I began using this site in 2014 when I had my first pool built. I went from knowing nothing about pools to knowing a few things. I’ve since sold that home and moved into a newly constructed home. I enjoy doing things myself and learning, especially TFP methods. Ever since I purchased this home, when it was a dirt lot, I planned on going the owner build route. My backyard is just dirt, nothing has been done yet. I purchased the monthly rights to pool studio and created my own design. I’ve had 4 pool builders come out and provide bids, using my design. My intent was to hopefully get a killer deal and use a builder. I didn’t expect that to happen, but I also wanted an idea of how much a builder would charge so that I have some kind of comparison on the savings if I went with owner build.
I research things to the point I get headaches, loose sleep and am completely consumed in what I’m researching. I only made appointments with builders who had excellent reviews. Anyway, three of the builders all bid $85,000 for the pool / spa only (consistent pricing was not expected). This did not include any decking / retaining walls / garden walls. Including everything in my design (except for landscaping), the three wanted between $124k - $135k.
The fourth builder’s designer called an hour after our appointment and said he had to reschedule. I told him not to bother coming back and that I was going to leave a review for the company noting my disappointment. He called the next day and said the owner wants my business in an attempt to avoid getting a negative review. He ensured I would be getting the best deal possible because the business owner sees his reviews as advertisement and wants my business in an attempt to receive a positive review. I had nothing to lose so the designer came the next day. I showed him my plans and after a 2 days, I received their bid.
The pool / spa came out to $59,500. Everything else (except landscaping) is $25,500. Total $85,500.
Pool is 43 x 16 / 20,500 gallons
Spa is 12 x 8 / 1,260 gallons
The following is included in price. I picked the equipment myself and had them write the model numbers on the contract. I chose the equipment based on numerous posts from this site. I’m open for any suggestions:
Depth 3 ½ / 7 / 4 ½
(2) Baja steps
Stonescapes mini pebble
Autofill
(6) spa returns
(4) pool returns
(2) skimmers
Precast coping (They offered travertine / flagstone / pour in place / marble). We like the clean look of precast.
2 ½” suction / 2” returns.
(5) Pentair microbrite led color changing lights (4 pool / 1 spa)
Intellicenter i8PS IC40 (Upgrading to IC60 included in price of pool)
Pentair Quad DE 100 (No backwash valve)
Pentair 3 hp 011018
Pentair Master temp HD 460805 (I’ve seen many recommend Raypak but OCD says keep it all the same)
Although they are adding a suction for a vacuum, I will be using a Robot vacuum.
I am open to criticism on all aspects of the design and equipment.
Few questions I have are:
1. Where to place pool returns and is 4 enough?
2. Is a looped return line important? All 4 builders said they have never done that.
3. Should I just use the included standard eyeball returns or are there better options?
4. Suction and return lines. Are 2 ½" and 2" okay? Or should I go to 3" and 2 ½"? What size for spa lines?
5. Are drains required? All 4 builders think it's weird I’m considering not installing drains, they don't know if they are required. I have seen posts from members who did not install drains.
Before signing our contract, wife and I wanted to meet the owner of the company as well as our foreman. We drove to their office, met with staff and we felt very good about signing with them. We went over the contract with the owner. He thought it was weird I wanted all model numbers of the equipment in the contract, but they added it. I have been meaning to post this for some time, I just knew it would be lengthy for my first post ever. My apologies for the novel and appreciate any feedback. The covered patio in the photos is existing.
I research things to the point I get headaches, loose sleep and am completely consumed in what I’m researching. I only made appointments with builders who had excellent reviews. Anyway, three of the builders all bid $85,000 for the pool / spa only (consistent pricing was not expected). This did not include any decking / retaining walls / garden walls. Including everything in my design (except for landscaping), the three wanted between $124k - $135k.
The fourth builder’s designer called an hour after our appointment and said he had to reschedule. I told him not to bother coming back and that I was going to leave a review for the company noting my disappointment. He called the next day and said the owner wants my business in an attempt to avoid getting a negative review. He ensured I would be getting the best deal possible because the business owner sees his reviews as advertisement and wants my business in an attempt to receive a positive review. I had nothing to lose so the designer came the next day. I showed him my plans and after a 2 days, I received their bid.
The pool / spa came out to $59,500. Everything else (except landscaping) is $25,500. Total $85,500.
Pool is 43 x 16 / 20,500 gallons
Spa is 12 x 8 / 1,260 gallons
The following is included in price. I picked the equipment myself and had them write the model numbers on the contract. I chose the equipment based on numerous posts from this site. I’m open for any suggestions:
Depth 3 ½ / 7 / 4 ½
(2) Baja steps
Stonescapes mini pebble
Autofill
(6) spa returns
(4) pool returns
(2) skimmers
Precast coping (They offered travertine / flagstone / pour in place / marble). We like the clean look of precast.
2 ½” suction / 2” returns.
(5) Pentair microbrite led color changing lights (4 pool / 1 spa)
Intellicenter i8PS IC40 (Upgrading to IC60 included in price of pool)
Pentair Quad DE 100 (No backwash valve)
Pentair 3 hp 011018
Pentair Master temp HD 460805 (I’ve seen many recommend Raypak but OCD says keep it all the same)
Although they are adding a suction for a vacuum, I will be using a Robot vacuum.
I am open to criticism on all aspects of the design and equipment.
Few questions I have are:
1. Where to place pool returns and is 4 enough?
2. Is a looped return line important? All 4 builders said they have never done that.
3. Should I just use the included standard eyeball returns or are there better options?
4. Suction and return lines. Are 2 ½" and 2" okay? Or should I go to 3" and 2 ½"? What size for spa lines?
5. Are drains required? All 4 builders think it's weird I’m considering not installing drains, they don't know if they are required. I have seen posts from members who did not install drains.
Before signing our contract, wife and I wanted to meet the owner of the company as well as our foreman. We drove to their office, met with staff and we felt very good about signing with them. We went over the contract with the owner. He thought it was weird I wanted all model numbers of the equipment in the contract, but they added it. I have been meaning to post this for some time, I just knew it would be lengthy for my first post ever. My apologies for the novel and appreciate any feedback. The covered patio in the photos is existing.
