Hi gina, I live in Spring too: my pool is just finished except for spray deck, the list price on mine was 37,400 and my PB gave me a discount on that she is a friend of a friend I am sure she would be happy to give you a estimate here is info
www.bestbackyardpools.com her phone number is 281 433-7429
she has been in the business over 20 years I think you would be very pleased our pool was finished in only 2 weeks and not one problem came up and you can't beat that.
Good luck with new adventure you can see mine on this site under New pool started 7-7-2009 here is last pic I took
it is 30x14 with spa and waterfall

How far from Fort Worth are you?

sorry gina I misread your post I thought you lived in Spring my PB lives in Tomball isn't that near Magnolia?
If it is I am sure she works there and all of Houston area.

Pools sure are cheap in Texas!

not really cheap in Texas you just have to cut some corners just don't cut corners on the pool pump and heater. and of course get a good deal from your PB in this ecomomy now is the time to get a pool that's for sure........

Yes I am near Tomball. Thanks for the info. Anyone else?

Gina
There are some AWESOME builders in your area
Here are a few
Ival @ Iguana pools
Paul @ Texas Pools
Charlie @ Wise Pools
Michael @ Hipp Pools
Kelly @ Atlantis Pools
All of them live and work in your area and have done so for decades.

newpool,
Congrats on the new pool, it looks AWESOME and you had a great turn time.
I'm curious about these comments

quote" you just have to cut some corners "quote

What corners do you cut?

and

quote" she has been in the business over 20 years "quote

I and the other men men mentioned in my list have been conducting in the greater Woodlands, Spring, Tomball, Magnolia, Conroe area for many many years. I've never heard of this company in a lifetime career of building pools exclusively in your area. I'm certain that if they had indeed been in business in the area for over 20 years I'd of heard of the organization or seen them represented in the local phone books, BBB, or Chamber of Commerce functions.

Once again, CONGRATS on the new pool, but I think the other long term area business standing hoopla is Hogwash. But. I'm truly impressed with your great looking pool and your incredible turn time from start to finish, it was very sweet indeed.

See ya,
Kelly

I haven't checked out this group in at least a year, but today I needed info on algae, and how funny to find your posting -- because we live in Magnolia. We used Town & Country Pools on FM 1488. We have had the pool for 3 years now, and our only complaints are the heater and the control system. Evidently the (propane) heater model we have has been discontinued and a much more reliable version is now available. The pool itself is fabulous -- no problems with it at all and we are still completely in love with it (except for the algae today!). T&C pools installed our pool in a little less than 3 weeks, and they were very very nice to work with. We had our pool built in March, so that might be part of the reason that it was done so quickly. They were recommended to us by a friend of a friend, but they were also the cheapest and only bid on what we wanted -- not what they thought we needed. Email me if you have other questions.

This comment is for Kelly...I am the PB that Newpool is referring to. Newpool's enthusiasm for the job I did for them is heart warming and special, but let me clarify one thing. I have been in the construction industry for over 20 years. The first part of my career was in new home construction. In early 2007, I started Best Backyard Pools after working in the pool construction industry for awhile with another builder. Building pools is a lot simpler than building houses from my experience. I have a respect for you since I have heard you referred to on many occasions in this forum. Obviously you are held in high regard. I hope you will not discourage anyone from using me to build their pool because we have not personally met. You can ask Pentair or Hayward local management, FWP, SCP, SPP. Modern Method, etc. about me. I don't build volume, because I like to have a lot of face time with my buyers and contractors so that prevents me from building too many at one time. I pay my bills quickly and subcontractors and vendors appreciate that and work hard for me. I have built a community pool in San Antonio, a homebuilder's model home pool and residential pools for a good number of people from all around Houston. Perhaps someday we will get a chance to meet. Oh, by the way, there were no corners cut at all on Newpool's construction. My structure is as sound or more sound than others. I believe she meant in the way of decorator items and we went with Ozone instead of salt to save money. I am honest, care about my homeowners and their pools and do a good job for them. I am sure you do too. But, you're right, I am not part of the old boy network of pool builders. Not too many women out there, but I am one of them. I have a woman's eye for detail and cleanliness. Best of luck to you and keep up the good work you do!

