New pool in TV help please

[Tdroels]

We are new to TV and we are going to have a pool installed. Probably around 90k. In the past 3 years who did you use? Would you do it again with this company? What options would you not get again? Thank you for your help.

[Bogie Shooter]

We are new to TV and we are going to have a pool installed. Probably around 90k. In the past 3 years who did you use? Would you do it again with this company? What options would you not get again? Thank you for your help.

Here are a couple earlier threads....
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/contractors-services-91/those-you-who-have-had-pool-constructed-here-309509/
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/contractors-services-91/pools-fiberglass-concrete-solar-gas-electric-heater-299679/?highlight=building+pool

[tophcfa]

Used T&D three years ago and would use them again. Good options include salt chlorination, water falls, underwater led lights, and solar heat. Ours is 12x24 and 3.3 to 5.5 deep, it’s a good size. We also have a heat pump and pool cover option so we can use the pool year round, if swimming in the colder months is important to you.

[RedChariot]

Used T&D three years ago and would use them again. Good options include salt chlorination, water falls, underwater led lights, and solar heat. Ours is 12x24 and 3.3 to 5.5 deep, it’s a good size. We also have a heat pump and pool cover option so we can use the pool year round, if swimming in the colder months is important to you.

I have an 8 year old pool completed by T&D. We have solar. Do you? Who put the heat pump in? Do you know if you can have both heat pump and solar? TIA.

[tophcfa]

I have an 8 year old pool completed by T&D. We have solar. Do you? Who put the heat pump in? Do you know if you can have both heat pump and solar? TIA.

We have both heat pump and solar, both installed by T&D when pool was built. Solar runs year round, it’s set to turn on when water in solar is 10 degrees warmer than pool, but won’t run once pool water reaches 90 degrees (pool is currently 89 degrees). In the summer we turn max pool water temp down to 84 or the water would get too hot. In the colder winter days when temperature outside drops, the days are shorter, and the sun is low the solar alone is insufficient to heat the pool. During those times we keep the pool covered with the heat pump running and the water gets into the low 90’s. We only uncover the pool when swimming so the cover holds in the heat. Our electric bill during this time is about the same as it is in the summer, we are just paying to run the heat pump instead of the A/C. The only problem is you have to carefully manage the chlorine level when the pool is covered and the filter is running most of the time. The chlorinator runs more frequently when the filter is always running and the cover holds in the chlorine. We have to turn the percentage of time the chlorination runs way down in the winter our our chlorine levels will spike up too high. Hope this helps.

[billethkid]

T& D 12 years ago. Pool, waterfall and in ground spa. Gas heat plus solar.
T&D have serviced our pool from day one.
Yes I would use them again.

We used to cover the pool in the winter months. Stopped doing so after the first couple of years. Too grand of a view to cover up.
With the solar and gas the pool is usable 10-11 months of the year.

[wisbad1]

We are new to TV and we are going to have a pool installed. Probably around 90k. In the past 3 years who did you use? Would you do it again with this company? What options would you not get again? Thank you for your help.
Wiseman, great job! T&D take too long, if developers need a pool you get put on hold. Had ours 4-5 years still love the job they did.

[B-flat]

If you have more money than you know what to do with try Lucas Pools. They do fantastic work, you can catch some of their work on HGTV.

Lucas Lagoons custom pool builder in Sarasota featured on Insane Pools (https://lucaslagoons.com/)

[Kenswing]

If you have more money than you know what to do with try Lucas Pools. They do fantastic work, you can catch some of their work on HGTV.

Lucas Lagoons custom pool builder in Sarasota featured on Insane Pools (https://lucaslagoons.com/)
You had better have more money than you know what to do with. Their minimum to come to The Villages is $350,000. :1rotfl:

[Nucky]

You had better have more money than you know what to do with. Their minimum to come to The Villages is $350,000. :1rotfl:

A Bag of Shells, NOTHING More.

I like the idea of our own pool. I missed a CYV with a pool last year. He who hesitates is NOTHING but lost. :ohdear:

[graciegirl]

We are new to TV and we are going to have a pool installed. Probably around 90k. In the past 3 years who did you use? Would you do it again with this company? What options would you not get again? Thank you for your help.

T&D designed and built our pool and pool bath. We have no complaints at all.

[graciegirl]

Wiseman, great job! T&D take too long, if developers need a pool you get put on hold. Had ours 4-5 years still love the job they did.

Actually, EVERYONE wants a T&D pool. Neighbor said they were booking now for next June due to so many wishing for a nice pool during the Pandemic.

