Posted: 9/10/2015 9:43:01 AM EDT
Decided we want to have an in ground pool built. Called a few local builders and have scheduled an appointment with one. They told me over the phone their average pool is $72,000 and I damn near passed out. I realize where I live everything is more expensive because suburbia wives will complain and their husbands will just write the check to shut them up. I however won't do that....also can't afford a $72,000 pool nor would I want one. I spoke with the rep some more and I said, "I'm sure you've had clients build $200,000 pool and landscapes and that's why the average is so high, but I simply want a concrete hole in the ground filled with salt water and a patio area around it." She told me she's had clients build $500,000 pools.  Either way, I've agreed to have her come out and look as she knows my budget for a pool, deck, and wine cellar and she said they could do all of it and work with our budget. We want to keep all three under 75K.
Now, we're onto the part of design. I want to see what you all have. I want simple, patio, and easy to mow around. I'm hoping you guys can throw some pics and cost if you don't mind. Also, it is possible trees will have to be removed, but I can do that prior to construction. Thanks in advance. |
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From long experience, your best bet for a pool is to take the estimated cost of the pool, then obtain about 30% of that amount in actual cash, then have a little bonfire and burn all that cash, then rip out some of your hair, then get some pool chemicals on a few of your nicest clothes, then go drink a refreshing beverage and relax, knowing that you have experienced owning a pool for around a third of the actual cost.
ETA: Also, the next time your local FD is testing a hydrant in the area for a long time, tell them to hook up a meter to the hydrant and that you will cover that test. |
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honestly
get an above ground and build a deck around it. it looks like shit but in 3-5 years when you're tired of fucking with it you can have it hauled away. my parents got a pool when we were in middle school the whole time i was in high school i think we swam in it <10 times and that was only when out of town family came down. although the dog fucking loved it. plus i don't think pools add to value anymore they may even make it harder to sell. |
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$500K for a pool? Hell, there's a place right off of I-95 when you cross into NC that sells the drop in fiberglass pools. Rent some heavy equipment, dig the hole, prep the shit - do it yourself. Guy in my neighborhood did a couple of years ago. He spent HALF of what he was quoted for a SMALLER pool by doing it himself. He did farm the deck out - he's not real good with wood he said..LOL. Put it this way, he told his wife that if she liked the pool / deck / patio and was happy with it - he got to spend the money he saved on a toy. He's now got a nice motorcycle and Jeep sitting in the garage. |
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As a kid we were in out pool every day. When we got to high school the dogs used it more than us.
If your dogs are going to swim in it go concrete. If not dig a hole and get one of the prebuilt case fiberglass ones. About 5 years ago we helped our dad remove our old in-ground concrete pool. Absolutely terrible work. Now he has a big ass garden where the pool does and gets more enjoyment from that. |
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Quoted:
From long experience, your best bet for a pool is to take the estimated cost of the pool, then obtain about 30% of that amount in actual cash, then have a little bonfire and burn all that cash, then rip out some of your hair, then get some pool chemicals on a few of your nicest clothes, then go drink a refreshing beverage and relax, knowing that you have experienced owning a pool for around a third of the actual cost. ETA: Also, the next time your local FD is testing a hydrant in the area for a long time, tell them to hook up a meter to the hydrant and that you will cover that test. lol, well I don't really have much hair left. I actually want one because I like being outdoors, but considering I'm from far north of where I live now, I could actually use this thing from April to October. Every time I mow the lawn, do work in the garage, anything that makes my fat self sweat all I want to do is jump in a pool. Plus, I'd rather have the family focused there than on the couch because it is too hot outside. |
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Quoted:
$500K for a pool? Hell, there's a place right off of I-95 when you cross into NC that sells the drop in fiberglass pools. Rent some heavy equipment, dig the hole, prep the shit - do it yourself. Guy in my neighborhood did a couple of years ago. He spent HALF of what he was quoted for a SMALLER pool by doing it himself. He did farm the deck out - he's not real good with wood he said..LOL. Put it this way, he told his wife that if she liked the pool / deck / patio and was happy with it - he got to spend the money he saved on a toy. He's now got a nice motorcycle and Jeep sitting in the garage. That was one of the elaborate show offs I"m sure. I live in western Loudoun co so I"m sure there is stupid money being spent on "look at me" features. |
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Quoted:
I want something like this minus the hot tub and maybe a smaller patio area. <a href="http://s112.photobucket.com/user/DonnieGTI/media/Pool%20Ideas/tropical-pool_zpsks2jysat.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n175/DonnieGTI/Pool%20Ideas/tropical-pool_zpsks2jysat.jpg</a> ETA: and no trees next to it. uhh... you need to break out the checkbook if you want that and suck it up. |
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Quoted: I want something like this minus the hot tub and maybe a smaller patio area. http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n175/DonnieGTI/Pool%20Ideas/tropical-pool_zpsks2jysat.jpg ETA: and no trees next to it. Another crew comes and does the deck work. Two weeks tops and you will be ready to close it up for the winter..  |
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We have a in ground pool built in the 1960s, that was converted to a Vinyl Liner pool at some point and time. After replacing the Liner 3 separate times, due to unforeseen circumstances, we decided to convert out pool back to Vermiculite.
