So...why O/B - I am sort of a hybrid, we are using installers to excavate and set the pool...I was just doing the other stuff. It was sort of driven by a few factors:
- We were going with gunite, but b/c our pool was smaller and a basic shape, fiberglass was a financially reasonable alternative (our gunite estimates were in the $100K-$125K range...fiberglass options were SIGNIFICANTLY less)
- Leisure pools had the size and styling we liked (and couldn't find anything we liked as much locally)
- There isn't a Leisure Pool distributor in the area so they offered their installers
- I thought about using a local installer, but it would have caused issues with the warranty (according to Leisure)
Once we decided to go with fiberglass, we found we REALLY like the Leisure Pool products (size, shape and colors). I decided to purchase my own equipment b/c it was more "bang for the buck" than buying it from Leisure. This forum was extremely helpful is the selection.
I am not a contractor, but am very "handy" and have done basically everything you could do to a house (short of roofing) over the course of my lifetime...so, doing some of this work was going to keep me a bit distracted and save me some $$$ in the process. I will/did have to outsource some of the work (sub-panel installation, heater hook up) but for some of the "just get in the yard and do it" sort of work...it was good "don't stress about the install" therapy.
The waterline tile...my wife is a showroom manager for a tile company and has been in the business her entire life, so I sort of have an in when it comes to those types of products. I can get you the information if you like. One of the other things that made me realize I could get this done was the fact that my brother used to own a pool company in Indianapolis...and while he isn't weighing in too much right now, he is there if needed.
We have a trusted general contractor that will assist with some of the odds & ends once we get the shell set and he is my contact for the trades that I can't handle. Good luck with your future install, and if there are questions, this is the place to get them answered...there is a wealth of knowledge on this forum that will guide you though the decision making process.
Today's project...small retaining wall on the side of our property.