Interviewing Pool Builders -- A Few Observations

[pjt]

I'm in the process of interviewing pool builders for my upcoming build in The Woodlands. Not sure if my experience is unique to the Houston area or not. I've interviewed 8 PBs so far.

1. Asked for a pool with no main drain (my pool will be 5 ft at its deepest). They all looked at me like I was crazy.
2. None of them thought about prevailing winds with regard to skimmer placement.
3. Most of them were convinced the salt needed for a SWG would destroy my deck.
4. They were amazed that I didn't need to shock or backwash the filter on my previous pool in California.
5. None of them heard of a Stenner pump.
6. I asked about electrical surge protection. None of them had previously incorporated that into their plans.
7. A lot of them tried to convince me to get an in-floor system, UV, ozone, etc..

So far, I have a good feeling doing business with only one of the PBs I've interviewed. I'm hoping they come up with a good plan that's sensibly priced.

 

[Pool_Medic]

You need to understand that most pool companies are trained by the manufacturers and also rare for them to own pools. They have zero real life experience in owning a pool.

 

[RuralTexas]

Only one pool builder survived answering all of the initial questions we asked, it was pretty bad.

 

[Divin Dave]

Pretty much typical around my part of Texas too.

 

[Oly]

There is some merit to the old business axiom, always ask the questions you already know the answer to.

 

[smracing]

1. No main drain. The only place I've seen pushing it is this forum. I'm glad I have one, and use it often.

 

[jimmythegreek]

I wouldnt say we push it. Its mentioned alot here I agree. But remember the robot changed the way pools are cleaned nowadays. I dont use main drains anymore and push robots. Powered cleaners use alot of electricity compared to a robot and many run boosters on top of that. I like to keep things simple for end users and less plumbing and valves makes for easier winterizing and care on the pool. Now with shallow standing pools like 5ft deep ends its wierd to step on main drains. It's a myth that they do alot for water recirculation the average pool does not have a valve for main drains only. Deep returns make a huge difference in temp balancing. Yes you can brush to the drain and clean that way but few do it that way anymore.

 

[Pool_Medic]

I like mains for two reasons, they are security for those pool owners who always forget to check skimmers and they are good for lowering water in the fall for close ups.

 

[jimmythegreek]

I agree with both points above it's where they shine. I place dual wall equalizers with VGB covers low on the deep wall to do both jobs instead