Sorry if I am hijacking the post but I would like to ask some questions about DIY pool. I was shopping around and proposed local PBs to build the pool but I will do number of tasks myself like neccesary paperwork/inspection, all equipment, all electical etc. Basically I want PB to dig the hole, put walls, put plumbing, liner, power subdeck for pavers, provide safety covert and that is it.
So far I am getting 33 to 36K quotes.
I am concidering to do DIY, but would like to hear from folks already did that what cost I should benchmarking to. Planning double roman end 40x20.
Judging from the pool supplier manuals and videos, I originally thought I could build our pool in about a month. It's 4 1/2 months later and we're still not completely finished. Another DIYer, Deer hunter, built his beautiful pool in 10 days, (which is exceptional for first timers!).
I would say do not underestimate what a good PB brings with him in experience and quality. Having references on good subcontractors alone is worth quite a bit in the big scheme of things. There will be weather delays, family obligations, and of course your normal job. Unless you can do a great deal of the work you can't save a great deal of money. With some of the work comes lessons, (mistakes).
Don't get me wrong I would do it all over again but it was just not nearly as easy as I had thought. My family and I have put in hundreds of hours building our DIY pool, (most of it with shovels in hand).
We built something that we probably wouldn't have otherwise been able to afford, not to mention the pride of the sweat equity.
I actually don't think your bids are too high. From what you've said, my recommendation to you is to try and find a reputable PB that will work with you on the things you can do and let him handle the rest.
If you do decide to DIY, at least you have the experience support network here at TFP.
Without the great advice gleaned here, I would not have attempted ours.
Here is a breakdown on what we have spent on our build, but everyone's costs will vary greatly.
18x36 deer creek steel wall kit price...............................................................7300
Swap steps for Spa/step swim out and add air jets................................................200
Add one swim out spa/steps with air jets.........................................................1600
AquaPlus saltwater generator and P4 control panel...............................................1050
2 ColorLogic LED lights w/ niches..................................................................1200
Upgrade to 300# sand filter and 2 speed 1 1/2 hp pump...........................................50
Add second skimmer..................................................................................100
Add auto fill system (with backflow preventer, spigot and misc plumbing)...................250
2" plumbing w/ valves (w/ many trips to Lowes).................................................500
Electrical wiring and Circuit breakers from house main panel to pool sub
panel, wiring to pump, lights, convenience outlets, bonding wires, etc,.....................500
Total of major components and supplies..............................................................................12,750
Excavation equipment rental and labor............................................................1000
Vermiculite floor installation labor and liner install...............................................1000
Sand, #57 stone, vermiculite..........................................................................500
Concrete collar and equip pad w/ labor.............................................................750
Backfill equip rental and prep for concrete decking...............................................500
1200 sf concrete (18 yds, 6" thick)..................................................................1500
Concrete finishing labor (w/ custom expansion joints)...........................................2000
Total hired labor and concrete, materials, etc.........................................................................7250
Water, trucked in (incl extra lost w/ liner replacement)..........................................950
Landscape; sod, crimson stone, plants, etc..........................................................600
2 post lamps, wiring and add gfci breaker...........................................................450
Volleyball net and balls...................................................................................50
Add gate and deck rail modifications to existing fence............................................500
Alarms for house doors...................................................................................50
TF100 test kit w/speed stir and extra chemicals....................................................100
MX-8 pool cleaner.......................................................................................300
Total misc expences,.......................................................................................................3000
Our grand total.....................................................................................................................23k
(As you can see the pool kit cost was only about 1/3 our total).
