Who is pulling the permits?

50 sq. ft. of decking? Did you mean 500?

How big is the tanning ledge and how deep?

What are the other depths of the pool?

Skip the color wheeled lights and go LED. They are far more reliable.

Plumbing with Schedule 40 rigid pipe is good but what size?

Not all safety covers are the same. Given that you have a raised spa, this will form a tent over the pool. With a solid cover, this will form 2 ponds when it rains that will each need a cover pump to remove the standing water or drain panels. A mesh cover or solid with mesh drains will need a step pump to keep the water off the tile line when rain and snow melt refill the pool. This protects the tile from expanding ice induced cracks and pop offs.

What size is the filter?

Is it that all these builders are using Jandy or are you specifying Jandy? What's with the N/A with the warranty?

An automation and salt system are almost must haves.

Most equipment makers extend the warranty on all the equipment when it's the same brand. For example, A pump or filter alone may have a 1 year but when purchased with the filter, lights, heater, etc..., it's usually extended to at least three years for all the gear on parts. Most dealers add labor too but not all.

A 12' pole is a bit short. A 15' pole is a better choice. I didn't see a vacuum head. I have seen builders provide heads meant for liner pools instead of the wheeled rectangular heads that should be used.

Most test kits from builders are simple pH and OTO chlorine kits or strips. Neither of these will be adequate. To learn about the pool's care needs before you need it will give you a better idea of your needs. The complimentary forum, www.troublefreepools.com has an excellent Pool School section.

The time of year has little to do with the price. The skill sets of the tradesmen and materials used are bigger factors. Going with the lowest bidders doesn't usually work the way you want it to.

If it isn't written, it wasn't said. Review all contracts carefully. Checking for reasonable pay schedules, material listing accuracy, liens, etc... are all vitally important. If you aren't good with that, a review with an attorney experienced in construction and such could be money well spent.

Scott

Scott, Thank you so much for the feedback. The pool depth is from 3.5 ft to 7 ft. The decking is 500sf (not 50sf, sorry for the typo). I will have to ask for more details on the tanning ledge, pipe sizes and filter sizes. The builder deals with Jandy only I believe. The n/a on the warranty just means it wasn't included in the initial quota they gave me.

It does feel that the quote includes only the very basic coverage with respect to material and warranty. I will schedule a 3rd meeting with the PBs to see what they can do better. If they start to nickle and dime everything, I may scrap the entire plan. There is too much to worry about and keep track if I cannot trust these people to have my best (or at least partially) interest in mind as well as their profit margin.

Cascades

What does it mean to have Returns be plumbed with trunk line? Is this the standard practice? The pool is 550-600 SF surface area.

Also, what is a cleaner line? is 1 enough?

Any suggestion is greatly appreciated!

Quote: "What does it mean to have Returns be plumbed with trunk line? Is this the standard practice?"

Trunk lines are typically larger, main lines with branches coming off the trunk (there are sometimes also plumbing lines called twigs - tree analogy anyone). I would suggest you ask the PB what it means to him as there really doesn't seem to be a uniform terminology in pools. M guess is he means he will run 2" PVC up to the pool and then step down to 1.5" to go through the pool wall (1.5" is a sort of standard for the return fittings). Some recommend what is called looped return lines - in that case the "trunk extends all around the pool in a loop so all returns see the same pressure.

Quote: "Also, what is a cleaner line?"

Again ask. My guess is you are getting a line plumbed for a pressure side pool cleaner. One is enough.

Ibriges, thanks for the feedback. I will ask the trunk line question when I meet with the PB next week.

Now here is a question on equipment pad, in the quote the pad is build on a gravel bed with timber beams. Is that sufficient? I had seen a pad that is made of concrete.

Thanks. Cascades

What did you end up doing with the bids? (Our NVBlu build finished last week :) Need to post pics. Anyway I hear you on the stress of getting quotes... we got 5 over the last 2 yrs and it was maddening... but worth it now we are DONE. Keep your eye on the prize!)