Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: Ripsnort on November 01, 2007, 05:15:57 PM
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I'm getting old. I need to soak my bones more and more. Here is the preliminary design of our spa. Ground breaking will begin within two weeks. I used Landscape Pro 10.5 to design it.(The neat thing about Landscape Pro is you can import actual pictures into the final design)
I've worked with 4 different contractors over the past 2 months and we have decided on a contractor.
Basically this area is 540 sq. feet (27 feet long, 20 feet wide) Sitting stones surround the spa area. Gas fireplace seating area (sitting stones as well) The spa is a Leisure Pools Sorrento 8' diameter spa.
I'll be adding pictures to this pictorial blog as it is built. Nothing ever comes out looking like one designs it, but I hope to have it close to my preliminary design.
http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=18209750&uid=2726312
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Why not put it in the garage? The carpet will keep your toes cozy.
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Originally posted by rabbidrabbit
Why not put it in the garage? The carpet will keep your toes cozy.
It will already be heated to a cozy 102 degrees. :aok That's why!:lol
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mini fridge
:aok
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Originally posted by FBplmmr
mini fridge
:aok
I thought that's what a wife was for?:huh :O
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well heck... I've heard of frigid women but that takes the cake!
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How about the big screen plasma?
It's not a spa without a bigscreen (50"+) plasma. You could go with a projector I s'pose. Not a back screen projection tv, but a projector.
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The fire pit is cool, but you'll probably want someplace specifically designed for food preparation if you don't already have something set up in your yard.
Also, I personally find non-round spas to be more interesting than the round ones. Some have sweeping curves large enough for a few people, plus maybe 2 little bumps large enough for just 2 people. Maybe one seat is sort of reclining with a place to tip back your head...
BBQ and non-round spa. That's my input.
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will the spa be carpeted?
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Bah!
Just hook the hose of the shopvac to the exhaust portion and stick the other end in the bathtub
Instant Spa
;)
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Originally posted by eagl
The fire pit is cool, but you'll probably want someplace specifically designed for food preparation if you don't already have something set up in your yard.
Also, I personally find non-round spas to be more interesting than the round ones. Some have sweeping curves large enough for a few people, plus maybe 2 little bumps large enough for just 2 people. Maybe one seat is sort of reclining with a place to tip back your head...
BBQ and non-round spa. That's my input.
Funny you should mention that...this spa (http://www.sanjuanpools.com/pools/10kyThumb.jpg)was one of my choices in the design phase. I was torn between it and the 8' round. You can actually get more people in the 8' round (I saw them both in person). The decision was made when I got a helluva deal on the round spa because someone had ordered it through the contractor and changed their mind. I used that as a negotiating tool. :D
The spa area is not intended for eating, I just wanted to create an environment where one would like to go and relax, have a glass a wine cozied up to the gas fire pit or a dip in the spa, but not to eat. I have all that patio behind it (in the pictures, with natural gas grill, etc.) for that sort of "mess". ;)
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Yea if you already have a bbq pit, then the fire pit is just fine.
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Originally posted by eagl
Yea if you already have a bbq pit, then the fire pit is just fine.
Well, not a "Texas-style" pit. Wish I did! My dream is still to have a huge brick BBQ pit area...for now I have to live with a natural gas Vermont Casting grill.
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uh...er...I'm all confuseded.
I see Spa and I automatically image in, my brain, bikinis and floating hoo-hoo's.
All I got was a virtual plan of a pond?
hehe..J/K....
Hey Rip, if I come to yer neck of the woods, do I gotta wear me speedo to hit the spa or what? I can bring my own bubbles!
RTR
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Originally posted by RTR
uh...er...I'm all confuseded.
I see Spa and I automatically image in, my brain, bikinis and floating hoo-hoo's.
All I got was a virtual plan of a pond?
hehe..J/K....
Hey Rip, if I come to yer neck of the woods, do I gotta wear me speedo to hit the spa or what? I can bring my own bubbles!
RTR
Only the host can wear a speedo, RTR. I just made that rule up. "Here, let me get that wooden Canadian nickel you just dropped"
That should scar you for life. :p
You're always welcome in this household RTR. :aok Unless the "bubbles" are in a bottle that has a label from France, leave the bubbles at home. ;)
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Thanks Rip! Is tommorrow okay?
LOL...srry.
I have no french bubbles, I manufacture my own.
Seems I am moving to Vancouver Island in the next year though, so.... In the event that I never get a chance to get farther south again, my door is always open. Bring a fishing rod, the Mrs and the Boys, the trout are spectacular.
