Getting estimates for a liner IGP, anything to watch for?

[neosolace]

Well, after a few years with our trusty old intex, we're close to taking the plunge and moving up to an inground. We got our first estimate today, and I was hoping y'all could trow your opinions in on anything I may need to address (and if it's looking like a total ripoff ). I should have a couple more PB's coming in the next couple days, so if there's anything I might add/ask about any ideas would be appreciated.

 

[kimkats]

I could not find any model numbers. That is VERY important! Get that info and post back please. pump, SWG, etc.

Kim

 

[SBall]

My best friend is buddies with a guy that owns a pool company...he verbally quoted $30k for 16x36 vinyl and that was giving me the "you are my buddy's friend" discount. That number looks pretty good based on my highly limited experience as long as they are reputable and have good references.

 

[Toe]

neosolace, I'm a little north of you in Alabaster. I will be paying particular attention to this thread because we are about a year, or so, out from starting this same process. I'm still unsure whether we'll go with a liner or fiberglass. Looking forward to following your build and learning all that I can. Please keep us updated.

 

[neosolace]

still working on getting all the part #'s and such, but here's the second estimate. This one looks to be mostly Hayward stuff (superpump, PL-Plus chlorinator, sand filter)

 

[kimkats]

Still no model numbers I can see

 

[Pool_Medic]

There won’t be model numbers, they excavate, put up the wall, do floor and add coping and liner. Walk in steps (fiberglass ones) are better than steel steps with liner over them. I’ve seen the liner pull off the steps. Those prices so far are pretty good. Ensure you get deep end main drains that are plumbed to the pad. Ensure everything is bonded properly. Get a variable speed pump, it will cost extra but will save you a fortune. Get a timer wired in before pump and SWCG.

 

[kimkats]

He is also getting the equipment from them as they are listed on his quotes. I want to make sure he is going apples to apples.

 

[neosolace]

Well, I guess I've got some catching up to do now. between work and some other training stuff, it got a little bit crazy around here. We ended up going with the first bid out of Montgomery. Roughly a month later, and we're to the point where were getting the liner put in today along with the electrical. I'll try to upload a few photos to show you where we're at. These guys work super quick, but aren't always the easiest to chase down to answer questions. Over all though we've been pretty happy with the experience so far.

 

[neosolace]

In the whole package we ended up getting the four relay easytouch system but decide to hold off on the variable speed pump till another time. I did however managed to swap out all the Polaris cleaner equipment for a dolphin M500 that should be here pretty soon. Hopefully with any luck we might be up and running by the holiday next week. [emoji3]

 

[kimkats]

SWEET! Look at all of that progress!!!! Love how it is turning out!

Kim

 

[neosolace]

Well, after work day #4 we've got a liner! The guys cranked on the hose and we're off... We're down to setting up the pad and grading the area after some cleanup. I figure we should be full by sometime Saturday afternoon. It's been since last season that I've done any testing/chems, so I'm going to have to do a refresher on TFP method. Is there anything different I might need to bring up with the PB as far as startup on chems and setup for the equipment area that anyone might suggest?

 

[Shekkie]

Time to change your signature!

 

[kimkats]

Is he providing the start up chemicals? If so make sure he remembers the CYA!

Kim

 

[Toe]

I'm amazed at how quickly this build has progressed. I don't want to rush you but please share updated picks when you have them. Other than the communication lacking a little, have you been pleased overall with the pool builder?

 

[neosolace]

Well, that escalated quickly. Less than two weeks in, and we're basically done. All we're waiting on now is my dolphin to show up. All in all I was pretty pleased. With the number of pools they are working at one time, I can't really complain at all. There's a few small nitpkcky things that I may change later, but we're happy campers. Now, I've just got to get the rest of this pallet of sod thrown out to help cover things up. [emoji6]

 

[neosolace]

Is he providing the start up chemicals? If so make sure he remembers the CYA!

Kim

Their guy did perform the startup and showed me how to use "the strips". I just yeah yeah'ed him and after he left I busted out the trusty old tf100. I'll dial it in over the next week and get it where 'I" like it....TFP style!

 

[kimkats]

LOVE the swim and fire pics! So nice to see if all being enjoyed. Not so fun getting the last bit done in this heat!

Oh how cute.........him showing you how the test strips work.........THAT is the test kit he provides?? Sigh...........well I guess the one where a PB gave a opened bottle to SAMPLE test strips is even worse but not by much.

Kim

 

[Toe]

Gorgeous pool. I am very happy for your family - especially those little ones. I think that I will contact your pool builder soon to have a pool installed before the swim season of 2019. I am very impressed with their efficiency. Start to finish in about 2 weeks (considering their workload) is impressive to me. I know that you may feel a little differently because you were there all of the days that they weren't there (probably wondering where they were and why weren't they working on your pool with all of this good weather, etc.), but all things considered, I think 2 weeks is impressive.

I love the sun shelf and the liner-over-steps. I definitely want the same when we build. We are leaning toward a "lagoon" shaped pool and I noticed that the builder used treated plywood walls for your geometric pool. I wonder what the builder will use for the curvatures of a free-form pool. Regardless, please share anything that you recommend in reference to dealing with this pool builder. Any helpful tidbits will be appreciated. Now, go crack a beer and get some relief from this oppressive heat in that beautiful pool.

 

[neosolace]

YES! and my new little friend showed up today!