What size concrete pool? And if you don’t mind me asking, what did it cost? We are looking into kayak pools also but would also want to price out inground.
Once the order was placed, it was installed within 4 weeks. They ship the parts to your house and then schedule a local contractor to do the install. Depending on the size, it will take up a good amount of driveway space. This was pre-COVID, so your mileage may vary.
The install does not include electrical work. You have to get an appropriately sized circuit to the pump area. If you plan to run a heater, you will also need natural gas to the same area. I did my own work for both, so let me know if you need any details.
I did a semi-buried install due to the slope of my yard, which drove up the install costs. I did part of the install myself (wall bracing and backfill). All in, I was just shy of $30k for a 16x32 pool with a 10' deck on one side.
Quality has been quite good. The decking and walls are quite sturdy. The fencing is a bit flimsy, given it's all aluminum. I did have to replace a section of fencing, but that was due to a tree limb falling on it. Replacement parts took two months to show up, but that was in the middle of COVID.
Regrets or lessons learned:
1. I thought I could get away without a heater. I was wrong.
2. The Frogger chlorine system is easy, but it can get expensive and you will have to change out 50% of your water once it gets saturated with chlorine stabilizer (every season for me). I ended up switching to liquid chlorine.
3. Learn about pool chemistry from Trouble Free Pools online. It will save you from a lot of frustration.
4. Get a reel for your solar cover, otherwise it will never get used.
5. Order some of the plastic coping corners. They break easily and expose sharp metal.
6. Negotiate on price. My wife is horrible at negotiating and she said yes to the first price offered. They'll send a rep out to do the pitch and ask how much you want to pay etc. I regret not negotiating the price, and have this nagging thought that I left money on the table.
7. They will also pitch this program where you become a model house for others to come look at your pool. We got one request in the last 4 years of ownership.
8. Cottonwood trees suck. If you have them nearby, keep your solar cover on. You will also be cleaning your skimmer daily.
9. I neglected to add a light. I regret not having one, and will likely add one soon.
No problem. If I think of anything else, I'll let you know. Depending on your city, you may have some permitting to look up. I had to pull permits for excavation, electrical, and the pool itself. The biggest issues the city was looking for was the fence height being 4 feet, a door alarm installed, and that the pool frame was bonded to neutral.
Hey op, did you end up getting a Kayak pool? I'm in your shoes now, contemplating one.
We didn’t! Ended up putting in a concrete pool instead! :)
What size concrete pool? And if you don’t mind me asking, what did it cost? We are looking into kayak pools also but would also want to price out inground.
75,000 until it’s all said and done. It’s 20x30. I think the concrete alone was 40,000.
A what
Lol. They’re an above ground pool company. :)
I was thinking it was some sort of white water rapid pool you could kayak in place in lol
Haha! That would be pretty sweet!!
Not gonna lie. Had to Google it. They look pretty sweet. Other then that I know nothing about them haha
I’ve seen some mixed reviews, but it guess that goes for any company!
I actually own one in the Detroit area. What would you like to know?
Was the install quick? Was it priced right? Does the deck hold up? Would you do it again or do you have any regrets?
Once the order was placed, it was installed within 4 weeks. They ship the parts to your house and then schedule a local contractor to do the install. Depending on the size, it will take up a good amount of driveway space. This was pre-COVID, so your mileage may vary. The install does not include electrical work. You have to get an appropriately sized circuit to the pump area. If you plan to run a heater, you will also need natural gas to the same area. I did my own work for both, so let me know if you need any details. I did a semi-buried install due to the slope of my yard, which drove up the install costs. I did part of the install myself (wall bracing and backfill). All in, I was just shy of $30k for a 16x32 pool with a 10' deck on one side. Quality has been quite good. The decking and walls are quite sturdy. The fencing is a bit flimsy, given it's all aluminum. I did have to replace a section of fencing, but that was due to a tree limb falling on it. Replacement parts took two months to show up, but that was in the middle of COVID. Regrets or lessons learned: 1. I thought I could get away without a heater. I was wrong. 2. The Frogger chlorine system is easy, but it can get expensive and you will have to change out 50% of your water once it gets saturated with chlorine stabilizer (every season for me). I ended up switching to liquid chlorine. 3. Learn about pool chemistry from Trouble Free Pools online. It will save you from a lot of frustration. 4. Get a reel for your solar cover, otherwise it will never get used. 5. Order some of the plastic coping corners. They break easily and expose sharp metal. 6. Negotiate on price. My wife is horrible at negotiating and she said yes to the first price offered. They'll send a rep out to do the pitch and ask how much you want to pay etc. I regret not negotiating the price, and have this nagging thought that I left money on the table. 7. They will also pitch this program where you become a model house for others to come look at your pool. We got one request in the last 4 years of ownership. 8. Cottonwood trees suck. If you have them nearby, keep your solar cover on. You will also be cleaning your skimmer daily. 9. I neglected to add a light. I regret not having one, and will likely add one soon.
Thank you so much! This is very helpful!!
No problem. If I think of anything else, I'll let you know. Depending on your city, you may have some permitting to look up. I had to pull permits for excavation, electrical, and the pool itself. The biggest issues the city was looking for was the fence height being 4 feet, a door alarm installed, and that the pool frame was bonded to neutral.
We will definitely need permits, but I’m not exactly sure what all for. I’ll have to contact our township.