We're Getting a Pool but our Pool Builder Just Declared Bankruptcy (Part 3)

Last year we moved to Cypress, TX. Since Texas has hot weather in the summer, we decided to get a pool. Since Autodesk software is used to design and make things, I have been chronicling the construction process.

In a original blog post, I covered:

1. DESIGN
2. HOA APPROVAL
3. DIG A HOLE
4. ADD SOME REBAR
5. LAYOUT PIPES, WATER TEST, and ADD CEMENT
6. FORM THE FOUNDATION WITH GUNITE
7. PICK OUT COPING, TILE, and BOTTOM COLORS
8. INSTALL THE COPING and TILE
9. INSTALL THE ROCK WATERFALL FEATURE

In a subsequent blog post, I covered:

10. DIG THE TRENCHES
11. LAY THE PIPE
12. FILL IN THE TRENCHES
13. ADD ELECTRICAL LINES
14. FRAME THE DECK AREA
15. ADD REBAR
16. OBTAIN HOA APPROVAL FOR STRUCTURE
17. POUR CEMENT

This blog posts chronicles the completion of the pool and the incomplete construction of an outdoor kitchen.

18. SELECT PEBBLETECH COLOR

    

    We wanted something that would enhance the color of the water to bring out the blue but not be so dark that swimmers could not see the bottom.

19. FRAME OUTDOOR KITCHEN

    

    We had our covered patio extended to make room for an outdoor kitchen.

20. ELECTRICAL FOR OUTDOOR KITCHEN

    

    Electrical lines were run before the cement was poured.

21. PEBBLE TEC POOL BOTTOM AND FILL

    

    The blue color was masked with the second coat of Pebble Tec.

22. INSTALL POOL EQUIPMENT and GET RUNNING

    

    There are pumps for the pool, spa, and water feature. There's a heater for the spa and pool.

23. INSTALL RAIN GUTTERS

    

    When the patio cover was extended, a portion of the existing gutters was removed. New gutters were added so the entire patio roof edge was circumscribed.

24. RESTORE LANDSCAPING

    

    The yard had been dug up to run the gas line for the outdoor kitchen. Sand was brought in to level the yard back to its original elevation.

25. ADD KOOL DECK

    

    We picked a Kool Deck color that resembled sand. Hence the name, Sand Buff, makes sense.

26. BUILD KITCHEN and FIREPIT

    

    The outdoor kitchen includes a gas hookup for a barbecue grill, a storage area, and drawers. We did not add a sink because doing so requires that we tap into the sewer line. That requires a longer and more arduous permitting process. We did not opt for an outdoor refrigerator, because our friends who have one tell us that they don't use it often.

27. ADD GRANITE COUNTERTOP

    

    The granite countertop finished off the kitchen quite nicely.

28. ADD ELECTRICAL OUTLETS

    

    This is left undone.

I saw on a note from subcontractors on the Houzz site asking consumers not to do business with Stonewall Pools. Apparently, Stonewall Pools owes subcontractors a lot of money for work already completed but has declared bankruptcy. Alas, we paid in full upfront. We are now looking for our own subcontractors to finish the job at our additional expense. We need a granite company to cut the countertop and an electrician to wire in the two outlets. We also need "pool school" to learn how to operate our installed pool equipment. Live and learn.

Pooling my resources is still alive in the lab.