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CortezBlue
Super Nomad
Posts: 2213
Registered: 11-14-2006
Location: Fenix/San Phelipe
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Have you built a swimming pool in Baja?
I am seriously considering building a swimming pool at my house in San Felipe. Has anyone here looked into it? I am looking at all options.
Fiberglass, cement, polycarbon panels, steel etc. All in ground, not above ground.
If you have any history with this please let me know.
Thanks
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64854
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Check with Bob & Susan of Playa Frambes Lighthouse Resort!
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8813
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
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| Quote: | Originally posted by fishabductor
We have a cement pool were I live they are great to have in baja, but be prepared to spend a lot of money on water and chemicals. The heat here makes
both the water and the chlorine go fast. If the clorine gets low the pool will get an algae bloom in very short time. If you keep up on maintainance
or have someone who you can depend on to handle it for you , pools are wonderful. make sure you get a solar water pump to keep the pool water
circulating during the daylight hrs.
Where we live we also have to deal with scaling due to high calcium levels. I am in the los cabos area, so this may not relate to you.
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A pool is very simple
Concrete is the best
Forget a prefab
Don’t start this task without professional advice.
You ABSOLUTELY need to plaster a concrete pool with pool plaster.
This “seals” it.
Contrary to popular belief the sun has very little to do with evaporation
It’s the wind that evaporates water
Our pool uses an average of 50 gallons water a day
It’s 16,000 gallons
Chemicals are what they are $$$
Good stabilized chlorine from a pool store lasts
Startup chemicals and cleaners are available
You use acid in the winter and clorine in the summer
There are no “solar pumps” for pools
The new “variable speed” pumps work well but cost $1500
You need to calculate “head pressure” for sizing
We run our pump off the solar system and
the pool is clean all the time
Pools are GREAT but only a summer item
You WILL NOT use it in the winter
Heaters only raise the temp a few degrees a day
and at night the water temps fall
propane is expensive
One word…poolvac
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capt. mike
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8085
Registered: 11-26-2002
Location: Bat Cave
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Mood: Sling time!
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go with a salt system. i am converting mine in AZ soon to salt based and getting rid of chlorine vs acid hassles for life.
build it small and have a spa too. or create a spa with a dam wall.
a spa you can use all winter.
formerly Ordained in Rev. Ewing\'s Church by Mail - busted on tax fraud.......
Now joined L. Ron Hoover\'s church of Appliantology
\"Remember there is a big difference between kneeling down and bending over....\"
www.facebook.com/michael.l.goering |
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rocmoc
Nomad
Posts: 234
Registered: 5-25-2009
Location: Tucson, AZ
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Mood: Live today like it maybe your LAST!
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| Quote: | Originally posted by capt. mike
go with a salt system. i am converting mine in AZ soon to salt based and getting rid of chlorine vs acid hassles for life.
build it small and have a spa too. or create a spa with a dam wall.
a spa you can use all winter. |
We have a salt system pool in AZ. Gave it up after two years and went to Chlorine. With hard water the scaling is horrible with a salt pool, we
could not keep up with it. As soon as we dropped the salt and went to Cl the scaling stopped and even started coming off the tiles and out of the
pipes. Also the Algae is harder to control in a salt pool in hot weather. I would rather be in Cl than an Algae chemical. Our water is off the
chart for hardness. We have our own well.
Also do a search of the internet and educate yourself. Don't depend on the professional as they can make mistakes also. Ours sure did and they were
suppose to be the best in So. AZ.
And don't do BIG, too much work. Ours is 36,000 gals and is is a pain in the a$$. BUT nothing better in the heat!
One last thing, POOL COVER!
rocmoc n AZ/Baja
[Edited on 9-8-2010 by rocmoc]
[Edited on 9-8-2010 by rocmoc]
rocmoc n AZ/Mexico
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8813
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
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pool covers work but are ULGY
and
DIRTY looking
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8813
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don't you put chemicals in a salt water pool too???
my neighbor had one in the states and
worked on it all the time
people don't like clorine
i don't think it's good for your body
oh well...smells clean
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rocmoc
Nomad
Posts: 234
Registered: 5-25-2009
Location: Tucson, AZ
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Mood: Live today like it maybe your LAST!
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Bob and Susan
don't you put chemicals in a salt water pool too???
my neighbor had one in the states and
worked on it all the time
people don't like clorine
i don't think it's good for your body
oh well...smells clean |
Not Chlorine.
There is a salt cracker that breaks down the salt (sodium chloride) after which there is a small amount of Cl & ultraviolet for disinfection.
Thus the Cl levels are very low which allows the Algae to have a happy home. Got tired of fighting the Algae, up the Cl with tablets and that took
care of that problem. Still left the scaling issue if you have hard water.
rocmoc n AZ/Baja
rocmoc n AZ/Mexico
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vandenberg
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5118
Registered: 6-21-2005
Location: Nopolo
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Mood: mellow
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| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
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The pool to have and use is the one in the background. No chemicals needed. Mother nature does all the maintenance.
Had pools all my life. Biggest waste of money and effort ever invented by man.
