New in ground build in League City, TX

[Ranana]

We have narrowed our PB down to a short list of 2 from 5. I have a comparison grid to help me that I pasted below. I realize the size of the pools are different, but I've reached out to builder 2 to revise the bid with a larger pool. Now that we've seen the larger pool (even slightly) we'd like to stick with that now. Some of this feels like a Pentair vs Hayward convo, but for both bids we're nixing the ozonator and getting the salt system. Is there anything else that stands out to address? The pricing on both (with the larger pool) are very similar, but it feels like I'm getting a bit more from Builder 2 than 1. References check out using this forum as a guide, so is there anything else that distinguishes one from the other. A lot of this feels like Greek to me, so I'm hoping you fine pool experts have an opinion. I'll share some photos shortly after upgrade my account here.

	Builder 1	Builder 2
General
Size	18 x 35	17 x 30
Depth	<=6ft	<=6ft
Spa Size	6x8 oval	7.5 round
Raised	12"	12"
Spillway	Stacked Stone	flat spillway
Mechanical
Filter	60 xf Pentair FNS Plus D.E.	Hayward C 7030 Cartridge
Pump	2.0 HP Pentair Whisperflow	Hayward Ecostart Variable Speed EE
Valves	Never Lube Valve 2-2.5"
Skimmers	2 CMP; 2 in lines separate lines and valves	2 skimmers w/ 2" suction lines on 45 degree angles
Pool Light	1 Pentair IntelliBrite Pool Color LED w/GFCI	Hayward Universal LED Pool Light
Spa Light	1 Pentair IntelliBrite Spa Color LED w/GFCI	Hayward Universal LED Spa Light
Time Clock	Pentair Easy Touch 8 Wireless Remote	Aqua Logic Control System w/ Wireless AquaPod Remote
Heater	Pentair MasterTemp 400k BTU	Hayward H-series 500k
Cleaner	Pentair Racer LS	Hayward Aqua Vac Pool Cleaner w/GFCI outlet
Sanitizer	Rainbow In-Line Chlorine Feeder	CMP in line chlorinator
Ozone	Ozone Joe Water Purification System	Ozonator
Inlets	5 pool return inlets	9-11 return lines
Spa Jets	6 Hydro Air Venturi Spa Jets 2/ 1 HP Polaris QT Blower	8 Hayward massage jets w/pulse-flo & adjusta-flo heads Polaris QT 2 HP Air Blower
Structural
Beam	4 bar box beam w/ #4 Rebar Continuous	3/8” rebar 8” O.C., 4” O.C. on all depth transitions greater than 5' in depth, 4-#4, 1/2" rebar on bond beam
Gunite Beam	12" min, 8" cove
Walls/Floor	#3 8"x8" on center both ways w/ #3 alternates
Gunite Walls Floor	6" min
Gunite	6 to 1 Cement to Sand Ratio	7 to 1 Cement to Sand Ratio, 4k PSI
Steps/Benches	on plan	on plan
Bubblers	2	3
Plumbing
	2" suction, separate lines, valves	2" suction lines on 45 degree angles
	PVC sch 80 on all pump connections
	PVC sch 40 on all pool piping
	2" returns to 1st "T"
		150' 4" area drains
		autofill/overflow system
Electrical/Gas
	All electric hook up incl	All electric hook up incl ($400 addl if sub panel needed)
	25 lf gas hook up incl	60 lf gas run incl
Tile, Coping, Interior Finish
Coping	Classic Travertine	Eased Edge Travertine
Tile	2" tile trim on steps & benches	Cost extra
	6" water line tile ($x sf allowance)	6" water line tile ($x sf allowance)
Interior Finish	Quartzscape tier 1	Quartzscape tier 1 or Stonescapes mini pebble (salt & pepper or white)
Deck Specs
Deck Type	Spray Deck	Spray Deck
Area	500 ft2	450 ft2
Addl	$xx per addl sf	$xx per addl sf
Steel Sch	15" O.C. Both Ways	3/8" rebar 16 O.C.
Pool Maintenance Equip
	Telescoping Pole	Telescoping Pole
	Skimmer net	Skimmer net
	Gunite Brush	Gunite Brush
	5-part DPD test kit	test kit (requesting which)
		hose & vacuum attachment
		1 month free maintenance
	Underground 3/4" fill line to hose bib with vacuum breaker
	Concrete Equipment Pad	Concrete Equipment Pad with outdoor light

 

[Ranana]

Pb1

 

[Ranana]

Pb 2

 

[benm2010]

Seems like just a case of which design you like better to me, but I'm certainly not an expert. One word of advice, your pool will be close in size to ours and I was advised to do at least 2 lights for the pool. You may want to consider adding a second light for the pool as the spa light will be of no help lighting it up.

 

[Ranana]

I've been wondering about that!

 

[kimkats]

Plumbing-ask which valves they will be using. NO ball valves allowed as they will get brittle over time and break. You also need unions on all equipment to service and such as needed.

Overflow drain and auto fill water are both important features.

I would love to see where this pool is going.

Kim

 

[LeighHop]

Communication is so important with these guys. Be sure to include that in your balance sheet. Do you have a better vibe with one of them? Has one of them been more responsive to your questions? Just remember that right now, before the sale, is probably the best communication will ever be. I'd rather go with the guy who doesn't dodge my calls and gives me a little less on the equipment than the guy who gives me the world but I can't get hold of.

 

[lsuxtremist]

I would go with PB 2. More patio area for chairs, furniture is always preferred for me. Its a lot more difficult to add patio sq ft than to do it on the front end. Plus I just personally like it better, but if you prefer PB1, I would ask about extending the patio. It doesn't have to be huge - but I would want the ability to at least put chaise or lounge chairs on the side and be able to walk around them comfortably. Just my .02. Looks great! Otherwise, I would pay attention to the others' information and recommendations.

 

[SpringPool]

No matter which one you go with VS pump is what you want. It will save so much in electricity alone

Save the money and get rid of the ozonator it’s not needed put that towards a second light on the pool.

If you go with builder 2 I would consider just 2 bubblers from an aeration point of view.

Also ask what valves you’ll be able to control using the automation system. We ended up adding one extra so our bublers would be independent of a fountain feature we have.

Also being in TX consider a Salt Water Chlorine Generator vs the auto chlorinator. If you follow the tfp method you’ll never use the chlorinator.

Oh and I’m with the post above more decking is always good

 

[lsuxtremist]

I will second SpringPool comment regarding VS Pump. We just replaced our pump due to the motor going out and added a variable speed pump. I have enjoyed it a lot and it will save a bunch of money in the long run. Make sure the pump works in connection with whatever automation you do. Also, I don't know anything about automation since I do not have it. If we had a spa, it would be mandatory to me.
I would also echo the SWG in lieu of the auto-chlorinator. We are looking at switching our pool over to saltwater shortly. Unless you have a concern with going saltwater, the extra $ should not be much and should make you happier in the long run.