electrician costs for new vinyl pool?

[b2001]

I had an AG pool put in 4 years ago. I had a 110v circuit run with an outlet to my pool and another outlet for my pool lights. I also had another 220v circuit run to my spa. I'm guessing maybe 75 feet through the attic to the side of the house and another 30 feet underground to the pool outlets and 50 feet under a deck to the spa.

I had no idea on costs - assumed maybe a little over $1000, and got a cost estimate of $2000 from the pool builder's recommended electricians who specialized in pools. I was shocked so I went shopping around and got additional estimates in the range of from $2300 to $2600.

I finally negotiated a price of $1500 with the original electricians and I dug the trench myself so that they would not have to hire someone. This was also a two man crew and it took them much less than 16 hours.

I did run across someone who knew someone retired who was licensed and did electrician jobs here and there, but understandably he was booked and couldn't make my schedule - I probably could have gotten close to what I was thinking with him.

I second the suggestion on being familiar on what the inspectors in your area will look for - the contractors work in many areas, and at least in my case didn't know a couple of things ...