Where are you located? That pool would be at least double the price here in Calif.

I can't comment on most of the specs, other than to say that you seem to be getting a lot of bang for your buck. I think the payments (as you point out) are kinda top heavy....I'd push for 50% after shotcrete, 20% at coping, 20% at equipment set, and 10% after startup (perhaps 5 at plaster and hold 5 off till startup). You don't want to owe much less than it would cost to finish the job on your own at any given point in the process in the event the builder goes belly up and/or there are problems that are not satisfactorily dealt with along the way.

SWGs are pretty common and I don't know that ozonators alone sanitize as well as chlorinators.

I'd definitely work on that draw schedule. Like "mom" said, if the PB disappears after shotcrete, would you be able to finish the pool with the 30% that you have left? That being said, all of the contracts that I've seen have been front loaded. Try not to let it get too out of hand, just in case.

I'd like to have a minimum of 5 draws, and alot less than 70% on the 1st draw. I don't think that would be unreasonable at all.

I'm in the N. TX/S. OK area and I'd say that's a very, very good price. Then, when I saw the draw schedule, it made me wonder if this price was too good...you know, get the customer to sign on the dotted line, do a bit of work and collect a lot of cash to finish up other customers' projects.

Anyway, I'm sure you'll research your PBs and find one that won't get the cash from you and move onto others' pools. Definitely adjust that draw schedule, though, as it's way too top-heavy. We had paid almost 60% by gunite stage and had a 10% draw to pay at completion and that was not at all effective in getting our pool to a timely completion.

Also... we knew a couple in the SA area that put in a pool a couple years back. They were in a northern subdivision (I think) where the PB hit rock just a few inches below the surface. According to this couple, the PB ended up boring and cutting through solid rock for most of the pool! Be sure that possibility (extra time, labor, equipment) is covered in your contract so there are no surprises.

Thanks all, youÂve given me a lot to consider.

I meet with them on Tuesday and IÂm definitely going to try to change the draw schedule. They are a pretty large PB city wide and say they have the financial backing and do not sub contract any work. I went to their "compound" and they have their own stone yard, cement trucks, gravel trucks, project managers assigned to specific areas, only PB in town that can do P-Tec not sub it, etcÂÂ..but you never know in these times what can happen from one day to the next.

Also, they are known for their high end pools and IÂm afraid my little ol project could be put on the backburner to ones that will generate more $$$$.

Sandradee  Good point. There is a rock clause for additional cost. IÂm not concerned about it because we are SE of town. ItÂs sandy loam out here 5-9 ft down followed by clay. I feel like I live at the beach with no water around!

Regards,

I had another thought as I went thru your equipment list...add a second light. We've got a 40' pool too, although it's narrower and I would not want only one light. Ours are on both ends, facing each other...you might want them on a side shining away from your house.

ladyanglertx,

I do have suggestions on the equipment and bid (other will correct me if I give bad advice)...

- I see 3 pumps. The Polaris 380 with booster pump was a $1200 option here in FL 18 months ago. If you do not have a lot of leaves in the pool, you could skip it.

- I am thinking dump the 2 other pumps and get a a single variable speed (or variable flow) pump. You can program it for pool filtration, descents, and vacuuming (if you have a suction type pool cleaner).

- Your bid lacks detail... you need an itemized bid. maybe the PB gave you one, and that's fine... just as long as you know the price for each major piece... like pump pricing, deck and coping pricing, etc.

-Gorilla

Who's your PB?