We're thinking (seriously) about installing a pool in the backyard. The Concord summers would make it a useful thing to have and it's always been a sort of dream of mine to have a pool in the backyard. We've talked to a local contractor about installing a small fiberglass Viking-brand pool, but their quote was late, high and short (as in: it didn't seem like they are interested in the job).

We're presently still looking into the Viking Pool (if we can get an installer to actually call us) and we've been having a great discussion with a local gunite pool installer as well. Below are two plans, the fiberglass pool option (8.5X18) and the tradtional gunite pool (12X24). If anyone is interested in looking at a more detailed plan, a full PDF of the gunite plan is here. The gunite version could also be a vinyl-liner install as well — we have no affinity to materials, really, as each has their pros/cons.

We've also entertained a DIY installation of an EndlessPool Waterwell at 10X15, but the depth is the most shallow at 4.5 feet. The price is about 1/2 the cost of the gunite install, but it would include quite a bit more DIY excavation and permiting.

There is one space where clearance might be an issue in the side yard by the large tree, but it's not too tight for a Bobcat (see icture below). We've also been told that equipment placement cannot be as close to the fenceline as planned in the Viking plan below, but would certinaly love to hear thoughts on that. Presently, we're thinking the boiler room might be large enough to house equipment or be expanded pretty easily (it's the black square on the gunite plan)… we're, of course, still in the planning stages and things can be flexible. The boiler room has/can have available 220V and 110V service and we'd not look to a pool contractor to add any new lines, but instead use our own electrician.

So:

• 12X24 (or 8.5X18 if fiberglass)
• gunite, fiberglass or vinyl
• no fancy upgrades on final finishes. a white/lt. blue non-pattern pool is our preference.
• no heat
• no spa
• no cover
• no fence
• electrical already in place (220V and 110V as needed)
• water already in place (presently in boiler room)
• equipment to reside in current boiler room… to be reconfigured/expanded as needed (by us)
• pool to include adequate coping, but not concrete surround.
• pool to include neutral 6X6 tiles (gray, white, lt. blue) around perimeter
• permits and approvals to be handled by contractor

If you happen to have thoughts, suggestions, comments or recommendations, please send them our way. We're definitely looking for other contractors to get a few point-of-reference on cost. Thanks. Comment below of send an email to red@redneckmodern.com.

This weekend and last, we helped a friend and neighbor, Laura, to build a zebrawood desk. It turned out well, no?

(Lots more pictures after the jump — and click on the pictures for larger, clearer versions)

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Laura’s Zebrawood DeskRead More »

One of the defining features of an Eichler home is the set of globe lights that were original to the homes built in the 60s (the late-50s often had a pagoda-style light). We've learned the hard way the each tract has a slightly different design — some white, some black, some with domed celing mounts, some with cylindrical)… but one thing's for sure. If a bad 70s renovation found yours in the skip, then you were sort of hosed.

Recently, though, a few folks have brought these back to the marketplace. While there have always been corded choices from Seagull Lighting and a few others — even Ikea — these new versions from Schoolhouse Electric and Rejuvination Hardware come sthe closest with solid rods. The ones from Rejuvination are even customizeable, however, I'd guess the Schoolhouse ones could be made shorter if necessary.

Of course, you can always replace with reproduction Nelson Bubble Lamps, too.

Replacements for the globes themselves can be tricky (and expensive), so if you do buy a new set of lights, you might think to get another whole lamp for extras down the road.