Ok, I'm a little frustrated with this site because I'm not sure how to upload images. For now, I'm going to keep updating pool progress on a new blog I've created, since I'm already comfortable with that format.

Keep up on updates at http://were-getting-a-pool.blogspot.com/

Thanks!

Awww. Posting pics is easy - don't be frustrated with the site. IMO, there's none better for support and ideas.

Just type in the body of the message the following:

!img src="your http address here"!

EXCEPT where I have inserted exclamation points, put in the left chevrons. In that order. See how easy? Got more than one picture? Just repeat the process. Nice pool design.

You can upload your photos on a photobucket account, and then post the HTML code on here. Super easy, and free.

Misses T...thanks for the walkthru on your process, it is very helpful to read all the aspects! I'm curious on your concrete decking...are they taking the decking to the edge of the pool to act as coping? Are you staining the concrete? Thanks!!
Tara

lmhall2000 - Regarding your questions: We still need to decide what we want to do from a coping perspective, but in the design photos, they are taking the decking right to the pool to act as "seamless" coping. We are planning to stain the concrete.

misses_t

How's the project going? I met with someone else from Premier last night and they did the pool on the spot using stencils drawing. He seemed a little I don't know swarmy? He seemed to know a lot though

I also met with someone at Courage Pools. He seemed a little put off that I didn't want all the bells and whistles, like water falls, ledges, spa. Maybe they are just for really big luxury pools. My fault I should have researched them more.

I'm 99% Certain I'm going with McCauley Pools. His bid seems in line with the other's base pools and he's willing to meet the conditions I liked about the other two bids. He's very responsive (of course I haven't signed anything) and right away their payment schedule doesn't have full payment until pool school is over.

Do you have a big hole yet? Gunite? Keep us updated!

Misses T...

We interviewed about 6 of the big players back in 2005. We went with Premier, Rudy was our salesman/project manager. The man not only listened to every detail, he did not try to push stuff we did not want. He knew the county codes and his years in the industry really showed. Other salesmen were too pushy, more salelike than project manager. Our neighbor was about a week ahead of us and I think he may have had Brian. Neighbor had pretty much the same problems we had with our build- EVERY build has issues- but all resolved easily.

One warning, if you have not already figured this out. Stay on them, ask questions, get answers, document everything. The main office is not great about returning calls, it is just a fact. Rudy gave me his number and I just called him directly. I think most here will agree that there are going to be delays, issues and such. It is your money and if there is an issue you do not resolve you can't come back and blame them. I paid to have a tiny bobcat. When they showed up with a larger one we insisted they leave until they had what we ordered. It caused an additional 2 days on the dig, but they brought the tiny one and we were happy.

Our second choice was Aqua but the saleman was a little rude when we would not do things his way- regarding using a tiny bobcat to avoid tearing down fences, even with us paying extra.

We ended up very pleased, our neighbor is still pleased and even our close friend down the street who used them years ago is still pleased.

Really think about what you want and need and just make them stick to the plan, you will be happy. Good luck.

Ah...yes McCauley pools. We used them as well. Felt great in the beginning after having Swan, Aqua and Premier out. We felt that we were getting the most for our money! Please feel free to contact me, would love to chat more about my pool experience!

Hi Justjules!

Love to chat with you, but am a computer dummy and don't know how to access your email. Are you happy with Ryan and McCauley? Are they moving ahead with your pool timely?

Hey there...nutbunch
We are still in the building process. We have a few delays but actually they have been our doing, like not being able to decide on tile and having to build a new fence. My issues have not so much with time management but other pool stuff. Were did you come up with Ryan's name? Didn't mention any sales people. And, are you in the process of building yet? email me at wjulie@comcast.net we can chat then!

I guess because I went with Ryan, I just assume everyone else does too! It was funny everyone that we knew on their reference list had Ryan as their contact. We were surprised that we knew so many of their references. It was nice getting back in touch with them.

