You're right, no one wants to take on more work right now unless you are prepared to pay a hefty premium. Wait until the fall and these guys will be begging for your business.
Oh well I started two years ago looking around for quotes, and I know I will NOT have a pool this summer. I aim to be able to swim for the first time in 2020
I'd strongly recommend a gunite pool in California if nothing else for resale value.
I see, but I do not plan to sell this house (I even lived and worked far away without selling it) so while this advice is very valuable, in my specific case I have to weight it and I think I prefer the ability to get a kit and do it for cheaper now. Thank you for the insight however, I am absolutely not dismissing it.