Monday, August 24, 2009

Life's Too Short--Build A Pool! - Part 1


After braving four summers in Oklahoma's dry heat, we made the monumental decision to build a pool. This summer, with its particularly brutal 100-plus temperatures and little rain, served as the final impetus for us to seek out one of our neighbors who manages Blue Haven Pools and get the ball rolling. On August 6, the fun began.

Here is how the nice green grass looked with the pool outline.


The logistics of getting Bobcats into the yard made us nervous. They had to first go through this narrow space.


Part of our new fence was dismantled, and the crepe myrtle had to be temporarily relocated.


Our little garden fence had to be partially removed.


After that, it was clear sailing.


Apparently all it takes to bring rain is to start a pool. On the second day, we received over an inch.


You can see why Oklahoma is famous for red dirt!


As the work progresses, the removed dirt is spread onto the yard.


These guys work hard.


The excitement continued after the weekend; gravel was brought to the driveway and carted back to the hole.



This pipe will have to be rerouted.


Scott, the Blue Haven manager, assures Randy all will be well, while my mother and Buddy the dog look on approvingly.




Steelwork was completed.


And of course the rains came again, and again. Here is the back yard after a three-inch rain.



In spite of the mud, progress was made on plumbing and electrical work. Now we are finally dried out and anticipating the concrete work this week.

19 comments:

  1. See.. you do need to adopt me!!!!!!

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  2. When are you inviting me over for a pool party??? :)

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  3. Carrie, get the forum van ready!

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  4. Well Granny, you knew how to make it rain anyway! I love it! Is that Great Granny in there? I love her smile! Oh, BTW, I will join Susie & Carrie. ;-)

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  5. LOL about the rains coming the minute you start construction on the pool. What a wonderful luxury. I'm sure you and your family will greatly enjoy this. Just think of all the pool parties!

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  6. HoneyB, yes that is my Mom--she has promised to put her toes in the pool ;)

    Katy, I think we've been there & done that on the pool parties--we're just wanting a place to "chill out" during the summer ;)

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  7. Your pool looks like it is going to turn out to be gorgeous! I have an above ground pool with a deck built around it, but that's not as nice looking as an in ground pool ;)

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  8. Katie, I've seen some VERY nice looking above ground pools! And it's just nice to have one, regardless, right? ;)

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  9. How great to see your photos of the pool progress! Thanks for sharing. Will you still get to use it this season?

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  10. LadyJP, I thought this would be a great way to document the progress. We will get to use it this season; we will have warm weather through October!

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  11. How cool that you'll have a pool. :)

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  12. Dishy, you are a poet & don't know it. ;)

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  13. Yes indeed, when is the pool party?

    Thanks for the progress pictures!

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  14. Sophie, I will definitely have a pool party and cook up a storm, then I'll be too chubby to put on my bathing suit. ;)

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  15. Wow, congrats! You're going to love this pool in the coming years. I can't wait until it's finished so I can take a dip. :)

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  16. Wow! It's gorgeous. I'd love to have one just like it.

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  17. Kelly, thanks for visiting! And thanks for the advice on slashing my bread--I'll give the razor a try.

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