Building new pool in Florida

[Searching4Kokomo]

We had an above ground pool in NJ, but are now planning an inground one here in central Florida. I'd appreciate any suggestions you could offer on things like: concrete pool deck vs. pavers; D.E. filters vs. cartridge filters; Pebble pool surface vs. smooth concrete; or anything else. Thank you!

[PoolDoc]

Any of those can work, but I'd suggest you talk to some local contractors, and find out what sort of work is available in your area, in your price range. If you're willing to fly in contractors, you can have any sort of construction you like. But otherwise, certain types of work tend to be common some parts of the country, and unknown elsewhere.

For example, in south Florida the majority of inground pools are built with screen enclosures, and everybody there knows how to do them (or sub-contract them). Here, in SE Tennesse, such enclosures are almost unknown, and you'd either have to pay a premium OR take the risk that comes with letting a contractor 'learn' how to do that sort of work, on your pool.

Pool and deck surfaces almost ALWAYS depend on contractor skill. A crummy product will lead to a bad job in most cases, but you'll get a bad job even with a great product, if the contractor is unskilled. So, you really don't want to pick a surface or finish that no one in your area is skilled in applying.