Who did you hire?

When I purchased my first pool there were many questions about the installation process I failed to ask. The next time I was more astute and made damn sure that the construction techniques were all unquestionable. Like backfilling the pipework with sand, removing the rebound, knowing about flow rates and turn-over times... And while it is somewhat unusual to point to errors in the ways of others, if the result is that the consumer can ask better questions and be better informed of what inexpensive pool costs may exclude... then I don't see a problem with it. In the end, the consumer may well get a better pool installed because they knew enough about the errors that some low ballers tend to use. Some of these custom PBers need to point these differences out, because the average pool buyer doesn't know any better. They usually buy a pool once in their lifetime and therefore have no real experience in the ways of the industry.
Think about it... if you saw photos of somebody's collapsed pool pipes in a trench full of rocks and debris, BEFORE you purchased a pool, wouldn't you insist in writing that your pool not be built that way? I would. Likewise on the rebound issue, the flow rate issue and so on...

If I didn't know any better, this post topic was written by an A&S sales rep.In fact, I think that bananaman is the same as tlbb, check out their registration dates. I don't believe in coincidences! Their drinking the same koolaid as moocat, another A&S plant, I wonder?

harrylsg: First of all, it's banana_fanna, not bananaman: I'm a woman. Secondly, I can't find a tlbb anywhere on this forum to see where you're coming up with our same registration dates - can you tell me how to find his or her posts? I'd like to see whom I'm supposedly ghosting. Thirdly, lucky you! I gave you one more thing to believe in today - coincidences! I'm only one person, and not a poolbuilder, pool salesperson or anyone in the industry at all.

Just someone that got a little torqued at how mean-spirited and unconstructive the posts were to moocat when she posted her pool blog. Like, really, people - the pool is dug, the rerod is in - how constructive is it to say, "your spa is so small!" or where you put your equipment is so ugly. Or whatever else was said. Very few kind remarks at all. Just jumped right in with all the negatives and what she shoulda/woulda/coulda done. And then people chiming in about how lousy her pool company is. I think trying to help someone see the forest thru the trees and not make mistakes in their endeavors is commendable. But what I read was neither constructive nor commendable in any way.

Bottom line is, the topic of my original post was merely about salespeople, any salespeople in any industry, that feel the need to try to sell their product by being derogatory about other companies. But hey, it's business and it happens all the time.

I, for one, won't do business with a company that will sink that low. It tells me something about their character overall. But that's just me.

soccermom: I selected a poolbuilder in s/e Michigan.

I didn't bother to backtrack , just saw the post and thought, I agree. I am in the industry and have known some builders that dun the competition. Most homeowners seem to know it is a sign that the person doing the dissing, is insecure.
I have even come in higher, and got the job, when a competitor spoke badly about me. There was nothing he could actually say that was true, so he did one of those, "oh, he bid on this job, well, you get what you pay for".......lol
They certainly did.

I'm with you banana_fanna. Our pool saleswoman was able to give us great advice on things to do and things not to do without ever dissing another company. One of the reasons we went with them. And, I also agree that moocat's thread was totally hijacked.

We had a company come in (one of the large chains) and all he did was dog the competition. At that moment I knew he would not get the job. If you cannot stand on your own work then you aren't worth picking. Finding a quality pool builder anywhere is one of the most challenging things you will ever have to do.

PS-We did have a great builder in the area and they are supposed to start our dig this week. I am so excited.

Whoa Banana_fanna ..... if you were a man, I'd call you my knight on a white horse ! lol

Seriously though... thanks! I could not have said it better myself... just chose not to.

People amuse me... and it was very obvious to me what was trying to be accomplished.. Like you said... I have made my choice, and happily stand by it. Just like anything I purchase... whether $50 or $50000 I research. I got my estimates.. looked at the work...and talked to the people. It came down to who I felt comfortable with & trusted. I'm open to anyone's opinion, but I would never make a decision based on that, and frankly after a decision has been made... What's the point ?? Unless there is an alterior motive.

So thanks for your comments...

and as far as Harrylsg.. or maybe LSD.... well he might just have gotten into our koolaid, because his post doesn't make any sense! LOL