wow.... 10% down... our project was for $90,000... In California, Pool Builders are only allowed to collect $200.00 down and the rest in stages although most contracts seem to be front loaded when the consumer has to come up with roughly 50% of the job by the time gunite is completed. I think we paid $9000.00 or 10% after dig and $9000.00 after steel.. or 10%... another 27,000 or 30% after partial electrical and completed gunite. so we were into it for $45,000 and all we had was gunite. I know from talking to subs that the builder had only spent 2000.00 on dig and 3500.00 for steel and his gunite cost was 5500.00 and misc plumbing was 2500. not even complete plumbed out yet. so he was 13,500 out of pocket and I had already paid $45,000.00?? I guess they get their profit first before completing the job? who knows... our project also included an outdoor kitchen/bar and BBQ and fireplace with 2500 sq. ft of stamped and colored decking that was also into the price and was added to the individual payment program.. when the builder is building you much more than a pool, it is quite easy to feel you are on the wrong side of a front loaded contract.. the price of the Deck/BBQ/Bar/Kitchen/fireplace were all included in the intial payment plan.. yet the builder was not even close to even starting any of those items when we were 1/2 way thru with the payment plan. I feel your pain... good luck

I`m formally from Broward,had Van Kirk do my pool 10years ago.They have been in busness for something like 40years.Great design, best price,and they did a good job for me "back then". Understand they go into Palm Beach.Give them a call,see what they are offering. Good Luck...JR

kardut - I'm willing to give a brief rundown, but remember this: everyone will have an opinion on what type of pool that have (or didn't get) so don't be surprised if no one agrees with me. This is the part that you want to do some research and come to the conclusion by yourself. Gunite (or concrete) pools have the most options for sizes/shapes (pro) but also have the highest costs associated with then (con). I have seen some awesome pool designs and shapes, but those usually cost about 50k or more. You will eventually need to resurface the pool (con) and (at least for me - my folks in FL have a gunite pool) it wears rough against skin (con). I would swim in it almost daily and had a problem with the pads of my feet flaking away (actually, it scared the crap out of me and I discontinued pushing off the side of the pool after that) Also, I heard that you have to use caustic chemicals to clean the pool out (con). Build time can be excessive (con) as they have to not only dig the pool but put down forms for the concrete, pour it and wait for it to set. Fiberglass is less expensive than concrete (pro) but still expensive (con) - build time is considerably less because it comes in one piece (pro) but has to be dropped by a crane (con as it is costly and cumbersome). Again, you will eventually have to resurface/repair the pool (con) and I think it is pretty expensive (but don't quote me on that one.) One bad thing about fiberglass pools is that I have heard of them "popping" out of the ground from groundwater or earth tremors. Obviously, not everyone experiences that or no one would have this type of pool! Vinyl lined pools. These come in three (or more) types: steel, polymer (plastic) and wood. Wood is probably the cheapest (pro) but also the least durable (con - remember, you get what you pay for.) Polymer will last much longer than steel and some polymer panels are as durable as steel (pro). Steel will rust (con), no matter what anyone says or if it is galvanized. I have seen far too many pictures that people send when they want a replacement liner to believe the fallacy that steel doesn't rust. Steel panels can be shaped more easily than polymer (pro) while you have to "take what you can get" with the polymer since those are molded (con) In general, vinyl lined pools should last for 8 to 10 years before you need to replace the liner (pro) and the replacement cost shouldn't be as much as a resurface (pro). If you are going to have a pool installer do it for you, I would recommend getting references on their installs. Also check out the local BBB and chamber of commerce. Make sure to read over any contracts you sign and make sure you know what is included and not included. If you are going to do it yourself, make sure that you budget enough money for the install portion and can find people to help you with the things you'll need to outsource (excavating, plumbing, electrical and concrete) and check with your local township for permits, rules and regs, etc. Hope this helps - let me know if I didn't cover something well and I'll try to expound. Ted

I think that is a little high, however the pool building market is back in demand so prices may be higher today. I would try to negotiate and see if you can get it at $50k.