Just Got First Bid

[ChunkyDunkee]

Hi, I’m looking to build my first pool ever in Sacramento, CA. 10 year-old me is so proud to have worked so hard to get to the point where I can have a pool. I’m giddy.

I’ve been combing pool-related forums for the past year and today, I got the first bid. I’m expecting two more to come in the next two weeks. For reference, I have a postage-stamp size urban back yard. I want the pool mainly to float around in my pool chair and read books. I’m getting a swim jet so I can use the pool for exercise, but I’m a very casual recreational swimmer. I have no fears about being able to outswim the jet.

The bid brings on a whole lot of questions. So first, here’s the bid:

$53,500K for the basic pool package for a 10 x 20 x 5.5 depth pool. This includes Stonescapes Mini Pebble finish, waterline tile, door alarms, pool cleaner (aquanaut 450 suction cleaner), permits, rebar.

$5,485 for the raised wall behind the pool which will house the water features.

$1,584 for the tiling on the back wall

$1,382 -Electric rough
$1,436 - Plumbing rough
$280 - plumb for future solar

$3,795 for Automation and equipment (Hayward Omni Smart Pool), Hayward 325 cartridge filter, Hayward 900 VS Pump
$1,725 for additional concrete for decking which exceeds the amount of decking in pool package
$1,154 for 2 lights
$11,760 Swim Jet (I’m inquiring about specific model)
$16,445 for automatic cover
$200 Start up pool service
$1875 3 units sheer descent water feature
$2,436 custom coping
$1,130 Hayward inline Salt Cell

I realize that there is economy in getting everything I want/need for the pool now during the building process. With that said, should I look into a pool heater/chiller? It gets very hot here (100+ is common) in the summer and the pool will be small and relatively shallow. For me, perfect pool temp is between 82-87. Anything past 90 starts losing the ability to be refreshing. Typical pool months here would be May through September. A heater would allow me to comfortably go through October. Is it worth it? Do any of the numbers above seem crazy?

I have a pretty comfortable budget, but value is important so I don’t want to be a sucker. As I said, this is the first bid. But I want to be able to add to this if needed and get a bid where I can make worthy comparisons between the different bids.

Thanks in advance. I’m so grateful for this community.

Cheers,

CD

 

[Jimrahbe]

CD,

Water features are a two edge sword. Very pretty and often very noisy..

I too have a very small back yard. I really, really wanted a waterfall wall. I found it way to loud, and it just got in the way when floating. I haven't used them in several years.

If the idea of your shears is to impress the neighbors, you might want to rethink that option.

I like robot cleaners rather than water powered cleaners.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[ChunkyDunkee]

Thank you! I’m going to ask candidly about whether I want that kind of noise. My bedroom overlooks the pool area, and the noise of water might be nice, but the reason I need an automatic cover is because we are in the city of trees so likely the pool would be covered when I was not in it. And, yeah, I would not the feature when I was floating or swimming. A less aggressive (expensive) feature might scratch that itch. As for the cleaner, that’s included in the package. If a credit can be given if I opt for a robot, that might work.

Thanks for your insights!