Kelly,you have really hurt my feelings I was admiring the advise you were giving pool builders because they need it but now I am getting the impression you are using this site to drum up business for yourself and a group of other builders that you know personally. Of course when I said cut corners I am talking about the fancy stuff that I would have loved to have had but can't and you know what I am talking about the kind of stuff you have on your personal pool. I appreciate the other homeowners comments and the help they are giving others but I am through with this site you have ruined any enjoyment I was getting out of it. Your comments were just rude not just to my PB but to me personally I do not know why you felt the need to put down someone you don't even know and I hope you feel good about yourself for doing it.

I'm sorry I didn't mean to come off as against her builder.
I misinterpreted her reply after I reread it.
You definitely built her a really nice pool for a very fair price on a fantastic turn. In our area we've seen a lot of johnny come lately and johnny gone quickly pool companies. They always seem to misrepresent themselves as local long timers in the industry.
With performance's like this and your compassion for buyers your sure to do fine.

quote" Newpool's enthusiasm for the job I did for them is heart warming and special, "quote

This is a special relationship that will last as long as your conducting good business.

Way to go!!!

See ya,
Kelly

Newpool,
I guess I was posting at the same time as yours.
I can assure you that I wasn't putting down either you or your builder.
I sincerely hope you don't give up this forum because of one of my replies.
It's a great place for pool people regardless of whether they're builders or buyers.

See ya,
Kelly

Kelly
I am sorry I just read your last message and I should not have reacted so badly I know you are a good builder the other people on this site respect you so I am sure you earned it and I know you are just trying to help them and watch out for them I just got upset real quick so please accept my heartfelt apology.

Whoa Newpool, not fair to hijack the OP thread. She asked for recommendations and Kelly aka Huskyrider provided some. To the OP, I have followed this forum for about 4 years and am not in TX, so have nothing to gain from responding. But as a contractor I would recommend you look at Kelly's past posts and his clients' posts on this board. He appears to have very happy clients and builds very nice pools. I have never seen him hype his own company on this board, it is against the rules. He simply offers honest advice, whether in TX or elsewhere. He is like many professional builders/suppliers/technicians on this forum, myself included. We offer free advice when its requested for no personal gain. Best of luck on your build, please return and keep us posted. Barb

Looks like the "good ole boy network" fell into a "feme fatale" trap.

Womanowned, After looking at your website, I am in awe!

The pools you have in your gallery and ideas section are award winning pools. You have developed a portfolio that reflects a vast variety of styles and materials in your pools in less than 3 years that would take most pool builders a lifetime to achieve. Alot of those pools would easily top the 100k pricerange and show very sophisticated design and construction management skills.

My hat is off to you. It is even more amazing that you have completed these projects and can still work the discounted 37k deals with such personal customer service.

There is no way I could compete in the Texas market.

WOW!

Thanks for the recommendations! Kelly - have you heard of Backyard Visions?

I can highly recommend two in the area.
Venetian Pools and Spas 281-367-6767 (Greg)
Dream Waters Pools and Spas 281-460-5824 (Juan)

Jeff

Thank you. Normally how long are quotes good from a builder. As we're not starting until March probably, I figured I would wait until the very end or beginning of next year to start gathering bids.

My quotes are for 60 -90 days. Beyond that it's hard to forecast the cost of materials, labor etc.

