New pool design and quote (NE Indianapolis)

[jhuse]

Hi everyone. Just came across this site and have found it to be a wealth of information with honest feedback from knowledgeable people.

My wife and I have been discussing adding an inground pool and we've gone through the design process and just obtained the quote from the PB we've been meeting with. We might have gone a bit overboard with the design because the quote came in higher than I was anticipating (surprise, surprise). I was looking to get some feedback if the quote is realistic for our design or if the quote is way off. Here are some details about the pool features:

20 x 46 diving pool
Alpha evolution composite wall
Aqua bright pool coating
automatic safety cover

I'd like to do a SWCG instead of the fusion system that's shown in the quote below.

The concrete areas with the fire pit and patio table/chairs are part of our home already and the rest of the concrete would be added on to tie everything together.

I know we're looking at a rather large pool. But on the high side, I was anticipating the total cost for pool, concrete and landscaping to come in around $100k. As it is, the pool and concrete cost came in at $114k and the additional landscaping and necessary retaining walls would be another $25-30k. This seemed rather high to me compared to some other projects that have been completed by neighbors and friends.

Any thoughts or opinions would be welcomed.

Thanks.

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Well Hello, JHuse! Welcome to TFP!

You can lose the Fusion for sure! It is a problem in the making. If you can swing the dollars now, go with the SWG. If you want to delay the SWG for a year or so, just tell the PB to leave a spot for it. In the meantime you can dose with liquid chlorine manually until you get the SWG. Many handy folks can put this in on their own.

The cover is a BIG expense, but for me, it is peace of mind. And a labor saver for keeping the pool cleaner. You might consider in your area if you will use it as a winter cover also?? Some folks do, but others in cold climates use a dedicated winter cover to save the wear and tear on that expensive autocover.

AquaBright is a *great looking* finish and STURDY! You won't regret that expense in the long run.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE a diving pool!! (just wish mine was) Good on you!! FUN times ahead

Maddie

 

[Jimrahbe]

j,

Welcome to TFP... A great resource for all new pool builders, whether you live with other "Nobles" or not...

The only way to know if your quote is high or low is to get more quotes.. I say this because they are going to try to suck as much money out of you as possible.

The same pool in a rich part of town always costs more that the exact same pool is a not so rich part of town.

Pool pricing is very dependent on your location..

Where I live most pools are gunite, with a few being vinyl liner or fiberglass pools. I have never heard of a "Alpha Evolution Composite wall" pool, but at first glance, I am not a fan, although it might be a standard way of building pool in your area.

I would "guess" that a gunite pool similar to yours would be about $75K here in Texas..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Brianf60]

I would change the sand filter to a cartridge and the fusion for a salt water system. As far as the price goes I think the only way to know is to get as many quotes as possible and compare. The other great thing with getting multiple quotes is that each pool company that comes out and reviews your plans will be able to give you ideas and advice. Everyone has different ideas and hearing them all will help you with the planning. Its better to make a change now and not wait until you have used the pool for a awhile before you realize that the lights may have been better here and the stairs there. One other thing. I put deck jets in my pool. If you have kids they will love them. They look great, make a nice background noise if you want and they were cheap....

 

[PoolGate]

That does seem very high to me but as Jim said, it is highly location dependent.

The FusionSoft 1400 is ok to go with if you want to stay within the Jandy family. That is what I have. Just don't use the mineral cartridge but it is fine for chlorine generation and has a better warranty (3 year vs 1 year) than the chlorine only generator from Jandy. And I also will suggest getting the cartridge filter. I did not see the iAqualink on your quote are you getting automation? For that price, you should have all the bells and whistles. I also suggest you get gunite quotes I cannot imagine it will be that much more.

Also that pump is really small for your pool. You need to get the 3hp variable speed pump. And there are also most likely utility rebates on it for you so check. And make sure they specify the exact model of light you are getting. All exact model numbers of equipment should be specified.

Get more quotes!

 

[jhuse]

Thanks for all the replies!

I've contacted some additional PB in the area about setting up meetings. I really like the aqua bright finish option and it seems most pool builders in this area do mainly vinyl or fiberglass. I'm glad I found this forum to use as a sounding board to get some feedback as we continue with the design process. Thanks again.