Pools

[hulahips]

OK still debating between pool or huge lanai extension. We have company selected if doing extension. However if pool, not sure. We have experience as our last home had a pool but that company went out of business. Called T & D And they cannot even get to our home for an estimate till the middle of October which is crazy. Who has built recently?? Any good recommendations??

[JSR22]

We are very happy with Fiesta Pools from Ocala.

[Debfrommaine]

OK still debating between pool or huge lanai extension. We have company selected if doing extension. However if pool, not sure. We have experience as our last home had a pool but that company went out of business. Called T & D And they cannot even get to our home for an estimate till the middle of October which is crazy. Who has built recently?? Any good recommendations??

We had the same debate going in our house about a year ago. We had someone come by for a room extension.....then thought, why not a pool? We chose the pool and have never looked back, absolutely no regrets for not much price difference. Gives us another "room" outside, the pool is great, and fun to entertain around. Fiesta Pool was our choice as well. We have at least one room in the house we do not use and if we put in an extension would have probably been another.....Good luck with your decision.

[Bogie Shooter]

Another vote for Fiesta.

[hulahips]

OK fiesta will check out

[hulahips]

OK so put call in to Fiesta and no one answers so left message. Honestly we don't have alot of patience as we built pool on our last home and experienced a nightmare. I do not have patience when no one even answers a phone?? Also T & D not available for consultation until October!! Crazy they should hire more help!

[Fraugoofy]

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[photo1902]

OK still debating between pool or huge lanai extension. We have company selected if doing extension. However if pool, not sure. We have experience as our last home had a pool but that company went out of business. Called T & D And they cannot even get to our home for an estimate till the middle of October which is crazy. Who has built recently?? Any good recommendations??

T&D. Hands down.

[wisbad1]

we used Wiseman Pools, pool done in 10 weeks after permits . have recomended them to three of our freinds,all very happy with them. give Tim Duncan a call, you won't be disapointed!

[Barefoot]

OK still debating between pool or huge lanai extension. You started a thread earlier this year indicating that you were very concerned about noisy neighbors.
If you're planning a large birdcage or pool, I'm assuming that concern has gone away? Been corrected?

[graciegirl]

T and D is worth waiting for. October isn't very long.

[CFrance]

You started a thread earlier this year indicating that you were very concerned about noisy neighbors.
If you're planning a large birdcage or pool, I'm assuming that concern has gone away? Been corrected?
Yes, how did the neighbor problem work out? Did you reach an agreement with them?

[wisbad1]

T&D does great work but they will leave your job to do work on new villages homes that want pools

[Bogie Shooter]

I do not have a pool, but based on observation T and D is the best. I would wait until October...because I would want it done right.

Sent from my SM-N910R4 using Tapatalk

Fiesta built my pool.............and they did it right.

[Fraugoofy]

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[Goldwingnut]

T&D is building ours now, I thought it crazy to wait 2 months also just to get an appointment for a quote and discounted them as being too expensive. After talking to all the local builders the appointment for T&D finally came up. As it turned out T&D was at or below all the other prices I received except Fiesta. T&D won out because the project with them is turnkey, I'm not having to chase down the sprinkler guy, or the fence guy, or the gas guy, or anyone else, they take care of it all.

Fiesta's price was better, I think. Can't really be sure because their proposal lacked details and looked like it was drawn on a bar room napkin. Years of engineering, contracting, and project management made me nervous with their proposal. To be fair to them, I've never heard anything negative about Fiesta and the 2 pools of theirs that I looked at were very nice, the lack of details just scared the heck out of me.

[photo1902]

T&D does great work but they will leave your job to do work on new villages homes that want pools

What do you base that on? How did you know they left your house to work on new village homes? T&D did ours, and we couldn't be more pleased. They showed up to work every day on time (except Sundays), and did a fantastic job. The support after the job has been top notch as well.

[graciegirl]

T&D does great work but they will leave your job to do work on new villages homes that want pools

NO THEY WON'T.

They worked on our pool, cage and bath uninterrupted and would come on Sundays to check it.

That is simply not true.

They don't just have ONE team. They are a big operation.

[hulahips]

NO THEY WON'T.

They worked on our pool, cage and bath uninterrupted and would come on Sundays to check it.

That is simply not true.

They don't just have ONE team. They are a big operation.
A big operation that doesn't even have a salesman available until October. They should hire more sales people. Sure people need jobs!

[hulahips]

OK update for those who asked. It's still a bit early to tell or figure it all out. Lately they have been quiet and not much in pool but weather is rainy. Not sure?? When outside yes they are noisy but when not outside its quiet. Of course now it's summer so we are closed up with AC on and most likely they are too. We shall see how July/August goes but we are hoping for the best!

[Goldwingnut]

T&D does great work but they will leave your job to do work on new villages homes that want pools

Don't confuse their not being on-site with not being a priority.

