Generally the GC will only get a fee if they are directly involved with the pool construction and management of the project. Sounds like this fee request is a "surprise". If it's not in any contract with the GC, he can pound sand. Sounds like the GC trying make a few $

The PB can deal directly with you without dealing with the GC.

I've worked for many years with a GC on upscale projects and he has me deal directly with the homeowner.

Customers get what, where, when, and why. I keep how and who. Were I that builder, no one, not the customer, not the neighbor, not any sub, gets on my jobsite without my permission and compensation.

To be sure, the general contractor should control the job site and be compensated for their scope of work. If the pool construction is under the builder's scope of work and the pool contractor is under contract to the builder, then he's entitled to a management fee.

For what it's worth, I don't add value in pool construction. I don't want any warranty obligation for something I don't construct. My customers who want a pool contract directly with the pool contractor and I don't charge anything additional for the coordination tasks--which are small compared with those required to construct the home. I do recoup the costs to furnish and connect various utilities (water, electrical, and gas) and to install the door sensors and alarm system which are required for a pool.

Consider building the pool after the builder has completed their contract. There are issues with two separate entities performing work on the same job site in the same time period, but in the big picture it may be advantageous to build them at the same time and pay the builder's management fee.

Agree with Mark Bischak, Architect, have your pool installed after construction is finished. I never let homeowners hire anyone while construction is in progress... after it's done and after the closing, they can bring anyone they want.

In the last two custom home building projects we did that involved pools, the site constraints required excavation for the pool concurrent with the home's construction. We still kept the pool construction contract between the owner and pool contractor which limits my risk in the event of any issue with the pool.

Our GC is handling all parts of the pool build with the PB, just as well because those guys are booked way out and are a bit more responsive to the GC who will bring them future business. Pool cost is rolled into total build cost, so we are paying his fee for that part too. If we have problems with the pool, I know my GC will be quicker to take care of things and make sure the PB also responds in a timely manner ... just that is worth the cost of his fee.

My new neighbor across the street who purchased a house a few years ago just put a 100k pool in 15 years after I built that house.

His loan is manicured with a sprinkler system, etc.

Pool guys came in, put the pool in, did concrete around it, touched up the landscaping, put the fence in, and they out of there and you can't tell they were there.

A good friend of my digs pools for a few pool companies, he all set up with special mats to protect the lawn, etc. The only landscaping that needs to be fixed up is after concrete or pavers are installed around the pool you touch up around the edges.

My other good friend builds only estate homes in one neighborhood 3m+ he never does pools while construction is in progress, anyone homeowner wants to hire to do any work, is after the closing. Period.

That said, why would you want your pool done at the same time you have construction going on, you have debris be falling into the pool, etc It seems it creates more work for the pool guys than it is worth and I doubt it will be cheaper because they have to do the pool, I doubt they will put a lining in and all the equipment, so they have to return, finish it and hook everything up, test it, etc

IMO the best way to do this is after everyone is out of there and it saves a lot of headaches for everyone.

Good luck

"Can my builder charge a management fee to pool builder???"

Can he, yes, he can do whatever you negotiate and allow him to charge you for.

Thanks so much for your advice and opinions! We do have a pool allowance that was in the original home builder's contract so I see why he wants to make sure he makes that profit. The builder's choice of pool guys changed several times and when we finally met with his pool guy, we didn't hear anything for over 2 months. Then he sent a picture of what the pool would look like and a price with no details of what was included. That is when we decided to go with another contractor who builds all the pools in the neighborhood. Now, our HB wants to work with our pool guy on their future projects, lol.

Jaden, stay away from this arrangement if you can if you wanna sleep good at night and avoid all the headaches in the future.

Close on the house let things settle, and deal directly with the pool company of your choice. These guys do a great job they do this day in and out all year round and they will handle everything. Not only you will save money, but you will also avoid the BS.

Good luck.

Maybe you can pay his 15k management fee and he can pay YOU a 15k finder's fee. :P

If the site allows it, life would be easier to do the pool after closing...

Not enough for some, not needed for others.