WOW!!! I really didn't mean to stir up a hornets nest, LOL!!!
You folks have to understand one simple thing about me.
I've given a lifetime to a career building pools in this area. I compete with some very good men and some very bad scoundrels. 80 percent of the folks who live in our area haven't been here long, they're corporate re-lo's and have no idea who has or who hasn't been in the game locally for a long period of time.
Start up organizations will come into the game talking the big talk and acting like they've been doing what we've been doing for a long time. I never knock them because I was once one too, but with our potential buyers I will quickly pull the Hogwash card on them during the quotation process. Some salesmen lie to potential buyers. I hate seeing them get burned and as of today have finished 9 pools behind bankrupt builders since the beginning of this year. These buyers got taken bad and it breaks my heart.
Upsetting these members of the forum was NOT my intention.
I offered sincere congrats on the project but pulled the card, I read the reply as "she's been building pools in my market for 20 years" It really did ruffle my feathers because I knew it to be an untruth.
She sounds like an awesome gal who really loves the sport and with her compassion for the buyer and referral's like
newpool's she's sure to do well.
When I come in here and make replies I call them exactly as I, and I alone, see them. I NEVER blatantly spam the membership to generate work. But make no mistake, I sell pools due to my interaction on this and some other forums.

quote" have you heard of Backyard Visions? "quote
Yes, Ronnie's a great guy who is unfortunately, at the moment, struggling in a depressed market. He worked as a super for a friend of mine from the early 90's to the early in the new millennium. He's probably been on his own now for about 6 or 7 years.
Based on this statement alone,
quote" I pay my bills quickly and subcontractors and vendors appreciate that and work hard for me. "quote
I'd recommend womanowned over Ronnie for building a pool right here and now.

Venetian is a rebirth of a failed company and Dream Pools I've never heard of.

See ya,
Kelly

"Venetian is a rebirth of a failed company"

This may or may not be true, I don't know or care, they built my spool at a great price and are standing behind it 100%. They are very responsive to my questions and concerns. Again, from my personal experience, they are a well run company whose main concern is keeping the customer happy.

Well when Newpool used the words "cut corners" and been in the business 20yrs (Kelly new this was not true as a pool builder) that would raise a red flag with anyone in his line of work. Kelly was just concerned based on those words. Cut out some of the high end options might be a better way of saying it and construction for 20 yrs.

Kelly - you're awesome - thank you so much for your honesty...much appreciated!

quote" they built my spool at a great price and are standing behind it 100%. They are very responsive to my questions and concerns. Again, from my personal experience, they are a well run company whose main concern is keeping the customer happy. "quote

JSC1648,
I hope you didn't misread my reply like I did newpool's.
I didn't slam your choice of builders.
Honestly, I'm excited you had a great experience.

Without pool buyers like yourself, newpool, and the many hundreds who frequent this forum I and my competitors, the pool retailers, pool equipment/supply wholesalers, service and repair companies, and the manufacturers of the product would be in a heap of hurt.
Thanks to all of you for purchasing or remodeling your pool.
I promise you a strong industry is more important than whether I or another pool builder got the deal. One new pool will reward the entire industry today and for many years to come.

See ya,
Kelly

to everyone
again when I used the words cut corners I thought people would know what I meant it was a poor choice of words of course I meant the upgrade stuff like travertine,pebble tec,larger spa and bigger water feature and of course a larger pool I never intended for someone to think I meant construction. I got a great pool,spa and waterfall for the price and stand behind my recommendation. My PB was on site everyday but 2 and like I said those were down time days like day pool was filling with water and the other day was a Sunday and I saw her watching and checking the sub contractors and like I said before I was lucky not one problem occurred not even rain. Whenever I had a question about anything and I had a bunch I would email her and she would answer it within a few minutes even if it was late a nite. Well I have went on long enough I guess everyone is tired of hearing about it but I do apologize to Kelly I know he is a good builder and cares about his customers and others by all the comments people make about him on this site and I know he builds beautiful pools and stands behind his work, just wanted him to know my PB does also, as I am sure many others do to and of course in this economy a lot of co's are going under but the good ones will hang in there and make it through. That's all from me on this subject...

Hi All,
We plan to build one in September. I got a bid from Ortiz Custom Pool (at Sugar Land/Southwest Houston) and wondered if anyone has used them or heard of this company. Thanks.

