Everything You Need To Know Before Building A Pool!
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2023
- Ask anyone about their in-ground pool installation experience. It's often negative. It doesn't have to be that way! Once you truly understand the pool process you'll feel less like you're in the dark and more like you're building something fun.
It really sucks when you pay and trust professionals to do their job and they DONT DO THEIR JOB RIGHT!! Thank you so much for breaking it down and easy to understand. Looking forward to more videos soon!
That’s so true! The communication with contractors can be terrible sometimes too. You have no idea what’s going on!
Great tips! I’ve heard several people tell me their pool ended up costing thousands more than the original quote.
We paid about $105k total for our pool, including everything (2022 pricing) and are about 20 miles outside of Philadelphia in the suburbs. That includes permits and surveys, 42'x20' kidney shape concrete shell that goes 4-8' deep, additional sunshelf space, diamondbrite plaster ($3-4k upgrade), 25' L 2' H raised wall with stone facade, 2 water features ($2000 each incl pumps), pool heater ($7k), saltwater system, variable pump, underwater LED, all electrical, large patio on opposing side with 2 walk paths and steps, black aluminum fence ($6.5k) with $10k in landscaping. I think the price of just the pool itself (excavation, concrete, base plaster and base equipment- no heater or variable pump) was around $45-50k
That’s great! Here in atlanta Ga the rates for in ground pools have skyrocketed. How long did it take for your pool to be completed?
@@DrivenReality just under 2 months from excavation start- the job also included seeding and restoring (grading) disturbed areas, etc (without having to ask). It's crazy to hear they didn't tell you so much information beforehand, sheesh. Your pool came out great though- looks really nice.
Did you get a spa too?
@@ryankelly1433 no, already have one separate. I'm not sure they're as common for pool integration this far north because of the winters
Just saw your comment and we're also just outside of Philly.. can I ask who did you select for your pool installer? Thanks!
As a pool contractor I can tell you that you just had a bad one. I literally go over every single aspect without a single hole so my clients know exactly what to expect with no surprises. I know that many contractors make their money on the change orders but with a legitimate contractor you should not have a single one of these issues.
What do you mean by change orders?
Hello everyone I run a marketing agency I'm looking for pool installation companies interested in taking on more leads so if you would be interested and you a contractor let me know thank you
Can you recommend anyone in Houston?
Hello, thank you for the tips. I built my pool two years ago, and to this day, if I call my pool builder, he is there right away. I started the construction plans on March 22nd. They broke ground in April of 2022. The water was in by the last week of June; in total, it took eight weeks. It was an easy and smooth process. He did everything here in the Coachella Valley, California. The price was also the best one; they all ranged from $65,000 to $110,000. I think you had a bad contractor because everything was explained to me and done as the contract stated.
#1 Get a seasoned career pool tech on your side during the design phase!!!
It's a couple hundred bucks, but worth every penny.
"People buy pools not knowing what they're buying, being sold by people who don't know what they're selling".
I've been servicing the aftermarket since 1995 and seen dozens of pools that will be perennial headaches. Occasionally, I decline to even bid on weekly service on brand new construction because I know what I'm looking at.
I advise people to look at builders that have in-house weekly cleaning service. That means that they have to service what they have installed.
There are simply too many caveats to go into detail here.
I had an excellent pool builder he told me all these things. We’re happy with the outcome.
I love to hear that. Just know that’s rare!
@@DrivenReality I’m learning. So sorry to hear. Lovely pool set up.
@@lison973 thank you we appreciate that. Summer is nearly here so I’m sure you’re ready to use the pool after all the hard work! I know we are
us too It's really just common sense that the pool builder will not replace or is not responsible for sod/sprinklers/fence. I am surprised that he was complaining about it I have never heard of a pool builder doing these things unless you contracted them to do it in the beginning .
Awesome video!!!! I’m living through this now!!!! Great advice
Sooo true get ready for a
mess , but when it’s all done with a heater ….
it’s worth it ♥️my pool❣️
This man is on point. I’m the owner of a pool construction cleanup service and most customers have no idea that their yard will look like a bomb blew up in their yard during the construction process and there’s many things that are not included in the construction process. Fence, grass,sprinklers,drains,landscaping unless you pay for it. You get what you pay for.
Thank you! Hopefully this video helps others so there isn’t sticker shock by the end
Thank you so much this was very helpful.
@@donyagreen93 absolutely! Good luck!
Holy cow....as someone who JUST finished building an inground PebbleTec pool as well, you hit the nail on the head with this. Almost everything you outlined we experienced as well. I wish the wife and I would have found this video before signing the dotted line, to know everything we were getting into.