[camaguey48]

90 K? Ewwww!

[DIver0258]

We are under contract with T&D. We took bids from Staycation, Wiseman, and T&D, all quotes were close in price. We chose T&D because we watched them do our neighbors pool. We were extremely impressed with their process and the results. We wanted to make sure that our yard was put back in order after the job was complete, T&D included this. Their design team did a great job enhancing our vision. Pool 16 x 32, 8 x 8 beach entry/sun shelf, 3.5' to 5' depth, extended bench seating on the deep end, outdoor shower hot and cold water, screened lanai, walls for our outdoor kitchen, waterfall, enhanced lighting, extra outlets, a small green space under the lanai, saltwater, heat-pump. etc.. We chose not to add solar due to possible warranty issues with the roof from our builder. We are next on the list. We had an initial meeting in late July and inked the contract 1st week of August. Completion date deadline is Jan 2021.

[jedalton]

We have both heat pump and solar, both installed by T&D when pool was built. Solar runs year round, it’s set to turn on when water in solar is 10 degrees warmer than pool, but won’t run once pool water reaches 90 degrees (pool is currently 89 degrees). In the summer we turn max pool water temp down to 84 or the water would get too hot. In the colder winter days when temperature outside drops, the days are shorter, and the sun is low the solar alone is insufficient to heat the pool. During those times we keep the pool covered with the heat pump running and the water gets into the low 90’s. We only uncover the pool when swimming so the cover holds in the heat. Our electric bill during this time is about the same as it is in the summer, we are just paying to run the heat pump instead of the A/C. The only problem is you have to carefully manage the chlorine level when the pool is covered and the filter is running most of the time. The chlorinator runs more frequently when the filter is always running and the cover holds in the chlorine. We have to turn the percentage of time the chlorination runs way down in the winter our our chlorine levels will spike up too high. Hope this helps.
whats better than a pool? A friend who has a pool. Luckily I have friends who have pools and invite me almost anytime.

[LuckyS]

We are in the process now of design and need to decide if we want a wall with upper bird cage or all bird cage. We are aware of the pros and cons of both. Our yard backs to a sidewalk. We want the privacy of a wall but the openness of a bird cage. We are leaning towards a bird cage with landscaping for semi privacy. Would you folks mind commenting on what decisions you made and if you are happy with those decisions. Ideally we would like to hear from folks who back to a sidewalk and went with the birdcage solution.

[junction29]

We are new to TV and we are going to have a pool installed. Probably around 90k. In the past 3 years who did you use? Would you do it again with this company? What options would you not get again? Thank you for your help.

We would highly recommend Fiesta Pools, great company and realist prices.

They are currently on the third generation of a pool and spa building family firm and incredibly hard working.

They built our pool and spa, the pool has an island in it and a lazy river around it.

We originally tried to get T&D to quote, but they were too busy, then we found Fiesta Pools and really glad we did 👍👍

They estimated 6 weeks from start to finish and they were bang on :bigbow:

[coconutmama]

Sounds gorgeous! Enjoy. We love ours. Wish we had added the spa & shower though. We do not miss solar, which we did not add for the same reason as yourselves.

[GNXGuy]

Following

[Dontee]

We use Fiesta Pools out of Ocala. Great job!

[CMcCord]

I used Blue Moon in Leesburg. They were reasonable and did a good job---and it didn't take forever. You'll want to talk to Chris.

[Fisherman]

T and D.... even if you have to wait! Had them build my pool 9 years ago. Great company. Had solar panels for heat which is more than sufficient being that many years of recent we have not had the cold weather here we use to. I would do a simpler pool, they are good for resale, but all the bells and whistles are loss dollars, just things that you may enjoy. The more things, the more repairs. Plan on having to have the screens replaced after about 7 years, sun rots them. Mine was $2700. I was going to have the thicker screen put in, T & D recommended to use the regular instead. The thicker screen sags and stretches over time. The solar cell has to be replaced every few years... was $750 five years ago. I did pay extra for a blue diamond finish... it was still holding up well, but other pools I have had, needed to be refinished. Expensive. The drainage track in the concrete to take water off the lanai will become weak, again from the sun. Had that replaced as well. Maintenance is to be expected. About $80-100 a month for pool service. I had them build a summer kitchen with Formica cabinets and granite. No issues there, decided on granite as Formica will warp over time with humidity. Paid $1200 to bury propane tank for the grill. The sink and faucet became corroded over time but not much, If you are near trees or palms... be prepared for the squirrels and palm rats to chew through the screens. Last, but not least, it all looks beautiful when new, including the lanai furniture...... but, dirt, dust and mold and age accumulates consistently, so a pressure washer and squeegee are a must. Also, a net to catch geckos. Hope this does not sound too negative.....just the reality of owning and maintaining a pool. Lived in Florida my entire life from childhood and always had a pool. Many fun times and listening to the waterfalls is the best! Enjoyed that relaxing swim before bed and my float. Just moved and this is the first home without a pool. Have an enclosed a/c lanai and find the additional space great for entertaining, no maintenance, cleaning etc, and looking forward to opening up the huge windows soon!
Enjoy!!

