Bids on New Pool/Fall to Spring Build in Cold Climate (NH)

16 years ago

My husband and I are in the bid process of getting bids for a gunite pool(we have two and are meeting with the last three this week). I've been putting the info on a spreadsheet to compare. What should we make sure to ask about or get in writing before we sign?

Also, has anyone done a fall to spring build in a cold climate like NH? What exactly happens? How is the partially completed pool protected from damage and/or from people/kids?

Thanks for answering!

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Comments (4)

mcoughlin
16 years ago
I noticed you have not had much response to this quesion. I guess there are not many of us in Northern New England!
I am also in the bid process of a new pool and planning a Fall install with a Spring finish in MA.

Mine would be Vinyl Lined not Gunite. Most concrete guys I talked with said its best to wait on a Fall install to do the deck in the Spring. It gives the Winter for everything to settle in and provide a stable base for the deck.

For me...financially its another bonus to wait until Spring. I can spread the cost out over several months.
I am hoping to start my project in Late Sept or early Oct.
ron168
16 years ago
I was waiting for some responses as well since I am in the process of getting pool bids. Let's start building our NE network!

mcoughlin, I never thought about it but doing the deck after the winter seems like it makes a lot of sense.

Remcd, may I ask who you are getting those bids from? I have contacted SSG and EPI and waiting from a last one from ELM down in the South Shore, MA. I am getting sticker shock (not sure why) at how much I will have to spend for a pool. Yikes.

I have put a spreadsheet with desc, included or not, and price if not, so I could compare between the bids:

Base Bid
Pool Area
Dimensions
Depth
Perimeter
Marcite Plaster
In-wall Returns
Floor returns
Skimmers
Tile
Lighting
Plumbing
Swim Out
Auto-Chlorinator
Steps
Steel
Warranty
Filter 1
Filter 2
Pump System 1
Pump System 2
Pool Cleaner 1
Pool Cleaner 2
Electrical

OPTIONAL
Deck
Grading for Deck
Gravel/Subbase/Backfill
Water
Pebble Plaster
Coping
Water Feature
Slide
Spa
Spa Light
Spa Jets
Spa Pebble Plaster
Spillway
Controls/Automation
Salt Generator
Heater
Heater Gas connections
Other
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remcd88
Original Author
16 years ago
Ron168,

I got 5 different bids, from SSG, Environmental Pools, Yankee Pool(Francestown, NH), Custom Pools(Portsmouth,NH), and Quality Pools (Nashua NH). I really liked the salesman from SSG and from Quality Pools. EP didn't show up but then called and gave me a quote over the phone. I had a hard time getting the quote from Custom Pools after they came over and they took forever to reply to any questions I emailed them. We heard some negatives about Yankee. The quote from EP was several thousand higher than all the rest. SSG was higher priced in all areas except the decking than QP but QP was willing to match the price. Also, QP came up with a good review at the BBB. They had 1 complaint that was resolved. I think that is a positive because no one is perfect and QP seems to be able to step up to the plate when a customer is unhappy. I am still calling references but one in particular not only had their pool built by them but did some electrical work on a commerical pool that QP built and was impressed with their work ethic.

We haven't signed yet but plan to in the next few weeks.

remcd88
remcd88
Original Author
16 years ago
Ron168,

I got 5 different bids, from SSG, Environmental Pools, Yankee Pool(Francestown, NH), Custom Pools(Portsmouth,NH), and Quality Pools (Nashua NH). I really liked the salesman from SSG and from Quality Pools. EP didn't show up but then called and gave me a quote over the phone. I had a hard time getting the quote from Custom Pools after they came over and they took forever to reply to any questions I emailed them. We heard some negatives about Yankee. The quote from EP was several thousand higher than all the rest. SSG was higher priced in all areas except the decking than QP but QP was willing to match the price. Also, QP came up with a good review at the BBB. They had 1 complaint that was resolved. I think that is a positive because no one is perfect and QP seems to be able to step up to the plate when a customer is unhappy. I am still calling references but one in particular not only had their pool built by them but did some electrical work on a commerical pool that QP built and was impressed with their work ethic.

We haven't signed yet but plan to in the next few weeks.

remcd88

Bids on New Pool/Fall to Spring Build in Cold Climate (NH)

Comments (4)

mcoughlin

ron168

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Bids on New Pool/Fall to Spring Build in Cold Climate (NH)

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mcoughlin

ron168

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