I was in this same situation about a week ago; ended up going with the tall fescue and it's sprouting really well. A lady at the store says she planted 3 acres of this and it has been doing fine down here in FL so I mean if it will take the summer then go for it. Zoysia can really be invasive and at least down here can get nemotodes and it needs more nutrients. I'm really pleased how fast the fescue has sprouted, it's like an instant lawn. Good luck!

abem3, It's basically all the same stuff when you get a lot of bids, you start to get mixed up on who said what. The higher quality you go the better the stuff is made. And the Better it is made the longer it should last. I don't mean higher SEER because there are systems that get good SEER ratings but they are not made of the same materials. For example Trane has XB14 that qualifies for the Tax Credit. Then they have a XR15 that qualifies and then a XL15i that qualifies. Well the XB14 can't even compare to the XL15i. So what you think you are getting in SEER is not the same as longevity you get with an upgraded system with the same SEER rating. For me lennox is ok, I don't sell lennox because of the support they give in my local area. Your area could be different. My main thought was I'm glad to see you are looking into getting your ducts replaced. This to me may be as or more important than your system. As I see you got quotes for a system and duct since duct issues may be a concern for you to be looking into. With 7 contractors you should have one that you can sit down with again. Go over all your issues and concerns, have them explain how they are going to replace your duct and system. and then go for it. i also would have them break it down equipment and duct replacement.

Renovxpt - Thank you for your response and attention to my concerns. There have been many aspects of this process that I have had to wonder about and have tried to figure if they were just a day in the life of pool construction or if I have somehow gotten the short end of the pool building stick. Given that I am still bound by my contract as there is no out for sheer sloppiness, I would prefer not to reveal the pool company until my pool is completed. The people I have spoken with who used this company were all very happy, hence my decision to go with them; however, every job is different. I am by no means trying to protect the pool company, but myself. Pool builders are human, and as I mentioned before I don't want to tick off my pool builder and have even more unnecessary delays and mistakes. I just want to know what should be done and what's right or wrong about the process. I don't want remedies or a breach of contract claim or a fight with my pool builder, I just want a beautiful pool that my family can enjoy for years to come. Which is why I have come to the experts on this forum to guide me through the process, so I can somewhat supervise what my pool builder isn't. For all wannabe pool owners, I am sure my experience is not the norm (or at least I hope), but do your homework, not just on the pool builder but on pool basics. Know what you want and where you want it and be sure to discuss it with your pool builder. Some details may seem minor, but if they are important to you, make sure your builder knows this (and has communicated this to the crew actually doing the work) in advance. Advance communication goes a long way in making sure you get the final product you're looking for. I look forward to posting more pictures of the progress, but other than the blocks under the re-bar that was added on Thursday, there is nothing new to show. I am waiting for the plumber to come to pre-plumb the pool and the inspector to inspect the electrical bonding. Is there anything else I should confirm is done prior to gunite?

Thought I'd help you with the picture posting. :)