Pool builder choices- Central FL

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rthompson10

Member
Jul 7, 2024
10
PA
All,
Fairly new to the site. Doing analysis paralysis on pool builders in central Florida, the villages specifically. Learning more about pool construction than I want to know. I've talked to 7 pool builders so far. The pool designs vary but the pools are roughly 8k gallons, roughly 28x12 3.5- 4.5 deep. We are looking at a bubbler, a water feature and a shelf as main design criteria. Questions for you all as I don't understand some of the acronyms on this site.
Found this site by searching for info on UV Ozone system which one builder who I like uses. Based on other info it could be good for cleaning contaminants, but on here talking about how not useful especially in a sunny area like florida?
Getting confusing info as to the guts of system- pump size vs filter size. Seen design =s with cartridfe filters from 150Sq Ft to 225 sq ft and pump sizes from 1.85HP to 2.7HP and designs with up to 6 returns(that was with 225 filter)
Thoughts on optimal pump filter size? or combos that are a nono?
Any other critical criteria?
Thanks RT
 
Punt on the UV...

UV Systems - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com

Get the largest VSP (variable speed pump) you can get. DO NOT get a pump with SVRS (safety vacuum release system)...a good 2.7 to 3.0 HP VSP will move more water at a lower speed, saving electricity...
Pentair intelliflo3
Hayward Triton VS 950

Get the largest cartridge filter available. Florida builders are notorious for selling undersized filters.

I'd recommend getting a SWG (Salt Water Chlorine Generator). Make sure it is rated for 2X your pool size (i.e. if you have a 20K gallon pool, get at least a 40K cell).

Post your full quote...you will get excellent feedback.
 
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Welcome, and what @PoolStored said.

There are some other members around here from the Villages. @PoolBrews comes to mind. He might have some advice on builders that have been used around there.

And just again, let the folks around here help you with equipment choices. They only want the best for you vs. what the pool builder is trying to make the most money on.
 
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Florida builders like putting in filters that are too small. It drives more pool service revenue.

Texas builders throw shade on SWGs.

Builders' equipment recommendations are usually in their best interests, not the customers. They recommend what they know and can get the best margins on.

How to select pool equipment - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
 
Hello! I'm in The Villages, but I'm as far north as you can get. I'm in Phillips Villas, just off Hwy 42 near Mulberry plaza. I did a ton of research before getting bids (that's what engineers do!), and have had pools built 3 times over the past 40 years.

I ended up going with Premier Pools of Central Florida out of Winter Park for multiple reasons:
  1. They responded far quicker than the other 5 pool builders did to my initial request. They were at my home in the morning and I had a quote in the evening.
  2. They were one of only two PB's that finally gave me a quote. I had a unique situation - I had just put up a new birdcage that was only a year old with a partial canvas covering for shade. The birdcage was 1,300 sq ft and cost a bit north of $30K. Most PB's wanted to tear it down and sell me a new one. Premier and Waterman Construction both provided quotes to build the pool inside the existing birdcage. They did a fantastic job with no damage to the birdcage!
  3. They sized all of the equipment appropriately. In most cases they oversized, and all without me having to ask them.
  4. They had the best overall design that also addressed issues we had with the poor concrete job done when the birdcage was installed.
  5. Even though they sized equipment correctly and most of the other PB's quoted the bare minimum, they were still the lowest quote. When I asked several of the other PB's to increase sizing for the heater and SWG, and to provide the latest automation, they wanted to add another $10K to their quote (although these same builders, after hemming and hawing for weeks eventually declined to bid stating they weren't comfortable building inside an existing birdcage).
  6. There was an initial delay for Marion county to issue the permits, but once that was done the pool was finished in 13 weeks measured from when the hole was dug until the pool was started up.
  7. After sale support has been fantastic!
I would definitely get a quote from Premier Pools of Central Florida, and also from Waterman Construction. Both of them quoted everything appropriately, and their prices were fairly close. If you want to see what they did for me, shoot me a note and we can set up a time for you to stop by!
 
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All, think I'm down to my final 2 contractors(out of 8 considered) to build my in ground gunite pool in central Florida. The pool would be roughly 28x12, freeform, approx 6K gallons with back edge along easement a straight line. Our wants: Shelf, table and stools in pool, water feature. Difference in price roughly 15% but both within our price range
Contractor 1: Claims 8 in, gunite wall thickness, 6 returns, standard coping(stone etc), Pebbletec finish, Heat Pump, Hayward equipment- pump and filter( 1.85 hp pump, 200 Sq Ft filter)
Contractor 2: 4 returns, cantilever coping, Wet Edge finish, Heater, Hayward equipment, pump(1.85 HP and filter- 225 sq ft)
Both have reputation of building a nice pool
At this point think its comfort level with builder and price.
What other questions should I be asking.? I may have them answered but not listed here.
RT
 
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