Having a pool built and need advice

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So PB says that manufacturer shipped the slide. I asked for tracking information. He said since it's a freight company doing the shipping they don't have tracking numbers. I said even freight companies have tracking systems but he still insists he can't get me a delivery date.

This seems suspect to me... I feel like the slide is not really shipped and he's just BSing me. Should I push the issue?
 
If it shipped, the freight company knows where it is and is therfore tracking it. But if the freight company is small, they won't have the capability to keep you in the loop. And by a small company tracking it, I mean Bob's the truck driver's wife expects him home on Friday after making the delivery.

If the PB is just making up a story, he won't admit he lied if you press. You have no play here. Sit tight.
 
Slide got delivered to my driveway today. Woo hoo! I was worried for nothing I guess... honestly hard to trust this guy lol.

I do find it weird, though. I usually expect a pool company to have me sign a change order (to pay for the more expensive slide) before he delivers the product to my property, but he hasn't had me sign anything. He does tell me on the phone that "he can't give me free stuff" and I agree to pay the difference in cost for the slide, but we never talk specific numbers and I never see it in writing.

Either this means he can't be bothered to do it, and I won't end up having to pay. Or he'll try to come at me with a bunch of bills / extra charges / change orders at the end of the project. Not really sure what to make of it.
 
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Boy thats a double edged sword. You *need* to ask so there's no surprises later.

But if he was going to eat it, and you demand to know how much extra you are paying willingly.......... 🤦‍♂️ He might even tack on profit to the change order.
 
Most I'd pay is a couple hundred. I looked at the old slide & new slide on an online distributor and subtracted the cost. Apples to apples comparison. It was $500 or so. So if he tried to ask me for more than that I'd refuse. I think I'll keep quiet about it and see how it goes. This PB has been so bad at communication, I'd like that to be in my favor for once. It's his responsibility to properly manage his business and communicate invoices/work orders. That's how I view it, at least.

So far, the fact that I'm still holding onto $50k of remaining money for this project I think has given me a lot of leverage. We'll see how things change when I start to pay the remaining stages.
 
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I've thing I want to ask. Since I'm having to play foreman for my own pool project (sigh). I'm having them come back to install an umbrella sleeve in the decking around the pool. My decking is travertine pavers. How are they supposed to install this? My thought right now is that they will need to pull up pavers, pour a concrete footer (not sure how big) and set the sleeve in the concrete to set. Is this the way?

I think the guy they are sending out wanted to just drill a hole into a paver, pour some cement in the hole followed by the sleeve, but that seems wrong/lazy to me.

Due to the way they completely messed up the slide, they're already going to have to pull up pavers to re-pour the footers for it, and redo the plumbing. So the decking crew is already expected to come out. So if more decking gets messed up to install the sleeve, I don't think it's a big deal.

Thanks folks!
 
Me? I would invest in movable umbrellas! Those nice cantilever that swivel would cover SO much more area since it can be moved to just the right spot. Just make sure close it every day when not in use and it should last a good, long time!
 
kimkats said:
Me? I would invest in movable umbrellas! Those nice cantilever that swivel would cover SO much more area since it can be moved to just the right spot. Just make sure close it every day when not in use and it should last a good, long time!
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You mean I shouldn't even get one built into the decking? Can you link an example of the kind of movable umbrella you're talking about?
 

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I don't know if I should ask about this in this same thread, but landscaping is a project I'm planning to have done after the pool is done. If we want to separate this out into its own thread let me know.

I got the attached quote today *just for landscape lighting*. Just shy of $10k seems extremely excessive. Those FX RS uplights are $80 a pop on amazon. So even if we assume $1000 for lights, are we talking $8000 for labor??
1664220330746.png
 
Low voltage 12V light wiring does not need to be run in conduit. The wires can be buried a few inches under dirt.

The cost cor trenching and conduit is likely what is costing you in that quote.
 
ajw22 said:
Low voltage 12V light wiring does not need to be run in conduit. The wires can be buried a few inches under dirt.

The cost cor trenching and conduit is likely what is costing you in that quote.
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Are you suggesting this is an easy project to do myself (few inches under dirt / no conduit needed)? Or are you suggesting I should point out what isn't necessary to the contractor to see if I can get a lower quote? Not sure what to make of your feedback. Thanks for sharing your observations, though!
 
voidpointer said:
I don't know if I should ask about this in this same thread, but landscaping is a project I'm planning to have done after the pool is done. If we want to separate this out into its own thread let me know.

I got the attached quote today *just for landscape lighting*. Just shy of $10k seems extremely excessive. Those FX RS uplights are $80 a pop on amazon. So even if we assume $1000 for lights, are we talking $8000 for labor??
View attachment 455351
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$10k?!! Uhh yeahhhh...that would be a "no thanks" from me.
 
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voidpointer said:
Are you suggesting this is an easy project to do myself (few inches under dirt / no conduit needed)?
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I don't know what your property is like or what you are capable of. It is not a difficult DIY project if you can work with dirt.

voidpointer said:
Or are you suggesting I should point out what isn't necessary to the contractor to see if I can get a lower quote?
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You should inquire as to why they are running low voltage wires in conduit and not laying it a few inches underground.

voidpointer said:
Not sure what to make of your feedback. Thanks for sharing your observations, though!
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Look at...

www.voltlighting.com

How to Install a VOLT® Landscape Lighting Kit

Learn how to install a VOLT® landscape lighting kit. Our complete kits have everything you need to install an outdoor lighting system.
www.voltlighting.com www.voltlighting.com
 
I rented a trencher from Home Depot last week to fix our sprinkler lines. Super easy to work with and if unable to use then in your situation a "sharp shooter" shovel would most likely be sufficient, especially for 6 inches for low voltage lines for lights. If you're at all DIY inclined I would tackle the project yourself.
 
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boomer2015 said:
Super easy to work with
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And cheap too. I got the 18 inch (deep) machine for $130 with insurance, for 4 hours. The full 24 hour rental was only about $180 including the $25 insurance. I somehow got done and back in time to save the $50.
 

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