New Pool - South Jersey

[jkearney30]

Hello Everyone,

I just discovered this website last night and am so glad I did. I am currently out shopping around who to use to build my pool and what is the best concrete walls, Gunite, or one builder uses a "hybrid" and they call it Aquakrete. So far I have one quote, they will be PB1 and it is for an Aquakrete pool, which is 10" concrete walls, 2 inch concrete bottom with vermiculite and a vinyl liner.

PB1:

The pool is their lagoon and the biggest one they sell that is not custom, 895 SQ Ft swimming area and is $35,000
Dolphin Vacuum $900
HP 150 (heat pump) $5,600
2 Pentair 5G Led Lights $1,300
Salt Screen Logic $3,000
Safety Cover $5,600
4 Deck Jets $1,200
Turbo Twister Slide $4,600
Diving Board $1,900
Inside Bench $1,200
Electric Hookups $2,730
Total: $63,030
- $4,260 discount
Final Cost: $58,770

Everything they are using is Pentair and it is a variable speed pump and they stated I get a 3 year parts and labor warranty on all of it because it is all Pentair. Besides this, I don't know much about any of this. Should I ask other questions and is this Concrete/Vinyl Liner pool good? I have another builder calling me back today to give me his quote on the steel wall pool.

Thanks in advance everyone!

 

[SuzfromTexas]

Welcome to TFP! I'm not the expert you're looking for, but there are many on here who will help. I can't wait to watch your build - I love these great big pools, and yours certainly qualifies!

Did you see this pool build thread? It's several years back, but it might be helpful. I even wonder if it's the same company.
New Build Quote

While you are waiting for experts, you can get started on posting more pictures - the more, the better. We're cuckoo for pictures! To post more photos, you can become a member (see the 'Support TFP' button at the top of this page), or use something like photobucket to copy and paste the IMG code. Photobucket on my computer stinks, but it's fast and easier with the app on my phone. If you need more help, I'll get you the link to the photo tutorial. We really are serious about our photos! Lol!!

Back to PB 1.... Living down here in Houston, I'd pay that in a heartbeat for that size pool. Wow - if only I had the space! You've got a great list of features included in the price. Don't trust my word, but I would think you would need more than 2 lights for that size pool. I love that the PB included a dolphin cleaner or robot. Find out the model he's quoting. That says he's not hanging on to the old cleaners that require a pump using more electricity. When you get closer to choosing a PB, you'll want to let us know about skimmers, returns, filter system. I would also ask on this thread for someone's thoughts comparing a heat pump to a heater in your area. I'm not a fan of deck jets from what I've read. They can clog and even slight breezes play havoc with the lovely arcs. I can see the lighted ones for night use being a little more worth it. But I understand when the heart has to have what it wants! I'm clueless here... Is the salt screen logic the salt water generator or the automation that includes controlling a salt system. Either way, you'll need to consider automation and what it will do for you. And do you want chlorine or a salt system to keep your water safe for swimming. Size info on filters, pumps, and salt cell (if that's not what is already listed) will help others help you.

I know this is exciting!! With tfp helping, you'll enjoy the build much more - I promise!!

Almost forgot... Does this pool have a sun shelf? I love mine, especially at the beginning and end of the swim season when the air is warm, but the water is too chilly for swimming. I can sit in my chair, splash my feet, and relax. I don't feel quite as cheated by the cold water.

Take care,
Suz

 

[PoolGate]

"biggest one they sell that is not custom" is an odd statement. PBs around here do "free form" pools and make them whatever size/shape you want. This is a sprayed concrete pool right and not a fiberglass drop-in?

 

[jkearney30]

Thank you for your response - I just found this board last night and tried to call my sales rep today so I could get more information that I clearly need but he wasn't in. I am hoping he gets back to me today, worse case will be tomorrow since I clearly don't fully understand this! As far as deck jets, I think I agree with you and do want the color ones and I am certainly going to look into this. I will post pictures and better information tomorrow for sure!

Welcome to TFP! I'm not the expert you're looking for, but there are many on here who will help. I can't wait to watch your build - I love these great big pools, and yours certainly qualifies!

Did you see this pool build thread? It's several years back, but it might be helpful. I even wonder if it's the same company.
New Build Quote

While you are waiting for experts, you can get started on posting more pictures - the more, the better. We're cuckoo for pictures! To post more photos, you can become a member (see the 'Support TFP' button at the top of this page), or use something like photobucket to copy and paste the IMG code. Photobucket on my computer stinks, but it's fast and easier with the app on my phone. If you need more help, I'll get you the link to the photo tutorial. We really are serious about our photos! Lol!!

