New Pool - South Jersey

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I am in eastern pa and those prices sound reasonable. I love the lagoon design as my new build is very similar, but I'm doing gunite. If anything, the vinyl hybrid option sounds cheap


Spring 2017 new build in PA ! //// Pool on a big hill //// IG SWG 800 sqft +100 sqft sun shelf + 50 sqft spa. //// All Jandy Pro series equipment (help me choose which models !) //// SGM River Rok or Diamond Brite (help me choose!) //// Stamped Concrete, Pavers, or Stone (help me choose ! )
 
Okay - I met with PB2 in person today and am totally disgusted with him so he is out of the running. Over the phone it was apples to apples with PB1, in person he tells me his pool is steel walls while PB1 was lifetime warranty concrete walls so it is a simple decision that PB1 beats him. I finally met with PB3 and received pricing from him which is the following:

PB3:

**SMALLER POOL 29k versus "around 35k" 18x29x34***

Steel Walls
6' dive and base
2 skimmers, 3 returns, 2 bottom drains
ladders and handrails
deck supports
3x3x3x6 concrete all the way around
(1) colorlogic changing light
cantilever coping
heat pump
4 deck jets (no color)
Intelliflo VSP

$36,600.

This does not include the Easy Touch/Screenlogic2/Laminar Color Jets. He said he would upgrade and install all of this at no extra charge (so he can learn), but I just need to order the parts. Can I order this stuff online and do you think we will be capable of installing these extra features? Are special valves/piping required or is it just wiring?

I am also still meeting with two more pool builders next week. Thanks again everyone!
 
So far, so good. I can control everything from a touchscreen remote they provided with the system. I can change from pool to spa mode, turn on the spa jets, turn on the deck jets, turn on the cleaner, adjust pool and spa temperature, read the salt level, and turn on/off the lights. There’s really nothing I have to go to the panel or equipment for.
 
Hammonton is where Life Time Pools factory is. We are building a life time FG pool. Check with them, they might be able to suggest you some PBs if you are in the market for a FG pool. Check with Seasonal world in Jackson, NJ also if you are looking for a liner pool.
 
I have been traveling quite a bit for work and haven't had time to update this post but the search has continued. I have had an insane amount of builders come to my property and this whole thing is quite overwhelming to be honest. I did finally get a quote on a Gunite pool that is actually in the ballpark. It is a little more than the concrete one from a very reputable builder I liked but this pool is also bigger and has a spa attached. Would you recommend anything changed on this?

Dimensions of pool widest and longest 30 x 50
Depth 3'6" to 8'
A 4 colored laminar deck jets
B large sun lounge with umbrella sleeve
C 8 foot diving board
D 2 swim outs in deep end of pool
E 50 sq.ft spa 8 hydro jets led light and 2hp air blower
1 Bluehaven to supply conceptual design and construction blueprints for
Township paperwork(topographical survey not needed)
2 BlueHaven to lay out pool for owners approval excavate and remove dirt not
necessary for grading
3 six steel reinforcing rods per perimeter foot in bond beam of Pool, meets and
exceeds all standards
4. Engineered Gunite structure exceeds all industry standards
5 full Bullnosed brick coping
6 six-inch band of ceramic frostproof pool tile around perimeter of pool at
waterline, tile trim on steps swim outs and edge of sun-lounge
7 4 shallow and steps
8 hand troweled white marble plaster finish
9 filter system and cleaning equipment
A. 450 square-foot commercially rated cartridge filter no backwashing
B 400,000 BTU nat. Gas pool and spa heater
C. Hayward 2 hp TriStar pump
D Hayward 2 hp Hayward booster pump
E Two extra large skimmers with catch baskets
F Safety suction bottom main drain system
G Two returns with directional fittings
H Hayward phantom automatic pool cleaner
I. Aqua Rite salt generating system
J All the plumbing 2 inch schedule 40 PVC piping
10 2 Color logic LED pool lights with programmable light shows
11 Cleaning kit and safety equipment
13 Deck bonding loop, national safety code
14 indoctrination and start up instructions
15. Lifetime warranty package
16. Temporary construction fences

List price................................................63855.00
Late summer disc....................................8455.00
Sale price ..............................................55170.00

Additions to above
A Electrical connections, hookup pool pump, booster pump
Auto pool cleaner pump, two LED pool lights, salt generator,
Laminar lights 30 amp service, heater and G.F.outlet.
Price includes 200 lineal feet of run.................2525.00
Additional footage over 200. 7.00 per foot
B. Decking 3 foot around pool white cement........ 4050.00
Additional footage $6.75 per foot
C Gas hookup includes 75 Lin ft of run..................1550.00
Total package- Pool,Deck,electric and gas (63295)
pool.JPG​
 

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Well hello there!!! Love the design of the pool! That placement will be purrfecct in your yard!

Now on the list I see:

-two returns-That is not enough. I would think you would need at least 4 to get good circulation for your pool shape. Do you know where the PB is thinking of putting the skimmers and returns? He might have an idea on placement that will make 2 returns work. Ask him and get back with us.

-he is charging you extra to connect the equipment and pool stuff? I would think that would be part of the overall job/build price. Now if he had to run an extra long wire run I can understand a extra charge for that. Interesting how they find ways to add to the bill.

Kim:kim:
 
Did this builder give the approximate square feet and gallons of this pool plan? That will help us help you a little better.

