Now that you've decided to pursue your dream pool, let's look at the different phases. How much can you afford, how does it fit into your yard, finding reputable sub-contractors, is the job being done properly and on schedule and finally...............SPLASH!!!!
This website was created out of the fustration that countless homeowners have from being left in the dark from pool companies that never returned calls after the contract was signed and work has started or continued work at "their" pace. As a pool plasterer since 1978 in the same company and plastering pools for about 40 companies throughout the years, I've heard just about every imaginable problem new pool owners have concerning their pool company. Their reaction to these problems were that if they were to do it again, they would hire all the subs themselves, hence this website.
One thing that you MUST understand is that most pool companies only sell pools. They hire sub-contractors to do the actual work on your pool. In other words, you pay them hundreds if not thousands more to phone the subs and schedule them, work you could have done yourself.
When it comes to cost, especially going through a pool company the average price on the average size pool is about the same as a mid size car. This has been a consistent fact thoughout the years. The price should include decking and electrical (some companies offer this as an option, usually in small print), start-up and clean-up. Codes in some regions require a solar pool cover which should also be included. Option that may be offered are upgrades in equipment, tile, plaster finish, decking size and deck finishes. This may result in a substantial rise in the cost of the pool.
Other factor that could contribute to final price increases are fences and ground conditions, i.e. rocks, boulders, watertables, plot elevations. So now, instead of a $15,000 pool, you may be approaching $20,000 and up, or as much as doubling the original cost.
One thing that I cannot stress more is that YOU are the customer and YOU decide how you want things done. Also, YOU should NEVER pay anyone unless that phase of the project is done properly and completely. Always check your contract for anything that might relieve the contractor from doing something you think is his/her responsibility. If you have any questions as to what a sub-contractors reponsibilities are, ask or contact me.
If you live in the Riverside/ San Bernardino area and need help building your pool, e-mail me and we'll set up an appointment to go over the whole process.
