Cheapest place to buy __________

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O

oh-DIY-io

Well-known member
Jun 12, 2019
56
Ohio
Home Depot, Lowe's and Amazon usually have decent prices. But not always the best. What's everyone thoughts about a "cheapest place to buy _____" thread? I'd guess the biggest driver for a DIY pool build is to save money. Labor is a big piece but so is material cost. I realize the prices can be regional and will change but it'd be nice to get pointed in the right direction.

As an example. A few of the things I still need that I feel like I could save money on with enough research are:
  • Bonding wire
  • Bonding lugs
  • PVC
  • Pavers (if I can get the DIY price down to the professionally installed concrete price)
  • Electrical wire (#2 for wiring the subpanel and whatever it is I'll need to put a junction box on the far side of the pool)
  • Conduit for the electrical wire
  • 5/8" gas pipe to upsize the connection from my propane tank to handle my 400k BTU heater
  • Etc
  • Etc
After hours of research, here's two good buys I've found
  • POOL CRETE - Pool warehouse ended up having the cheapest base. ($100 cheaper than the next. $500+ cheaper than many)
  • POOL TROWEL - $14 on amazon. $40 at Home Depot
I'd love any input on the thread idea and any ideas on my shopping list.

Thanks!
Bryce
 
Last edited:
Paver prices vary depending on the material (concrete, travertine, etc) and where you buy. Research local suppliers and avoid HD or Lowes on these. I was pleasantly surprised by the cost of travertine paver material (starting at $3.50/sf). When comparing to concrete you have to keep in mind the added cost of the subgrade preparation (minimum of 4" compacted aggregate base over geofabric + 1" leveling sand + the diy labor).

As far as pvc (plumbing or electrical), fittings and wire, local supply houses can be a bit more than HD or Lowes if you do not have an account and just come in off the street.

I bought some valves from: SupplyHouse.com - Plumbing, Heating & HVAC Supplies
Avoid odd sizes for plumbing (looking at you 2.5") as HD and Lowes do not stock this size if you need a fitting or 2 in a pinch.

I scored my bonding wire off of Amazon for cheap compared to anything local: Southwire 10632802 500 ft. 8 Solid Bare Copper Wire, 8 Guage - Electrical Cables - Amazon.com
 
DrawlGuy said:
Appreciate the link!

This is a well developed page on a specific topic. It makes me think there may be more pages on other topics. I can't figure out how to find that section of the website though... How do I navigate there?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

This is the index to our new Wiki that is in development ...

Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
 
borjis said:
I know my local Lowe's had the bonding wire. (by the foot) and they also
had the bonding wire connector - not a lug mind you, just something to tie two wires together.
Click to expand...
I was at Home Depot last night looking at it. It was 62 cents/foot. I found it on Amazon for 500' at $160. (half the cost). I'll keep looking and post what I end up buying.
 
I buy alot of wire on ebay esp bond wire and lugs. I am a contractor so the supply house beats depot or lowes and is close to online price for me so I spend local there for PVC and material. Pavers find the largest supply house near you that contractors use dont buy cheap stuff wont last. We use alot of CST products about 2/ft for classic cobble style
 

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