Hi There,

Rob, there are several reasons why the estimates on your pool were $ 10,000 apart. Every pool company is making an estimate based on their drawing or sketch of a pool. While you thinks the bid is on an identical pool there are variables. There is also the quality of the job. While some companies will make the pool with a min. requirement to meet the code, others will exceed it. Some may give you only 2 inlets others will include as many as it takes for proper circulation. Some will include a separate cleaning line, while others will not. Same with the equipment they use. Better pump, filter and valves. And so on....

I'm in Florida and I sell pool plans world wide. We have done over 4,000 plans and many of them in California. Our plans do meat California requirements and are sealed by a California engineer.

Most of our business is from homeowner-builders. The feed back we get is that the savings are around 40 to 50%.
And while it's not for everyone to GC their own pool it really is not that complicated. The subs you use are the same as the pool company does. You need to know the order in which to schedule the subs. You need to know when to call for inspection and your building department will tell you that. Also, this forum is a great source for information.

And Lyn.... How nice it is to run into you here!!!!

Zina
www.PoolDesign.net