With Vinyl Liner 
During the reworking of the existing pool surface, it was discovered there was a pool built on top of another pool, previous owners of the property did this type of repair with everything. 
With Liner Removed 
We added steps 
New return Lines 
New Coping and tile, eating to be finished. 
I didn't get any pictures when the Vermiculite was being complete, and I don't know why.
Here's how it looks now. 
If you build, go over the meticulous details with the builder, leave nothing to guess that the builder will handle the situation the way you would want. Depending where your located the company we dealt with was from Chesapeake VA. PM me if you want his contact information. The steps were the best addition we did, it gives me a place to sit a drink beer at 3 different levels 
You will want some sort of Cover, or shade, next to the pool. I wanted a Gazebo, my wife won out and had the Pool House rebuilt. That's a whole another pain in the ass. Best of Luck. |
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Pools=hot tubs=boats=camping trailers
They all are fun for the first few months and then the fun wears off. At least with the trailer and boat, you can sell and get off your property. The pool and hot tub is a different story, you will pay to get it hauled off
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Quoted:
We have a in ground pool built in the 1960s, that was converted to a Vinyl Liner pool at some point and time. After replacing the Liner 3 separate times, due to unforeseen circumstances, we decided to convert out pool back to Vermiculite. With Vinyl Liner http://i62.tinypic.com/2ec44d0.jpg During the reworking of the existing pool surface, it was discovered there was a pool built on top of another pool, previous owners of the property did this type of repair with everything.
With Liner Removed http://i62.tinypic.com/23h0dp3.jpg We added steps http://i60.tinypic.com/b8mxkw.jpg New return Lines http://i59.tinypic.com/34zg3e0.jpg New Coping and tile, eating to be finished. http://i58.tinypic.com/2h2qhrn.jpg I didn't get any pictures when the Vermiculite was being complete, and I don't know why.
Here's how it looks now. http://i57.tinypic.com/nv5i85.jpg http://i61.tinypic.com/2upa1y9.jpg If you build, go over the meticulous details with the builder, leave nothing to guess that the builder will handle the situation the way you would want. Depending where your located the company we dealt with was from Chesapeake VA. PM me if you want his contact information. The steps were the best addition we did, it gives me a place to sit a drink beer at 3 different levels
You will want some sort of Cover, or shade, next to the pool. I wanted a Gazebo, my wife won out and had the Pool House rebuilt. That's a whole another pain in the ass. Best of Luck. That is gorgeous!!!! Can I ask what that cost? Also, I'm western Loudoun Co. so Chesapeake may be too far for them. I can always ask. |
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Quoted:
Pools=hot tubs=boats=camping trailers They all are fun for the first few months and then the fun wears off. At least with the trailer and boat, you can sell and get off your property. The pool and hot tub is a different story, you will pay to get it hauled off I gotta disagree about the hot tub. I've had mine for a few years now, and I still enjoy it. My back and knees enjoy it even more. |
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Quoted:
I gotta disagree about the hot tub. I've had mine for a few years now, and I still enjoy it. My back and knees enjoy it even more. Quoted:
Quoted:
Pools=hot tubs=boats=camping trailers They all are fun for the first few months and then the fun wears off. At least with the trailer and boat, you can sell and get off your property. The pool and hot tub is a different story, you will pay to get it hauled off I gotta disagree about the hot tub. I've had mine for a few years now, and I still enjoy it. My back and knees enjoy it even more. I disagree about the pool and hot tub. Wife and I use ours all the time. |
