Considering building a pool (construction, contractor, prices)

[hkdman_35]

Hello - as I mentioned in my previous post, I am in the process of building a home. IF it ever gets done, I would like to put in a pool. The pool company's are going crazy right now with business. Any reputable pool company has around a 3 month back log. Some pool company's won't even talk to you for 30 days. Has anyone built a pool since Covid? Have you noticed prices have skyrocketed when building a pool? Asking because while I love the idea of building a pool - I am wondering if pool company's are charging a premium given demand...and if they are...what is that premium. Perhaps it is better to wait a year.

[nissan]

We signed a contract to build a pool on May 1st. As of this week, we just got through 80% of the tiling/coping and still have decking and plaster phases left. Permits took 5 weeks, gunite was delayed 4 weeks due to demand but all the other trades have been on time with no major delays. Given the winter weather and sustained current demand, I honestly think there's no way to be swimming next summer unless you sign by Oct.-Nov.

When we started the scoping/bidding process, the Covid-spurred demand was just ramping up. At that time, builders said there was some increases vs. last yr just driven by normal trade and equipment price adjustments YoY, but nothing crazy. What I'm hearing now is, on top of all that, builders are charging an even higher premium of $7-10K on base pool/spa setups. I really doubt pricing will normalize next yr. You may find some price rationalization in the middle of winter, but then you'll lose another yr of swimming basically. We had many neighbors sign contracts last yr and prev. yrs in winter and their builds took significant time due to weather delays.

My pool builder is telling prospects to sign before Dec. if they want any reasonable shot at swimming by July 4th '21.

[hkdman_35]

Originally Posted by nissan

We signed a contract to build a pool on May 1st. As of this week, we just got through 80% of the tiling/coping and still have decking and plaster phases left. Permits took 5 weeks, gunite was delayed 4 weeks due to demand but all the other trades have been on time with no major delays. Given the winter weather and sustained current demand, I honestly think there's no way to be swimming next summer unless you sign by Oct.-Nov.

When we started the scoping/bidding process, the Covid-spurred demand was just ramping up. At that time, builders said there was some increases vs. last yr just driven by normal trade and equipment price adjustments YoY, but nothing crazy. What I'm hearing now is, on top of all that, builders are charging an even higher premium of $7-10K on base pool/spa setups. I really doubt pricing will normalize next yr. You may find some price rationalization in the middle of winter, but then you'll lose another yr of swimming basically. We had many neighbors sign contracts last yr and prev. yrs in winter and their builds took significant time due to weather delays.

My pool builder is telling prospects to sign before Dec. if they want any reasonable shot at swimming by July 4th '21.

Thanks! Would you mind telling me who your builder is? Are you happy, unhappy, etc.? Feel free to PM me if you would rather.

[nawvtanzi09]

We just signed a contract to have one built. Not expecting it to be completed till Feb/March. I will DM you the pool contractor we went with. He is a very hands on owner that is part of every phase of the construction and his prices are reasonable. We looked at at least 6-8 bids and liked him the best.

[hkdman_35]

Originally Posted by nawvtanzi09

We just signed a contract to have one built. Not expecting it to be completed till Feb/March. I will DM you the pool contractor we went with. He is a very hands on owner that is part of every phase of the construction and his prices are reasonable. We looked at at least 6-8 bids and liked him the best.

Thanks! I received the PM. Sent him a message. Tks again!

[unknown00]

What is avg price for a backyard pool these days?

[platon20]

Originally Posted by unknown00

What is avg price for a backyard pool these days?

Pre-COVID days a bare bones no frills gunite pool would run around 60k. Spa adds about 12-15k to the cost.

[cordata]

Along the same lines what size of pool is considered big, normal or small ?

[platon20]

Originally Posted by cordata

Along the same lines what size of pool is considered big, normal or small ?

Rough estimate:

Small: < 300 square feet

Medium: 300-500 square feet

Large: 500 square foot or larger

[hkdman_35]

I just spoke with Tropics Island Pools - the owner seemed nice. Anyone have any experience with them?