How do decide on builder?

[91_two]

I would be careful upsizing an SWG. The recent crop of them have had shorter than expected lifetimes and so the ROI isn’t as good. Sure, they have higher output and so you run them less which theoretically translates into a better ROI …. IF, and it’s a big IF, the unit ACTUALLY lasts for 10,000 hours. There are definitely failure modes that can kill the SWGs much sooner than that and usually just outside the 2-3 year warranty period which then completely tanks the ROI.

I would say that 2X the volume is a ceiling more than a floor and would rather pay less up front in the chance that you get a shorter than expected lifetime. If you take the plunge on the larger unit, you’re buying a whole lot of “theoretical chlorine” that may never materialize into “actual chlorine” ….

In short, an IC40 is fine … my first cell was an IC40 and it went the distance and lasted almost 8 years. My replacement IC60 is dying and only lasted 3 years.

Good insight. Thanks for the info!

 

[91_two]

Contractor D now updated the quote to include Aquarite S3 Omni automation, and for the salt system it is now the Hayward AquaRite S3 Omni. They also changed to a VS Tristar pump. I don't have specific model numbers yet on the pump, salt system, or automation(Or maybe its one part #, not sure). So, I will ask for that. They also include a Polaris 8642IQ robot, and all my extra concrete and new total is $59,105 but with dirt work it could go up another $4,000. It is $400 per truck of dirt removal, and they estimate 10 trucks.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

It is $400 per truck of dirt removal, and they estimate 10 trucks.

And they almost ALWAYS low ball the estimates for excavation.

Does their contract specify what happens if they hit rocks or boulders? Typically the excavator sub will charge A LOT more if they hit anything other than feather-soft dirt. You might inquire about that.

 

[FlapjackMcCoy]

The builder you talk to before signing the contract is a different builder than after you sign it. Pick the one who's been around for awhile and has physical assets.

 

[91_two]

And they almost ALWAYS low ball the estimates for excavation.

Does their contract specify what happens if they hit rocks or boulders? Typically the excavator sub will charge A LOT more if they hit anything other than feather-soft dirt. You might inquire about that.

No it does not, but I will ask. I did ask about equipment size and they use some large excavators, but not about who eats the cost if we hit rock. My soil is mostly clay and I know there are plenty of rocks around.

The builder you talk to before signing the contract is a different builder than after you sign it. Pick the one who's been around for awhile and has physical assets.

Surprisingly, the ones on my list have all been around this area for a while, and I think all but one actually have a physical store. I will definitley check out some references when I really narrow in on the final two which hopefully I can do in the next week or so.