RTR
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I've had a spa for several years and here's what you want to have nearby.
1)Ice chest
2)Remote control stereo
Not sure what kind of view the neighbors will have, but you might want to think privacy screen.
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Dont you have to wait a 1/2 hour to jump into the water after eating? :)
A spa? See now the Euro-boys from up North will wanna visit you!
Sounds like a nice setup. What's the power usage on one of those suckers? Or have you already begun construction of the Ripsnortian Nuclear Reactor? ;)
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a "Texas-style" pit.
Pfffft a stolen car abandoned along the Interstate and torched at 2:00am?
How Original.
:p
Mac
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Originally posted by LePaul
What's the power usage on one of those suckers? Or have you already begun construction of the Ripsnortian Nuclear Reactor? ;)
You have no idea how much it costs to keep one heated. Mine costs about $100-$150 a month to keep it at 90F on standby.
A gas heated spa is more economical and heats much faster.
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Now mate, do try and remember that the rocks dont have to be alligned to engineering tollerances.....unlike that wooden deck you laid ;).
(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-8/48257/Swoop2.gif)
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Originally posted by rpm
I've had a spa for several years and here's what you want to have nearby.
1)Ice chest
2)Remote control stereo
Not sure what kind of view the neighbors will have, but you might want to think privacy screen.
Dude, we think alike! I'm going to have them pre-wire (bury it) the area for speakers, and I will add outdoor speakers. (I have a stero system in the RV garage, where the power and gas sources come from)
Privacy is not an issue. We have 8 ft pickle shrubs that are established (grown together) and you can basically walk behind the house nekkid and no one would see ya. :D
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Originally posted by LePaul
Dont you have to wait a 1/2 hour to jump into the water after eating? :)
A spa? See now the Euro-boys from up North will wanna visit you!
Sounds like a nice setup. What's the power usage on one of those suckers? Or have you already begun construction of the Ripsnortian Nuclear Reactor? ;)
I'm using natural gas. I've talked to no less than 3 other owners of this size spa (2 in our neighbor) and they said expect an increase of $30-$50 a month, depending on the temp setting. The cover is 4" thick foam with an aluminum shell, and it locks in place making a great seal.
Euro boys are welcome too, as long as their women-folk first shave their armpits before getting in. :p
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Originally posted by Swoop
Now mate, do try and remember that the rocks dont have to be alligned to engineering tollerances.....unlike that wooden deck you laid ;).
(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-8/48257/Swoop2.gif)
I won't be touching it this time..no tight tolerances!
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I had an above ground self-contained tub with a 6-8 person capacity, and it added maybe $30 to my electric bill each month.
Insulation counts.
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I admit not knowing a lot about these newer ones....my former boss had a whirlpool hot tub of sorts in his home. His wife was in a severe car accident in the 80s and she really needed it to get her muscles to relax.
I thought the pumps of the jets would be the big power user. But maybe Im confusing hot tub and spa ?
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Originally posted by LePaul
I admit not knowing a lot about these newer ones....my former boss had a whirlpool hot tub of sorts in his home. His wife was in a severe car accident in the 80s and she really needed it to get her muscles to relax.
I thought the pumps of the jets would be the big power user. But maybe Im confusing hot tub and spa ?
The pool/spa contractor said that the jets of a spa are not as powerful as a hot tub, their main function is rapid water circulation. That said...I found this little tidbit on the interweb:
The term "Hot Tub" originally referred to the wooden, barrel-shaped tubs, which became popular in the late 1960s. Early hot tubs were fairly simple devices, which basically held hot water and had enough room for one or two bathers at a time. When the industry began building tubs of molded fiberglass or with thermoplastic shells, they were given the tag "spa" to differentiate them from their wooden cousins.
The wooden hot tub has evolved over time to include such amenities as seating, jets, filters, and most of the features associated with a spa. In fact, the phrase "hot tubbing" can be taken to mean soaking in either type of vessel.
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Eagl, what brand of spa do you have? That sounds like the type I have. This is actually my second spa from Keys Backyard in Garland. I bought the first one in 2003 but the shell cracked and I made them replace it in '05. It seats 7. The newer one is better on power usage than the first, but it still chews thru killowatts if I keep it at 90 on standby. Of course, lowering the standby lowers cost, but it takes a couple hours to get it up to 102.
Rip, another suggestion. Make sure you design a recline seat with back and foot massage in the spa. That's the one I use 99% of the time.
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Originally posted by AWMac
a "Texas-style" pit.
