Hi TFP,
I just became the proud owner of an in-ground, salt-chlorinated Gunite swimming pool. It is approximately 23,000 gallons and has a pretty steep decline into the deep end. There is roughly 210 SQFT at average depth of 4 feet, and 309 SQFT at average depth of 7 feet. It has an~95 linear feet perimeter, and approximately 1,200 SQFT of surface area (walls+floor). It has one skimmer, and the deep-end drain is non-operational. The climate here is low single digit winters, short spring/falls, and 90-105 degree summers of high humidity. I live on flat farm land so sun exposure is high. Not sure on water quality as I am still working on looking at that.
During the inspection phase multiple pool contractors noted the pool needed to be re-surfaced and I agree with them; its a mess. They also noted that while the tiles are functional, they are old/ugly and while they are resurfacing they might as well replace the tile too. I also agree with them on that. No issues with all that. Decking/coping look great.
The issue is cost. Due to the insane growth and building in this area, I was only able to get 3 people that aren't booked out a year or more. Of those 3 only one would apply Diamond Brite and he's a small independent guy that is going to subcontract the plaster work. Said experience is 5 years.
So I am "stuck" (if I want my pool this summer) with a 14,500 to apply a Diamond Brite finish to 1200 SQFT with a subcontractor. They also bid 4,500 to re-tile the ~60 SQFT (95ft by 7 inch tile depth) tile line. By high-end estimates on google the tiling should cost somewhere around $2500 at most depending on materials. The surfacing... not sure. Mostly concerned with the tile work. That seems like double what it should be.
Am I missing something, or is this just out the world high? I'd like to discuss the price with the contractor and see if he can come down, but all I have is google prices which doesn't give me the ammo I need to have an intelligent pricing conversation.
Thanks for any time spent helping!
I just became the proud owner of an in-ground, salt-chlorinated Gunite swimming pool. It is approximately 23,000 gallons and has a pretty steep decline into the deep end. There is roughly 210 SQFT at average depth of 4 feet, and 309 SQFT at average depth of 7 feet. It has an~95 linear feet perimeter, and approximately 1,200 SQFT of surface area (walls+floor). It has one skimmer, and the deep-end drain is non-operational. The climate here is low single digit winters, short spring/falls, and 90-105 degree summers of high humidity. I live on flat farm land so sun exposure is high. Not sure on water quality as I am still working on looking at that.
During the inspection phase multiple pool contractors noted the pool needed to be re-surfaced and I agree with them; its a mess. They also noted that while the tiles are functional, they are old/ugly and while they are resurfacing they might as well replace the tile too. I also agree with them on that. No issues with all that. Decking/coping look great.
The issue is cost. Due to the insane growth and building in this area, I was only able to get 3 people that aren't booked out a year or more. Of those 3 only one would apply Diamond Brite and he's a small independent guy that is going to subcontract the plaster work. Said experience is 5 years.
So I am "stuck" (if I want my pool this summer) with a 14,500 to apply a Diamond Brite finish to 1200 SQFT with a subcontractor. They also bid 4,500 to re-tile the ~60 SQFT (95ft by 7 inch tile depth) tile line. By high-end estimates on google the tiling should cost somewhere around $2500 at most depending on materials. The surfacing... not sure. Mostly concerned with the tile work. That seems like double what it should be.
Am I missing something, or is this just out the world high? I'd like to discuss the price with the contractor and see if he can come down, but all I have is google prices which doesn't give me the ammo I need to have an intelligent pricing conversation.
Thanks for any time spent helping!
