Fiberglass install, feel like I'm getting priced up

[boopthesnoot]

We're just building our pool and surprisingly found a PB who could build right away, instead of the 3-6 months others were quoting. However, it feels like we're getting taken for a ride on some of the costs, so I'm hoping for some input.

• The build is an almost flat space of yard (less than 1 foot rise) with separate yard access for equipment.
• Pool is 17,000 gallons, 36x16 with a 6.5 foot deep end. No spa, just a rectangular pool
• Want a heater and apparently need to truck in water in order to set fiberglass.

The company we chose have "all-inclusive" packages that should have everything you need to install the pool, however we're seeing a lot of extras in the quote:

• $2,000 for a special gel coat color (we just chose a color off the site)
• $7,200 for a Pentair Mastertemp 400
• $3,500 for a Pentair salt water generator with Intelliconnect
• $6,500 to haul away the dirt
• $2,000 premium to deal with inspections
• $450 for initial pool chemicals

Total for this standard install (no concrete, no splash tile) is $105k. Pricing the equipment it seems like it's readily available for less than 1/2 the price. The dirt hauling seems crazy expensive. They also quoted $60k for travertine and $45k to add a spa (our previous gunite quote came out to 120k including a spa and decking). They're able to get the pool installed immediately which is very attractive, however we are worried we're being taken for a ride. Am I off base here, is all of this normal?

 

[Toxophilite]

None of those "extras" are normal for sure. I'd shop around more before any decision.

 

[TX2OBX]

He is marking up things for sure. Labor he's charging a fortune it seems. But I feel like he knows he is the the only game in town ready to install for you, and charging accordingly. ITs kind of like having to hunt for the car dealer not trying to charge over sticker. I had to go to Delaware to find a dealer willing to sell me a vehicle at sticker a few months ago, and nothing fancy, just a pick up truck.

That all being said here's what I'm being charged for my build. with a Latham pool. Apples to Oranges depending on the area. I see you're in NC as well, but this state Varys wildly on cost of living lol.

It was 1500 extra for the color on my fiberglass pool, but this can vary depending on the manufacture.

My pool is being built with Hayward equipment as Pentair is getting really hard to find in stock, online some websites say in stock, the email you later saying it's months backordered. With that all being said Im being charged 8k for my heaters but thats for 2 400k BTU natural gas heaters from Hayward, installed. Gas hook up by other contractor at my expense.

$3500 for Hayward Salt cells but again, doing 2 of them.

$3900 to haul away sand/dirt from site. This can vary by region and how many loads however.

Is the inspection charge on top of a permit fee? Its standard to be charged for permits as the city/county will charge him for permits. This can depend on your area and how much they charge. If its on top of permitting fees though thats kinda crazy.

I dont see any charge for start up chemicals in my contract. Just "first 30 days of pool care included" But im sure thats built into my fee.

But I would say you are being charged extremely high for everything. My build is 112k including NC state tax, and im getting an attached spa model, with separate equipment. Not including landscaping, and other things im also doing in the back yard. But this price is a turn key ready to go pool. This includes 5k for waterline tile and 800 sqft concrete decking around pool, I might spend an extra 7500 and get stamped, but im not sure yet. So being at 105k without the spa and double equipment, or decking around the pool is crazy. However, im sure if you wont spend the $ someone else will which is why hes charging that much. Id def get other quotes and even see if you can go concrete.

 

[Toxophilite]

Why do they charge you folks for hauling dirt! Here, the dump trucks line up and haul for free, as they have a market to sell for fill elsewhere.

 

[TX2OBX]

Why do they charge you folks for hauling dirt! Here, the dump trucks line up and haul for free, as they have a market to sell for fill elsewhere.

Mine is currently in a big mountain in my front yard lol. Im hoping I can get people that need it so we dont have to pay haul it away.

 

[Yolie]

We're just building our pool and surprisingly found a PB who could build right away, instead of the 3-6 months others were quoting. However, it feels like we're getting taken for a ride on some of the costs, so I'm hoping for some input.

• The build is an almost flat space of yard (less than 1 foot rise) with separate yard access for equipment.
• Pool is 17,000 gallons, 36x16 with a 6.5 foot deep end. No spa, just a rectangular pool
• Want a heater and apparently need to truck in water in order to set fiberglass.

The company we chose have "all-inclusive" packages that should have everything you need to install the pool, however we're seeing a lot of extras in the quote:

• $2,000 for a special gel coat color (we just chose a color off the site)
• $7,200 for a Pentair Mastertemp 400
• $3,500 for a Pentair salt water generator with Intelliconnect
• $6,500 to haul away the dirt
• $2,000 premium to deal with inspections
• $450 for initial pool chemicals

Total for this standard install (no concrete, no splash tile) is $105k. Pricing the equipment it seems like it's readily available for less than 1/2 the price. The dirt hauling seems crazy expensive. They also quoted $60k for travertine and $45k to add a spa (our previous gunite quote came out to 120k including a spa and decking). They're able to get the pool installed immediately which is very attractive, however we are worried we're being taken for a ride. Am I off base here, is all of this normal?

The pool start up cost is fair and I don’t have experience with special colors. However, the other prices listed are crazy steep.

 

[Toxophilite]

Before I built my house, I bought a neighbors pool dirt for $40/load paid to the dump truck. Then, this year, I get a pool and same amount gets hauled off

 

[boopthesnoot]

Thanks guys for the feedback. My feeling now is that we may want to just get the base package with these guys and sub out everything else that we possibly can. Heater I think we can do later for not much premium?