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Quoted: I want something like this minus the hot tub and maybe a smaller patio area. <a href="http://s112.photobucket.com/user/DonnieGTI/media/Pool%20Ideas/tropical-pool_zpsks2jysat.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n175/DonnieGTI/Pool%20Ideas/tropical-pool_zpsks2jysat.jpg</a> ETA: and no trees next to it. The patio alone will cost you 20k |
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Check into a fiberglass pool.. I did my own and have about $10k in it including the concrete. Not mine, but it's fiberglass http://www.royalpoolsofva.com/DealerLibrary/Large/TajMahal1Web.JPG Will the fiberglass hold up as long as "concrete"? Also, I'm assuming at some point my dogs will end up in the pool so how does the fiberglass hold up to puppy paws? PS that looks amazing. |
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Quoted:
Will the fiberglass hold up as long as "concrete"? Also, I'm assuming at some point my dogs will end up in the pool so how does the fiberglass hold up to puppy paws? PS that looks amazing. Quoted:
Quoted:
Check into a fiberglass pool.. I did my own and have about $10k in it including the concrete. Not mine, but it's fiberglass http://www.royalpoolsofva.com/DealerLibrary/Large/TajMahal1Web.JPG Will the fiberglass hold up as long as "concrete"? Also, I'm assuming at some point my dogs will end up in the pool so how does the fiberglass hold up to puppy paws? PS that looks amazing. Mine has a 25 year warranty on it, and that is in the Flo Rida sun. Dogs don't affect it at all. Mine has been through 2 GSD's and now a GSD/Lab mix and a half dozen Boston Terriers. It's 8 years old now, and still looks like it did the day I installed it. It is a San Juan brand if you want to check them out. |
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Quoted:
That is gorgeous!!!! Can I ask what that cost? Also, I'm western Loudoun Co. so Chesapeake may be too far for them. I can always ask. Quoted:
Quoted:
We have a in ground pool built in the 1960s, that was converted to a Vinyl Liner pool at some point and time. After replacing the Liner 3 separate times, due to unforeseen circumstances, we decided to convert out pool back to Vermiculite. With Vinyl Liner http://i62.tinypic.com/2ec44d0.jpg During the reworking of the existing pool surface, it was discovered there was a pool built on top of another pool, previous owners of the property did this type of repair with everything.
With Liner Removed http://i62.tinypic.com/23h0dp3.jpg We added steps http://i60.tinypic.com/b8mxkw.jpg New return Lines http://i59.tinypic.com/34zg3e0.jpg New Coping and tile, eating to be finished. http://i58.tinypic.com/2h2qhrn.jpg I didn't get any pictures when the Vermiculite was being complete, and I don't know why.
Here's how it looks now. http://i57.tinypic.com/nv5i85.jpg http://i61.tinypic.com/2upa1y9.jpg If you build, go over the meticulous details with the builder, leave nothing to guess that the builder will handle the situation the way you would want. Depending where your located the company we dealt with was from Chesapeake VA. PM me if you want his contact information. The steps were the best addition we did, it gives me a place to sit a drink beer at 3 different levels
You will want some sort of Cover, or shade, next to the pool. I wanted a Gazebo, my wife won out and had the Pool House rebuilt. That's a whole another pain in the ass. Best of Luck. That is gorgeous!!!! Can I ask what that cost? Also, I'm western Loudoun Co. so Chesapeake may be too far for them. I can always ask. Around 40K, they may travel, some of his crews come from Maryland. |
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Fiberglass is the way to go. You are limited on size and shape since they have to be able to drive it down the road, but overall costs, installation time, and maintenance ease are well worth it. We got one of the largest models and put a large deck surround with cool deck and came in around $40K.
