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Old 04-04-2017, 09:53 AM
 
Location: Central Mexico and Central Florida
7,150 posts, read 4,862,501 times
Reputation: 10444

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FWIW, within a 3 block radius of my home in Historic Gulfport, I've seen 5 pools added since mid-2014. All were done by the same company, so I assume word-of-mouth recommendations??? Though maybe they're just the nearest pool builder, as they are in nearby St. Pete.

It was Pools by George. Pool & Spa Contractor | St. Petersburg, Florida | Pools by George
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Old 04-04-2017, 01:13 PM
 
428 posts, read 411,992 times
Reputation: 510
Quote:
Originally Posted by bobandsherry View Post
Looking at your quote it seems to be high to me. You didn't include, but how many sq ft of decking/pavers is included? That can make a big difference in the cost including the screen.

I installed pool last year, here's some feedback based on my experience.
  • Get quotes from several pool builders (PB). I got quotes from 9 different pool builders. I would not recommend Challenger.
  • You need to do a decent comparison to ensure that quotes are similar. Get a list of specifically what equipment is included. I found that this can really make a difference. Check prices of what equipment goes for. As example, one PB gave me quote with cartridge filter which cost $350, most other PB included DE filters that cost $750-800. That same PB quote with a much cheaper (and lower rated) pool vac and pump. BTW, I recommend DE filter over cartridge.
  • Be sure cage is similar is size, including the wall height. One PB provided quote "with cage", but upon asking questions they were only using 8' wall while all other PB were 10'. The 8' walls were $1,200 cheaper.
  • I would suggest including SWG (removes the need for chlorine feeder). The SWG really helps to minimize your pool maintenance and the need to handle chlorine.
  • Be sure you consider water features you might want now (descents, bubblers) as you can't add these easily later.
  • Compare payment schedules (when you need to make payment to PB). I had one PB who wanted 100% paid even before the pool was finished. PB I went with actually had 10% due after completion and orientation.
  • Check references. Common sense is the PB will only include references that they consider are good. However with right questions asked you can get information that may help you differentiate PB's.
  • Unless you have a specific need for 3' shallow end depth, I would recommend 3.5'.

FYI, I paid $39K for my pool.
- 350 sq/ft pool
- 820 sq/ft paver decking
- 1,170 sq/ft Pool cage (10' wall with 2 doors and 7" gutters)
- 2 sheer descents and a bubbler
- Pool equipment: SWG, VS pump, DE filter, pool vac, LED lights

Also there is a great pool site that you can use to get lots of useful information on pool (building and maintaining). PM me if you would like the site name.

Good luck.
All spot on...

Except, what's the reason for not recommending Challenger... Pure curiosity. They have good reviews on a few different forums, so I'd like to know if you've had experience with them, what was it that turned you away?
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Old 04-04-2017, 05:33 PM
 
Location: -"`-._,-'"`-._, ☀ Sunny Florida ☀ ,-"`-._,-'"`-.
1,357 posts, read 1,213,251 times
Reputation: 1324
Quote:
Originally Posted by mcharas View Post
All spot on...

Except, what's the reason for not recommending Challenger... Pure curiosity. They have good reviews on a few different forums, so I'd like to know if you've had experience with them, what was it that turned you away?
I guess I should have just said do your homework.... From the homework I did, Challenger had a very good reputation. However it appears that Challenger of a few years ago was much better than the Challenger today.

From the homework I did, I spoke with a neighbor who had used Challenger 20 years ago, everything was great. They decided used them for their new home and they ran into issue with their pool being completed on time and were given lots of excuses. I talked with another person who had Challenger build their pool, the mentioned they ran into problems and delays. I also looked at online reviews and found that more recent reviews were more negative than prior years.

From a more hands on perspective Challenger was the only company who hand drew their plans for quote - every other builder provided 3D rendering. The quote they provided lacked specific details (e.g. "cartridge filter", that could be anything). Without this info you don't know what you are getting until it's delivered. This is not what I expect from a company who's been doing this for as many years as they have. They were also more expensive than most other pool builders (only one other builder was more expensive), 20% more than company we selected (and I didn't go with the lowest).

