I assume you're referring to Anthony Sylvan. They are a national volume builder with a not-so-great reputation in many areas of the country. They will build you a pool for 30k, it's up to you, but I would avoid them at all costs if it were me. I'm sure their salesman is great, their product, that could be a different story.

I've heard decent things about Robertson. Riverbend Sandler is very good despite your experience so far. If you don't do a spa and don't have major soil issues you should be able to build a decent pool for around 30k, probably a little higher. If you want a spa that 40k number is accurate, if not low.

gawebber,
Thanks for the reply. I've heard good things about Robertson and Riverbend Sandler as well. I'm looking forward to hearing back from RS on their design.

Do you have any experience with Anthony & Sylvan? The BBB rated the one in Carrollton an A+. Why would you avoid them?

I had the same exact experience with Hobart in Frisco. I called them and they never called back until 6 months later when I already had a pool.

Riverbend was one of my final two choices. I ended up choosing a smaller builder primarily based on design.

Ignore the BBB ratings. Just because they have an A+ does not mean anything. BBB is a joke.

If you Google Pool Builder Dallas TX some of the first names that come up are Anthony Sylvan and Blue Haven. They are national builders that build in many cities. Some cities they're okay, most they're not. I haven't used them personally, but I've read enough bad things to stay away. My neighbor used Blue Haven, had a problem after the pool was installed and is getting the run around.

I would go with a local custom builder who will work with your budget. 30k isn't bad but it's a basic pool, you're not going to get any upgraded features such as custom decking or PebbleTec plaster or anything like that. You're going to get aggregate decking and white plaster. And no spa. That's fine if that's what you want.

Don't just look at designs and cost, look at the materials and processes that each company uses. What's their steel schedule? Plumbing schedule? What equipment are you getting? What about if they hit rock? Do they re-route sprinklers? How do they apply their gunite? Etc... There are so many factors that go into choosing a builder.

Riverbend was my 2nd choice. They had the best design but lost out because I felt I wasn't getting the quality I was with another builder, and their price un-negotiated was higher.

See if Paul Miller will build in your area.

You may also try calling my pool builder but I don't think he goes that far. Seahorse Custom Pools-ask for Bob Bucanan and tell him Greg sent you.

We understand that we're getting a basic pool - that's what we'd like. I didn't want to start asking the more detailed questions until we picked a reputable builder and this feedback helps.

I've had enough people tell me to avoid Blue Haven and everything I've read supports it.

It does seem that every builder has it's fair share of dissatisfied customers so it's hard to sift through who the better builders really are.

Is there a way to PM or email so I can ask more specific questions?

There are several considerations to make. One is who will treat you fairly, honestly and provide a structurally sound construction, and the other is assuming all the first what will the pool cost to operate including maintenance, electricity, chemicals, and routine replacement of parts.

A well built energy efficient pool can easily cost $100.00 per month less than a "minimally" constructed pool. Once this is factored in it often pays dividends to spend a bit more on the front end, especially if you intend to remain in the home 5 or more years.

That said, Anthony Sylvan can meet the first half requirements in many cases, but it is dependent upon the local rep more than the company. On the second half, you would need to provide the specs, as that is not the pool they typically build.

One GREAT company to check out is Southwind Pools. They will be a bit over your 30k number, but will build it correctly for longevity and energy efficiency.

Lots to consider, best to remember that what ever you do you need to spend "enough". because anything less will cost you much more than you bargained for.

Here is a link that might be useful: Poolinfosite.com

paradigmdawg,
Thanks for the info. I'll give them a call and see what they have to say. Much appreciated.

Funny coincidence: my husband just texted me at work to say that he was talking to our neighbors who had a pool installed a few years ago and said to avoid Blue Haven pools at all cost.

The reports on them aren't looking like sunshine!

jenn.in.dfw,
Are you guys looking to have a pool built too?

This site does not allow for PM's. May want to try troublefreepool.com if you want to be able to send PM's.

Jbsb: we're looking to build a pool within the next year, just doing some preliminary research now. Some companies we will probably get bids from:

Platinum
Tahitian
Hobert
Gold Medal
Riverbend Sandler
Southernwind

jenn.in.dfw

We're going to check with a few neighbors in our subdivision and see who they used. In addition, we're going to call:

Paul Miller Custom Pools
Leisure Living
Southernwind
Seahorse Custom Pools

I'll report back to this thread once we hear back from them.