Fiberglass is tough, dogs claws won't do any damage, and it feels much better on feet than gunnite or even neighbor's pebble tech pool. Also more resistant to algae outbreaks. Some of must haves: go salt, get in floor cleaners with bottom Drain, depending on location look at a heater of some sort to extend the season. I'm thinking of building a solar heater soon. Many bitch a out the maintenance. On mine, I can get the chemicals and my salt water generator dialed in and forget about for we'll over a week before checking again, and the numbers are usually still good. Plus it's relaxing when I am working on it while enjoying a beer. Make sure to read troublefreepools.com. It's the arfcom of of the pool world. Good luck. |
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Quoted: Fiberglass is the way to go. You are limited on size and shape since they have to be able to drive it down the road, but overall costs, installation time, and maintenance ease are well worth it. We got one of the largest models and put a large deck surround with cool deck and came in around $40K. Fiberglass is tough, dogs claws won't do any damage, and it feels much better on feet than gunnite or even neighbor's pebble tech pool. Also more resistant to algae outbreaks. Some of must haves: go salt, get in floor cleaners with bottom Drain, depending on location look at a heater of some sort to extend the season. I'm thinking of building a solar heater soon. Many bitch a out the maintenance. On mine, I can get the chemicals and my salt water generator dialed in and forget about for we'll over a week before checking again, and the numbers are usually still good. Plus it's relaxing when I am working on it while enjoying a beer. Make sure to read troublefreepools.com. It's the arfcom of of the pool world. Good luck. Everything above I agree with, fiberglass is susceptible to the orange ring of death as my Fiance' calls it (metal precipitation) particularly if your water has a bit of iron in it. I converted my 20K gallon fiberglass pool to salt and went with the Autopilot brand chlorine generator and never looked back. TFP web page is a must read and DO NOT GO WITH CARTRIDGE FILTERS. Take your pool volume and go with a sand filter for 2x the size of your pool but don't fill it with sand use some of the newer medias. Mine is set up as a multi media filter similar as to industrial methods and works slicker than cat shit! |
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Just talked to a guy who installs these. It is a16'x36' and goes to 5'6" deep. We'd get the salt system, all electrical work, permits, a 3ft wide patio area w/ an additional 600 sq. ft. patio area. Additionally, it has the power cover and two underwater lights. All of this was about 52K. Said they could do the fence, but that was about 7K more....
Greko Pool Thoughts? ETA: Here is the off season "special" which is what drove the price. Is any of this negotiable, just out of curiosity? Off Season Special |
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Quoted: Just talked to a guy who installs these. It is a16'x36' and goes to 5'6" deep. We'd get the salt system, all electrical work, permits, a 3ft wide patio area w/ an additional 600 sq. ft. patio area. Additionally, it has the power cover and two underwater lights. All of this was about 52K. Said they could do the fence, but that was about 7K more.... Greko Pool Thoughts? ETA: Here is the off season "special" which is what drove the price. Is any of this negotiable, just out of curiosity? Off Season Special |
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Quoted:
Just talked to a guy who installs these. It is a16'x36' and goes to 5'6" deep. We'd get the salt system, all electrical work, permits, a 3ft wide patio area w/ an additional 600 sq. ft. patio area. Additionally, it has the power cover and two underwater lights. All of this was about 52K. Said they could do the fence, but that was about 7K more....
Greko Pool Thoughts? ETA: Here is the off season "special" which is what drove the price. Is any of this negotiable, just out of curiosity? Off Season Special From my limited experience, that Greco is probably about a $15k-$18k shell. Historically, I would assume that they would have at most $30k in the job, but I don't know VA pricing. (you can see fiberglass pool shells for sale on eBay FYI) |
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This is what's included in the base package:
Base Package Includes: Customer Service Mon - Fri 9-5, Rino-Loc Construction, Pool Permit, Excavation, Pool Delivered to Site, Gravel Base and Backfill, Water to Fill the Pool, 3 Returns in Pool, 1 Skimmer, 1.5 HP Pump, 2" Rigid PVC Plumbing and Unions, Cartridge Filter, Composite Pad for Pool Equipment, Standard Maintenance Equipment, Start Up Sanitation Chemicals, 5 Year Workmanship Warranty (3 Full/2 Partial), 3 Year Warranty on all Operating Equipment Here's the Winter install package: Free Salt Water Chlorine Generator (Salt and Start-up Chemicals included) A Free Inground Pool Service Package (includes one Pool Opening and one Pool Closing) Half off a Custom Security Winter Cover (Includes Installation) Plus an Additional $2,000 Off Our Base Pool Package |
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Man I went all through grade school and high school with started a pool company 40 years ago. His pools are concrete (gunnite?), and his company is finishing a $400,000 custom pool-bathouse, deck, waterfall, cave, outdoor kitchen, ect. He has several of these in the works through 2 years from now.
Those that have the big bucks will pay. He and his wife bought a condo beside my lady friend (pictures won't load, sorry) and we had a visit a couple of months ago. I asked him what a "big" job was considered when he started years ago. He said, "If we had a pool that sold for $7,000, we celebrated!". His company built a HUGE water area and fountain in front of a major locally owned headquarters of an international corporation for their new headquarters. He sub-contracted all the work, made a $20,000 profit for showing up to a 8:30 AM meeting every Monday morning for 4 months. Another older friend owns a pool company that installs one-piece fiberglass pools. As he says, "Dig 'em and stick 'em". The money is in the deck and landscaping and other things. The wife unit doesn't want a fiberglass pond stuck in the back yard with no amenities. |