There are many steps in the build process that are time dependent and determine when and how things get done - the concrete shell needs to cure for 30 days before they put water in, the deck needs to cure x days, the tile and grout need to cure x days before water is added, plumbing drop test has to pass before pouring the concrete and while it cures, and many more things. The sequence that things have to be done results in periods where no one is on-site working. Add to all this the summer rains we get making some work not possible when things are too wet.

The guys working the pools are not working one pool at a time, they are working multiple pools at once and have to juggle the schedules of each site and each unique pool design. Could they be going to new construction homes between working on yours, absolutely, and those homes have a different construction schedule than a secondary construction pool. And yes, these different schedules could result in the appearance of one pool being a higher priority than another. From a construction/project manager's point of view I can tell you this is all necessary to keep all the jobs flowing as quickly as possible and eliminate downtime that impacts cost/profits.

[hulahips]

Are there other options out there beside T & D ? Have fiesta whom I called and no call back. Wiseman no phone number on website? Amazing. Others??

[graciegirl]

A big operation that doesn't even have a salesman available until October. They should hire more sales people. Sure people need jobs!

They don't send a salesman because they are booked and can't get to you. Hiring more people wouldn't be the answer. They build a quality product with experienced and well seasoned help. I never realized just how much skill it requires to do some of the tasks they do with concrete. They are experts for sure.

[hulahips]

People do need jobs so when in demand, such as they are, they should realize some will not want to wait 4 months just for an estimate and will seek out other companies. I know if I ran a successful company, I would hire to keep my potential customers happy! But that's just me

[dewilson58]

Fiesta built my pool.............and they did it right.


Never heard of Fiesta, good to know. Thanks.

[Debfrommaine]

Never heard of Fiesta, good to know. Thanks.

We used them as well, totally happy!

[photo1902]

People do need jobs so when in demand, such as they are, they should realize some will not want to wait 4 months just for an estimate and will seek out other companies. I know if I ran a successful company, I would hire to keep my potential customers happy! But that's just me

We get it. You're not happy you have to wait.

There's a reason T&D has a wait time. They are professionals, and deliver a great product.

As far as companies go, T&D is highly successful. Just look at their history and how they've grown.

I've had T&D complete three separate projects at my house, and when it comes to pools or concrete work, I would never hire anyone else.

[Blessed2BNTV]

People do need jobs so when in demand, such as they are, they should realize some will not want to wait 4 months just for an estimate and will seek out other companies. I know if I ran a successful company, I would hire to keep my potential customers happy! But that's just me

It takes time to hire, train and manage staff. Just because unemployment is not at zero, doesn't mean the right work force is out there to add to the staff of T&D.

It's the choice of an owner of a company to add staff, not (potential) customers.

I don't know anyone or ever used T&D, just writing as a former business owner who employed people.

[hulahips]

Fiesta pools just called and had opening tomorrow or Friday so took Friday! You know the old saying, the early bird catches the worm. We just received quote on lanai extension from T & D and they were so much Higher then others that we can assume the pool building would be also. We are on a budget so will interview other companies. We do have experience with building a pool as our last home had one. Would Love to see a Fiesta pool that was built if anyone is willing to show us? Any other recommendations would be appreciated

[autumnspring]

we used Wiseman Pools, pool done in 10 weeks after permits . have recomended them to three of our freinds,all very happy with them. give Tim Duncan a call, you won't be disapointed!

When you tell any sort of service people that they are recommended, you think hey they want to protect their reputation. A friend who like me is a bit of a contrarian AND HAS DONE SUCH JOBS, pointed out that when you say that he hears "I do not need to put in a sharp bid on this job-I HAVE THE JOB."

[graciegirl]

Gotta love us Villagers. Come on line and ask for recommendations for contractors.

Gets recommendations for contractors.

Chooses first available.

End of story.

[Dan9871]

We just received quote on lanai extension from T & D and they were so much Higher then others that we can assume the pool building would be also

Goldwingnut in a previous post on this thread said that T&D quoted a lower price for his pool than Fiesta did.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/1417643-post16.html

[graciegirl]

Goldwingnut in a previous post on this thread said that T&D quoted a lower price for his pool than Fiesta did.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/1417643-post16.html

When T and D built our pool bath they matched the tile, the granite, the fixtures, the cabinets and even the doors in the rest of the house...but they had discontinued selling our exact tile and it required a lot of searching because they ended of shy four or five pieces, but they found them. We didn't require this, it was self imposed.

No I don't get a kick back. I am just a huge fan.

[hulahips]

Gotta love us Villagers. Come on line and ask for recommendations for contractors.

Gets recommendations for contractors.

Chooses first available.

End of story.

Incorrect information given. Nobody choose First available. They are coming over for consultation along with others when I get Other recommdations. Will not wait till October for an estimate. Too many other companies to choose from. PS also fiesta has come recommended by other villagers On This Post!

