New pool recommendations

[Williamhelmkamp@gmail.com]

My wife and I purchased a new home in Newell and are planning to have a pool built. We have quotes from 1) Premier pools of Central Florida 2) Premier pool contractor out of Leesburg 3)Waiting for T&D quote. I've heard these are all quality contractors with T&D being the best. Does anyone have an opinion on the other two contractors or another company. Thanks

[PJ_Smiley]

Blue Moon Pools in Leesburg. 352-323-1309 They have built several pools in Village of Bradford. Blue Moon built 3 or 4 pools at the entrance just past the gate (on both sides of the street).

[Babubhat]

Do you want a generic pool or custom? Premier is a franchise, seen many of there pools here. TD quote will likely be highest cost and quality.

Link has Goldwingnut and Poolbrews recommendations


https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/pool-company-recommendations-340690/

[SusanStCatherine]

I watched two Blue Moon pools go in and was impressed. Same with Fiesta. Stay away from Staycation. Sparkling Waters has filed for bankruptcy. Be very careful with your research and have someone knowledgeable go over your contract. I personally know someone with serious T&D pool construction problems and know of three others with problems - they do the most business though. Prices have almost doubled over the past two years. Good luck!

[Goldwingnut]

T&D will be you best choice. Don’t just look at T&D’s price, look at the other company’s prices, and ask what is and isn’t included. When I looked, there was always something else that I had to take care of - fencing (I have a CYV), propane tank (no natural gas between 466a & 44 where I live), landscaping, electric connections, etc. - not with T&D, they covered everything and when it was done, it was done, there was no “we’re waiting on this…” line, it was done. The extras not covered by the other contractors add to the total pool price, with T&D I knew the total before the first shovel went into the ground.

Is T&D perfect, no, but they will make it right, and when you compare the “problems” with the number of pools they build each year (600-700 between new construction and existing homes) the problems are a very small number. I’ve personally watched and photographed them building over 75 pools in the last 3 years and have only seen one that had an issue (drain line leak) that they spent several days isolating and fixing to ensure it was right, no problems with the pool since. I’ve shot 3 other pools by other builders - never again - I lost my shirt on all three because their delays drove my costs up (visit 3x a week based on schedule provided but they never met the schedule) but I didn’t have the heart to charge my customer more because of all the headaches they were going through with the build.

You will get what you pay for, the cost of steel and concrete that actually makes the pool doesn’t change too much between contractors, what does change is the many things you don’t see - design, engineering, supply chain, staffing, experience, financial stability - that will make all the difference and get your pool done right and on time. Bite the bullet and go with T&D you won’t regret it, but whatever you do stay away from Staycation pools if you value your money and sanity.

[thelegges]

My wife and I purchased a new home in Newell and are planning to have a pool built. We have quotes from 1) Premier pools of Central Florida 2) Premier pool contractor out of Leesburg 3)Waiting for T&D quote. I've heard these are all quality contractors with T&D being the best. Does anyone have an opinion on the other two contractors or another company. Thanks

Our quotes from Premier, and Fiesta were pretty close. We are breaking ground next month, with Fiesta, family run, all employees have been with the company for more than 20 plus years.

We could have used T&D at build, but option Pool A or B, no variation. Who wants to spend $150,000 plus and not build the pool you want. We don’t want a sun shelf, T&D at build was sun shelf only.

[RedFoxRick]

We used Picture Perfect Pools in Tavares when we moved in two years ago and were very pleased with price and the wonderful job they did. There was one small issue after installation and they worked very hard at their expense to insure the issue was fixed. Jay and his team were fantastic to work with. We also had T&D quote the job, but much more expensive. There were no surprises from Picture Perfect.

[BlueStarAirlines]

T&D will be you best choice.

Is T&D perfect, no, but they will make it right, and when you compare the “problems” with the number of pools they build each year (600-700 between new construction and existing homes) the problems are a very small number.