Pfffft a stolen car abandoned along the Interstate and torched at 2:00am?
How Original.
:p
Mac
Grrrrrrrrrr! Dammit I have already explained this to the cops.
We were just out for a weekend trip, got hungry, grabbed some yard bird and.......................... ............................. ..............
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I've also had a hot tub for several years....
^^^what rpm says...he speaks the truth...you will appreciate back and foot massaging jets if available, and you will need cold beverages....
Looks nice Rip....enjoy! :aok
Joker
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Here`s a pic of my setup.
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/22_1194096196_spa.jpg)
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"Rip, another suggestion. Make sure you design a recline seat with back and foot massage in the spa. That's the one I use 99% of the time."
Amen, and Bose outdoor speakers. No need for a flat screen.
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RPM
I sold that tub the last time I moved since I couldn't take it with me to the UK. It might have been a sundance but I really don't remember.
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The delivered the spa shell today. :aok
(http://pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL767/2726312/18209750/290908361.jpg)
(http://pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL767/2726312/18209750/290908364.jpg)
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rip,
I noticed the backhoe forks sitting there, is that what you had for the dig?
If so, and this is for anyone else that has experience and you don't mind me asking, what did you pay for the dig alone.
I have an above ground pool that I'm wanting to sink into the ground to open up my yard next spring and I'm wondering what I could expect to pay a contractor to do this.
The hole would be 16X30' and about 40' deep.
I'm planning on tearing my deck apart and opening up my yard a great deal. I'm also toying with the idea of tearing my overhang down and turning it into a deck for the second floor.....french doors and all.
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The jets are nice, but if you sit in front of one for too long the blood comes up to the surface of your skin, and you itch like crazy. Similar to vibrating massagers you can get at walgreens.
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Originally posted by indy007
The jets are nice, but if you sit in front of one for too long the blood comes up to the surface of your skin, and you itch like crazy. Similar to vibrating massagers you can get at walgreens.
That's why I chose a spa rather than a hot tub. A spa jet is there to circulate (hot) water.
Guns, it was all part of the bid, no idea what a dig would cost but you could probably rent a backhoe and DIY.
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Originally posted by Gunslinger
The hole would be 16X30' and about 40' deep.
This for a pool or a missle silo?
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Originally posted by Gunslinger
rip,
I noticed the backhoe forks sitting there, is that what you had for the dig?
If so, and this is for anyone else that has experience and you don't mind me asking, what did you pay for the dig alone.
I have an above ground pool that I'm wanting to sink into the ground to open up my yard next spring and I'm wondering what I could expect to pay a contractor to do this.
The hole would be 16X30' and about 40' deep.
I'm planning on tearing my deck apart and opening up my yard a great deal. I'm also toying with the idea of tearing my overhang down and turning it into a deck for the second floor.....french doors and all.
With an old R.S. Means, using adjustment factors, I estimate the excavation alone will cost 10grand - 15 grand, somewhere in the neighborhood of 12.
If I head back to the library tonight, I'll grab a newer copy and check the costs.
The real killer, which you would not expect, is that any hole dug deeper then the average man's height needs to be cut at an angle of 1:1 so as to keep the workers safe. This alone triples the volume that would be taken out of the hole.
Holden is right in that the value of 40' deep seems wrong.
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my bad..... 16x30' oval shaped and 40-50" deep. NOT 40'. I"m not buidling a bomb shelter. sorry was typing on a laptop.
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Well, then roughly 625-700, likely at 670. I do have to stop by the library again, I'll try to remember to grab a current value.
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Originally posted by lasersailor184
With an old R.S. Means, using adjustment factors, I estimate the excavation alone will cost 10grand - 15 grand, somewhere in the neighborhood of 12.
If I head back to the library tonight, I'll grab a newer copy and check the costs.
The real killer, which you would not expect, is that any hole dug deeper then the average man's height needs to be cut at an angle of 1:1 so as to keep the workers safe. This alone triples the volume that would be taken out of the hole
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Holden is right in that the value of 40' deep seems wrong.
I'm not saying that wouldn't be safer, but in Southwest FL I never saw a pool builder overdig to that extent. Common practice is to TRY to dig just wide enough to get the down boards in. Walls sometimes collapse while digging but the crew is usually off to the side watching, except for the guy who hops in occasionally with a transit or to set the wellpoint.
Generally the newer residential pools here are only 6'-6.5 finished depth though.
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6' or so is around the limit at which they need to start cut backs.