Back to PB 1.... Living down here in Houston, I'd pay that in a heartbeat for that size pool. Wow - if only I had the space! You've got a great list of features included in the price. Don't trust my word, but I would think you would need more than 2 lights for that size pool. I love that the PB included a dolphin cleaner or robot. Find out the model he's quoting. That says he's not hanging on to the old cleaners that require a pump using more electricity. When you get closer to choosing a PB, you'll want to let us know about skimmers, returns, filter system. I would also ask on this thread for someone's thoughts comparing a heat pump to a heater in your area. I'm not a fan of deck jets from what I've read. They can clog and even slight breezes play havoc with the lovely arcs. I can see the lighted ones for night use being a little more worth it. But I understand when the heart has to have what it wants! I'm clueless here... Is the salt screen logic the salt water generator or the automation that includes controlling a salt system. Either way, you'll need to consider automation and what it will do for you. And do you want chlorine or a salt system to keep your water safe for swimming. Size info on filters, pumps, and salt cell (if that's not what is already listed) will help others help you.

I know this is exciting!! With tfp helping, you'll enjoy the build much more - I promise!!

Almost forgot... Does this pool have a sun shelf? I love mine, especially at the beginning and end of the swim season when the air is warm, but the water is too chilly for swimming. I can sit in my chair, splash my feet, and relax. I don't feel quite as cheated by the cold water.

Take care,
Suz

- - - Updated - - -

The only other info I can give regarding this statement is he said if I did want a bigger pool I would have to switch to Gunite and then they would do whatever I wanted, the quoted price above is what he calls a Hybrid Pool and has a vinyl liner still. Thanks for the comment!

"biggest one they sell that is not custom" is an odd statement. PBs around here do "free form" pools and make them whatever size/shape you want. This is a sprayed concrete pool right and not a fiberglass drop-in?

 

[kimkats]

OH yeah! In from the beginning! Make sure to get all model numbers of any and all equipment!

So where is a picture of the yard this pool is going in???

Kim

 

[jkearney30]

Hi Kimkats, I have a call setup with my sales rep today to get all the info needed and once my account gets switched over to Gold Supporter status (just donated this morning) I will be uploading pictures!

 

[SuzfromTexas]

Thanks for becoming a Gold Supporter - that's awesome!

I'll be interested to see your next quote on the steel wall pool, when you have time. If you need questions to ask pool builders, let me know. Have I got a list for you!!

Have a great day! :sun:

 

[jkearney30]

Here is a picture of my yard from a month ago when I was still in the process of removing my huge pine trees. I also showed off my artistic side and tried to draw where the pool will go and how it possibly will be positioned. I also attached a picture of pricing and it shows some more information and if I should ask anything else please let me know!

I am still waiting to hear back from the two other builders and I will also post more pictures tomorrow when I will have time to take some more with different views.

SuzfromTexas - what are your thoughts on a steel wall pool, how long do these walls usually hold up?

Thanks everyone!

 

[SuzfromTexas]

J, I'm so sorry, but I have a gunite pool. I have no idea how long the steel walls hold up. I will do some research, and see what I can find.

Here's a good thread from 2015 that looks helpful. It also has a link in one of the posts from a thread in 2010. That's pretty old, but I liked the advice that stressed the critical factor in wall material is the builder and how competent and experienced he is. You might want to read that one, too.

Inground Vinyl lined concrete versus steel wall?

Let me know if you need more info. For the money we spend on pools, we need to be comfortable with what we're going with!!

 

[kimkats]

Suz in for the win!! THANKS!

Kim

 

[shanebo]

Just built a pool last year in S. Jersey (a little north of you, though ...). The build process was a huge pain, but we're really enjoying it now. A couple of thoughts:

- Get 2-3 additional quotes (sounds like you're already on top of this one), and pick the one you're most comfortable with (not necessarily the cheapest).
- Remember to factor in additional expenses -- additional decking (?), fence, landscaping, etc. None of these are included in your estimate, and could add $10k or more to your costs.
- Understand the differences in heat pump v. gas heater. I didn't fully comprehend this until the kids wanted to swim in late April, but my heat pump was only raising the pool temp 4-5 degrees per day. Meanwhile, the neighbor's gas heater had his pool 25 degrees warmer in what seemed like an afternoon. I'd still go with the HP, but you'll want to understand the differences and pick which one best suits your needs.
- If you're not sure what type of pool you want, you should look into all possible options. In our area, you can probably get a steel/vinyl liner pool for significantly cheaper than your quote. Fiberglass would be about the same, but might not be feasible in 8' depth in our area. Gunite pool will likely cost a little more, but should last longer.
- Somebody mentioned the lights. If you're going for a white or light blue liner, 2 lights should be sufficient. You could use more if you're going with a darker color. I have 4 in mine, but it's a dark plaster. My neighbor has white plaster and 2 lights are fine (one at each end).
- I was advised against deck jets because it's very windy at my house. Just throwing that out there.
- You're gonna love the turbo twister slide, and like your idea of getting a diving board too. I did not, and I kinda miss it ...

Good luck with the build!

