Having Trouble Deciding between two builders

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hahuang65

Member
Aug 18, 2024
7
Houston
Hi everyone! Thanks in advance for your comments and suggestions and your time especially!

We're looking at two proposals for our pool. I won't name names or share proposal specifics/details because that feels scummy to do.
But we're trying to figure out a way to decide between the two. Both are gunite.

The big bullet points (in my opinion, as a first time pool owner/buyer) for the first proposal is:
125k, 35x22 with a 9x7 spa inside, 2 baja shelves with about 700sqft of spray decking, uses Pentair IntelliFlo 3HP pump

The second proposal is
120k (with an ~8k discount), 36x24, with a 9x7 spa inside, 1 baja shelf, and about 850sqft of travertine pavers. Uses Jandy 2.7HP E Pump

As far as I can tell both will do 4" drain piping. I'm not sure what the first proposal does for their pool plumbing, but the second does 2.5inch throughout.
The first proposal also will have an extra pump for the water features, a few more lights and a few more spa jets.

Any and all tips are greatly appreciated!

Thank you so much!
 
Other details,
# of jets in spa and their locations
Auto-fill
Tile group
Over flow pipe
Any raised Bond Beam on the spa?

I ask customers what fulfillment do they want the pool and spa to accomplish when it’s finished in order to fully enjoy it. Check both bids and confirm that they meet your needs.
 
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So both are quoted for salt water.
The first proposal has 8 jets in the spa, and the second has 5 jets.
The first has 5 LED lights in the pool and 1 in the spa
The second has 3 LED lights in the pool and 1 in the spa
Both have auto-fill, the first specifies Paramount Paralevel
Both are Pebblesheen finishes
I believe both overflows are tying into my existing drainage to daylight
Both also state there is a bond beam.One states for the spa, one states for the pool.
Both are cartridge filters.

The first quote also specifies that the plumbing will have separate valves for the main drain suction and the skimmer, and that it will be tested under load during construction.

No heater yet, but I will ask both. I felt like a heater just wouldn't be efficient for a pool this size?
Both will have automation and remote control.

Thanks again. I'm giving those links a read that ajw22 posted!
 
You need to get specific model number for all equipment you are buying - lights, automation, remote control, filter, etc.

Otherwise he can install low end or obsolete equipment when you can do better for similar cost.

It all should be specified before you sign any contracts.
 
hahuang65 said:
Yeah we will get it on contract. But we're trying to decide between two builders right now, didn't want to bother them with all the minute details just yet. Trying to decide on the overall project.
Click to expand...
It's all in the details.
You aren't bothering them if they really want your business.
You can't make an informed decision without knowing ALL the details.

You can also ask the higher priced builder to match the lower priced builder - but you need to compare apples to apples first.

That being said, I'd chose the Pentair equipment over the Jandy equipment.
 
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hahuang65 said:
Yeah we will get it on contract. But we're trying to decide between two builders right now, didn't want to bother them with all the minute details just yet. Trying to decide on the overall project.
Click to expand...

Once you sign the contract you lose all leverage in negotiating equipment changes and prices. You get hit with whatever change order price the builder wants to charge.

Work out all the details before contracting.
 
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proavia said:
but you need to compare apples to apples first.
Click to expand...
Exactly. I hate these proposal A has 3 skimmers and 2 returns and proposal B has 2 skimmers and 3 returns.

Figure out what you want/need and make the PBs give you quotes you can actually compare. :)
 
proavia said:
It's all in the details.
You aren't bothering them if they really want your business.
You can't make an informed decision without knowing ALL the details.

You can also ask the higher priced builder to match the lower priced builder - but you need to compare apples to apples first.

That being said, I'd chose the Pentair equipment over the Jandy equipment.
Click to expand...
Good advice, thank you!
 
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