Not all shells are the same. Normally, you get what you pay for. Your price seems very low and it makes me raise an eyebrow of skepticism.

Who makes the shell? What is the warranty's length and what is covered?

How long has the builder been in business?

How long has he sold this brand?

How long has he been installing F/G pools?

What is to be done with the dug up dirt? Is haul away included? What if you hit water or rock during the dig?

Have you checked his work and consumer ratings?

I don't like to see fiberglass pools with less than a 3'x4" collar. Your's is less than 1/2 that. The extra weight of the collar can be the difference between a pool floating or not in high water table conditions when the pool needs to have it's water level lowered. Will there be a rebar web attached to the pool's edge extending into the concrete collar? I expect #3 rebar and a 12" grid to lock the concrete collar to the pool.

I don't see a sump to pull water out from under the shell if it needs servicing. This will happen eventually, such as when the tile needs replacing or if the water needs diluting to correct a chemical imbalance.

Is the initial fill water included? The pool needs to be filled and back filled at the same time.

What are they using as a base and back fill? An improperly set F/G pool is a nightmare for a homeowner.

How do you plan on sanitizing? I don't see a chlorinator.

What kind of pipe for the plumbing? Avoid flex pipe. While easy to work with, it sucks when it fails. Murphy dictates it will where it's hardest to get at. Using hard pipe on the pool usually reduces the likelihood of a failure.

With F/G pools, the installation crew and supervisor need to be better than good for a quality job. A lot of fly by nights exist in the F/G world. There are many legit and good ones too!

A F/G pool can be put in the ground and filled in a day, assuming inspections go ok. With concrete and electrical, fencing, etc., the entire installation can be completed inside a week with a good PB. What is this builder's schedule?

I hope this helps. Your price seems too good. Maybe I am nuts, but maybe not. In any event, it is food for thought.

Scott

Scott just out of curiosity we are in florida and our pool cost $21k and that included SWG,1.5hp starite pump, s220 hayward sand filter, 100amp subpanel, 6 pentair never lube valves, 2 inch plumbing, sheer descent, lifetime warranty pebble finish, footers for pool cage, IG fountain, 2 other water features and about 1800sf of pavers. Contract gaurantee was 29 days swimming and we were swimming in 21 days. We did not go with expensive travertine or any electronic automation as I wanted to keep everything simple. I know that the PB made money beacuse I saw most of the invoices for all of the materials as I havd to sign for them as they were being delivered, concrete, pavers equipment etc. I believe you even commented on our thread. Thanks in advance

Scott,

Thank you that was great questions. I do know that the pool itself is only $9,000k because of a cosmetic patch at the bottom and now the bottom is completely white compared to the whole pool being blue. The manufacture did the fix and will warrant the shell to be structurally sound for a full 25 years. This is a Liberty Fiberglass Pool. This pool builder sells both San Juan and Liberty he has been in business about 5 years. I called his references and looked at 3 jobs. All check out good.

Carla

Liberty shells are a high quality product. As I recall, the gel coat has a decent warranty too. However, I seem to recall that they also Require a 3'x4" collar. Please go that route as it's very, very important.

If you want additional and decide to use another contractor, thats your prerogative. Keep in mind that the pool's collar color and the additional decking color will not match exactly since they will be from two different pours.

Might I suggest a brushed concrete collar and then add your additional stamped decking? I personally like the look.

If they use similar installation methods to a Viking, same company btw, you'll be in good shape.

I am not a big fan of San Juan's line. Maybe it was the results of poorly executed installations and planning, judging from the ones I've had to work on.

I wish you the best and look forward to additional posts as you progress.

Scott