 

[nj323ci]

I just recently made the same decision - concrete wall vs. metal wall both with vinyl liner. I decided on the metal wall due to feeling more comfortable with the builder. Answered all my questions, flexible with my requests, references local to me etc. I'm in Central NJ and these were the 2 most popular pool types in my area. I was concerned about SWG with the steel wall, but if installed correctly should last just as long as concrete wall. Good luck with your decision, I'm sure either will be great.

I'll be posting a new build thread with photos once the begin. I'm still in the engineering /permit phase.

 

[jkearney30]

Okay so here is the latest update I have. First and foremost, what a project this is but I am sure glad I have all of you behind me. PB1 is coming out to my property for the first time on Friday to go over everything with me. I have met at their building numerous times and so far he has been great and he only does Concrete.

PB2 emailed me a quote, all of my conversations with him have been over the phone but he has been good as well. He is coming out to my property on Saturday and he provided me with the following quote via email. He also only does concrete walls with vinyl liner or gunite.


PB3 - This guy lives in my town and has installed almost every IG pool in my town and the surrounding areas. He only does the steel walls and is very old school but has been installing pools for 30 years. I have talked to 5 people so far who have pools installed by him, one that was installed last year, and 4 people who have had their pools for a minimum of 5 years, up to one person who has had it for 12 years. I live in a small community where everyone knows everyone, so it has been easy to get references for him, but I do have a minor problem with him. He is so old school, he didn't didn't know what the ScreenLogic2 is and he has only installed one Pentair Intelliflo VSP and it was on his pool at his house and he simply said "I don't even know how to work the thing". He said he only installs Hayward stuff. He has not given me a price yet because I don't think he knows how to price this all out since he has never done it. He did tell me he would do all of the Pentair stuff but asked if I would help him. What do you guys think about this?

I brought up SWG, he stated he doesn't like it. Color changing lights, deck jets, and the ScreenLogic2, he had no clue about it. The only good thing is, he is not saying "I won't do it", he does come back and say "hey, we can do it if that is what you want, I am just being honest that I haven't done it".

How hard is this stuff to actually do versus the old school setups he has been doing for 30+ years? Just because he hasn't done it, does that mean he can't? I have been reading and it doesn't seem like it is too hard and I honestly believe I will be able to get a good deal out of this because I told him he could use my yard when we were all done as a show piece and he could start selling these extra features to new clients. If this stuff is hard to install and you feel I should get someone who has done it over and over, I will go to PB1 because it is not all about the money; right now it is about what I want and who I like and right now I actually like PB1 and PB3 both a lot.

Thanks again everyone!

 

[PoolGate]

I think you should have a few more quotes including gunuite pools since you are in that territory money-wise anyway. I wish I could go back in time and start over using what I have learned on this forum to help me get the right equipment. I am now going to be paying more for "upgrades" since I wasn't told and didn't ask. Since I already signed a contract all these are "change orders".

 

[Esloser]

I'd also consider gunite. My gunite pool with spa, 400k btu heater, deck jets (2), tanning ledge, came in around $62k with 1,000 square feet of concrete. It's 36,000 gallons (18.5' x 42.5'). I think the size of that liner will be a PIA later to replace as well as expensive. Plaster will last you 10-20 years? I didn't get a slide, but that would've added another $4k to the price. I did get it pre-plumbed so that I could add one down the road.

 

[shanebo]

I have Hayward Omnilogic (which I assume is similar to the Pentair Screenlogic system) and it's awesome. BUT it did require a fairly extensive set-up/dial-in process -- I might be a little hesitant to foist that upon someone who has no experience in that area, unless he's willing to learn it or can/will get a rep to help him out. If you're only controlling lights and SWG, that's probably pretty simple, but if it will also be running VS pump and valve for water slide, it's a little more complex.

I think the base price for a gunite pool of that size in our area will be $45-50k, but I can't recall specifically.

 

[jkearney30]

I just contacted PB1 and he stated that my current setup in Gunite would be around $85k and I would lose the discount because that only applies to vinyl pools. Yippee.

More to come later, I am following everyone's advice and have called three more builders.

 

[Esloser]

Any idea how many gallons that thing is going to be? Do you have natural gas in your area? I can't imagine a heat pump being economical - aren't they electric? I know with a 400k btu heater, I can heat the pool 5 degrees in a couple of hours.

 

[PoolGate]

Wow - in my area (Maryland) vinyl and gunite are about the same price. What size is your pool again? 22 x 34 x 40? L shaped?

FYI:
Gas: $500/month
Heat Pump: $100/month

 

[jkearney30]

The last time I asked this guy (PB1) how many gallons it is he said "wow, I don't know, no one ever asks that, I would guess around 35k", and said it is 895 sq feet of swimming area. I do have gas to my property but am leaning towards the heat pump because of solar and electric cost. The pool is considered the "Lagoon".