[NHsnow1]

T&D put in our pool and spa
4 years ago. We have a saline
pool with solar heat. We buried a 250 gallon propane tank in the yard that heats the spa and the pool if we choose. We were not there when the pool was installed but got weekly updates as to the progress. They were spectacular to work with. We have had two solar panels that needed replacement since and they have responded in a timely manner. We could not be more pleased.

[PoolBrews]

I would get at least 3 quotes from companies with high ratings. You will find the most folks here will say T&D... that is because T&D is local and is the contractor that The Villages uses. They do good work, but cost far more than other companies outside of the bubble. If you don't mind paying 25%-50% more, then T&D is fine. My pool was done by Premier Pools of Central Florida out of Winter Park and I couldn't be happier. My pool was $65K - T&D wanted $90K, and that was with older automation, an undersized filter, and an undersized salt water generator (SWG) cell.

When I asked them to meet the same hardware as Premier, I was looking at another $10K. This is why I say - get multiple quotes, then make sure they all have the same components. Things to check:

1) Verify filter size - the smaller the filter, the more often you will be cleaning it.
2) Look at pool automation. It will make your life easier, and will save on electricity over the long run.
3) Make sure you get auto fill/drain. Here in FL with the rain and sun we get you'll be constantly adding water or manually draining without it.
4) Make sure you get a variable speed pump. A VSP can save $20-$40 per month when run at 40%.
5) If going salt water (highly recommended), make sure the SWG cell is rated at least 2x the size of your pool.
6) Look at the included pool interior finish. Pebble finishes last far longer than plaster, and are more $$ accordingly.

I could probably add more, but that is a good start!

[Heartnsoul]

We have put in 2 since living here. My advice. Get a salt water and also add an additional step so as you age u can get out easily and large handrail over steps. Enjoy it!! You will love it

[riamd1954]

I have never seen anyone use their pols such a waste of time and $ . We have beautiful pools of which we already pay for

[JSR22]

I have never seen anyone use their pols such a waste of time and $ . We have beautiful pools of which we already pay for

We use our pool daily 10 t0 11 months a year. Our is much prettier than TV pools. We have waterfalls, massage jets and beautiful lighting. I would not live in FL without a pool in my back yard. Another plus is night dipping.

[KRM0614]

We are new to TV and we are going to have a pool installed. Probably around 90k. In the past 3 years who did you use? Would you do it again with this company? What options would you not get again? Thank you for your help.
Too expensive for a drop in liner ! Go to a pool company not owned by the villages ! Don’t need a heater in central Florida but get it for elderly people ! You should wait until you are here for awhile

[Tdroels]

Thank you. Sounds like just what we are looking for. Could we come and look at your pool during the build? We are on their list for April 28. Thanks

[travlin50]

We have a wall and love the privacy! You can do some large pots with plants to break up the wall and get that tropical resort feel. If you drive around, several pools that have just a birdcage use an opaque plastic panel to get privacy. Just remember with a screen and hedge type plants you will have lots of trimming work to do. We back up to a sidewalk and road. We use our pool just about everyday. Would never have another pool without a wall.

[Villages Kahuna]

Lots of threads on this subject here. Only one phone call necessary as far as I’m concerned — T & D Pool Division, (352)748-3987.

They built our pool, re-designed it with a pour over spa, new summer kitchen three additions to our birdcage, and provided weekly service for over thirteen years. Be certain to ask for and meet with Vera Martin to design your project. She is a fantastic designer, having done thousands of pool designs over the years since she and her husband Randy started the company as the pool contractor for The Villages more than twenty years ago.

You’ll have to wait for them to come out to make a proposal, and wait again for them to start construction. But once they start they work every day until your new pool is done.