It’s unfortunate that it’s like this for most people! I never wish the experience we had on anyone!
Hello I run a marketing agency I'm looking for pool installation companies interested in taking on more leads this month so if you would be interested let me know thank you
A “Salt water” pool is in fact a chlorine pool. Only difference is it uses a generator to produce chlorine vs dosing chlorine via tablets, liquid Chl, etc.
Funny how 1 is supposed to be cheaper than the other and I got quotes in Maryland for all 3 types of pools and they are all around 150k, price gouging is real right now.
Most if not all negative experiences within the pool building business are mainly because customers tend to choose big companies thinking "The company is pretty big and establish" , but that is far from it. I've worked in a few pool companies and most of them prefer to rotate out employees instead of paying them what they are worth. A lot of company operators will prefer to sub contract the work since its a set price and the labor gets done in 1 day.
My point is, Be sure to research the company you're hiring. Even if they're rated A+ on BBB.
This is great advice! Thank you.
We're early in the process. In fact, we haven't signed a contract yet. We're finalizing our HELOC for the financing. The pool contractor we're going to use went over all of this with us (the exception being the poolside remote, which I'm definitely going to ask for).
Pretty spot on video. Wanted to add my two cents as I just had a pool done (plaster/water fill was yesterday).
Wife & I bought this house in 2021 knowing we were going to add a pool at some point. As such, when we had a fence installed we made sure it was pool compliant from the get-go & we added a vehicle gate (10' wide) to avoid having to take down portions of the fence during construction. (13k)
Surveyor cost me $1500 & took 4 weeks before he could get to me. There were cheaper options but had a 6-8 week turn around
Permits in my county were quick so nothing wild here
Pool was definitely raised higher than we expected so the mound of dirt that was at deck level ended up being 2' higher than my fence along my neighbor (my backyard descends as you get away from the house). Because of this, we had to do a brand new contract with the deck company to create a multi-tiered retaining wall & clean up the appearance there. ($30k)
Pool is heated via gas so I needed a plumber to come up & run a gas line to where the pool equipment was going to be. I saved money here by scheduling them to come out the day after the electrician dug the trench (their work was part of the pool contract so already paid for, saving me $4k in trench work but I still had another $3k to pay for everything else). Electrician mentioned that if I did not have space within my electric panels, that I would need to get a whole new panel for them to install. Thankfully I had 2 free fuse slots so I was safe. Also needed to upgrade my gas meter but that is free here.
Portion of the backyard was only "fixed" to "contractor rough grade" so I am currently paying for landscaping to clean up here ($7k for seeding, would've been $12k if I went with sod)
Pool cost $140k initially & with the extras above I'm sitting at $194.5k. This is before any other pool equipment (UL2017 compliant alarms, pool chairs, etc).
Wow! Exactly why I made this video. I think the expectations are rarely set correctly by the pool builders. Not everyone can afford all these extra payments that the contractors forget to mention!
Based on your comment, I guess i'll live with staying indoors for six months a year.
@@docsgambling Having a pool is still doable, you just have to know where you're willing to make cuts.
For example, most pools are 10x20' while mine is 18x38' (damn near double) which adds immensely to cost for digging (i believe the dig was $57k) & concrete($55k). You can also save significantly if you go with fiberglass or vinyl instead of concrete.
Another lesson I've learned since then is that 1) because my pool is a free-form & 2) my spa (which has a waterfall into my pool) is elevated I cannot get an auto pool cover & will need a manual one so keeping a pool/spa on the same level makes getting that simpler.
@@Neal7891 Thank you for the information, greatly appreciated. I don't have a huge backyard anyway, so a smaller pool would be needed. I did watch another video of a fiberglass install so maybe thats an option.
Great information!🙏🏼
Thank you! Just trying to save people money:)
Nice video! Also good to think about future add-ons like retractable pool enclosure allowing to use the pool year round. Think about concrete or pavement around the pool as well as its shape so it doesn't get unnecessarily expensive!
Totally agree. I wish I hired an architect and designed the space better. I feel like I should’ve spent more and got more features.
I wish I went to a supply house and got a referral for a better builder. Suppliers are the best place to find great contractors.
Whatever thought… next house
❤ thanks!
I live in Florida and just completed my pool project. Everything you said is on point. Luckily the pool company we used kept us in the loop so we had no surprises
That’s awesome. Glad they actually communicated. That’s pretty rare around atlanta here.
Can you recommend a pool a company? I'm in the Orlando area and looking for a pool builder.
@adamp.2517 sorry I can't . I live in cape coral but be very very careful when shopping for a pool company
pool builders push heavily for free-form pools. basically it means: they kinda-sorta build a pool that matches the picture.