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Pompano
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8194
Registered: 11-14-2004
Location: Bay of Conception and Up North
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Mood: Optimistic
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| Quote: | Originally posted by vandenberg
| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
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The pool to have and use is the one in the background. No chemicals needed. Mother nature does all the maintenance.
Had pools all my life. Biggest waste of money and effort ever invented by man.
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You took the words right out of my big mouth, Ed. Pools are nice, but are just not my choice anymore...especially when the sandy beach and warm bay
is my front yard. Over the years, I have had 3 different swimming pools in other homes in Baja and USA built by pros. (Plus I still have 2 at
commercial real estate locations..until I selll them.) All large pools.. and 1 infinity. All required lots of money, work and maintenance..all
interferred with my fishing and Baja fun. Ended up covering all of them and making more landscaping decor...which requires zero maintenance and
looks great.
Two amigos who built recent pools in Baja Sur filled them in after a couple seasons, too. Be careful of what you ask for.
It may be my age, (I am still fairly spry!) but I just don't enjoy pools like I used to..and when we do feel the need to jump in one, I have a few
friends with infinity pools down Cabo-way. 
This is just my opinion after spending a few years in Baja....and I wish anybody wishing to own one...a sincere GOOD LUCK!
I do what the voices in my tackle box tell me.
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dtbushpilot
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3288
Registered: 1-11-2007
Location: Buena Vista BCS
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We have a beautiful pool here but with the Sea Of Cortez at my back door I seldom use it. I go for a dip in the sea most every day. Sometimes I sit by
the pool and read a book but I don't need a pool for that. I was going to say that if I didn't live on the beach I would have a pool but we have a
pool at our San Diego home (not near the beach) and almost never use it.
Spa Buena Vista is 1-1/2 miles down the beach and they offer a "locals club card" for $100 a year that gives you and a guest use of their pool and
discounts at the swim-up bar.
They used to let you use the pool for free but now you have to join the club to use the pool....not very "amigo-like" if you ask me. ...sorry DK, I couldn't resist, I'll try not to do it again amigo......dt
"Life is tough".....It's even tougher if you're stupid.....
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mtgoat666
Select Nomad
Posts: 18388
Registered: 9-16-2006
Location: San Diego
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Mood: Hot n spicy
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| Quote: | Originally posted by fishabductor
| Quote: | Originally posted by vandenberg
The pool to have and use is the one in the background. No chemicals needed. Mother nature does all the maintenance.
Had pools all my life. Biggest waste of money and effort ever invented by man.
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I couldn't agree more. it is a hole in the ground you throw money into, sort of like a moored boat....a hole in the water you throw money into!!
The pool we have is my employers's he has swam in it maybe 10x in 3 years, yet it is maintained daily. We also have a lot of grass, that is another
huge waste of time and money in baja. |
pools are just a lot of work to maintain. if you live within walking distance of the ocean, why build a maintenance project in your yard?
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8813
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
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Mood: Full Time Residents
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| Quote: | Originally posted by fishabductor
A green alga bloom can happen overnight with the heat. Every rain we get increases the risk, as does the wind. Also remember too rinse off the
saltwater before entering a pool, the bacteria in the ocean has been linked to the source of black algae. Black algae is a pain in the butt to kill,
it usually requires draining the pool. |
No one should buy a "solar pool pump"
I don't know of one sucessful install
they are not powerful enough to "clean" a pool
"they" also sell "solar air conditioners"
they don't work either
just because stuff is on the internet
doesn't make it work here in "the wild"
the new pumps required for new pools in california
are the variable speed units
these have enough power to run a pool vac
and then filter all day using your solar inverter
we've had pools forever...even in the rentals
pool vacs mean no work for the homeowner
when the pump is on the pool is cleaned
correct knowledge of chemicals for pools end the work
a green alge bloom DOES NOT happen overnight
if you check the clorine and acid level
once a week and use GOOD chemicals
you'll be ok
actually salt from the sea STOPS regular alge
the intial shock of the clorine kill any "bugs"
after that alge won't grow
negative edge pool do use more water
remember the wind
that's why you should use a cantiliver coping
it keeps the water inside
i can't belive you people don't like pools
kids and dogs LOVE pools
the sea is sandy and has animals living in it
pools are NORMALLY clean and refreshing
(remember the "baby ruth")
have you EVER seen a BBQ ad without a pool in the background?
i think it's sour grapes...if you could
fit a pool on those expensive motorhomes
you'd own a pool
[Edited on 9-8-2010 by Bob and Susan]
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64854
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Bob & Susan's pool is fantastic... very refreshing and just streps from your casita at Playa Frambes. While we only spent two days there, we look
forward to returning with friends or family members and share one of the two bedroom casitas. The pool is great, and it helps to make you feel like
you are in a resort.
Bob also keeps the Pacificos ice cold and the watch dogs seem to like them too!
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Pompano
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8194
Registered: 11-14-2004
Location: Bay of Conception and Up North
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Mood: Optimistic
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By the looks of it Lord and Lady Hardwick's swimming pool hadn't been cleaned in quite a while.
I do what the voices in my tackle box tell me.
