I talked my wife into getting a pool installed around 5 years ago, we got quotes for vinyl liner and gunite. We saw an ad in the paper for really low price for a gunite pool. I knew this was just to get them in the door. Anyway, we went with this company, they wanted extra cash above the base price for every little option. (I knew this would be the case going in)
We needed a heater because the pool was built with a spa attached to it. They wanted $6,000 for a heater, I told them forget the heater just run the lines, I got a heater 2 steps up on-line for $1,200 and installed it myself.
They wanted lots for electrical, I got that done for free by a friend that's an electrician.
So basically any of the extras they wanted to add I said no to. With the exception of the color changing light and an automatic vacuum. All in all got it at price about equal to a vinyl in-ground.
I opted for a 6' deep end with no diving board. I originally wanted the diving board but when you think about it, when you have a diving board 2/3's of your pool isn't really used. Everyone ends up hanging out in the shallow end. Plus not having one is one less thing to worry about with kids. Great for volleyball.
Originally I had to fight my wife to get one, but now when sitting in the spa she says it's the best thing I forced her to buy. My daughter and I go in almost every night after work. It's gotten to the point that if we get invited to a picnic on a hot day and they don't have a pool we opt to stay home and swim.
Maintenance consists of throwing in the vacuum and shocking it once and a while.
The whole process took longer than I wanted, if you could find a company to start installing it this year, you might be in it next year.
Next on the list is installing an outdoor kitchen by the pool. Just having a gas grill just isn't cutting it.