Senor Ortiz is an AWESOME man, he and his family have been building pools in the Richmond/Rosenberg area for a long long time. I've always regretted selling my late Grandmothers property right down the highway from him. I knew that in the not to distant future that that area would be well developed and hopping with pool buyers for a satellite office. I haven't seen him in person in well over 10 years but would sign with them instantly. I remember them building pools around MeMa's homestead in the early 80's when I got out of College and hated the physicality of this trade. It's funny how I ended up making a career of it!!!

See ya,
Kelly

Kelly - you're an awesome man, too :-)
Thanks a lot for your info.

Ortiz???? Kelly, you must have not talked with him in a while. They have a horrible reputation out here. 18" centers on gunite. 2" decking. chickenwire in deck instead of rebar. Cutting corners is their specialty. In Richmond try Gulf Coast Pool Co. they are about a block down the road from Ortiz. Their number if interested is (281)232-8825.
Good Luck

I'm sorry to hear that.

I remember meeting him building, and us later swimming, in the pool he did for the family of some friends from the youth group at St. Johns, he was on the right towards town just past the river bridge across from the church.
I remember their pool as very nice and him as a sincere man. I saw him several times again over the years after that.
I was a pup then, just out of high school.

See ya,
Kelly

I was thinking about this earlier today.
It's a crying shame if what drknjk posted is true.
I remember him in 78 or 79 building the pool, he was a new company then, and like myself now, doing a bunch of the work himself. The property around the highway 90 was really starting to blossom near Richmond. He built alot of pools in and around town, many for members of the UMC where my grandparents had been lifetime members.
I'd hate to think that with this much time, sweat, and blood invested in his business that the kids would lose his caring for constructing a quality product once they took over the show.

See ya,
Kelly

That is pretty much what happened. The sons took over and everything went to %*&%&*. Now they open their doors about once a week because their business has gone south. Then again there are a couple of quality companies out here now. Maybe the competition ran them out? Like I said before. Gulf Coast Pool Company and Custom Pool and Spas are here now and they both are great companies with great reputations.

I am so disappointed to hear about Ortiz...I do not undertand about the thickness and the rebar structure for the gunite. What is suppose to be, can anyone give me a quick education or show me a good link about it. Thank so much.

quote" I do not undertand about the thickness and the rebar structure for the gunite. What is suppose to be "quote

Steel reinforced concrete decking should be a minimum of 3 1/2" thick with rebar on 18" centers max, gunite should be a minimum 6" thick on the walls and floors, 12" on the beam and 9" on the cove. The steel on gunite should be a minimum of 12" on center,
However in your area, Richmond/Rosenberg you have a very expansive soil. When I build pools down that direction I place steel on 8" centers, shoot the floor at 8" thick, and if it's a large pool I'll drop in 4 to 6" of gravel under the steel to help absorb the heave and hoe of the soil.
Black SE Texas cotton clay is great dirt for farming but murder on steel reinforced monolithic concrete foundations like home slabs and pool shells.
I hope this helps.

See ya,
Kelly

I would love to chat with womanowned about doing a bid on our pool. (I've already sent a PM to Kelly to discuss this with him as well!) Womanowned, if you read this, could you send me an email or post your website? I don't know if it is a violation of forum rules if you do at someone's request. Newpool 7-2009, if you can pass this on to your PB, I would appreciate it.

We've got some special considerations with our project as we want to integrate into our landscaping and existing large trees with pool and outdoor living space as much as possible.

Thanks!

Oh, I'm a bit west of Tomball, in the Rose Hill area off of 2920.

I sent her an email with your info
good luck on your pool..............

stewartg:
"I would love to chat with womanowned about doing a bid on our pool. Womanowned, if you read this, could you send me an email or post your website?"

My website is www.BestBackyardPools.com. kathy@BestbackyardPools.com

we have made contact

Stewart,
If you sent me a message I guess I didn't get it.
Feel free to contact my office 281-367-5177
or email kelly@atlantispool.com

See ya,
Kelly

"We went with Ozone instead of SWG to save money"
I`m not a PB,just an owner that had 2 pools,but think
that was a hugh mistake!That`s not a corner I`d want to
cut!
JR...

PS...Kelly definately wears a white hat around here!