Build your own Gunite Pool

[CPM]

Rob,
I am NOT a pool builder, but over the past two years I have been trying to buy a quality pool construction company in FL. No luck so far, most quality pool construction companies are not for sale. I have learned a lot looking at a few companies, but only know a fraction of what I need to know. The four companies I looked at had margins no-where near what you posted. While I will not go into specifics, one pool builder told me his goal this year is to net 10% on the pools he builds. While I am sure you can save some money, depending on where you live, it could be a very difficult task. You and the pool builders will be competing for the same subs, and the pro’s will get priority. The sub’s you get will be the ones that are not in demand. They will realize that they can charge you more, and what leverage do you have to have them come back if there are issues? Who is going to do your engineering? Does your area have any regulations on removing ground water? In some FL counties, you can NOT let it flow off the property.

Maybe you can be your own GC, but if I was me, I would really spend a lot of time planning out the project. One thing I have learned from pool builders is they are not interested, in finishing up a job started by someone else, so if you start it, you will finish it.

Craig

[duraleigh]

Hi, Rob,

Wow! That's an accurate, sobering post by Craig. Of course you can be your own GC and of course you can save some money but there's a lot of hassle involved trying to beat someone at something he does everyday....and has been doing it for years.

I think his figures are more accurate than the 40-50% someone else told you. It can certainly be done but prepare yourself for an intense, possibly frustrating episode.

Dave S.

[SJohnson]

I think Craig is probably right about this one, but it is definitely worth investigating. There are a couple websites out there, where they documented the process of GC'ing a gunite pool. One that comes to mind is something like, howibuiltmyownpool.com or net or something like that. Another one is poolnut.com, I think . . . Seems like I ran across these researching my pool the last several months. Anyway, either way you go, good luck to you. You're on this forum and that's a great start!!

-SJohnson