Please Give me a Bid...

We hear this frequently from people that just want a price on a ___ x ____ pool, ____ deep with a diving board, filter, heater, and pump. The assumption is that every pool is pretty much the same and by getting competitive prices, they will get the best “deal.” Unfortunately, what this process will most likely insure is that they will get a cheap pool, but not necessarily a good value. A good value pool will be a pool that is properly designed and built to be easier to maintain, use less chemicals, and cost less to operate.

Only specifying the size, depth and few amenities for the pool is like specifying the size of the home you want to buy or build, allowing the contractor to define how much to spend on the floor coverings, cabinets, and windows. If you want to get a well built pool that will be easy to maintain and stand the test of time, you should consider identifying the following:

1. Will the area around the pool the pool be excavated with the on site soil or will engineered soil be brought in?
2. How many skimmers will be installed? You should have at least one for every 400 square feet or faction there of a pool. For example, a 600 square foot pool should have two skimmers.
3. What is the flow rate and will they have a flow meter on pool equipment pad? A well designed hydraulic system will have a return every 20 feet around the perimeter of the pool and a turn over rate of six hours or less.
4. Will they have a single speed pump or variable speed pump?
5. Will the filter be a sand, DE or cartridge filter? Is it sized properly for the required flow? We prefer cartridge filters because they do not waste water and chemicals in the back wash cycle.
6. Will the pool have an electronic water leveler controller or will you have to fill the pool with a garden hose?
7. Will you need filtered water to fill the pool or is the source water (from the home) adequate (it should be tested in advance)?
8. Will the pool have an automatic cover and if so, what type of lid will be on the cover, aluminum, brick, or pavers?
9. How will the pool be covered in the winter, with the automatic cover or a separate winter cover?
10. If your pool is going to be built close to a hill or a slope, proper engineering should be considered for a retaining wall to prevent slope creep or differential settling.

These are just a few of the types of questions that should be considered on any pool design, or bid request.