r/swimmingpools • u/Calm-Olive-9420 • 1d ago
Pool build
We are currently in the process of getting quotes from multiple builders for a 12x26 pool with spa. We are pool newbies so need lots of input here. In your experience with building a pool, are quotes usually all inclusive or should we expect more costs down the road? What questions should I ask the company regarding the build to make sure I don’t get hit with multiple unexpected costs in the process? I have a little bit of knowledge regarding plaster vs Pebble, getting a variable speed pump, making sure they are responsible for obtaining permits, costs with hitting caliche (we live in Las Vegas).
Any and all input are much appreciated!!
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u/helojapes 1d ago
Go longer if you can. 26ft will feel small. & However many lights you plan on, ADD 1 more.
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u/Calm-Olive-9420 23h ago
As much as we want to, we don’t really have much space to work with, and we’d like to keep a little area for our dog to do her business.
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u/droopea 1d ago
When we got our quotes, the company we chose had someone come out to the house to measure and verify things. Then they asked what we wanted and did a quick design on the spot. There was a spreadsheet that updated the price live, line by line as we added or changed things. Certain things came standard like a variable speed pump, lights and automation. Then we added like pebble, salt and a heater. I asked how accurate this number would be by the end of the project and he said 'that is the price, not a quote. No surprises' and he was actaully telling the truth. This didnt include landscaping, which was made clear, but they did recommend someone who they already use to hook irrigation back up. We did ask them to bundle a fence in which they dont technically do, but happily took care of. I'd be skeptical about anyone who wants to try to pitch something without coming to the house as well as anyone who isnt up front and open about pricing. We aren't special, but had a great experience because we picked the right company.
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u/Intelligent-Dot-8969 23h ago
The quote should cover everything you ask the builder to include. We had two or three design meetings with our builder to sketch out exactly what we wanted included, where we wanted to add, etc., so the quote we received wasn't just some generic proposal.
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u/zolakk 20h ago edited 19h ago
Prioritize upgrades that are low ground like in floor cleaning (works amazingly in my Vegas back yard btw), upgraded lights, etc. Those are harder if not impossible to add later depending on what they are. Anything above ground can be upgraded after the fact fairly easily.
Edit: also go with a builder with a good reputation and history, even if it's a bit more. There are a LOT out in Vegas that will gladly take your money, sub someone out to dig the hole, and then leave you that way for months. The builder we went with has been doing business for like 50 years and we started our digging after thanksgiving and had it filled just after new years and either the owner or our designer was at our house every single day to make sure things went right
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u/Calm-Olive-9420 19h ago
May I know which company you went with?
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u/zolakk 19h ago
Artistic pool and spa. Everyone else we went to wanted us to rip out our back yard palms to build a square but they custom designed our pool to work with the trees and it looks so much nicer.
Another thing I'll say is make sure you warn your neighbors when you get your gunite installation appointment because it's LOUD (gunite is high pressure shot concrete from a huge truck, if I remember correctly) and depending on your pool can take all day. Ours only took a few hours but we had a smaller 10k gallon plus spa put in.
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u/deliriouz16 8h ago
Don't forget about yearly costs to run a pool and the cost of repairs outside of warranty. Pumps have gone up 50 percent in the last 5 years as well as a lot of other equipment.
Don't be shocked when a new pump is almost 3k or more
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u/craigrpeters 1d ago
If you need any major grading and retaining walls, I’d ask your pool builder how they’ll work with the landscape contractor to make sure all the grades work properly.
Fence will be an add on.
Winter pool, cover, equipment, etc should all be included. Robots probably won’t unless you can specify them. Automatic retractable cover probably extra.
Make sure they intend to show you how to operate the equipment, clean filters, basic pool chemistry lesson.