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mtgoat666
Select Nomad
Posts: 18388
Registered: 9-16-2006
Location: San Diego
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Mood: Hot n spicy
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Bob and Susan
the sea is sandy and has animals living in it
pools are NORMALLY clean and refreshing
(remember the "baby ruth")
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i like the sand and animals 
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CortezBlue
Super Nomad
Posts: 2213
Registered: 11-14-2006
Location: Fenix/San Phelipe
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| Quote: | Don’t start this task without professional advice.
You ABSOLUTELY need to plaster a concrete pool with pool plaster.
This “seals” it.
Contrary to popular belief the sun has very little to do with evaporation
It’s the wind that evaporates water
Our pool uses an average of 50 gallons water a day
It’s 16,000 gallons
Chemicals are what they are $$$
Good stabilized chlorine from a pool store lasts
Startup chemicals and cleaners are available
You use acid in the winter and clorine in the summer
There are no “solar pumps” for pools
The new “variable speed” pumps work well but cost $1500
You need to calculate “head pressure” for sizing
We run our pump off the solar system and
the pool is clean all the time
Pools are GREAT but only a summer item
You WILL NOT use it in the winter
Heaters only raise the temp a few degrees a day
and at night the water temps fall
propane is expensive
One word…poolvac |
I was going to ping you. I went to your site becuase I remeber when you were building it you had some photos. Can you give me a rough idea what it
cost you? I have a guy in SF that is a pool builder that has little work and I may be able to get him to do the work hourly with my other guys. We
are looking at probably 16x8x6 deep.
I have owned many pools living here in Phx and if you are loosing 50 gals per day, you have a leak. That is way more than you should be loosing. You
can buy a great device. It is a small bladder that fits into the skimmer that hooks to a hose that will fill up and seal the water from coming up.
With your pump turned off, you can turn on your hose and check the lines to see if you have any leaks that are below ground. We probably loose that
in about a month. All I know is I have a perfect spot in my back yard that is screaming POOOOL. I finally have my wife close to thinking about it.
I have a friend who is a pool designer who will put my plans together. Now all I need is a little cement, some rebar, PVC and oh yes, a hole in the
ground.
Thanks
JV
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capt. mike
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8085
Registered: 11-26-2002
Location: Bat Cave
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Mood: Sling time!
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FA - you are working too hard, you must be...
| Quote: | Originally posted by fishabductor
Our pools are infinity style. Beautiful, but a whole lot of work. I have spent 8 hrs and $200 worth of chemicals fighting a green algea bloom just
this week alone after our caretaker didn't keep the chlorine levels up. I also added 10,000 gallons of water this week, as we vacuumed the green away
to waste, we waste the green water by gravity vacuuming to the grass below.
A green alga bloom can happen overnight with the heat. Every rain we get increases the risk, as does the wind. Also remember too rinse off the
saltwater before entering a pool, the bacteria in the ocean has been linked to the source of black algae. Black algae is a pain in the butt to kill,
it usually requires draining the pool. |
chasing the needle.
it is not that hard ONCE you are balanced PH wise and can keep it that way by staying AHEAD of the needle!
i learned that by my IFR ticket but the parallels are striking and are the same concept, believe me!
plus - i cannot live without a spa for casual entertainment.
i won't go to a resort that doesn't have one nor will i live in or own a property without one.
i am here for a good time....not for a long time...
hot water, wine and natural Mae Wests...figure it out...hahahahaha
nice again here in sunny and mild Lake havascrew city!!!
formerly Ordained in Rev. Ewing\'s Church by Mail - busted on tax fraud.......
Now joined L. Ron Hoover\'s church of Appliantology
\"Remember there is a big difference between kneeling down and bending over....\"
www.facebook.com/michael.l.goering |
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8813
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
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Mood: Full Time Residents
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50 gallons is NOTHING with wind and hot concrete
i can loose 150 in a windstorm
we sealed the coping around the pool and cut the seepage WAY down
i thought the same about a leak
but replace several "squares" of decking
and no leaks
backyard pools are less windy
pools on the beach are exposed
in a place where "water is like gold"
i would suggest against a negative edge pool
too much evaporation
fishab...
"Taking care of the pool is not my job, we have a caretaker... "
you're the MANAGER...EVERYTHING is your fault
get used to it...you need to take responsibilty
i'm sure the "boss" doesn't blame the caretaker
he blames YOU!!!
you could use a 12v pump combined with a solar panel
to run the "water falls" part of the neg edge pool
you also need an automatic fill device hooked to
your water supply for ANY neg edge pool
they dont work without water being FULL
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capt. mike
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8085
Registered: 11-26-2002
Location: Bat Cave
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Mood: Sling time!
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abductor - post pics of your pool, sounds like a nice one.
i am building a huge resort level pool here in havasu with neg edge, giant spa and swim up bar etc. etc.
i'll post after it gets to the stage where you can see sumthin. i just am starting mass grading now.
formerly Ordained in Rev. Ewing\'s Church by Mail - busted on tax fraud.......
Now joined L. Ron Hoover\'s church of Appliantology
\"Remember there is a big difference between kneeling down and bending over....\"
www.facebook.com/michael.l.goering |
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