OTH they hate precision. an elegant classic rectangle is harder to build because it must be precise or it looks like crap. builders will strongly push you to do free-form.
OMG... I have an old pool. Long story. I feel I'm gonna pay the amount of a new build for reno. Wish me luck!
Oh no! Sorry you have to go through that!
I consider myself lucky. I purchased a new construction home last year and just had my pool completed last week. It’s a basic 15x 40 rectangular gunite pool 6’ deep with upgraded plaster and 2 jets. The builder included everything including fill and sod for $56k. I did not need a new survey bcz I got one with the house.
It came with the pool fence but I had received estimates for my perimeter fence before the pool. I am in Florida so opted not to have a heater. The 8 month build was my only frustration.
That’s awesome news and honesty the best price I’ve heard so far. 8 months to a year is too long to wait. We hated the wait
Also in Florida and I have to say, you did get a good deal! Ours just took forever to get started because the company was so backed up.
Did they make you pay up front? Or you could save up during the 8 months instead of financing the whole pool?
@@jill3621 I this spread out. They have a payment schedule. When certain milestones are completed a payment is required. For example, there is a prep draw, a shell draw, a plumbing draw, a deck draw etc.
Perfect size and great price! Not looking to spend over 100K when we have other hobbies n interest that cost money too!
I haven’t had any of these problems. We are currently mid way through the build. Avree Pools has been great.
What is that music? It's amazing please share
What this video fails to mention is that if you live in zone 6b or colder, do not build an in-ground gunite / plaster pool or a vinyl liner in-ground pool. They do not hold up to the winter climate. Choose fiberglass and have the in-ground PVC plumbing insulated with copper pipe.
That’s helpful information I should of discussed. My brother just had his in ground liner pool put in in Bemidji, MN. It’s so cold there! Hopefully his pool doesn’t have these issues
People that love and enjoy having pools always tell people not to get them like ok so your going to have all the fun and make it seem like your miserable 😅. Most adults get that there are extra costs including fences for safety and maintenance costs .
I tell people who want in ground pools to figure at least double the pool install price. I spent $69K on a $35K pool (2021 pricing). Then it goes up from there. Every yard is different so I guess that is why the pool installer doesn't even try to discuss such costs because it is all up to the customer. The only thing the pool company told me up front and I already knew was my chain link fence was not legal for an inground pool. Opening and closing costs were not discussed either because the first year was free. Going from an above ground to inground closing was something I could no longer do by myself and I have to hire them to do it. Beside the cost of the equipment to blow out the lines would cover one year alone. Also safety covers and vinyl liners do not last forever and over time will have to be replaced. Filling in an inground pool is about half the cost of installing one so you might as well maintain it forever.
Things to think about:
Tree removal or trimming, chemicals, landscaping to restore the construction damage (grass, hydroseed, or sod with a sprinkler system, bushes and new trees), extra costs to build a "road" to support the construction equipment such as extra stone to drive on, finish hardscaping or concrete, fencing (whole yard or just around the pool), additional electrical for yard lighting, storage shed or pool house (for safety cover, chemicals, toys, furniture, tools and poles), costs of operating chemicals per year, additional costs for electric or gas for a heater and pool filter, buy new patio and pool deck furniture. I am sure I miss some stuff too.
All this for about 45 minutes of use for about 2/3 of our summer season. Boats are cheaper and then you can sell them. A pool you are stuck with and must keep them clean whether you use it every day or not so the costs will not go away.
Thanks for the helpful breakdown. You are right, about all the additional costs. I hope people watch this and then read the comments before they get into the pool project.
I don’t recommend the globrite lights. Be prepared to replace them every couple years if you do. The seal on these lights fail and it fills with water. I used silicone caulking on this last one, hopefully it helps.
Thanks for the helpful info! I will agree. One of my lights did go out after this video was made. Thankfully they sent me another one because they have a 2 year warranty.
@@DrivenReality I disassembled one and whatever they used to seal the lens to the body of the light breaks down and turns into a substance with the consistency of toothpaste. I’m thinking it acts like a wick to let the water in. There’s a video on UA-cam showing where to put the silicone on both ends to seal them better, I highly recommend doing this if you want them to last longer than 3 years. There’s no bulb to change or led engine to replace unlike the amerlite and intellibrite, just toss and shell out another $600 or more if you have to have someone install it. These lights should have a class action lawsuit with the way they fail. Florida Sunseeker sells a replacement light that I might try the next time I have to replace one, at least it’s half the price and hopefully last longer too.
You do not want the pool side remote. As a pool guy I’ve seen them work after a couple years and I don’t think they are easy to replace.
