The first service call to replace the bulb in either light will negate the cost savings that you perceive. Add the power savings and the colors for WOW effect and then ask yourself again, what are you saving?

I expect a 1.5 HP Blower is too much with your spa's jets. Most jets today are far more effective and more efficient than they were 10 years ago. Many don't need the blower either. Simple venturi action can provide more air pressure than you might think.

Check Hayward's multi-speed pump. Your pool is not large and you'll say some on energy costs by being able to run at lower speeds. I don't know for certain, but I believe it is still a single phase motor. If it is, reconsider the Pentair offering. I know that motor is 3 Phase which is much more energy efficient. It would also allow you to skip the booster for the Legend. I'm not sure the Hayward offering would give you enough flow to run the sweep but it might.

Spec in hard pipe, no flex.

How are you sanitizing?

Thanks! I will definitely check if the Pentair is still an option for me. As well as a follow up on the blower for the spa. One other thing I wondered about was 5 vs. 6 jets... or even more? PB said he would be happy to do 6 at no additional charge, but thought 5 would provide a better solution. Thoughts on that? Is it any big deal?

Same kind of thing on the returns... going with 5, but had other builders talk about 6 for similar sized pool.

Also, isn't the Aquarite Salt Chlorination the sanitation component? Did I miss something here? Still trying to learn all the ins and outs... definitely let me know if you get a chance.

Thanks again.

Sorry, I missed the cell on your list.

WRT the jets count in the spa, $20 here, $20 there in the pocket of the PB.

WRT to the blower, $20 here, $20 there in the pocket of the PB.

This PB bears watching carefully. I'm sure he'll build you a great pool but keep an eye on things and back load the pay schedule to keep him interested.

The Northstar will work fine as a spa jet pump, but I would not reccommend it as the filter pump. Install a 2nd set of drains in the spa and add a medium head pump for the filter. Otherwise the 2HP Northstar will draw too much current, be noisy, and will fail often. I have not seen this to be as much of an issue with other high head pumps.

A variable speed pump is another alternative.

The Jandy Aqualink can also operate your irrigation, up to 8 zones. The Aqualogic will give you a good warranty at a low price, but plan on having to take advantage of that warranty.

I agree with the white lights. In 5 years maybe the quality of LED lights will improve and price go down.

The newest Hayward heater is to new to say, but based on the IDL2, buy a Raypak.

Thanks for all the feedback. I maybe should have started posting a little earlier in the process. But, still good input, and I will see what I can do on some of it. Thanks again! Anyone care to take a crack at what a pool like I have listed should cost in the North Texas area? I know there are other factors... but getting in and out of the yard will be a snap as I have a 12 foot gate off the driveway. Slight slope in the yard, hence the box drain, but nothing to require raised beam or anything.

Thanks!

Hey poolguynj... thanks again for the info. I'm curious if you would be willing to accept a backloaded pay schedule? Don't mean to question that strategy... I actually agree with it to some degree, but so far, haven't found anybody to agree to it. Don't think my current guy is gonna go for that. Thanks for any additional thoughts.

Regards.

These are getting to be hard times. Try a trust account so the builder knows the money is there.

It doesn't affect me, I am not a builder, I just get to fix and augment them. Those jobs are typically 50% up front and 50% at completion. My big jobs seldom run more than $15000.

A new pool is something all together different. People and supplier need to be paid as few builders carry the kind of inventory to do something like that. But if the profit isn't in the pay schedule until the end, the builders in better financial shape might allow it. Those that are are probably the better builders too, thats how they got to be in that kind of position.

The smaller builders, and many come under that category, may build a great pool and have the customer based proof to back the claim but may not have the financials to do what I propose. Thats OK too but do you due diligence.

I know I'm going hear about this from my esteemed and respected co-contributers. I do not mean to offend.

that is VERY helpful advice, poolguynj.....having recently gone through a lot of work, I wish I had done that more. A backloaded pay schedule keeps them interested on your job. I found far too often that no good deed goes unpunished and in trying to help them out with payments early, they had no/little incentive to get to completing my job at the end.