I'm afraid I won't be able to pick a tile quickly either. Its for a long time, so how do I choose something that will last so long. I looked at the beautiful glass tiles here, but know that with the SWCG and the the possibility of trouble later on, it would be crazy for me to splurge on that.

However I want to see about adding glass tile beads to the steps.

Hi there nutbunch, yes we had Ryan and funny thing is that he did my brother's pool and some other friends as well! Just have to say, at this point we just want to finish things up. We kinda feel that we were taken advantage of with some issues. Of course we all work with some sort of budget and that was his excuse! Now that we are well over that budget McCauley is not working with us on these isse(s). That we believe they should owe up to. And being that the economy is so poor, one would think that a pool company or sales person would be a little more willing to work with numbers and be GREATFUL! Rather than tell them they are complaining about everything! Seems as though you are having a good experience and that is great. Tile is very hard to pick and with that said I choose a tile that was a $500 upgrade. We looked at some glass tile as well. We realized that glass seemed more contemp. not so much a natural look. Not as thrilled with tile after all and I don't believe it was installed properly. Unless the same three tiles (from a pattern of 4) are to be placed all in a row. So, beware of the installation. And if it's any help to you my thought process was this: 1) Didn't want tile that would date the pool. 2) Didn't want something that would take away from the upgraded rocks and waterfall. 3) Nothing that would show ugly water lines and something that would be low maintence if so. But, then 4) a tile that would tie into the PT, the rock and over all look of the pool. Like that is not enough to think about. The tile I choose is pretty perfect to all on my list. Maybe to perfect with the one exception of placement. But, I will say that everyone that peeks on the process, one of the first comments is that they love the tile! We are almost at the last inspection before PT and now I'm second guessing that color to, torn betwn. Carr. blue and Tahoe.

Wow,

Sorry to hear you feel taken advantage of by McCauley. I would love to see a picture of your tile. I think a lot of people go the Tahoe Blue Pebbletec, so maybe the Carribean blue would be more unique. I love that color. I also love the Aqua Blue pebble sheen. It may be a bit windex looking, but I just done't think "pool" unless its light blue water.

Good to know about the installation of the tile. I work and we are in a busy time, but I'll make a point of being there for key installations.

Keep after Ryan and the office if you feel your needs are not being considered. One of my friends didn't like the concrete pour, he had 2500 sq ft of it done in four sections. The last section had to be done another day and didn't match the previous 3 sections. He made them tear it out and redo it. He said that he met with some resistance, but when he insited, they didn't complain and did it.

Good luck and I hope to see pictures!!!

Nutbunch, thanks for the suggestions but after numerous calls to Ryan and McCauley we've come to realize that they just don't care. We came to that conclusion after they pulled out our huge wood shed with a bobcat and then tried to tell us that it was on us to get it back in its place. Here's the kicker, a certain someone told us that they were not willing to spend $250 to bring a bobcat back out. And, were 40k in on the pool! Soooo, yea.... anyway I'll try to post pic. soon. Have to seen all the great pictures on the pool thread. And, Good luck to you!

Here we go again! Asked to have the rocks cleaned before we seal them. So, tile/rock contractor comes out and cleans the rock, well during an inspection a few hours later I notice that almost all of my ($1,000 dollar upgraded rocks) are YELLOW!!!! I could hardly believe my eyes. I asked the inpsector and he couldn't really comment but frowned at the situation! Made the calls to pool company and explained that after rocks were cleaned t they turned yellow! And, a certain someone at the pool company said sarcasticly "sooo put the dirt back on the rocks". So, wow once again can I say I had a great experience building my pool with McCauley Pools and Spas, no at this point I can't even say it was good! And, again isn't it a shame that someone building a 40k pool in this economy has been treated to this degree!

That sounds crappy. I hope they age better and get more well, rock-like looking. What did they clean it with? Maybe that was yellow and they didn't wash it off properly.

So sorry your experience is so negative. You might try complaining to the BBB. You'd think in this economy they'd want to keep the business reputation in tact.

It funny but it doesn't seem the economy has affected our local builders. Everyone seem to be busy and are still as expensive. I'm amazed.