We weren't talking about a 5' hole, we were talking about a 40' deep hole. It was a typo, but 40' definitely needs a 1:1 angle of repose.
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Well, after grabbing some current numbers, assuming a wheel based Backhoe, it'll cost between $213 and $275.
That's also assuming I didn't mess up calculating the area of an ellipse this second time around.
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Question for those of you who have had a spa for more then a year.
How much use does yours get by you?
Just about everyone I know who has or had one did the same thing.
they got it. Used it alot for the first few months to a year. then after a year or so it gets used less and less by them and more by visitors and the kids.
Im not tryingot mock.
Just saying what I've seen.
The only one I know of that still consistantly uses theirs is the son of an owner who plays alot of sports.
Everyone else its become more of an orniment. And something for company to use when they come over.
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Originally posted by DREDIOCK
Question for those of you who have had a spa for more then a year.
How much use does yours get by you?
Just about everyone I know who has or had one did the same thing.
they got it. Used it alot for the first few months to a year. then after a year or so it gets used less and less by them and more by visitors and the kids.
Im not tryingot mock.
Just saying what I've seen.
The only one I know of that still consistantly uses theirs is the son of an owner who plays alot of sports.
Everyone else its become more of an orniment. And something for company to use when they come over.
That's not far from the truth. Like anything else the new wears off of it after a while. They are still nice to have, especially in the winter. If you have back pain, they are great therapy. I haven't used mine as much as I could, but my covered patio is under a constant state of construction (5 years and running).
[Note To Self: Never hire brother-in-law as contractor. Definitely never pay in advance.]
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but can anyone estimate how much a 16x30 hole 45" deep would cost me?
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Dunno about the cost, but regarding how much people actually USE a hot tub, I used mine all the time. It wasn't an in-ground tub and I didn't really have it set up for entertainment or privacy, but I probably used it 2-3 times a week especially in the winter when it was nice to be able to enjoy the outdoors without freezing my butt off.
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I use a spa this day and age (and have for 5 years) about 2-3 times a week now at the YMCA which is 20 minutes away. There is always a muscle group or joints that are in need of swirling hot water. :( It's gonna be nice not to have to share the spa with 10 other people whom I don't know ...:huh
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That looks like it could hold 6 - 8 couples, a nice size for a swinger's party. Just make sure you have private areas that people can split off to "if the mood is right."
Not that I know anything about swinging...
:noid
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Originally posted by DiabloTX
That looks like it could hold 6 - 8 couples, a nice size for a swinger's party. Just make sure you have private areas that people can split off to "if the mood is right."
Not that I know anything about swinging...
:noid
At my age, swingers means someone turning you over to change your diaper...:confused:
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Well, we're about 1/2 done. No work was done for 2 weeks during the holidays.. :mad:
The stones have been set albeit they need to get a couple more to fill the gaps. Spa was temporarily filled with water to "weight" it down so it will settle correctly before they begin pouring colored-stamped concrete decking around the area.
The orange circle represents where the Natural Gas Fireplace will exist.
The spa water piping was pressure checked and natural gas lines laid in the trenches and buried. We still have the natural gas lines to run under the house.
There is a ton of post-completion landscaping to do but I have all spring to make it "an environment you want to relax in, not necessarily in the tub". That translates into alot of plants.
I'm hoping next week we'll see good weather so that the concrete can be poured. We're shooting for a Feb. 3rd finish date but I'm not holding my breath...
(http://pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL767/2726312/18209750/297614759.jpg)
The geese are starting to circle so I hope they finish it before the season ends! ;)
(http://www.fmft.net/Hot%20Tub%20Shooting.jpg)
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Alittle more progress...concrete is in..everything should be done by Feb. 3rd EXCEPT the landscaping, which I am doing myself.
The concrete is dirty, thus not showing its true "saddle" color.
Things not complete as of tofay (besides the dirtwork, landscaping)
B--lue tile that creeps up to the bottom of the concrete inside the spa.
--Rock around and ledge on the gas fireplace.(Logs are not in fireplace either.)
--Gas pipes under the housing feeding the heater are not in yet.