Also salt pool is a chlorine pool with extra steps.
That’s helpful info, thanks!
You coulda saved a ton with a fiberglass pool. The maintenance is also much cheaper and they last longer than gunite. You will have to replace the pebble plaster in about 20 years and it will cost you a lot.
That’s true! I’m not looking forward to having to do the pebble tech again. I do love the look of it though.
who sells fiberglass drop ins?
@@rwalker874 Latham pools
Fiberglass is going to be cheaper yes.. but definitely will not last longer. Fiberglass pools depreciate in value as they age while it is just the opposite with concrete. My parents installed Pebble Tec about 30 years ago and it’s still in good shape. It mostly depends on how well you maintain the chemicals and maintenance. Fiberglass pools crack all the time and you better hope the soil around it was properly compacted or walls can bow. Here in Florida the ground soil moves all the time and also the sun is very harsh on fiberglass. Most people are lucky to get 20 years with fiberglass.
@@ericsr16 I’m afraid you are wrong. The new fiberglass pools that you would be installing all come with a lifetime warranty. They are made incredibly strong and if you live somewhere with weather it’s a much better option to keep the pool warm costing you less in not only chemicals but also in heating.
It sounds like you didn't look into the whole process before installing your pool. If you have questions research it yourself first then question the company about it. If they brush you off or don't know what they are talking about, probably don't go with that company. Things like a fenced in area, permits and landscaping are things you should know going into a pool install before signing the dotted line.
Steel pools? Does oncrete cancer affect the shockcrete?
I got a good laugh at a fiberglass pool being a cheaper option lol.
Is it not cheaper for you where you are located?
Nothing is cheap anymore
Gunite and shotcrete are basically the same thing, you have no idea what you're talking about. All gunite, or shotcrete pools are covered in plaster, sometimes the plaster has rocks in it, like Pebbletec, which is a brand of plaster with rock in it, there's other brands with similar names, but the base of the product is plaster. Also, salt is still chlorine, liquid chlorine is sodium chloride, so salt. Salt chlorine generators turn salt into chlorine.
You are correct. I make videos for people to clearly understand. I have learned after the years of filming that for the most part, the further you get into the weeds in a video the less helpful it can be.
What size is this pool?
You have the option for 1 inch pavers, They lay above the concrete. An installer that knows what they're doing, you wont be able to tell.
Really? What about the coping? Will you have a 1 inch lip? That’s what I worry about, how would that look
Can you explain why the pool has to sit 2' higher than your house?
Not higher than than house but rather higher than what the level of my ground was previously. When I asked about it most pool builders said it was because you don’t want all the rain running down into the pool. That would make it gross.
I live out in country no permits or surveys etc needed
You’re lucky for sure!
Sorry sir but would you be interested in taking on more clients for your pool company
How much?
Wow!! You got ripped off. My pool contractor is a couple weeks away from putting our liner in and filling with water. Our pool was 85k but it's an L shaped pool 43x16 28x16 and it is 8ft deep with a diving board and has tanning shelf entry. We also add travertine tile around the outside and squared it off with a large concrete deck. And that includes an extra 6k because they hit rock 5ft down and had to bust it out and haul it off. All for 85k. I'm so thankful for my pool contractor!!
Woah a good story! That’s great! Post up the name of the company and location for others. Seriously here in atlanta it’s not the same story I seriously missed out not doing travertine tile. That’s one of the biggest regrets.
@Josh Beberg Is there a way to post pictures and videos as a reply? Company is CFAR and I'm in Lexington, KY which I'm sure prices are cheaper here.
@@mattweikel8432 I don’t think so. But the name and location should be good enough. If anyone is in this area it seems to be the place to call. After covid I think pool prices just rent up across the board.
@@DrivenReality I'd most definitely recommend them. They have done a great job communicating what they were going to do and when they were going to do it. Unless the weather didn't cooperate, they have been on point. Communication is the most important thing when dealing with anyone.
@Josh Beberg The only part that made me nervous in the beginning was the 50% deposit. And knowing that it would be 3 months before they could start. That was a stressful 3 months lol.
I believe this is a well intentioned video, however I am confused why his pool had to be raised to 3 feet that’s really weird. For anybody listening to this video here’s the deal you are only getting what your contract says is included in the pool and nothing else. everything else like landscape or sprinklers is extra If it’s not in the contract, you are building a pool. I am sorry that they kind of jerked you around on the fence question overall, your pool looks really attractive. I hope you’re enjoying it. Also pebble tech is a type of plaster and nothing structural.
I appreciate the compliments. We use it often yes. I wouldn’t change the fact that we put in a pool just wish the contractors did a better job in the Atlanta area.
