Designing VS Building a Pool

9 years ago

I'm located in Dallas and have been researching the price of pools for a few weeks, calling companies for information about what makes one pool build cost more than another. I'm basically starting from no knowledge and need to save as much as is reasonable. I'm seeing some companies offering to design a pool for me and not require me to build it with their company. What is the advantage of this exactly? Can I take a pool design and shop it around to various companies asking how much it would cost? Can a price be given that accurately? One of the companies offering this is Blue Science. ( http://www.bluescience.com/pool-builder/dallas-custom-designs/ ) I'd appreciate any wisdom.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

5birdy
9 years ago
It might make it easier if you can decide on a design yourself (tons of images on Houzz and internet) with a list of "must have" features, "nice to have" , "definitely do not want" etc. You know what you want in a pool better than anyone else. I'd rather choose a builder based on their reputation, positive reviews, good working relationships, referrals than on any marketing gimmick. Only when you can price out the exact features can you compare different builder prices. And don't forget the decking!
S R
9 years ago
Lots of people these days are building their own pools. Very popular in Az. Some companies are selling you a design package so you can go sub contract it yourself... It's what I did... http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/4025840/owner-built-pool-katy-texas?n=41
Related Professionals
Tulsa Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Roanoke Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Fargo Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Salem Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Covington Landscape Contractors · California Landscape Contractors · Killeen Landscape Contractors · Middletown Landscape Contractors · Yakima Landscape Contractors · Orlando General Contractors · Columbus General Contractors · Mankato General Contractors · Sioux Falls General Contractors · Stockton General Contractors · Butte General Contractors
Michael Collins
9 years ago
It's actually a really good idea to get multiple pool companies to bid on the exact same design, otherwise each PB will come up with a different design and you want get a true apples to apples comparison. Some people may WANT to see different designs to trigger more creative thoughts, but always go back and get an apples to apples comp. And even then, you have to be careful, because the finished product may look the same, but it's what's unseen or unmentioned that can vary widely. Some examples:
- Be sure to get pool equipment model #'s so everyone bids the same (many PBs don't want to show you equipment model #'s)
- Fence removal and repair
- same pool depth, # of lights?
- walkway repair
- what kind of plaster / pebble finish is it?
- When they dig up your yard, who's going to pay for replacing irrigation or drain lines? Our PB didn't bother to mention this.
- How many returns will they run into the pool?
Every PB bakes in costs differently and shows line items differently. They will start with a non-transparent base pool price which has most of their profit already baked in (which is fine), but it's not clear what's included. One PB quoted us a base price that didn't include a coping. That's like buying a circle with no outline - really?!?!?!

Decking around the pool can add up very quickly, but the PB typically won't charge much above cost. If you truly knew how easy it was, you'd build it yourself and find your own subcontractors, but there is really no way to fully understand the process without going through it at least once or having someone with experience coach you heavily along the way. If you go with a PB, be sure to find someone who can communicate clearly and will be engaged with you each step of the way. My PB couldn't bother to come over and check work as one sub contractor passed off work to the next. It cost us long delays and some unwanted design modifications.