People considering Olympus Pools should also do their homework. Google can be very helpful in researching the past on the President and Sales Manager. Three neighbors have used them and have had very poor experience.
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Old 04-06-2017, 03:33 PM
 
18 posts, read 16,875 times
Reputation: 15
Good info in this thread! Thanks!
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Old 04-07-2017, 12:17 PM
 
49 posts, read 46,649 times
Reputation: 78
https://www.facebook.com/calpoolsflorida/

Does amazing work. Tell them Solar Specialist recommended them and they should give you a great price.
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Old 12-10-2018, 11:13 AM
 
1 posts, read 1,720 times
Reputation: 10
Hello, I was hoping to find out who you ended up going with and how your experience was. I'm currently looking to build a pool in Riverview for a new home. Please PM me as your profile is set to private. Thank you!

Quote:
Originally Posted by bobandsherry View Post
I guess I should have just said do your homework.... From the homework I did, Challenger had a very good reputation. However it appears that Challenger of a few years ago was much better than the Challenger today.

From the homework I did, I spoke with a neighbor who had used Challenger 20 years ago, everything was great. They decided used them for their new home and they ran into issue with their pool being completed on time and were given lots of excuses. I talked with another person who had Challenger build their pool, the mentioned they ran into problems and delays. I also looked at online reviews and found that more recent reviews were more negative than prior years.

From a more hands on perspective Challenger was the only company who hand drew their plans for quote - every other builder provided 3D rendering. The quote they provided lacked specific details (e.g. "cartridge filter", that could be anything). Without this info you don't know what you are getting until it's delivered. This is not what I expect from a company who's been doing this for as many years as they have. They were also more expensive than most other pool builders (only one other builder was more expensive), 20% more than company we selected (and I didn't go with the lowest).

People considering Olympus Pools should also do their homework. Google can be very helpful in researching the past on the President and Sales Manager. Three neighbors have used them and have had very poor experience.
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Old 12-10-2018, 11:38 AM
 
Location: -"`-._,-'"`-._, ☀ Sunny Florida ☀ ,-"`-._,-'"`-.
1,357 posts, read 1,213,251 times
Reputation: 1324
Quote:
Originally Posted by molah25 View Post
Hello, I was hoping to find out who you ended up going with and how your experience was. I'm currently looking to build a pool in Riverview for a new home. Please PM me as your profile is set to private. Thank you!
Sent ya info in PM.
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Old 01-10-2019, 12:46 AM
 
2 posts, read 1,828 times
Reputation: 10
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tampaite View Post
We got couple of quotes to build a pool & spa and have narrowed down to 1 contractor who offered the best price.

They are quoting about $45K for the pool(only)
  1. Pool upto 275 sq.feet in size.
  2. Pool with 3'-5' deep.
  3. Pool includes steps, bench, lights, variable speed pool pump, cartridge filter, chlorine feeder.
  4. Pool comes with standard pavers and screen cage with 2 doors on either side.
  5. Pool does not include pool heater but for additional fee($800) they can include the Gas Stub out.

To build the concrete raised spa - they are asking an additional $14K

In Total for Pool and Spa = ~$60K

Our budget was initially $50K for both. Should we get more price quotes?

Am I missing anything in this list? and is the price in the ballpark?

Thanks.
If you want to have a swimming pool under $50K, you can get it but you need patience and need to spend some time on research. You just do a fresh start, list all the stuffs needed in the construction of the swimming pool and compare the prices on all the websites as well as on the shops and buy the stuff that offers in the lowest price compared to all the shops or website. This will really reduce the cost but this needs a lot of patience.
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Old 05-21-2019, 09:43 PM
 
1 posts, read 1,360 times
Reputation: 10
Thanks for this really good info. I just received a quote for 60K and I was hoping to be in the 40K range. Would you mind sharing who built your pool? I would love to give them a call and see what their pricing is
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Old 05-22-2019, 02:31 AM
 
1,332 posts, read 2,168,897 times
Reputation: 2160
Have any of you gotten quotes for Fiberglass pools? How did they compare to gunite? Everything I read online says fiberglass has much less long term maintenance but seems most of the pool builders only do gunite in Florida.
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