Here in Central FL, we're building a 20x40 rectangle with spa, heat pump, 3 LED lights, 3' to 7' depth, plus some other stuff for $36K. Decking/coping to run another $6K. No fence, no alarm (both on separate contract).

Down here, stamped concrete decking runs from $9-15 per SF, and concrete paver decking runs from $4-6 per SF. Concrete brick coping runs $13-16 per LF. You did not mention your type of decking.

Would be helpful if you supplied a cost breakdown (your PB should have given one to you as part of his estimate). For instance, the PB knows exactly what it will cost to build a standard 20x40 rectangle with standard plaster, and equipment sized according to pool dimensions. Then you add options, coping, decking and you know the price.

Same with other options (e.g. pebble-tec, SF of baja shelf, LF of vanishing edge, etc)... the PB has formulas to compute these costs based on a drawn-to-scale diagram.

Lastly, in-floor cleaning systems, and vanishing edges are very high priced items. But looking at your bid from what you've listed, I do not see how you can spend $100K for what you're getting.

-Gorilla

Seems high at first glance but there's a lot we don't know.

How many pumps and what type? I think I remember a post or two discussing the kind of pump set-up needed to keep your negative edge free and clear of debris. Any automation for controls? What about a saltwater chlorinator? Lights...how many and what kind? Any deck jets? What about special tile? Anything beyond a standard one row of 6" tile? Will the excavation be especially difficult where you live? Are fencing, electrical, and/or other services included?

And I could go on with even more questions! I'm sure some PBs on this forum can give you an idea of how much prices have gone up in 8 years on various parts of pool construction to help you with that part of the evaluation. In my own case, our real estate agent gave us some ballpark figures for various types of pools when we were househunting. Turns out her estimates were based on info from several years past and were way, way, WAY off from then-current pricing.

Perhaps many answers to my questions, and others, are listed on the PB's "pool as drawn" or on a sample contract, but we can't see that so it limits any advice you might receive. The more info you can list, the better able people will be to help you evaluate. Good luck.

Hi Judy
I would urge you to keep looking. We're in SE Pennsylvania and a few months ago we started getting quotes for a pretty basic 750 sq ft gunite pool with a spa and around 800 sq. ft deck. The quotes we received ranged from 85-105k, which completely exceeded our budget by a lot. We found another PB with a good reputation and a good BBB record and likely will be inking a contract at a price at least 25k less than what the others quoted. Same pool, just a lot less. I have no idea how much it costs to build a pool, but if quotes in texas and florida range from 35-55 for pretty darn nice pools, i cant see it costing a whole lot more than that elsewhere (of course, if you're in NYC or someplace, the geographic disparities might drive that up). Keep looking. In this economy, gotta be someone out there who can do a good job at a better price than you're seeing.

Thanks for the responses so far. This is based on a computer generated sketch the PB sent us via email. We then asked for ball park cost before meeting with him again for the detailed specs and prices. I guess once we have that meeting I will post again with more specific info. It just seemed high right off the bat...but maybe he was just giving us a high ballpark so that when he comes out with hard numbers we will think it's great if it's less than that!
Thanks, and I'll be back!
Judy

where in nc are you? I have done a lot of research on the local ones here in raleigh and could give you some advice.

Hi scottvnc,
I would love any feedback about pool builders in the Raleigh area. I'm in Chapel Hill and I've had a hard time even finding anyone who builds gunite pools. I have contacted 3 companies so far...Blue Haven, but I'd rather use a small local company...Frank Bowman, terrible experience...BYO Pools who we are currently working with.
Thanks,
Judy

Vanishing Edge can run $10,000-50,000+ .

jmck_nc,

I can't say enough good things about BYO Pools. That is who is building our pools as we speak. We are in the rebar stage and should be getting concrete this week. They are very easy to work with, fair on pricing, and from all we have heard, fantastic after the sale. I did speak with the local Blue Haven and came away feeling dirty. All he did was bash the other pool builders. Aquatic Artists and Aquatic Creations are a couple others who I think are pretty reputable. I do have to back BYO though. I am sure you are talking to Sean. I would encourage you to keep having open dialog with him. He ballparked us at the beginning and as we worked through the particulars got it fine tuned and have been happy ever since. If you want to email me I can give you some more information or you can come by and see mine in progress.

Hi scottvnc and jmck_nc,

I live in Pittsboro, NC which is of course close to Chapel Hill and I am looking for a PB. I can not find a listing for a "BYO Pools" as mentioned in your comments. Could you provide a phone number?

How are things going with your pools?