unheard

Sounds very promising.

Is it the new 2023-2024 redesigned model? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeNuVUK7QcM

You're correct!

@matchar You're reading the labels correctly. The problem is with the labels - somehow they've managed to print the second one with an incorrect star rating. At the egat's own site both models carry the same efficiency rating - 5★★ The energy consumption numbers are also messed up as printed on the labels.

@elena edwards Get a new plastic tank and a pump. Also make a habit of periodically (depending on water quality) draining sediments accumulated at the bottom of the tank. You can also purchase a Reverse Osmosis filtration system installed under the kitchen counter. It will remove more than 99% of impurities, including all bacteria.

It means everything. But you're right on the point that I should have used a better choice of wording. Of course there are exceptions. But overall?

@Chris1975 You need to run a lab water test. This particular test includes: pH, Turbidity, Color, Total Hardness, Chloride, Total Iron, Manganese, Nitrate, Sulfate, Total Dissolved Solids, Arsenic, Cadmium, Copper, Lead, Mercury, Selenium, Zinc, Cyanide, Fluoride, Non Carbonate Hardness, Standard Plate Count, Coliform Bacteria, E. coli https://www.testtech.co.th/th

He's in Chiang Rai - pile driving is probably out of question. And yeah, he does need to talk to a local builder, the very least.

That's how they do footing foundations all throughout Thailand:

There's no rebar being used between the bricks - structurally it's not needed in the non load-bearing wall. Metal rods being used as joint reinforcements in the areas where walls join columns or other walls . With one side of the rod embedded into the brick while the other side drilled into the concrete column or other wall.

Thai red brick is durable, cheap material that is being used just about everywhere in Thailand by default. Yes by itself It doesn't offer great insulating values but can be made thermally and acoustically efficient via simple double wall designs that are still fairly affordable. Clay structures in Thailand? I haven't seen many, if any. I think there must be a reason for that. Sounds like a maintenance nightmare. As constructed in Thailand, do they offer any seismic resistance? Their resistance to earth shaking would be pretty much near zero if not constructed within strict guidelines, e.g. 30 cm minimum wall thickness, with ceilings of no more than 8 times of the wall thickness, specific shape of the building, specifically built corners, roof structure and how it connects to the walls and many, many other things that must be considered, designed and even more importantly built by a specialist, which would certainly add a great deal to the overall costs. btw, many areas of Thailand are seismically active.

Depends on... design of the house, region of the country, proximity to the sizeable city, cost and availability of housing for the building crew, proximity to the sources of construction materials, road access availability, site preparation requirements etc, etc, etc... In addition, an unpermitted house in the countryside constructed by the part-time builders (farmers) will be significantly cheaper as compared to the exact same design constructed from the similar materials on the same lot if done by a bigger city based legit builder.

You might still be able to fit your budget (you haven't specified) by making the pool smaller. You might be able to save significantly by the ways of adjusting pool's dimensions (by reducing its length and/or width) but still keeping it very functional for your particular use. The equipment choice might also play some role in keeping the prices down. The pump and salt chlorinator are the most expensive parts on the equipment list. e.g. the American Hayward pump is at least 2X or even more as expensive as the very similar Chinese one. The same story is with the chlorinator. There are many things to consider. If you're really set on getting a pool, I'd advise you to spend some time on learning about swimming pools and their equipment before making the commitment. Also would be real helpful to learn about pool maintenance in general. Don't just go with the pool builder's advise. He's not exactly unbiased.

Not unreasonable for that size. But not cheap either. Try other builders.

Depending on the area, there are still many non-reach Thai families living in old, all teak houses, which are being passed from generation to generation.

The standard way is to make a concrete foundation (with lots of rebar). Could be elevated or not, usually set on concrete footings or sometimes piles. The walls are of the non load-bearing type. Over here they use load-bearing concrete frames consisting of concrete footings and floors attached to concrete columns. The bricks are placed in between the columns to form non load-bearing walls. The metal roof beams complete the structural frame at the top.

That's why I've mentioned he might reimburse them, just not at the market prices. And yes, amazingly generous relatives do exist. It all depends on his personal situation.

"Miles from anywhere" usually means you can build whatever you want and how you want - no permits necessary. But still advisable "just in case".

@SenorTashi "So I'm wondering what other inexpensive, natural options there are." That would be teak wood if you happened to have any close relatives that could spare (or sell for a song) a run down old teak house. Then you could re-use all that wood and build a new house for yourself. Teak is durable, but very expensive natural option if purchased on the open market. If not then red bricks is the only inexpensive "natural" option. It's cheap and durable - the local default material used for walls.

Not to pollute this thread... What brand(s) did you use for the pump and chlorinator?

Not much in savings considering all the hassle, unless that's your kind of fun and learning experience. But that's really personal...btw thank you for your specific answer.

Hmm, not really the blanket DIY then?

Do it yourself? Why would you do such a thing? Unless you're experienced in the field or spent a considerable amount of time researching the subject and know exactly what you're doing and have some builder's skills. Even then why even bother unless you enjoy the building activities in general? The task of building a pool requires specific expertise and is very labor intensive.

That attachment is too simplistic and doesn't really clarify much. The reflective sheet will not do "marvels". Just check your attic space temps at the end of a sunny day. Unless... It's a ventilated attic with enough of air flow. A light color roof will help a little, but certainly will not make much of a difference.

You have to shop around... Big companies with beautiful websites and fluent English will be the costliest. You might also want to adjust the proposed pool dimensions. If you're a good swimmer and looking for a lap pool then you can easily shave off some of the cost by making it narrower, say at 2.5-3m in width. Fiberglass pools are generally cheaper and much, much quicker to complete. But you have to be aware of the differences. Concrete and fiberglass both have their pros and cons. Sometimes your location conditions can also have some play (e.g. ground water levels, soils prone to ground-shifting). You'd have to do some research (don't pay attention to biased sources) to be able to find the one that fits you the best.