[hulahips]

Also one does Not come on this site to be hammered when not choosing the company you may have chosen. One comes on to get Recommdations from All villagers. If we are not willing to Wait till October for a quote, that is perfectly understandable. So appreciate comments from Other villagers who found decent companies without waiting 4 months for a quote. We are open to hearing about other pool companies besides T & D??

[Goldwingnut]

Goldwingnut in a previous post on this thread said that T&D quoted a lower price for his pool than Fiesta did.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/1417643-post16.html

Just to be clear, T&D was lower than everyone except Fiesta, but with Fiesta their proposal was so lacking in detail that I couldn't make an apples-to-apples comparison to determine what was and was not included. With T&D EVERYTHING was spelled out and clear what is and isn't included. Without details in their proposal I couldn't determine the final all in cost from Fiesta.

[photo1902]

When T and D built our pool bath they matched the tile, the granite, the fixtures, the cabinets and even the doors in the rest of the house...but they had discontinued selling our exact tile and it required a lot of searching because they ended of shy four or five pieces, but they found them. We didn't require this, it was self imposed.

No I don't get a kick back. I am just a huge fan.

I travel all over The Villages for my business, and recreation. I have seen many, many, pools being built. The reason my wife and I chose T&D back in 2015, was their reputation, as well as my having seen their finished pool projects. On the contrary, I have seen other pool companies start a project, and have it sit idle for literally months without any work being done. In particular, there are two pools which were built side by side off of Hillsborough. Those pools were started, and for whatever reason, sat without having any work done for weeks. I travel this road daily, and have observed the work. In fact, the pools still don't look completely finished. I feel bad for the homeowners. The pool company was not T&D. I will not name the company, or the other pool companies I've personally observed taking inordinate amounts of time to complete pools.

As far as the delay in getting T&D to start because of their backlog, I don't see that as a negative. It means they're busy, and they're busy because they're good. If a pool company (just like a landscaping company) can start on a project right away, I'd ask myself why aren't they busy?

Lastly, I can't speak for any other pool companies, but T&D has been outstanding as far as after build care. Questions I've had have been quickly answered, and the one repair job to a circuit board was quickly fixed under warranty. The service techs are courteous and helpful, and provide good advice. I use the T&D pool store at Colony, as I like to take care of my pool myself. The staff of the store is friendly and helpful, and provide a printout of pool chemical readings and required amounts of chemicals needed, so there is no guess work.

To the OP. Good luck with your pool project, and no doubt you will enjoy a lot of time in the water.

[JSR22]

We are very happy with our Fiesta pool. We were in the water in 5.5 weeks from excavation. They are a family owned business and are very hard workers. 100% satisified with pool, bird cage and solar panels.

[hulahips]

Just to be clear, T&D was lower than everyone except Fiesta, but with Fiesta their proposal was so lacking in detail that I couldn't make an apples-to-apples comparison to determine what was and was not included. With T&D EVERYTHING was spelled out and clear what is and isn't included. Without details in their proposal I couldn't determine the final all in cost from Fiesta.

Well that is good u made us aware of your concern over detail in contract. We do have experience in building as we had large Pool built on last home. We will make sure the contract is very detailed if we decide to go with fiesta and for us we pay as we go along. No final payment until all work is completed. We learned the hard way

[Goldwingnut]

Again let me say, I've nothing against Fiesta and have heard nothing but good about the company and their work, and their pricing was very attractive. The representative from Fiesta was very knowledgeable and helpful when he came out to meet with me. My concern was the quality of their proposal. I know many will disagree with me and say that it's the pool that matters not the paperwork, and to an extent your are correct.

I've attached some of the pages from the proposal, if they look a little crooked, it's because that's the way they came. As you can see it lacks some detail as compared to the final attachment which is from T&D.

I wasn't buying hype or oh wow from the proposal and presentation, I was buying a pool and with the amounts we were talking about, I needed to know exactly what I was buying.

Some of the other companies use a program call Pool Designer which is very good at showing you what you are getting with color, 3D, and video outputs as a sales tool. A tool it is, but it isn't their company, and it doesn't tell you about the people or company you are about to trust with a substantial investment.

One of the companies we spoke with made us feel like we were buying a car, offering us a "deal" on this option, a "bundled discount" on these, and cutting the price at the risk of angering their boss, and so on. In the end, they were no cheaper than anyone else and I was having to deal with items associated with the construction and not getting a turnkey product. We passed.

Who you decide to use to build your pool is entirely a personal decision. My decision was based on my own profession opinion as I'm am still working as a Construction Project Manager for commercial and industrial projects, and while I don't build pools I do deal with contractors, businesses, contracts, and customers everyday. I gave this one an especially hard look as it was for me this time and with my own money (that shouldn't make a difference in my line of work, but it it really does hit home more when you sign the checks).

