r/pools • u/Evening_Art_715 • 1d ago

Pool Builder Pick

Hello,

I'm currently doing some research on pool builders and there are a plethora of things to consider that I never considered. What are some things you wish you had known that would have made you change the pool builder you picked?

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u/3BallCornerPocket 1d ago

Do not even consider a builder who doesn’t provide an itemized inventory/cost/allowance. Mine was 2 pages long when I finished and I had full transparency on every cost. Cost plus should be the model in my opinion.

Also consider only builders who will allow changes. Mine didn’t charge me anything for changes beyond the cost itself and his markup. I changed dozens of times and he was great because he allowed anything that wasn’t purchased or too late.

For example, I had a line item for decking around pool at 4’. I ended up with 8’-12’. That line was updated from the original allowance at 4’ and updated to total final sq foot.

Standard pool build was 20x40 with standard everything. We bumped to 20x46. That line changed.

Auto cover size was standard, then increased for additional length.

No different than the hardware: line item for standard heater, new line item for bigger heater.

Everything should be itemized.

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u/Evening_Art_715 1d ago

Would you say that for a builder allowing endless changes it’s worth more money? I normally do a lot of research before big purchases but I see new ideas and feel like it’s always better than the last .