Central CA is similar to Phx area.
I went with a smaller builder, ~80-100 pools a year and approx 10-15 in progress at any one time.
My builder and I haggled a little at the contracting point, but the real negotiations came as my wife and I added extras. We increased DE Filter Size from 48 to 60, increased decking by 200 sq ft, added additional umbella sleeves, changed to glass tile vs 6" ceramic, and added 100' of tile step/bench liner. I offered to pay in cash for significant discounts. Contractors have a hard time walking away from cash payments.
I went with a smaller builder, ~80-100 pools a year and approx 10-15 in progress at any one time.
My builder and I haggled a little at the contracting point, but the real negotiations came as my wife and I added extras. We increased DE Filter Size from 48 to 60, increased decking by 200 sq ft, added additional umbella sleeves, changed to glass tile vs 6" ceramic, and added 100' of tile step/bench liner. I offered to pay in cash for significant discounts. Contractors have a hard time walking away from cash payments.