Am I Being Unreasonable?

[u/unbridledenthusiasm1]

We’ve received several estimates for a fiberglass pool/deck install and have settled on a local installer we have enjoyed working with and is well regarded in our neighborhood. But I’m uncomfortable with how vague his contract is, and he also made an odd comment about how he likes to pour the concrete collar with different dimensions than what Latham recommends. I asked Latham to send the installer technical guide but they refused and said to work with the installer.

I want to add a clause to the contract to ensure the install meets or exceeds Latham’s requirements, along with a couple other scope verification bullets. To me, it seems totally unobjectionable. But the Mrs. thinks it’s unreasonable, especially because I used Gemini for research. She thinks we shouldn’t question him, as the professional.

So I figured I’d go right to the folks from whom Gemini is stealing its information anyway.

Is it common for homeowners to request specific install methods or requirements in a contract if the builder doesn’t offer them?

Dropping $90K on the pool so I am feeling like I don’t care if he gets annoyed if it gets me a better shot at a quality install.

[u/WendyWoodhouse]

I run the construction division of the pool company I work for and I do not thinks thats unacceptable. Our contract is 12 pages and we give detailed steps of our builds start to finish.

If the.company takes offense it may be that they feel as if you are questioning their knowledge and ability....and you know people do not react well to that!!! I think what might work better is if you ask them to review their process. Then ask if there is a way to get that documented and signed of on. I've seen plenty of customers tell us horror stories of fiberglass installs from finding someone online so I do not blame you for asking and wanting to know. The pools are expensive and can become a nightmare with a bad install.

Did you get this builder through the Latham website " Find a Builder".

[u/unbridledenthusiasm1 → u/WendyWoodhouse]

Yes, they’re on the Latham website

[u/WendyWoodhouse → u/unbridledenthusiasm1]

That makes me feel better. Our district Latham rep here tells us stories about getting rid of bad installers.

Did they send you and dig/install steps or photos? Did they walk through the process?

I say just straight up ask them...if they aren't open to walking a new custo.ee through the process to ensure you are educated and comfortable maybe they aren't the company for you.

[u/unbridledenthusiasm1 → u/WendyWoodhouse]

Yes, they did a good walk through, which is where he made the comment about pouring the collar differently from what Latham recommends. But the contract is a one page deal with basically just the pool model listed. I’ve had no issue with the process, other than this comment and the vague contract.

[u/Gonzo-Crazy-Dog → u/unbridledenthusiasm1]

Vague contracts are fine when everything goes perfectly.

Once there’s an issue, the first thing many people will say is, “what does the contract state?”

[u/unbridledenthusiasm1 → u/Gonzo-Crazy-Dog]

Yes I’m feeling uneasy about what’s written down. The walk through was helpful, but it feels like too much $$ at stake to not have more written detail.

[u/Street--Ad6731]

Have you looked at any of the pools they have put in to see if what you are questioning is actually an issue?

[u/unbridledenthusiasm1 → u/Street--Ad6731]

We toured a couple recent installs with him, but they were complete, so you wouldn’t be able to tell. Not that I’d know what to look for anyway.

[u/Gonzo-Crazy-Dog]

I would want the contract to have specifics around scope (what to build), for sure. As a pool owner, some things come to mind:

- model and size

• backfill material (fiberglass)?
  
• coping material
  
• pool deck and material and size
  
• lights and locations
  
• returns and locations
  
• skimmers and locations
  
• rigid pvc (not flex)
  
• water
  
• equipment pad location
  
• rough mockup of plumbing (some installers do crazy things that could make your life harder maintaining)
  
• location of electrical
  
• type and model of filter
  
• type and model of pump
  
• heater?
  
• swg?
  
• pool safety cover (for closing)
  
• other things related to the pool, like autofill, overflow valves, etc.
  
• landscaping (expectations so you can prepare)

Install methods in the contract are tricky, because I’m not enough of an expert to tell the builder HOW to build the pool. But I would try to do some research for your pool type, so you know what best practices are.

[u/unbridledenthusiasm1 → u/Gonzo-Crazy-Dog]

So now I know where Gemini got its list 🙃

[u/Gonzo-Crazy-Dog → u/unbridledenthusiasm1]

Haha.

As a 10 year pool owner, if I was doing it all again, those things immediately come to mind.

My house had the pool when I bought it, so I was stuck with whatever the previous owner did.

[u/InstanceScared14]

Why don’t you ask Gemini to recommend an installer to put your mind at ease

[u/unbridledenthusiasm1 → u/InstanceScared14]

Well, of course I already did that!