Choose wisely.

[ColdNoMore]

Also one does Not come on this site to be hammered when not choosing the company you may have chosen. One comes on to get Recommendations from All villagers.

If we are not willing to Wait till October for a quote, that is perfectly understandable. So appreciate comments from Other villagers who found decent companies without waiting 4 months for a quote. We are open to hearing about other pool companies besides T & D??

Very well stated. :thumbup:

[graciegirl]

We tried to tell her. What more can you do.

Vera is the one that designed our whole thing. Vera is married to the original owner of T and D. She is very good at design and very good with people and she is just smart and kind and charming and loveable.

[poromo]

We went with Fiesta. There were no surprises and their problems never became my problem. Their sales and marketing person is not as polished as T&D. However the family who owns the business is on the job every day and are very experienced in the pool business. Their father started the business and their children are working on site. They do use a few sub-contractors for the shell and surfacing. These sub-contractors are like family to them and have been working with them for many years.
Also, T&D wanted to put a toilet in our driveway for the duration of the build which could have lasted 6 months, according to their documentation. The thought of this toilet in front of the house for that period of time was not appealing.

[zonerboy]

No one on here has mentioned the "we can put a pool in it" pool company. Is there any particular reason?? One of our neighbors used them and is quite satisfied.

[hulahips]

Who are they? Any contact info?

[hulahips]

Glad to hear so many positive comments on Fiesta as they are coming tomorrow for consultation!

[Barefoot]

Re zonerboy Post:

No one on here has mentioned the "we can put a pool in it" pool company. Is there any particular reason?? One of our neighbors used them and is quite satisfied.

Who are they? Any contact info?

Obtained from google; now I'll be getting images of pools for months!

Pool Company Orlando | Pool Builder in Lakeland FL (http://allseasonspools.com/)

[zonerboy]

Yes, it's All Seasons Pool. The phrase is from the frequently heard radio advertising ditty.

[wisbad1]

beause the sales erson told us it might happen,duh!

[jeriteri]

OK still debating between pool or huge lanai extension. We have company selected if doing extension. However if pool, not sure. We have experience as our last home had a pool but that company went out of business. Called T & D And they cannot even get to our home for an estimate till the middle of October which is crazy. Who has built recently?? Any good recommendations??

We built a pool with T&D. It' so nice to have your own pool. Sorry to say, you know who has swam in it and you know the condition of the water. That said, you don't have to get ready to go to the pool or travel to the pool. In our opinion, that's the way to go. It costs more but also raises the value of your home. It takes awhile to build but the only inconvenience you have is a Porta Potty out front. There are things you have to do as well like having the area checked for utilities and cable locations. (Free). We are glad we don't walk out to a Hot Lanai with nothing to do but sit there. Along with the pool you will have a very large caged area with no bugs.

[hulahips]

Oh we built a large Pool on our last home and loved it! Have to say, the hygiene issue is very important to us so we know what u mean. The company we used back then is now out of business so we are researching now. Do you have any idea price wise what a standard 12 x 24 basic would cost?

[Goldwingnut]

Oh we built a large Pool on our last home and loved it! Have to say, the hygiene issue is very important to us so we know what u mean. The company we used back then is now out of business so we are researching now. Do you have any idea price wise what a standard 12 x 24 basic would cost?

Hardly such a thing as a "standard" or "basic" pool these days but at that size you can figure about $30K assuming nothing extra - no birdcage, no upgrades to the decking or pool interior, no solar, single speed pump, no salt water system, no ...

Hope your meeting went/goes well with Fiesta today.

You should consider giving Wiseman a chance as well. Wiseman was very thorough when we had them price our pool, they were the only builder we spoke with that listened and give us a quote for exactly what was asked for on the first quote, everything was there and included in one price. We got their initial quote quickly and early on in the process and were shocked at the price, our wants and ideas were bigger than our budget at the time. In hindsight I should have had them on the short list with T&D and All Seasons when I made the final decision as they would have likely been the best price based on the all the changes we made before coming to a final design. Have never heard or read a bad thing about the company or their product.

Our final choice was T&D as they were not only the lowest overall price, everything was turnkey, pricing was the most straight forward (no deals, discounts, or specials) and based entirely on a spreadsheet. Most important was their sterling reputation, never read a complaint on TOTV about them only high praise for the work and service.

[hulahips]

Waiting for fiesta. Coming 1130 am. Of course we will add huge birdcage, salt water, waterfalls, custom steps, etc. So sure all will add up. Can't get hold of Wiseman. No phone on website??

[hulahips]

Fiesta arrived promptly. Salesman was good. Laid out all prices for most everything we want. Will send all details on computer to us next. Wiseman appt end of July and of course T & D not till October if we decide to hold out that long. Meantime will do some research on Fiesta