Posted: 4/9/2005 7:15:12 PM EDT
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The wife and I decided to remodel/upgrade instead of move and a play pool is on the list. Has anyone gotten a pool built recently? Are there any builders we need to stay away from? The only pricing I've gotten so far is from Caribbean, they have two package pools starting at 16k and 18k. I'm aware that there are variables that can bring the total cost higher. What should I expect to pay for a 80 to 85 linear foot pool? George |
| Where are you? Yes, we did in Sierra Vista and we are extremly happy. Ours is 30X17, I wanted to have a nice straightaway for exercise. We put in the regular stucco floor because we like the blue effect it gives. We got Solar heating and it does extend by a month your swimming. We got a solar cover and in July with the Solar cover and the Solar heating the water was 97, it was like a spa. You have to like cleaning, the little robot cleaner that is on most of the time is wonderful and really works. Stay away from trees that drop leaves, they will be a bitch to clean out. We ended up at 27000 bucks. |
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Wife and I made the same decision you did. We initially bought a great house, so to move up to something worthwhile would mean a half million dollar house. It sounded great, until we realized the untapped potential of our current house. During our upgrade decisions, I thought about a play pool. I asked the advice of all my family and friends who have a pool, and 100% said that they wouldn't do it again. They cite the cost and effort required. Plus the liability of neighbor kids coming, during the summer, while we are at work. Finally, all of them said that they don't use the pool nearly as much as they thought they would. Unless you have it in a good shaded area, the water just doesn't stay cool enough during the hottest parts of the year. So, I'm getting a raised patio area with a fireplace. |
 I put a new pool in last year with Presidental pools. Spent $19,000. We have a 85LF pool with the salt water system installed and pop up in floor cleaning system. No chemicals, no real maintenance, LOVE IT. Other that normal filter cleaning, I do not do a thing to this pool. It is not a money pit! It automaticly moniters the salt level in the pool and regenerates more when needed. During monsoon season, all that I do is turn the pumps on after the storm and in 6-8 hrs it is clean again. Salt water pools have less salt in the water PPM then whats in your eye. No clorine= no red eyes. I agree with not putting any type of tree near a pool that could lose its leaves. Small palms work good. Im in Gilbert. Good luck. If you can wait till this fall/winter, prices will be lower during off season. Deals can me made. Do your research. If you have kids, POOL FENCE. Later
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... I'm doing that right as we speak. Went with Island Pools out of Scottsdale. Opted for salt-water system, cartridge filter. Cascading 3' X 18" high water feature. Lots of acrylic cool decking. Gas BBQ & spa too. I liked the "Baja Step Beach" feature as well, it's a large, knee-high step big enough to plop a couple chaise lounge chairs in under an umbrella. Extending my side fences up for more backyard space at the same time. ... Mark your calendars, it should be read for bikinis by mid June. |
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I had mine put in two years ago by Presidential Pools. 104 pf, 60 cu ft waterfall, bridge with sheer decents coming out of both sides, spa, cartridge system, in-floor pop ups, ozone. I love it. As far as price, $46,000. But the wife and I went a little overboard with some of the stuff. Scott |
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Some advice: Don't put it in the center of the yard so that it dominates your yard, put it off to the side. A kidney bean shaped pool is easier to build because there are no stress concentrations (corners), but are quite worthless, might contemplate a rectangular pool. Also, a rectangular pool allows for an easier covering system, which will help you warm your water and give you a few more weeks per year of usable swimming time. |
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... Normally, I'd wait until winter, but I wanna swim this summer. Good points about it's shape - I think I need to revisit the retangle pool (volleyball & such). ... I was ready to award a contract now but got sent to NYC for the week, so my plans have been put on hold for now. |
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saw a billboard today for poolbids. Maybe they are something to look at. All I know is my pool was built by Shasta, and I would not recommend them to anybody. 
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Thanks for all the advice guys! It's good to get a wide range of feedback, it reinforced some of my plans for placement and style! Pebble Tech or Pebble Sheen and an in floor cleaning system will be a must. The salt system will be somthing I'll be considering as well. On a related subject, I've been investigating the permit process for my remodel and have been hearing some disconcerting news. Rumor has it that the City of Phoenix is THE most difficult place to get a construction permit in the State. Any contractors out there who can shed some light on this for me? What kind of pitfall do I need to avoid? Thanks, George. |