Returns: I agree with Kim. I can't imagine 2 returns being nearly enough for the size and shape of this pool. I have a freeform pool which is much smaller, and I have 5 returns in the main pool area and a 6th one on the sun shelf to keep it swept off. I would have liked another one at the top of my steps!

Skimmers: Again like Kim, I'd want to know where the skimmers are planned.

Pumps: For the Hayward 2 hp TriStar pump, is that a 2-speed or variable speed? Ask other TFP members who know more about pumps.

Filter: "450 square-foot commercially rated cartridge filter no backwashing' - I'm not sure 'commercially rated' means. Otherwise, I would say the filter is not large enough for this pool. You would be cleaning the cartridges more than you like. But maybe commercially rated puts this filter in a different league.

Lights: I like the placement of the lights, but I don't know if they give enough light (and color). Be sure to ask others on here.

On this design, I love all the benches, the spa, the sun shelf, and you have a great swim lane. I have a sun shelf and would never build another pool without one.

Do you have good reviews and references?

Are you leaning towards a vinyl or gunite pool?


jkearney30 said:
I have been traveling quite a bit for work and haven't had time to update this post but the search has continued. I have had an insane amount of builders come to my property and this whole thing is quite overwhelming to be honest. I did finally get a quote on a Gunite pool that is actually in the ballpark. It is a little more than the concrete one from a very reputable builder I liked but this pool is also bigger and has a spa attached. Would you recommend anything changed on this?
Click to expand...

On the concrete pool from a very reputable builder, is that for a vinyl pool?

Do you have good reviews and references for this PB with the gunite design? You want to be sure you've checked him out thoroughly.

Are you leaning towards a vinyl or gunite pool? Which type do you like swimming in?
 
kimkats and SuzfromTexas,

Thank you both SO MUCH!

I found out about this last pool builder from a member on here, reviews are good. I sent him an email asking about the cartridge filter and the skimmers/returns, we will see what he comes back with.

Regarding me leaning towards vinyl or gunite, I honestly have never swam in a gunite pool but everyone I talk to in person says "they are the best". Should I find someone with a gunite pool and go swim in it before I pull the trigger, is there something that I might not like about it?

You guys rock.
 
If you can find a gunite pool to swim in, I would definitely do that. Vinyl and gunite pools have very different feels to them. Since you're more familiar with a vinyl pool, you might find a gunite pool isn't comfortable to you - it might feel strange. Some people on both sides have definite preferences. You might not have a preference, but at least trying out a gunite pool removes the question. You might find you do have a preference. Then you'll be that much closer to a decision!
 
Okay, the pool builder responded with answers to my questions:

"
Hello and good morn. josh
The pump and filter size is efficient and sufficient up to 50,000 gals.of water
And up to 1250 square feet of surface area. With Two skimmers ,Dual main drains and two returns will both circulate and turn water over One and a half times per cycle. Which I think Is 8 hrs per day.​

​
"

Also, my pool is 950 sq feet and will be 42,000 gals. He did not give me locations of the skimmers/returns via email but we are meeting tonight. Should I push for more and where would you guys suggest they be placed?

Thanks!
 
I feel like there's a conversation with that PB coming in the future that needs to go something like this "PB - I know that you have tremendous pool building experience and I value your guidance and judgement through the process. However, if we are going to have a relationship, you'll need to humor me at times and allow for some of my harebrained ideas to be included in the build. They may be some that you feel are complete overkill, and perhaps some that you feel are not worthwhile, but I will need to play a role in setting the specs on this pool to some degree as well if this is going to proceed. BTW - You guys do great work and I'd love to be able to give you my business if we can reach an understanding."

Remember the saying for TEAM - Together I Get The Pool I Want. :)

Good commentary from Kim and Suz above.
 
Okay, I met with the PB tonight and asked about the returns/skimmers. His response was that he talked to the engineer and with the shape of the pool he would not add any more returns and that they will make sure the water flows around and turns the pool over 1 1/2 times over in a 8 hour period. He also did not know the placement.

Is this a red flag and should I push to get exact locations?

Thanks!
 
bmoreswim said:
I feel like there's a conversation with that PB coming in the future that needs to go something like this "PB - I know that you have tremendous pool building experience and I value your guidance and judgement through the process. However, if we are going to have a relationship, you'll need to humor me at times and allow for some of my harebrained ideas to be included in the build. They may be some that you feel are complete overkill, and perhaps some that you feel are not worthwhile, but I will need to play a role in setting the specs on this pool to some degree as well if this is going to proceed. BTW - You guys do great work and I'd love to be able to give you my business if we can reach an understanding."

Remember the saying for TEAM - Together I Get The Pool I Want. :)

Good commentary from Kim and Suz above.
Click to expand...

I agree with this. I went a similar route that bmore mentioned above as some PB'S are very pushy and set in their ways. If they refused to budge, easily crossed them off my list.
 
jkearney30 said:
I found out about this last pool builder from a member on here, reviews are good. I sent him an email asking about the cartridge filter and the skimmers/returns, we will see what he comes back with.
Click to expand...

Here's a thought.... Check out the pool build thread of the TFP member who gave you the PB's name. That is if that member used him as their PB. If so, compare plans, diagrams, equipment, size of pool, etc. That might give you some information. He might be fine, but I think you've got some more thinking to do.

Take your time - this is a big decision! (in case you haven't figured that out. Lol!!)

Suz
 

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