Automatic Pool Cover Lid

[Shaheen9]

Hi Everyone, We are in the process of installing a Gunite Pool. I need some help as nothing was explained to me and discussed prior to signing the contract around tile, coping, cover lid etc. I just assumed the pricing of the build included most of these items and was all encompassing. So now I was told that my contract has a Aluminum Lid. However, I want to be able to dive from the deep end and want something more substantial. They are claiming that I will need to pay additional 4K for the Rafitano Coping for the lid. I think this is excessive price but not sure. Any recommendation or ideas to save myself some money when I am already spending a lot will be helpful. Thanks,

Shaheen

 

[bmoreswim]

Pricing always seems excessive for pools. And for pool covers it’s doubly so. The brackets for the coping are very heavy duty and some real labor to get them right. And the extra coping. And profit.

I get it but the two cover styles are light years different. Have him provide a detailed work up of the pricing in the stone lid option. At least then you’ll see what you are paying for.

 

[ThePoolGuruNOVA]

Hey Shaheen,

Your contract is very important and they typically do put a disclaimer in their contracts that "everything" not listed is extra, which in our business gets quite expensive. I always make our contracts clear and cover all parts fo the pool. Nothing worse than change orders that add to a contract price for a client when expectations are one thing and what provided is another.

That all being said, how can I offer advice at this point. You can upgrade to an auto-cover walk on lid (stone). This requires brackets being installed and stone sized to fit the space of the auto-cover opening. The Techo Bloc Ruffatino is an expensive stone. You can always go with a 2" flagstone or travertine as a cheaper options. Belgard has many stones that work as well. That may save you a few dollars. In the end it will cost more in masonry labor, cover brackets and stone. $4000 seems a bit high, but Im not sure where you live. In NOVA that would be around $2500 upgrade.

Hope that helps and again, Sorry about your problems, this should be a fun experience and all of us in the industry should want satisfied clients throughout the process.

John