Cheaper in the Winter???

17 years ago

Hi all. We are in the process of designing our first pool. After a week of learning a ton from this forum, I finally decided to join. I am loving this site and appreciate all the valuable info!

Our plan was to wait until February-ish to build but I want to get the design going so I can get started with HOA approval and lock in a good price. I live in Austin where pools are VERY expensive and even though my two potential PBs are telling me I am getting a great deal, I want to know if this is true. The first PB is telling me I need to build NOW, as the prices will go up in the winter (typical sales pitch). He is really annoying me with all the pressure. The second PB is saying they will not be more expensive in the winter and that he will honor the quoted price for a year (and reduce it if it becomes cheaper. BTW, I am working with the VP at this PB so he isn't making commissions off me, so it's been a much more pleasant experience) He also respects and understands my desire to want to take the design process slow, as to do it right.

I am 97% sure I will go with the second PB, who isn't pressuring me to get the pool right now or else I will miss out on "very special 4th of July savings". Not to mention that I LOVE the design he came up with so much better that the first PB.

My two questions are: What's the average pool price in Austin and with the economy the way it is, do you think I will save more if we start building in Jan. or Feb.?

Thanks!

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Comments (4)

tfons1219
17 years ago
In general, things just always get more expensive - however, I think your gut feeling has answered your question and if PB2 says same price all year I'd go with your time table and the second builder.
margestephen
17 years ago
I live in the austin area too and have been shopping for pool bids for the past month.

The concensus is the pool build price stays the same year round unless of course materials change price. My friend shopped around last winter and then again this summer and the price was the same. We are considering waiting until fall when the water rate from our HOA is lower.

I would definitely shop around. I got a list of A rated pool builders off Angie' list and that has been helpful. So far the bid prices for the same pool range from $35,000 to $43,000. And beware of pushy salesman.

Also, pool builders will tear up the lawn and laying new sod will be much easier when it's mid Oct or later.
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green_eyed_longhorn
Original Author
17 years ago
Thank you mommyofthree! Both our bids average just under $45 and they both say I am getting about a $50+ pool for that price. Normally I don't buy into that sales pitch, but if they are both quoting the same thing, seems pretty fair to believe it.

Can I ask which PBs you are considering? I was definitely going to use Anthony & Sylvan bc of their reputation, but then I learned that they do not have a main office so Austin and they contract all the construction out and your project manager is out of Houston. I have heard it makes for poor customer service during the build process. Makes sense to me.

The winner right now is Cody but those are the only two I have gotten bids from. I have been happy so far and I love the design they came up with. I like that they are a big enough company to not have to worry about going under in this economy.

Stay cool! Hopefully by next summer we will both be cooling off in our pools because there sure isn't much else to do to entertain the kiddos in 108 degree weather. ;)
margestephen
17 years ago
Your Welcome!

So far the only pool builder I'm impressed with is Bayside Pools out of Leander. He really knows his stuff and is very easy to work with. I haven't had Cody out yet and I wasn't impressed with the neighbors pool done by Anthony & Sylvan.

Good luck and keep shopping until you are 100% satisfied.