We're just about to start the build of a 20x40 SWCG Gunite pool, and the "options/upgrades" are fairly perplexing. The base pool makes sense, and I think that we've narrowed down to a few final choices. But here's where I just don't get it.
The total upgrade price to go from the "base package" (halogen lights, single speed pump, chlorine (not SWCG)), to (LED lights - intellibrite, SWCG - intellichlor, VS Pump - intelliflo, spa pda - Easy Touch) is a few multiples of the "street price" of the equipment. So I could save ~$5k by installing the base option and then ordering all of the upgrades and installing afterwards. As an example, the "upgrade cost" for the SWCG was ~$2500. From what I can tell, it can be purchased for ~$1000.
Some of these things are items that make sense, but they quickly drive the cost of the project up. I also get the the pool installer needs to make money, and would fully expect to pay the delta in equipment cost plus a bit, but multiples of it seem excessive.
Thanks and sorry for the rambling.
CW
The total upgrade price to go from the "base package" (halogen lights, single speed pump, chlorine (not SWCG)), to (LED lights - intellibrite, SWCG - intellichlor, VS Pump - intelliflo, spa pda - Easy Touch) is a few multiples of the "street price" of the equipment. So I could save ~$5k by installing the base option and then ordering all of the upgrades and installing afterwards. As an example, the "upgrade cost" for the SWCG was ~$2500. From what I can tell, it can be purchased for ~$1000.
Some of these things are items that make sense, but they quickly drive the cost of the project up. I also get the the pool installer needs to make money, and would fully expect to pay the delta in equipment cost plus a bit, but multiples of it seem excessive.
- Is this common? Do pool installers make most of their profit on options?
- Are these items easy to retrofit afterwards? From what I can tell they are. As a point of reference, I've installed a 20kW generator, electrical and gas, sub-panels, renovated houses, etc.
- I'm leaning towards going with the base option, upgrading everything myself and selling the "new/base equipment" on Craigslist.
Thanks and sorry for the rambling.
CW