--Attachements for the cover (flush in the concrete deck)
Superbowl Sunday should be a "hot" one! Go GIANTS! :)
(http://pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL767/2726312/18209750/299889769.jpg)
(http://pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL767/2726312/18209750/299889775.jpg)
(http://pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL767/2726312/18209750/299889782.jpg)
This next two weeks are going to be hell, the spa and the Family room remodel must be complete all by Superbowl Sunday. The contractors are saying they can do it. We'll see! :)_
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As an owner of natural gas wells in the Barnett Shale I strongly urge you to keep it at 104F year round and the fireplace should be an eternal flame to honor all the hard work done at Boeing.:aok
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Originally posted by rpm
As an owner of natural gas wells in the Barnett Shale I strongly urge you to keep it at 104F year round and the fireplace should be an eternal flame to honor all the hard work done at Boeing.:aok
That's an eternal flame would be 100,000 BTU's burning a hole in my carbon footprint! :rofl
And doood...it's "The Lazy B", not Boeing. ;)
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lol rpm.. u are the reason for glabal warming..hehe
Rip thsi next summer we will begin the same project...backyard makeover, we just finished the retaining wall and gate..to keep the dam dogs out of the pool and mud.. we need decking and spa
But..today i was recaulking soem tiel in the bath tub...and a few tiel were loose...I pulled them out and more began to get loose..seesm liek soem moister has been doing a wee bit damage in the bathtub shower.....So..Im not sure if I need to replace all the tile..(we would like to update bathroom)..or just fix the minium..if possible...I find out tomorrow
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Originally posted by Ripsnort
And doood...it's "The Lazy B". ;)
roflmao How did I ever NOT see that one? Advantage Ripsnort.:rofl
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Gun, I see no-one's taken a shot at your question about the cost of excavation except for Laser but I bet you'll be looking at more like $500 - $1,000 for the dig.
The only question is the ground, in Dallas we had whiterock just under the surface and our pool dig (in 1970) was a real hassle as I recall.
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Originally posted by Thruster
Gun, I see no-one's taken a shot at your question about the cost of excavation except for Laser but I bet you'll be looking at more like $500 - $1,000 for the dig.
The only question is the ground, in Dallas we had whiterock just under the surface and our pool dig (in 1970) was a real hassle as I recall.
Thanks actually,
We decided against it as we do not want to risk damaging the liner again. It has to be custum made and is pretty expensive.
I am working on the deck though. I tore the old one out and just as I thought it opened up the yard completley. I'm in the process of building a smaller one with a bigger ladder going into the pool. I'm re-using most of the old wood as I'm on a shoestring budget.
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Big and Gun,
Post pics of your projects! I love watching work progress, and lessons learned is so valuable!
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RIP your gonna burn the house down!
IF said garage is still carpeted........... 1 nice red hot ember from the kids poking in that fire.............you know they will leave the back door there open(just like in the pix) and good by Rips yellow water party pad.
LOL just kidding i thought you said natural gas fire place. Keep them boys from putting sticks in there to get the on fire.
I woulda put the fire place on the other side away from the house, but i guess it depends on what you'll use more and wehat needs to be closer to the house.........my cold wet arse isnt gonna stop by the fire on the way to get warm in the house nor is my dry cold arse gonna wanna stop by the fire on my way to the tub........
but looks great Rippy nice job.
BTW whats dead in the side yard i see the lil white cross over by the trees.
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Originally posted by boxboy28
I woulda put the fire place on the other side away from the house, but i guess it depends on what you'll use more and wehat needs to be closer to the house.........
The gas fireplace is 1/2 way between the RV garage you see in the pic and the house. The house is right behind me where I took that picture...about 6 steps to the house.
Originally posted by boxboy28
BTW whats dead in the side yard i see the lil white cross over by the trees.
The cross is my hunting buddy. He lasted 15 years before he left for greener pastures and lots of pheasants flushing.
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OHHHH so the RV doesnt get carpet? :aok
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Originally posted by boxboy28
OHHHH so the RV doesnt get carpet? :aok
Nope! :) Oil changes are messy on carpet! ;)
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Some final shots of the completed Spa. They come back Tue to clean up the area, then I begin to landscape.
I sorted these pics walking right to left.
In the first pic you'll see straw in the background, that is a 3 ft change in elevation, so steps and two winter palms will go in that area to block the garage view. A path will lead to the garden. You can also see the rock speakers to the left of the spa, wired underground to a stereo in the RV garage.
(http://pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL767/2726312/18209750/302019113.jpg)
(http://pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL767/2726312/18209750/302019128.jpg)
(http://pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL767/2726312/18209750/302019122.jpg)
(http://pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL767/2726312/18209750/302019117.jpg)
(http://pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL767/2726312/18209750/302019134.jpg)
(http://pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL767/2726312/18209750/302019131.jpg)
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Looks nice, Rip.
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Thanks Sandy, come on up, we'll tip a beer. :aok