[Everdeen]

You don't have to do as I suggested. I was just offering an alternative. Both ways have pluses and minuses. A good sub will offer a warranty on his work. *shrug*

[hotjambalaya]

out of interest, which 5 companies did you call?

[UTES]

Having owned a house with a pool, it's not something I'd do again. They're nice to have at times, but I found having a pool more trouble than it was worth. I was maintaining it more than I was using it. But, if you're into pools, they certainly add beauty and interest to a backyard. Like most other choices, it comes down to personal preference.

Bill

[qingguy]

@dario77 - I did an Owner/Builder (didn't use a consultant like byop, looked at that but didn't see the value to me for the extra 3 - 4k, others may feel differently) and built a 26,000 gallon 38 x 31 (good size pool), upgraded equipment, full automation (control everything from my phone), three water features AND I spent less than what the minimum the pool companies are quoting you. It didn't include all the decking in the picture below but did include 445 sq feet of spray deck which I think was the minimum you need around a pool, maybe 3 feet out. I added another 1,755 sq feet of decking. Also didn't include the landscaping but I doubt your pool builder quotes are including the extra decking or landscaping. Throwing in the landscaping and decking and I think I'm in that 70 - 80k range and I can tell you I didn't pay anywhere near that.

First and foremost I knew nothing about building pools, I knew/nothing about building anything, I hire a handyman to do the smallest job, all my tools can fit in a small fishing tackle box, in-fact they do LOL! I do not know the first thing about constructing anything.

I worked with a designer for my plans, then a structural engineer for the engineering, then got my permit, excavated, plumbed, steel, electrical, shotcrete, tile, decking, plaster and then start-up. It was interesting, I was speaking with the owner of one of the companies who did a major phase of my build and as we were watching his crew work he told me if you have good subs a pool pretty much builds its self. While I do think it's a little more involved than that, my experience is he's right. With one exception I had very good subs. Even the subs I didn't use came highly recommended.

Subs are the same subs who are doing work for the major pool companies in town, after finishing-up my job they'd be heading to a job for a pool company.

Seems like it would be overwhelming but honestly it's not. It's not for everyone, but if you're willing to get involved in your build from a management perspective you really can save a lot of money and get an upgraded pool. Not saying I didn't have a couple of hiccups along the way because I did, but from my conversations with people who use pool companies they have hiccups as well (just heard about a guy who's pool company used wrong plaster and had to remove new plaster and replaster). Overall good experience and we love the final product.

Warranties - I have warranties on all my work, wouldn't work with the sub company if they didn't warranty their work.

Here's a picture of what I did. When we started backyard was just dirt. For some perspective on size, the planters are 8' wide (each) and the pots are 3'. Took just over six weeks from ground breaking and I created at least a one to two week delay due to needing to be out of town.

If I had to do it again I'd do it off season because several of the subs told me (when I was pushing them for additional discounts) if you'd built in fall or winter I could have discounted more but during peak season, I don't really need to. Every sub I worked with did provide a discount off their original quote though.

If you have any questions shoot me a pm I'm happy to respond or have a phone conversation with you.

EDIT: Forgot to mention, I know another O/B who built a 32 x 18 with a spa highly upgraded equipment for less than $30,000

[latin_racer]

have you considered above ground pool for now?

[UTES]

That is one beautiful pool, qingguy.

Bill

[qingguy]

Originally Posted by UTES

That is one beautiful pool, qingguy.

Bill

Thanks man, we're really enjoying it . . . in-spite of everything that's wrong with Vegas and it being a second class city and all.

[cb at sea]

Another option...is there a community pool nearby?

[jet757f]

We love our pool. We would not buy another house without one or enough land to build one.

[xusafpilot]

It is probably best to buy a house with an existing pool. Most people in Las Vegas could not get a loan to build a pool. Buying a "used" pool comes with a steep discount. The trick is to find the neighborhood, house and pool that meets your needs. My first house in Las Vegas, was purchased new in 2005 and the pool builder was hard at work a few months later. It was all fine and good, besides the normal wear and tear on the equipment which is expected. If you really want to build a pool in your existing house, go with one of the quality local pool companies after doing your research. Know what you want out of a pool before you even start the conversation with a builder. One point of advise is to skip the "tropical" style pool with the "Fred Flintstone rocks and nonsense.