I’ve commented. It is freaking me out how similar our situations are. We literally just sold our home and moved this week. Our house had been on the market 2 years, yup 2 years. We downsized and moved into a tri-level (like you) and we have a literal cess pool in our back yard as well! We’ve hired a good pool guy to replace the liner and we are also going to hope and pray that they can get the equipment operational. We are sticking with chlorine due to the cost. So besides all that crazy coincidence, I am interested in your comment about replacing the coping (the white pipe thingy that goes all the way around the pool). We got a quote of somewhere in the $5000 range, and it is not a DIY job at all, or else I would want to try myself. Wondering if you would share what your plans might be? I need some ideas/help with it soon since we are starting on ours as well.
Good Luck with everything and Thanks!!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Crazy, Jamie! First of all let me bow to you because a house taking two years to sell took some serious see-through-it-ness. Ours took a year and I thought I was going to lose my ever loving mind. Hugs to you. We are spirit animals and stuff except you’re the better version ;}
Legit pool guy quoted us at 20k to redo the surrounding concrete with pavers and pipe covering, which is crazy talk for us personally. :/ I threw up in my mouth a little. Someone somewhere carries the appropriate supplies and goods. We just have to figure it out.
It will not be something that happens for us this season with all the other things that are happening inside for us. And because we are not quadillionares. It’s a real shame because we’d be so good at it. ;} But we will figure out a way to DIY it because I refuse to pay that. Bottom line.
Probably not the solution you were looking for because we just don’t know yet. But stay tuned I guess because we will eventually be tackling that – and if you get there first, please let me know! HAHA!
Becky says
Such a cute post. Yes, I can see the vision. I have do doubt that you can achieve your dream backyard since you had such a beautiful one at your previous home. When my husband and I have been faced with similar situations as you are he always looks at me and smiles and says, ” you’re living the fairytale, right”. I always reply with a smile, “why yes I am”. You have to smile and laugh about things such as “cess pools” or you would go crazy.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Absolutely, Becky!
Cindy says
We have lived in our house 15 years and just had our in-ground liner pool redone again. This time we were smart and changed the steps and slope of the pool to meet our family needs better. Also switched to salt and love it! Our pool was unmanageable with chlorine because of all the sun. It was constantly turning green even with a chlorinator. I used 1 bag of salt in the middle of the summer and that was it! The kids don’t stink of chlorine and it’s nice on the skin. No more green pool❤️. You will get the pool chemical lingo quickly and will feel very satisfied when the pool looks fabulous!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thanks Cindy! Good to know!
Beth says
you got this! 1 step at a time…..the memories will outweigh the ugliness it possess right now!
ashley @ the handmade home says
HA! My mom had to tell me that today. One day at a time. One day at a time. I keep forgetting ;}
jaime says
We went with salt when we built our pool, and it was more maintenance than we intended. Our water is very hard, and the salt cell required cleaning often. Our city water also has salt which led to rising salt levels over time requiring us to partially drain it to get rid of the salt. Going to chlorine only has been a breeze, and it is a much more efficient sanitizer. Once you get everything on track chemically, it will be easy to maintain!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Good to know Jaime! I’m trying to read about everything and it’s literally what the guy told us – six of one half dozen of the other – we’re literally torn but people’s experiences are helping just to glean from what they know!
Rose L. says
Stick with using chlorine or bromine. We always used bromine in our spa as chlorine is harsh on skin. Never had a pool but those I know who did or do say it is regular work and they all pay someone. Whatever you do, do not let dogs into the pool as they tear the liner. Is it fully fenced? Will you have a retractable cover? Safety first.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thanks Rose! Yes we’re keeping the dogs out, and going with the super thick liner just in case. We’re required by law to have a 4ft fence surrounding the property, and I have got to unroll that cover the previous owner left… though something tells me it has a giant hole or something. Obsessing over the drain, too after watching a horrible video about kids getting stuck. Making sure that’s up to par as well. I will be the helicopter mom for sure!
Kiki @ Choosing to Cherish says
You guys are so funny, cute, and creative. Can’t wait to see what you will do with the pool.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe Kiki can I stick you in my back pocket?! You’re too kind! Us either because we have no idea what’s next! HA!
Malcolm Haggis says
Green acres.
2nd post ever.
Seeing as you asked, spend money covering the pump equipment / building a screen, pump house etc. relocating the pump means also redoing the electrics and the landscaping and sodding where the digger comes in. Its close to the pool for convienience.
The white copping holds the liner in place. To replace you need to bust up the concrete on top and essentially form concrete coping with little slots that the liner will push into (still with small white pegs).
Thanks for along for my advice. Can’t wait for my invite. Cheers
Lindy says
My grandparents, who live two doors down from me, have a pool. They bought this great white shark automatic pool vacuum thingy this summer and it makes a huge difference! I know their pool is saltwater, but I think I’m a chlorine pool kind of girl. They put the pool in six or seven years ago and have already replaced the pump. A pool is a huge undertaking, but the memories and family parties around their pool are priceless!
