Just got the bid in we will probably go with. PB wants to install frog system. Is there any shame in having him install it then switch to the BBB method as soon as I get comfortable with being a first time pool owner ?
Just got the bid in we will probably go with. PB wants to install frog system. Is there any shame in having him install it then switch to the BBB method as soon as I get comfortable with being a first time pool owner ?
Yeah, unfortunately he's probably getting a commission on those Frog systems. If you can, tell him you'd rather not have a Frog system and that a simple in-line chlorinator will suffice. He'll probably hit you up for extra $$$ by saying he can't get any other system as cheaply, blah, blah, blah. You could just say no thanks to any inline chlorinator and tell him to just give you a straight run of PVC so you can add your own Stenner chlorine pump later, but I imagine that'll just ruffle his feathers and cause a little bit of indignant feelings.
It's always hard to know because most PB's are "dealers" for specific brands (which is how they make extra money), so when you want to deviate from their standard operating procedures, they get annoyed. I personally would have no problem with demanding what I want from a project that would cost me tens of thousands of dollars, but I understand your reticence...
Ye
It's always hard to know because most PB's are "dealers" for specific brands (which is how they make extra money), so when you want to deviate from their standard operating procedures, they get annoyed. I personally would have no problem with demanding what I want from a project that would cost me tens of thousands of dollars, but I understand your reticence...
who cares if you annoy the PB, he isn't your buddy doing you a favor. you are paying him a lot of money to put in what YOU want. put away any personal feelings when dealing with contractors. its a business agreement. never be afraid to negotiation and demand changes. if they wont, find another PB
I get where you're going with that and I totally agree that it should be a business arrangement but the truth is, it rarely ever is. The PB is someone that will be in your life for the better part of 2-3 months. There will be periods during the build where you will be talking almost daily to your PB and he and his crew will be showing up at 0-dark-early every day. A pool build is a very invasive process filled with intense amounts of stress both financial, physical and emotional. You are essentially tearing up your backyard and living on a construction site for the better part of 2 months. There will crews of various and savory characters wandering around your yard. And, this assumes everything goes off without any problems (which it never does).
So, my suggestion to the OP is to treat the PB with respect and try to cultivate a positive relationship with him, not an adversarial one. Should problems arise, and they will, having started off with harsh feeling will only complicate matters down the road.
Specifically with the Frog system, you could always ask for that straight PVC pipe and then ask the PB to investigate installing a Stenner pump. If you're willing to throw him a little extra cash to make it worth his (and his plumber's) while, then it's a win-win for everyone.
should be a business arrangement but the truth is, it rarely ever is.
I deal with contractors every day in my line of work.