Replacing pool in Seattle

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uwsublime

Active member
Oct 16, 2017
44
Seattle, WA
Hello All,

I have an old fiberglass 20k gallon pool that developed a crack in the shell. It has other problems as well that make this not worth trying to repair. I have all of my infrastructure in place already from the existing pool, and simply want to replace everything outside the pool shed (pool, plumbing, electrical bonding, concrete and other landscaping). I had a few bids, but there aren't many people doing pool work in this area and it they are all quoting 6 figure sums that I just can't afford. Because of this, I have been looking into ordering a DIY in-ground pool kit. I've looked at several of the online sellers and it seems like they all have one thing in common: Tons of terrible reviews. Most of the problems seem to be related to being shipped incorrect or incomplete parts and the seller denying refund or replacement. It seems that the seller expects the buyer to inspect the entire shipment for completeness and quality prior to signing for anything. The problem with this is that, having never built a pool, I won't know if something is built right until I follow the instructions to install it. I can absolutely make the delivery guy stand there a couple hours while I look at the shipping order and unpack/count everything (if this is what the seller requires), but making them wait a few weeks for the install isn't going to fly. With this in mind, I have a few questions:
  • Any recommendations for where to order a kit?
  • Any suggestions on specific options to select on a kit that will make my life easier or my enjoyment of the pool higher?
  • What to do when I receive the delivery? How much pain can I put the driver through before I have to sign and let them go?
  • Any install tips that will help me avoid costly errors?
  • Do I need a main drain? Seems like the install would be easier without one, and it might even be recommended to not have one.
Thanks in advance,

Brian
 
uwsublime said:
Hello All,

I have an old fiberglass 20k gallon pool that developed a crack in the shell. It has other problems as well that make this not worth trying to repair. I have all of my infrastructure in place already from the existing pool, and simply want to replace everything outside the pool shed (pool, plumbing, electrical bonding, concrete and other landscaping). I had a few bids, but there aren't many people doing pool work in this area and it they are all quoting 6 figure sums that I just can't afford. Because of this, I have been looking into ordering a DIY in-ground pool kit. I've looked at several of the online sellers and it seems like they all have one thing in common: Tons of terrible reviews. Most of the problems seem to be related to being shipped incorrect or incomplete parts and the seller denying refund or replacement. It seems that the seller expects the buyer to inspect the entire shipment for completeness and quality prior to signing for anything. The problem with this is that, having never built a pool, I won't know if something is built right until I follow the instructions to install it. I can absolutely make the delivery guy stand there a couple hours while I look at the shipping order and unpack/count everything (if this is what the seller requires), but making them wait a few weeks for the install isn't going to fly. With this in mind, I have a few questions:
  • Any recommendations for where to order a kit?
  • Any suggestions on specific options to select on a kit that will make my life easier or my enjoyment of the pool higher?
  • What to do when I receive the delivery? How much pain can I put the driver through before I have to sign and let them go?
  • Any install tips that will help me avoid costly errors?
  • Do I need a main drain? Seems like the install would be easier without one, and it might even be recommended to not have one.
Thanks in advance,

Brian
Click to expand...
What size of a pool are you looking at? $100k+ for an inground gunite pool is kinda the going rate now-a-days.

I don’t know of any delivery driver that would wait more than 5 minutes unless there was obvious damage visible to the package. If there IS obvious damage I’d refuse the shipment.
 
20k gallons. That's fine if that's the going rate, but I still can't afford it. Anyway, your point about the delivery drivers is kind of the reason I'm paranoid to order. So many people eating $10k+ purchases because they sign for something before inspecting, but they can't hold the delivery driver up to inspect. Kind of makes it hard to make a claim if you notice a problem only after signing.
 
uwsublime said:
20k gallons. That's fine if that's the going rate, but I still can't afford it. Anyway, your point about the delivery drivers is kind of the reason I'm paranoid to order. So many people eating $10k+ purchases because they sign for something before inspecting, but they can't hold the delivery driver up to inspect. Kind of makes it hard to make a claim if you notice a problem only after signing.
Click to expand...
Any company that won’t take care of damaged items in a delivery isn’t worth risking a purchase with. There’s tons of pool options to choose from, maybe someone here can recommend.
 
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What type of pool are you looking to buy?

From what companies?
 
My personal opinion on reviews. Take them with a grain of salt. Honestly, how many people that are satisfied with their purchase go back and leave a review (besides influencers LOL). People are quick to complain but very seldom leave praise. I would personally call the company and ask them their policies.
 
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Kimmielea71 said:
My personal opinion on reviews. Take them with a grain of salt. Honestly, how many people that are satisfied with their purchase go back and leave a review (besides influencers LOL). People are quick to complain but very seldom leave praise. I would personally call the company and ask them their policies.
Click to expand...
I generally feel the same way about reviews, but when the risk is $15k-$20k, even a few people losing that seems too extreme of a risk to take for me. I just want to do everything I can to lower that risk before I take the leap. I appreciate all of the responses so far!
 
Built our pool in 2020 with a kit from Royal. Overall, good experience. We did have damage to one of the panels, but it was due to the guy unloading the pallet. We documented, took pictures and Royal sent us a replacement, no problem. I would call and ask your questions directly. If possible talk to the same person (we called...a lot) and keep records of conversations via follow up emails. They were very helpful and timely. I will say, some of the instructions for installation were subpar (thus the many phonecalls). The folks here were tremendous help!! Also helps that my husband is an engineer and very handy. Our pool is over built for sure😂. Its wonderful knowing the ins and outs of everything that went into it, no corners were cut and we got exactly what we wanted.
 
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SSharp said:
Built our pool in 2020 with a kit from Royal. Overall, good experience. We did have damage to one of the panels, but it was due to the guy unloading the pallet. We documented, took pictures and Royal sent us a replacement, no problem. I would call and ask your questions directly. If possible talk to the same person (we called...a lot) and keep records of conversations via follow up emails. They were very helpful and timely. I will say, some of the instructions for installation were subpar (thus the many phonecalls). The folks here were tremendous help!! Also helps that my husband is an engineer and very handy. Our pool is over built for sure😂. Its wonderful knowing the ins and outs of everything that went into it, no corners were cut and we got exactly what we wanted.
Click to expand...
Thank you for the response! Glad to hear a positive experience with them.
 
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