[DecaturFargo]

I have a pool that ee didn'tbiild. Our friends just ginished and used Wiseman Pools. However. One of their workers told them that there is only onecompany in yhr U.S. who manufactures chlorine and that company'sbuilding burned down do there will be a shortage of chlorine. You might think about a saltwater pool. Be sure and inquire.

[mark100]

T & D. They did our pool in 2004. Extremely happy with the install and follow up if we needed it. Strongly recommend a salt system over chlorine.

[graciegirl]

Vera and Randy both were involved with our pool and it was our privilege to know them. They are hard working, salt of the earth, decent, honest people with an incredible wealth of experience.

Vera is a STELLAR designer and mother and person.

About Us - T&D Pool & Spa Construction CompanyT&D Pool & Spa Construction (http://www.tdpools.com/about/)

[Barborv]

We are looking to put in a pool in 2 years when we become permanent. We don't want a large pool. a small one will suffice. More about looking at some type of water than a wall. But definitely want that rock and tropical feel with some type of waterfall. will also need to do a birdcage. Is it really that expensive? Yikes! I better work my patootie off before I retire! LOL. I guess the next time I come down to TV I should book T & D for 2022. Does T & D also do home expansions? I want to extend and push out my closet.

[wisbad1]

We are under contract with T&D. We took bids from Staycation, Wiseman, and T&D, all quotes were close in price. We chose T&D because we watched them do our neighbors pool. We were extremely impressed with their process and the results. We wanted to make sure that our yard was put back in order after the job was complete, T&D included this. Their design team did a great job enhancing our vision. Pool 16 x 32, 8 x 8 beach entry/sun shelf, 3.5' to 5' depth, extended bench seating on the deep end, outdoor shower hot and cold water, screened lanai, walls for our outdoor kitchen, waterfall, enhanced lighting, extra outlets, a small green space under the lanai, saltwater, heat-pump. etc.. We chose not to add solar due to possible warranty issues with the roof from our builder. We are next on the list. We had an initial meeting in late July and inked the contract 1st week of August. Completion date deadline is Jan 2021.
Good luck with that date, figure 3-4 more months. They do a good job but take forever.

[graciegirl]

Good luck with that date, figure 3-4 more months. They do a good job but take forever.

I don't think they took overlong. They come and do perimeters and remove bushes and save them to replant later. (Ours all lived) they dig and pour and run electric and water lines, in our case built us a nice pool bath with a great shower in side of it and outside of it too. They did pillars on ours. They finished the floors, even in our lanai with a great finish. Each time they left, things were left nicely and they worked like a well oiled machine. Only a couple of days did we not see activity. We got to know some very nice ladies and gentlemen during the process. We love our pool.

[vagent711]

Contact Stu Bell at Fiesta Pools in Ocala. 15-20% cheaper, 60 day install. Local owners and operators for many years. Did a great job for us

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I got this bad boy for all my Florida fun times!

Summer Waves(R) 59" Plastic Wading Kiddie Pool - Pink - Walmart.com - Walmart.com (https://www.walmart.com/ip/Summer-Waves-59-Plastic-Wading-Kiddie-Pool-Pink/427589404)

It's a steal at only $4. It's colorful, durable, no special equipment or water pumps or heat pumps needed!

The downside: you don't get to watch some big burly beer-bellied rotten-toothed chaw-chewing good ole boy grunting and showing off his butt crack while hauling the shovels to your lanai. I know it's a sacrifice I make but hey - I got a PINK pool.

Don't be jealous.

[dewilson58]

Looks like people liking T&D relate to older pool installs........4 to 6 to +10 years.
Things have changed at T&D.
Would recommend paying attention to current pool installer recommendations.

[JSR22]

We had Fiesta from Ocala put in our pool. They did an excellent job and we are 100% satisfied. I highly recommend Fiesta.

[graciegirl]

Looks like people liking T&D relate to older pool installs........4 to 6 to +10 years.
Things have changed at T&D.
Would recommend paying attention to current pool installer recommendations.

Three years.

[drrichard]

We are new to TV and we are going to have a pool installed. Probably around 90k. In the past 3 years who did you use? Would you do it again with this company? What options would you not get again? Thank you for your help.
T and D installed ours 15 years ago, maintained it ever since, and I would NEVER use anyone else!!

[golf4wendy]

When I was looking for an estimate T&D was over a month wait just to get estimate, I wish I would have waited. It took a yr to fix the last leak in my pool and a lot of aggravation in between. Staycation pools, he seems to take on more work than he can handle.