Debbie says
We had a gunite pool that was probably about 30 years old when we had it filled in a couple of months ago. Our teenage boys rarely used it, it leaked water, needed replastered and tiles were falling off. We also have a five-year old daughter who loved it, but is looking forward to going to the neighborhood pool instead. We figured it was costing about $1,000 a year for water, electricity to run the pool all season, chemicals, equipment maintenance and repair, etc. It cost about $3,000 to have it filled, put up a new fence and seed and straw the yard. We don’t miss it at all. The costs to do all the necessary repairs would have been way, way more than filling it in. We enjoyed it when our children were younger, but there was no way to justify the cost of making repairs.
Hillary says
I believe Matt Damon’s speedo is the one you’re looking for? http://www.vulture.com/2013/06/behind-the-candelabras-best-costumes-explained.html#
Also, I can’t wait to see what ads show up in my browser now that I’ve googled “rhinestone speedo.” Actually, it was mistakenly “rhinstone” speedo but thankfully Google had my back.
CeCe says
Live in AZ now…for YeArs…graduated from MTSU and my best friend, in the world, lives in Murfreesboro. She and hubby work for their son and Partner at Keystone Financial, in Franklin…..antiqued there LOTS…
Juat a little sideline info which you did not need! 🙂
Have had a pool at this AZ home for over 30 years….initial Pebble Tec finish still in tact and looking good…small pool…we care for it ourselves… when out of town our grandson cares for it… it really is not that hard once you get it cleaned up and ready to go. We have had both salt and chlorine… found chlorine worked best for us…. I do vote for the pool clenaer vac that moves around the pool……..then just take it out when having a party… So enjoy your blog and so hope you are happy in your new location……..too humid for me and gray winters but the people are lovely and the town of Franklin is darling!
Carol S. says
I see the potential. We bought s home with pool 4 years ago and have enjoyed it but it is a fair amount of work (fall, leaves, ugh.). But it’s gorgeous to view daily and we keep it open year round. It never turns green, but as spring hits and the salt level is not caught up with warm temps, use bags of shock to whip it into shape. I paid pool service year one and now I’m the pool girl (plus trice year they fix something, check levels, etc.). Noise pollution from the pool pumps annoying, we run ours 24/7 but turn off when entertaining or want quiet. Pools are nice. Good luck. Don’t landscape with leaves that drop or plants that attract bees.
Amanda J says
Congratulations!! We have a vintage pool ourselves (circa 1960s) and the prior owners converted it to salt water to minimize the regular maintenance, need for showering right after swimming, not worrying about puppy’s skin, and the burning in your eyes. We’ve had it almost 2 years and so far have been really happy with it. We realize there may be big maintenance down the road, but after 50 years it’s had a lot of love! As long as your pool boy brings you a cold drink, it is fabulous in my book! Enjoying your journey, Amanda @ lifeonlinton.com
Dana says
I can’t wait to see the new handmade hideaway you build! Do you know if it will be just like the other one? (I’m sure it won’t because y’all are so creative and always have new ideas). I printed out the directions and got approval from our HOA to build the first handmade hideaway, but now I’m wondering if I should wait and see the new one and decide which one I like best! Oh, the decisions!! Good luck with the pool sitch. I have absolutely no advice for ya. 😉
Casey says
I don’t know anything about pools either, but I’ve always wanted one! My inlaws have a pool and they just installed this really cool solar heating system that seems to pump the water onto the top of their shed where it gets warmed by something to do with solar panels and then pumped back into the pool. I’m sure that makes very little sense, but it’s a really cool system lol – I can totally imagine how you guys will transform yours and it will be awesome!
Renee-Anij says
automatic pool cleaner! must have one, cannot leave that out. MUST HAVE ONE.
ashley @ the handmade home says
YES! We’ve been shopping for those – do you recommend one specifically?
Linda says
We have had several pools, having moved several times, 3 chlorine and 2 salt pools. We prefer the salt system and highly recommend Hayward’s Aqua-rite system. We spent a fortune in chemicals each year with the chlorine pools, and while the salt system has an initially large expense, it paid for itself in one season. Our water was always crystal clear and the only chemicals we had to add were a weekly dose on muriatic acid (1 cup a week). We left for two weeks on vacation and came back to a sparkling clean pool. Basically no maintenance. I like the feel of the soft salt water and it’s much less harsh on hair and swimsuits. I have always done all the pool care, never hired anyone. I learned by trial and error. We were constantly taking samples into the pool store and being told to buy and put huge doses of chemicals into the pool. With the salt system we test tge water with strips weekly and never visit the pool store. We’ve had both, definitely prefer the salt. Just suggest paying for a good quality system.