I am sure this blog has clarified all your decisions for you, but if not, just get 5 more quotes from pool companies and you'll be just as enlightened as you are now. Rather than concentrate on the specifics of a pool e.g. filtes, pumps, etc. Concentrate on the business you are buying from. Check how long they have been in business, how many complaints they have had on the BBB and pay particular attention to unresolved complaints. Does the pool company have a service department and a retail store to support you when you need help? The pool company has to live with your pool after the sale and they want to sell you a package they can support. My personal belief is that if you choose a reputable pool company (do your homework) and feel comfortable with the sales rep, you should let them recommend what components will go into the pool. To a very large extent, your budget will determine which type of construction will be employed in your project. Vinyl being the best value, gunite or shotcrete being the most versatile in design, and fiberglass with a shorter construction time. Technology has made great strides in the pool business particularly in sanitation, finishes, pool chemistry, and construction materials; they are better than ever. The swimming pool today can be a sparkling clear, forever clean compliment to your home.

I am not an expert, but I believe you should be able to safely mount something onto the walls as long as you caulk around the fitting to seal out the water. (Remember that silicone caulk does not last forever, so you may need to scrape it off and reapply every so often.) Personally, I would recommend purchasing shower parts (including hand showers) from an actual plumbing showroom. I have heard from plumbers that those sold at Home Depot/Lowes tend to be of lower quality than the normal lines (lower special Home Depot Kohler, Delta, etc rather than the standard high quality line). Also, you should be able to find a wider selection and great expert assistance if you go to a showroom that specializes in plumbing.

Thanks for your response. All the showers and/or tub enclosures in the townhouses here have fiberglass. I think that only one other person has changed theirs out and they stayed with fiberglass. I've gotten some estimates on tile as well as different info from each contractor. It has been a learning experience but also frustrating. They each use different methods for the shower pan and each one says theirs is the best way. The time for tile installation is anywhere from 3 days to a week depending on the contractor with one stating that he does flood testing. So have one using paper, wire,PVC and concrete and one who uses foam, etc. Did not know that they bring along their own plumber or may even do their own plumbing, if necessary, along the way. Work full time so would be difficult to be home right now if shower enclosure is to be tiled. As for the Swanstone, plumber gave me estimate for removal of current fiberglass unit and replacement with what he supplies and it seemed on the high side. Have separate estimate for plumbing repair of leaking pipes (from same plumber) but my homeowners association is covering that. I don't know what the "usual" cost would be for removing fiberglass one piece unit, fixing up what is behind the unit and then installing new enclosure. However, since I would prefer the Swanstone or another solid surface material over the basic fiberglass, I will most probably be providing the materials. Does anyone have an idea of what typical cost might be for removing fiberglass unit and installing solid surface materials provided by homeowner? I know that there are installation instructions that come with the Swanstone but is there anything that isn't mentioned in these directions? In addition, are there any type of chemical emissions or noxious odors that are produced during the installation of the units? I am very concerned about this because of my birds and their known sensitivity to many things. They would be in the home during installation. Although the bathroom has an overhead fan, there is no window. I do have air purifiers running throughout my house and can open windows in other rooms when this is being done. Thanks again. Appreciate any help with this.

As my pool has been ordered and we are working towards the day it arrives, I was hoping you might have gotten some pictures taken of yours. I would love to see how it turned out. We are having to do a few additional things to my pool to help alleviate any possible ground water issues, including placing the pool a little further into my yard and raising it a little more than I originally thought, which will change my deck area a bit.... but, I would rather be safe than sorry in the end.... I look forward to pictures. Thanks. Edie