I'm trying to justify the extra cost of fiberglass here, so far I have not seen it just yet. The fiberglass pools we have had quoted, are large enough and the shape we want though. Cracks can occur and both fiberglass installers said if installed right should not be a problem. The warranty against cracks is 25 years or longer depending on the brand. If it does crack they will fix it. Seems reasonable.
Currently working on a CAD drawing of the backyard so I can start do drop these pools in and see how they fit with our decking plans, landscaping, etc.
The bashing has slowed down, but we will see how it gets as I choose a pool surface and narrow down from there.
Why did you decide to get a pool installed? Wife and kids period. Not too worried about resale, unless a certain type could lower the value of my house? Not allow AG pools in our sub.
Did you already owned a pool before, or taken care of one? No, but parents did as a kid. I went through pool school, remember. I likely know more than the sales guys already. I will worry about the pump, SWG, etc, later. I want to pick a pool surface first...
What do you expect from your new pool? For kids playing, entertaining, and relaxing.
- From what I see you want your pool in the front yard. This is the backyard, 10ft garage door is for the boat. My toy...
The new liner = new pool is a nice thought...
Thanks for your help!
Darkside of the Pool said:
[quote="X-PertPool":3vrl0aed]
cons
i've only seen them come in white, so i hope you like white
they tend to be smaller than some other pools since they are once piece they have to be transported by flatbed
you are locked into the styles that they sell, you can't really customize a shape
I have seen some lifting out of the ground (a few inches) and small cracks and blistering look like a pain to try to fix and match without it looking like a patched area.
We only sell Vinyl here, but:
- Tend to be smaller: You have dimensions in mind. They can't make it, too bad for them.
- Locked into styles that they sell: Kidney and Oval are pretty standard, and make looking for a cover that much easier.
- Lifting out and small cracks: Go see some of the installer's work. Pools that have a few years.
Now what I would recommend: Draw a plan of your house, as seen from above, to scale. Pool included. Tell each one of them you absolutely don't want a pool from their competitor but that you want to be absolutely sure about your project before going forward. That you need to see how it'll look in a few years. Tell them the concerns you might or might not have: test them if you feel the need. If you're comfortable, jump in.
If they still bash the competition and don't come up with real arguments, flee the premises immediately (''You know what, nevermind, you convinced me to go see them directly.''). [EDIT] And P-LEASE interrupt the guy in his speech. It might sound rude but you don't want to waste the next half-an-hour speaking of something he cannot sell you. In the long run, he might even benefit (learn) from it. If he doesn't, well, that's a shame.[/END EDIT]
This is the kind of situation a good salesman (not those you describe) would actually help. Asking a few questions, analyzing your needs (both factual and emotionnal) and offering you the good product for the good reasons:
Why did you decide to get a pool installed?
- Added value, keeping the kids home, exercises... This can really influence the pool shape you'll need. If you want to do lenghts to help your cardio, a 'round pool won't be of much help. If kids are older, a rectangular or oval pool might allow a net for aquatic sports...
Did you already owned a pool before, or taken care of one? (And if so, how did you took care of it?)
- This will help a lot the salesperson to focus on your need. By telling your likes and dislikes, and how much you know (and are willing to do) about taking care of a pool might serves you. For exemple, I wouldn't survive without a main drain for one.
What do you expect from your new pool?
- From what I see you want your pool in the front yard. That means might not want anyone to see the state of your pool. So you might need an hard, automated cover or something if you tend to have a lot of guests: Miscalculate your chlorine demand and that water will be murky white for a day or two.
- Want it for sports or personnal training? If you're gonna get the pool painted, might as well get some marks painted, either goal zone or to certain lenghts depending on the needs. Even if the pool's vinyl, discuss with your salesperson, they make the liners one by one, MAYBE they could get a pattern for you (I doubt it, but when you'll ask, the worst you'll get is a puzzled look and a no.)
- A nice relaxing zone? Maybe a smaller pool with a nice clear area for just the right furniture will suit you better. And with the money saved, an heat pump/SWCG could work wonders. Some surfaces might work better than others with the style you want to give to your pool. Salesperson have to adapt to your needs. ****, it's a 30 grands investment you do, salesperson might be doing 450$ or more out of this, make him work for it!
- Not to mention 10-15 years before selling. If I was a Vinyl Pool salesman (which I am not, sadly), I'd use the opportunity to sell the idea of replacing the liner a year or less before putting the house for sale. Even with the liner replacement, total cost should be lower than the two others and your pool will look brand new, adding to the pool value. That's my point of view anyways.
Being cheaper and more standard have perks as noted before. Replacement should be cheaper too, more people doing vinyl so you can bargain when (and if) a new liner is needed. Spare money can be spend on things that will increase your comfort (and if the one selling the pool sell those, like we do, you might get a discount or something): Heat Pump, Robotic cleaners, SWCG, hard covers, automated systems, a fence, safety cover, liquid chlorine dispenser, an awning, a patio furniture set... you name it!
Hope it helped.
And sorry for the text wall.[/quote:3vrl0aed]
