As we get closer to when we can move into our new home we are also beginning to think of other projects we want/need to complete. And that includes a swimming pool. It’s Texas. It’s hot. In fact, as I write this on June 27th and look at the 15 day weather forecast, every day is forecasted to hit 90 degrees or above.
We’ve been waiting to go ahead with the pool until we sold our lake house up in Illinois. At one point in time we thought about keeping it and working from the lake during the hot summers, but cousin Callan pointed out some problems with that. First, you cannot just leave a house with a swimming pool for 3 months in Texas and expect it to be A-OK upon your return. Also, it isn’t like winter up north where everything just stops – the grass, weeds, and yaupon holly bushes keep growing, so we would need a yard guy. Add to that the stressors of maintaining a house 1,000 miles away (which we experienced this winter when a window broke at the lake cottage and we were trying to get it repaired while locked down from COVID-19), and the decision to sell was made.
Now that we have a contract to sell the lake cottage, we can look ahead to completing our forever home with a swimming pool. I think we will wait until the closing to sign the contract for the pool, just in case, but with a cash offer we are feeling pretty confident about the sale of the lake cottage. We’ve now received 3 bids for a swimming pool and have decided on the contractor we want to work with for this next phase of construction. Because of delays, it likely won’t be completed until mid-September, but thankfully we have a long swimming season here. Did I mention it gets hot here?
We had previously met with Sam last fall to look at material options for the pool, so our most recent web meeting was to make sure that none of the house dimensions had changed and that we still liked the pool design we had discussed before. And we do.
Our pool will be 15′ wide by 30′ long with a tanning shelf and a spa on the far end. It’s what is called a sport pool – meaning there is no deep end. It ranges from 4′ deep to 5′ deep in the middle and is designed for shallow water activities and games. So it is perfect for volleyball or badminton or just swimming laps.
The pool will also have a bubbler and umbrella hole in the tanning shelf, as well as lights in the pool and spa. The spa will have benches on 3 sides and 6 jets. The color of the lights, the temperature of the spa, and pretty much anything else you can think of can all be controlled from an app on your phone, tablet or computer. It’s crazy.
So that’s where we are on pool planning. I grew up with a swimming pool and love to swim – this was definitely a non-negotiable for me. What do you think of the pool design? Would love to hear your ideas!
Thanks, as always, for stopping by!
Hugs, Libby
I’m bit late to the blog party (is there any food left?). This is my first time seeing everything and the progress. All i can say is, “Wow! You two have done a great job of designing . It’s going to be a very special and spectacular home.
I’m impressed how you’ve been able to turn John’s long-held dream into reality. I remember listening to John fantasize about building a home on the family land way back in the 70’s. Can’t wait to see it!
Thanks Tim! Yes, many people have commented about John’s long held dream of living on the family land coming true. Looks like we will be moving in next month!
Looks fabuloso!! The perfect party pool.
However, since you asked…..how about making it a 25yd lap pool?…..and, if you want Rita, LJ, and I to do our synchronized swimming performances we need some deep water for perfect verticals and our 3 person chain circles.
(Just kidding)
Ha! Wow – I’m afraid a 25 yard lap pool would extend past the driveway to the barn! And, alas, the synchronized swimming routines will just have to be modified…. 😜
Love it!
Thanks Tonya!