DiamondBrite quote variance

[camdynamics]

Hey guys,

I have gathered quotes to re-surface our 26k gal, 18'x30' gunnite pool with DiamondBrite, and the quotes we have gotten are wildly variant. Two are from local vendors who have a good reputation, one is from a regional outfit (Pearl Pool Plastering out of Raleigh, NC), with reviews across the spectrum. I am in southeast Virginia and it is VERY hard to find vendors who do concrete pool work.

The project:
Demo/replace deck edge coping
Demo/replace waterline tile
Remove existing Marcite, replace with DiamondBrite

The quotes I've gotten from the two local vendors are $47k and $55k, respectively (for perspective, the $55k wants $10,500 to acid wash / prep, and a whopping $24k to install the DiamondBrite).

The regional outfit has an all-in quote of $29k ($8,500 to install DiamondBrite, includes acid wash prep). This seems more rational to me (the other quotes are complete non-starters, way out of my budget), however I am paranoid of going to the lowest bidder and wary of change orders. However, some local pool installers recommended them and are confident in the subs that they use.

My only goal with this post is to mentally bounce around the ideas with anyone on here who is willing - I appreciate you all!

Please let me know if I left out any information that would help.

 

[HermanTX]

My only goal with this post is to mentally bounce around the ideas with anyone on here who is willing - I appreciate you all!

Check the mfg of Diamondbrite website to confirm who are authorized applicators of the plaster. You can even call them if they have a customer service line.

Also, are any of the contractors performing a full chipout of the old plaster? That is important to do to ensure a good application of the new plaster.

Are the prices for the replacement of coping and waterline tiles similar between the 3 quotes?

IMO - in todays world of pricing post COVID, a replaster would be in range of $10-25k depending on the pool size and type (brand and model) of plaster. Being in a remote area may also play into pricing. Obviously big cities or areas that have pools open year round have more competition.
I would be wary of a low ball price if it was my pool.

 

[kimkats]

All of what they ^^^^ said.