 

[rcs29]

Well we can all agree you can save the $450 and tell them to eat their chemicals. You can add your own chemicals. I let the builder put salt and liquid chlorine in and that was it.

 

[JamesW]

What type of pay schedule are they asking for?

Are they giving a schedule of when they will start and finish?

Have they provided any references that you can go see for finished pools?

What manufacturer will they get the pool from?

 

[Toxophilite]

Paramount is that "you" trust this PB. As stated, go see their work. Talk to their previous costumers if can. Research them up and down, mainly, why they don't have a backlog and others do. Just at the quote stage you are seeing stuff that doesn't pass your smell test.

 

[boopthesnoot]

Well we can all agree you can save the $450 and tell them to eat their chemicals. You can add your own chemicals. I let the builder put salt and liquid chlorine in and that was it.

Laughed out loud at this one. It definitely seems fishy, especially since it's not included in the standard package.

 

[boopthesnoot]

What type of pay schedule are they asking for?

Are they giving a schedule of when they will start and finish?

Have they provided any references that you can go see for finished pools?

What manufacturer will they get the pool from?

• 10% up front, 42% at ground breaking, 48% project completion.
• Guaranteed installed within 30 days of permits, which they say are going through in a week or so.
• Photos, but not finished pools. They were recommended by the manufacturer (River Pools), and have a huge inventory in stock locally, which is probably why they don't have the backlog.

 

[TX2OBX]

Thanks guys for the feedback. My feeling now is that we may want to just get the base package with these guys and sub out everything else that we possibly can. Heater I think we can do later for not much premium?

IMO If its in your budget id go with your concrete quote. Thats a great price for what it all includes. I feel like even the "base" package the fiberglass company quote is ripping you off.

 

[JamesW]

$2,000 for a special gel coat color (we just chose a color off the site)

Seems high.

I doubt that the manufacturer would charge extra for the color.

You can contact the manufacturer to see.

$7,200 for a Pentair Mastertemp 400

That's really high.

Does that include the gas line installation?

Is the heater gold plated with a platinum heat exchanger?

$3,500 for a Pentair salt water generator with Intelliconnect

You should consider the Intellicenter.

$6,500 to haul away the dirt

That's high and usually not extra.

Where are they taking the dirt, to the moon?

$2,000 premium to deal with inspections

That's usually included.

$450 for initial pool chemicals

That's high.

They also quoted $60k for travertine

How many square feet and how set?

 

[JamesW]

10% up front, 42% at ground breaking, 48% project completion.

What is ground breaking, the second they scoop one shovel of dirt?

That's 52% before anything is really done.

What constitutes "Completion"?

Guaranteed installed within 30 days of permits, which they say are going through in a week or so.

Guaranteed how?

What happens if the pool is not complete in 30 days?

What constitutes "Installed"?

Photos, but not finished pools.

You should visit at least three finished pools.

What equipment will they use?

Do you know what subs they will use?

Is the electrical included?

Is the plumber for the gas line and heater connection included?

Have you checked all qualifications such as licenses and insurance?

What type of reviews does the builder have?

 

[sktn77a]

"For $105k, I'll bump someone else and start yours next. For half that, I can start in 6 months".

 

[Tcadwall0]

Almost wondering if the pool model helps determine your timeline. Could be that a customer backed out or had some other complications and a pool shell was already on its way or sitting in local storage. That might be the reason it is not being ordered and months out. Pricing does seem high to me, but my pool contract was signed just before covid (and before the big Texas Freeze that increased equipment demands). Groceries and gas have gone up that much since then.

 

[ajw22]

The company we chose have "all-inclusive" packages that should have everything you need to install the pool, however we're seeing a lot of extras in the quote:

How is a package "all inclusive" when they have an up-charge for inspections and hauling dirt? Are there properties in your area where the dirt can be left on the property and no inspections are required?

• $2,000 for a special gel coat color (we just chose a color off the site)

Are these special colors in the manufactures price list? I would call the FG manufacture and ask about their special colors and the upcharge.

• $7,200 for a Pentair Mastertemp 400

Pool builder prices are typically 2X internet prices. Heater is $3,300 at...

Pentair MasterTemp 400K BTU Propane Gas Heater

www.polytecpools.com

Does the cost include running a gas line? What is the length of the gas line? Does it include the cost of the gas plumber?

Gas line runs can be expensive.

What is the size of your house gas meter?

• $3,500 for a Pentair salt water generator with Intelliconnect

What size IC cell?

IC40 cell with Power Center is $1600 and IntelliConnect is $440.

What pump are you getting?

• $6,500 to haul away the dirt
• $2,000 premium to deal with inspections
• $450 for initial pool chemicals

Buy your own chemicals.

13 40lb bags of salt at around $8 each is around $100. About $20 in stabilizer and $40 in liquid chlorine. Less then $200 in chemicals if you buy it.

The equipment prices are not outrageous. They are typical 2X cost installed.

I think the haul dirt and inspection costs are where this is padded with profit.

 

[boopthesnoot]

IMO If its in your budget id go with your concrete quote. Thats a great price for what it all includes. I feel like even the "base" package the fiberglass company quote is ripping you off.

Am I missing an advantage to concrete? We're new to pools as a whole but I'm not seeing any real advantage besides custom shapes (we want a standard rectangle), and a lot of disadvantages when it comes to upkeep. We always buy top quality when we can, but it's feeling like fiberglass is just the newer/better tech.