Looking to build first pool

[dmavs3504]

Hello all-

We live in Southwest Oklahoma and are trying to finalize plans for our first in ground pool in our forever home. My in laws have an in ground concrete pool with spa so my significant other is familiar with pool care. I grew up with a neighborhood pool but no such options here.

Wait lists are nearly 25 weeks around here, and we are on a wait list with refundable deposit for a 40’ Monaco pool with automatic cover, spa and diving board for nearly 140k! With the long wait we reached out to some concrete builders to see what our other options were.

A local reputable builder was strongly against automatic covers on big pools due to the inevitable maintenance and offered the following quote and I’m wondering if anyone can help me better understand this quote or possibly what upgrades may be worth asking about? The concrete price is obviously better and with how backed up the fiberglass guy is, we lose the benefit of quick fiberglass install. I initially read a bunch about ease of cleaning fiberglass pools so initially the cleansability and quick install were draws to fiberglass- but honestly I don’t have a huge preference for fiberglass vs concrete . We have kids and want a diving board but my significant other wants a play pool, so the concrete option is an L shape to allow both.

Thanks a ton, and looking forward to learning more

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP! I would ask about the following:
- How many return jets exactly? I'd be looking for 4-6 if possible.
- What pump exactly? You do NOT want a single speed. 2-speed is fine, or variable speed. Need to confirm.
- I see nothing about method of chlorinating which tells me they will probably stick a tab dispenser on the return plumbing. Ask about a salt water generator (rated for 2x teh size of your pool) for easy chlorination. Tab feeders are good for a short period only, then they add too much stabilizer to the pool and you'll be adding liquid chlorine manually each day.

Enjoy!

 

[dmavs3504]

Welcome to TFP! I would ask about the following:
- How many return jets exactly? I'd be looking for 4-6 if possible.
- What pump exactly? You do NOT want a single speed. 2-speed is fine, or variable speed. Need to confirm.
- I see nothing about method of chlorinating which tells me they will probably stick a tab dispenser on the return plumbing. Ask about a salt water generator (rated for 2x teh size of your pool) for easy chlorination. Tab feeders are good for a short period only, then they add too much stabilizer to the pool and you'll be adding liquid chlorine manually each day.

Enjoy!

Great questions!! Thank you so much for the post- I will follow up with the builder!
does a salt water generator mean a salt water pool? My SO faintly remembers parents having issues with the salt water pool and as a result is hesitant

 

[Texas Splash]

does a salt water generator mean a salt water pool?

Correct. A certain level of salt (3,000 - 4000 ppm) passes through the cell to create free chlorine (gas). As opposed to adding liquid in bulk each day, the gas is produced in cycles throughout the day/night. Even non SWG pools have salt from byproducts of other chemicals which is something many people don't realize.