Don is spot on. I have a T&D pool that developed an issue after completion. The next day after notifying them they were out to look at it and started fixing the problem the day after that. Within 5 days everything was repaired and made right. Comparing that to a neighbor who used Blue Moon, his issue after completion dragged on for 5-6 weeks and his entire pool build was close to 8 months with multiple delays waiting for supplies.

T&D price will sound higher, but everything is included and will be the correct size for your pool. Others provide undersized equipment (still within specs) to drive down cost and will nickel & dime you for things that T&D includes in the price.

[BlueStarAirlines]

Our quotes from Premier, and Fiesta were pretty close. We are breaking ground next month, with Fiesta, family run, all employees have been with the company for more than 20 plus years.

We could have used T&D at build, but option Pool A or B, no variation. Who wants to spend $150,000 plus and not build the pool you want. We don’t want a sun shelf, T&D at build was sun shelf only.

I think your experience is because you wanted it "at build". The benefit to getting a pool at build is the pool is guaranteed to be completed when the house is competed. That being said, the negative is that they can't do a completely customized pool because they are held to the requirement that it be done by home closing....so they limit the types of pools they will build.

If you went back to T&D now that you are closed, your pool is 100% customizable.

[Signguy]

John Lalley
813 940-1038‬

Signed contract Dec 2022
I changed stuff that delayed breaking ground until March10 & I was swimming July 1

Cody did 3 pools on Burgess in Richmond.

Down the street a T&D pool took a few weeks longer, but had to get drained, fixed and refilled 2 or 3 times.

T&D limitations because you are building & designing your "Dream Home" is ridiculous. T&D could have the hole in the ground before T&D pours the slab.

[bncuhler@verizon.net]

I watched two Blue Moon pools go in and was impressed. Same with Fiesta. Stay away from Staycation. Sparkling Waters has filed for bankruptcy. Be very careful with your research and have someone knowledgeable go over your contract. I personally know someone with serious T&D pool construction problems and know of three others with problems - they do the most business though. Prices have almost doubled over the past two years. Good luck!

We used Blue Moon out of Lessburg. They have their own crew and long time employees. Started in March and finished in June. Honest and accommodating to changes we made. Local company that stands by their work.

[KCAlan]

Look into a one piece fiberglass pool. That is if you want a small pool. We love ours.

[Kingsport]

T&D will be you best choice. Don’t just look at T&D’s price, look at the other company’s prices, and ask what is and isn’t included. When I looked, there was always something else that I had to take care of - fencing (I have a CYV), propane tank (no natural gas between 466a & 44 where I live), landscaping, electric connections, etc. - not with T&D, they covered everything and when it was done, it was done, there was no “we’re waiting on this…” line, it was done. The extras not covered by the other contractors add to the total pool price, with T&D I knew the total before the first shovel went into the ground.

Is T&D perfect, no, but they will make it right, and when you compare the “problems” with the number of pools they build each year (600-700 between new construction and existing homes) the problems are a very small number. I’ve personally watched and photographed them building over 75 pools in the last 3 years and have only seen one that had an issue (drain line leak) that they spent several days isolating and fixing to ensure it was right, no problems with the pool since. I’ve shot 3 other pools by other builders - never again - I lost my shirt on all three because their delays drove my costs up (visit 3x a week based on schedule provided but they never met the schedule) but I didn’t have the heart to charge my customer more because of all the headaches they were going through with the build.

You will get what you pay for, the cost of steel and concrete that actually makes the pool doesn’t change too much between contractors, what does change is the many things you don’t see - design, engineering, supply chain, staffing, experience, financial stability - that will make all the difference and get your pool done right and on time. Bite the bullet and go with T&D you won’t regret it, but whatever you do stay away from Staycation pools if you value your money and sanity.

What Don says is true. In the end, our T&D pool cost about the same as if we had used another contractor with a lower initial quote. They were great to work with and designed a beautiful pool. The project manager was always accessible. After the sale, every time we call we are treated like a valued customer.

