Hey, I’m also in S DE and somewhat recently had a pool built (about 4 yrs ago). I probably don’t have much in the way of specific advice — pool itself isn’t really a regional thing. A few universal principles (in the seems to me category
):
1. The PB you choose is likely the single most important factor driving how happy you end up with the process and final product. Vet them carefully and prioritize the satisfaction of their existing customers and what you thought about pools they’ve already done over price. We got three bids, which really were not all that far apart, and went with the PB that has done most of the pools in our neighborhood, did designs that we could go see and we liked, and the existing customers were happy with.
2. If you don’t know much about pools, learn as much as you can before plunking down a deposit. A pool design is a very individualistic thing. Do you want a big pool, smaller pool, integrated spa, sprays, a waterfall over a rock ledge, grotto, slide, lounging ledge, umbrella mounts, sports net supports, in water bar and seats, large single patio area, small patio with close in landscaping, multiple patios, pergola, on and on. What I like probably isn’t exactly what you like or what anybody else likes and vice-versa. The key is to know as much as possible about what’s available out there, go nuts on the internet in reviewing different designs and ideas, then as you start to narrow down what you really want based on how you plan to use the pool, you should ask here because there’s a near certainty that somebody here has whatever the feature is and can comment on the pros and cons from first hand experience. I can say for us, at our age, pool parties turn into more like parties that happen to also have a pool, so the whole “outdoor experience” geared at entertaining at different outdoor “scenes” or “rooms” with strategic landscaping between was an important part of the whole concept. The pool was important, of course, but find a builder who sort of gets your vision for an entire project and can design with accommodations in mind for where you’re ultimately going.
3. Maintenance is what it is. You can do it yourself with the right tools and knowledge. You can hire it out if you’re willing to do some supervision (and around here it’s crazy expensive — the last bid I got was over a hundred a week). Either way, get the right test kit the day a shovel goes in the ground so you’re ready to keep your eye on the water chemistry and sanitation.
Anyway, ask away and you will get good advice on this website!
16x28 3-5.5ft deep Pool quote consists of the following (with extra options below):
