Let's talk Swimming Pools, Please!

[Cdr.Instigator]

Yes sir.. I live in Houston. Looking for something with slide/waterfall and boulders or stone work.. palm trees the whole works..


Pm me or post up some more info please!

I need a quote for something in the 30k to 40K range

[skooli]

Blue tile and bull nose coping are mandatory.

[onevoice]

Originally Posted by Cdr.Instigator

Yes sir.. I live in Houston. Looking for something with slide/waterfall and boulders or stone work.. palm trees the whole works..


Pm me or post up some more info please!

I need a quote for something in the 30k to 40K range

I think you need to up your budget some. It's pretty easy to go $30k+ with just a basic pool. Going moderately fancy can get you to 6 figures quickly.

[Roberts68]

I don't mean to pee in your proverbial pool, but I have to share a joke/story quick.

My folks go to visit great friends in the telephone industry who own an exchange in Cornelia GA. Both are amazed by the backyard sanctuary with boulder walls and beautiful landscaping surrounding the elaborate pool.

Conversation between my Dad and his longtime friend turned quiet after all the topics of investment, contractors, time and maintenance... not to mention hosting guests of course. Milt turns to my Dad and says, "Bob, do you know the difference between a boat and a pool?"

My Dad plays along instead of citing the obvious and says "What's that?"

Milt says "You can always sell a boat Bob."

In the way of contribution I have little to offer but I recommend the chlorination system where you add salt. My X-Bro-in-law had that and it was really nice. Easy on the eyes and the kids, very simple to administer and much safer to have around in terms of chemical storage.

Regarding storage, prepare well for all the clutter that gets played with in the pool and what is used on the deck area... have a changing gazebo or something thought out. Good Luck!

[skatinjay27]

Originally Posted by onevoice

I think you need to up your budget some. It's pretty easy to go $30k+ with just a basic pool. Going moderately fancy can get you to 6 figures quickly.

yeah my parents pool was built 15 years ago and ended up at 22k and its a pretty basic pool something like 25' x 12' with a raised spa and in ground cleaning system. deepest point is less that 5 feet!

[Stuart Adams]

Having had a pool or two living in AZ, there will be a bunch of costs that come up like weekly service, keeping it clean, heating the pool or jacuzzi, repairs, special gates for kid proof stuff, etc. Not to sound too negative, they have there plusses but the cost per hour of fun is VERY high.

30-40 K will be an average at best pool. Check references are a must.

Sounds like your in great financial shape, congrats. I suppose you are in good shape because of wise money decisions. You will figure it out.

Buyer beware.

[EBMC]

One positive out of this economy is that it has weeded out most of the dishonest, unqualified pool builders. A few years ago (when we built ours) everyone was a pool builder and alot of people got ripped off and/or crappy pools. Just like getting a car built, get references, check licenses, complaints ect. There's different levels of quality and the last thing you need is an inferior product sitting in the middle of your backyard! With that said it has been a great investment for our family and weve had alot of good times with it. In fact this Thursday is the 5th annual end of school year swim party at our house!

[toy71camaro]

I dont have any experience, or much advice to offer... But hearing what your asking to "get" with the "budget" you've got in mind, seems they are a bit off (atleast compared to what people have got around here).

25-30k is a fairly basic, nothing special pool with standard cleaning systems. Nothing fancy AT ALL.

Not to mention all the weekly/monthly costs to maintain it (all year long)...

personally, I almost feel that "if i have to ask how much its going to be to maintain a pool after paying to have it built, i probably can't afford it". lol thats just my thought process on it anyway.


But certainly do your homework, LOTS of it. Get customers names/info so you can go talk to them.

[califconstruct]

I am a pool builder/designer/general contractor her in Calif.

References, references, references. Review previous jobs, visually, meet with their previous customers.

90% of my work is decided by my satisfied customers giving good feedback.

http://www.sunsplashpool.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sun-Sp...12891702054355

Fiberglass or Gunite?

Haven't done much Fiberglass pools in the last 3 years, most have been gunite, but fiberglass does have its advantages! non-porous easier to maintain. Structurally stronger than Gunite, quick install.

Price point wise, small pool in California - fiberglass may be cheaper. 25 -30k
Medium Pool - gunite and fiberglass are equal in price 32k - 38k
Large Pool - Fiberglass is more expensive 40k - and up
naturally if your talking apples to apples design/size and amenities.
basic set up. lots of variables would determine outcome of pricing.

I am a dealer of, and can get you set up with pools from:

Leisure Pools - http://www.leisurepoolsusa.com/ - based out of New Braunfels, TX

San Juan Fiberglass Pools - http://www.sanjuanpools.com - based out of Eloy Az,

Aloha Fiberglass Pools - http://www.leisurepoolsusa.com/ - Plainview TX

the closer the better for shipping fees purposes.

definitely a variable speed pump, salt system, and request 2 1/2" plumbing lines on a loop system. (supply and return)

http://www.pentairpool.com/pool-owner/index.htm

http://www.aquamatic.com Auto- cover for pool

http://www.nptgonline.com/ pool tile, plaster

http://www.wetedgetechnologies.com/ pool plaster finishes

http://www.beadcreteusa.com pool plaster finish

http://www.fxl.com/ landscape lighting

http://www.poolfence.com/ safety fencing

http://www.poolcorp.com/pcf pool financing

http://www.cepactile.com pool tile

http://www.paramountpoolproducts.com/products/clearo3/ ozonator


Art

[Stuart Adams]

Nice info Art.