How much does the property value go up after adding a pool for 100k
@@igoelbowdeep1527 I use to hear that you immediately lose 70%. I think that’s an old way of looking at it since the demand for pools has really gone up. When I was a realtor I wouldn’t value the property with a pool all that much higher but if I did today, I’d say maybe 60-70% of the cost it adds to the value. What does everyone else think? I live in Atlanta GA now where everyone wants a pool now. It would be much different for those say living in the Midwest.
Which state are you talking about?
I live in the Atlanta GA area but judging by the feedback I have received and the comments in this video it’s a nation wide problem!
Some city councils won't allow you to fill your pool using hydrants, so you will have to buy your water from a separate company
Interesting. I just used the garden hose and ran it overnight. Thankfully we have great water pressure
You don’t want pavers. Concrete is much better easier maintenance.
Can someone please recommend me a pool company in Dallas Tx.
I wish I could help:(
No such thing as a cheap pool smh . Good video back to the water park this year lol
I appreciate it. Yeah no it’s way more money than I anticipated. You could do a decent liner pool or drop in for around 35,000 but then your left replacing liners and stuff. Eventually it will add up no matter how you look at it.
@@DrivenReality I was quoted like 50k for a small fiberglass pool … will destroy my sprinkler system and grass also added expenses just not worth it unless if I was rich
@@tonyanderson8497 yeah and unfortunately I bet that didn’t even include the price of new grass or the fence when they destroy it all. It’s great now that it’s built but it was a serious pain for the year getting it completed.
Your contractor should tell you thus, if they don’t, you are being ripped off somewhere else.
I feel the same way!
Concrete is better. Pavers will lift after heavy rains.
To get the best value for your buck move to the country and skip all that stupid city requirement BS. We weren't required to have a fence but built one ourselves for privacy and we did so cheaply. We didn't have to have inspections and pay permits. We TOLD the builders what we wanted and made them follow our specs. As much as 30% - 40% of your pool cost in the city are cost to meet requirements of politicians and municipalities and they don't get to swim.
I hope nobody follows this advice. Good luck selling your house in the future with major non-permitted construction. No lender will lend on that after the appraiser shows the pool has no permit and when they require an inspection that reveals thousands of dollars to cost to cure you’re going to really regret not doing it the right way.
@@m3driver245where he lives the there’s probably no government entity that’s going to do that.
Same here out in country no permits etc and no fence around pool since your property already has one .
Ours is getting put in now
@@m3driver245 lol you must not be in a conservative state
Plus people in country never sell its inherited
@@m3driver245alot of people in my area have bought houses with pools, with NO permit. They buy the houses as is
As usual another home owner with incorrect information. If you're intent is to mislead then you are right on the money. Your bad choices in picking a good pool company is not a reason to bad mouth the industry. Way to generalized.
Hey Brian,
Thanks for taking the time to watch my video and share your thoughts on my experience with pool building companies. I really appreciate your engagement and feedback.
To clarify, my video was meant to provide a recap of my entire pool building journey and shed light on some of the challenges I faced along the way. While I'm hopeful that there are reputable companies out there, I have yet to come across one personally.
Unfortunately, I'm not alone in this experience. I have friends and family across the country who have faced similar challenges with pool builders. That's why I felt it was important to share my story and break down some of the key aspects of the process to help others avoid similar frustrations.
I hope my video was helpful and informative, and I'm always open to hearing different perspectives and experiences. Thanks again for engaging with me on this topic!
So true your industry is full of crooks
I can add mine to the list of nightmare experiences. Mine was supposed to be done last year. It was supposed to start in May and be finished 3-4 weeks later. It is now late February of the following year and it is not done. The contractor I signed the contract with didn't tell me he was going to subcontract the build out to someone that had never built one before and who barely came out to work a few hours a week. It eventually got too cold to complete it. They have to finish in April if we are lucky. Just a mess!
Bullshit, "drop in" fiberglass pools are the most expensive.
Yours may of been expensive but I assure you drop in pools most definitely are not the most expensive. On average the drop ins are 50,000-80,000 at this moment and I’m not seeing many contractors willing to start a pebble tech pool for under 120,000. Your area could be different though.
Ugh saltwater is so bad for the skin. I won’t even go to a hotel with a salt water pool. I don’t swim in the ocean, only the Great Lakes. Terrible choice.
Really? My skin has felt waaay better with saltwater vs a full chlorine pool. After growing up around Duluth MN I would never step foot in the Great Lakes.
And chlorine is good for the skin?
Hello everyone im looking for pool installation company owners interested in taking on more clients for their companies so if you would be interested let me know so we can connect