[PoolBrews]

I've had 3 pools built for me over the past 40 years, and as an engineer I know what equipment should be used in a pool and how it should be sized. Although T&D is local, and may respond fast, I would not use them to build a new pool. I have several friends that have had T&D install pools - while they look good initially, T&D uses outdated technology for automation, and tends to provide equipment on the bare minimum requirements. In addition, their initial quote to me was for far more than two other bids from reputable companies (Premier Pools of Central Florida and Waterman Construction).

I went with Premier as their quote included the latest in automation, and properly sized pump, heater, and filter, and they offered the best design ideas. When I went back to T&D and asked for matching equipment, my estimate went up another $10K. When looking at the estimates, make sure you understand what equipment they are providing, and ask to see a couple of pools they have built that are at least a couple of years old.

You are welcome to stop and see what Premier did for me (my pool is going on 4 years old). Just PM me.

Do's and Don'ts for any pool builder

Do's
> Replace dual drains with Channel Drain
> Install handrail at build time
> Get a robot to clean pool and sidewalls (Buy on your own after install)
> Ensure salt cell is rated for at least 2x pool size (mine is a 40K cell, and my pool is 7K gallons).
Bigger cell works less to keep pool chlorinated and this extends the longevity of the cell.
> If heat pump, get largest available (140K)
> Get a water hose bib run near equipment pad
> Install a light near the equipment pad (if you need to work on the equipment at night this is a life saver!)
> Get autofill/drain (Premier will try to say you shouldn't do it, but don't listen. You'll regret if you don't.)
> Get full automation
> Make sure pump is Variable Speed
> Go with a larger filter (300-400 sq ft)

Don't
> Don't install suction return line (it's part of the standard build, but if you get a cleaning robot you'll never use it and it sticks out in the pool.
> No full payment until pool is operational (If you can get builder to agree - most won't)

[SusanStCatherine]

The finish failed on a friend's T&D custom build pool. T&D said they could redo the finish but it could fail again. So they charged an additional $6K for a better finish and required a costly six month service contract to warranty it. Tiles from the spa fell off into the pool as well.

[Larchap49]

I watched two Blue Moon pools go in and was impressed. Same with Fiesta. Stay away from Staycation. Sparkling Waters has filed for bankruptcy. Be very careful with your research and have someone knowledgeable go over your contract. I personally know someone with serious T&D pool construction problems and know of three others with problems - they do the most business though. Prices have almost doubled over the past two years. Good luck!

I heard awhile back that TD had sold the pool business. I know they still have the name but not sure if what I heard was wrong or new owner kept name

[wbilbrey99@gmail.com]

I used Stacation very happy with mine.

[thelegges]

I think your experience is because you wanted it "at build". The benefit to getting a pool at build is the pool is guaranteed to be completed when the house is competed. That being said, the negative is that they can't do a completely customized pool because they are held to the requirement that it be done by home closing....so they limit the types of pools they will build.

If you went back to T&D now that you are closed, your pool is 100% customizable.

True, but at the age of most people do you really want to wait 12 months for appointment and then 11 months to start build

[thelegges]

I heard awhile back that TD had sold the pool business. I know they still have the name but not sure if what I heard was wrong or new owner kept name

They sold the pool cleaning business to Patriot. Not the pool build business

[Cindysum90]

After watching several friends and neighbors put in pools after the build, my recommendation is to only go with T&D. One friend did this and their pool is complete. Others had their backyard torn up for over a year - one is still not complete. Also have issues with service after completion. Not worth it to go anywhere else.

[Ptmcbriz]

My wife and I purchased a new home in Newell and are planning to have a pool built. We have quotes from 1) Premier pools of Central Florida 2) Premier pool contractor out of Leesburg 3)Waiting for T&D quote. I've heard these are all quality contractors with T&D being the best. Does anyone have an opinion on the other two contractors or another company. Thanks

Our T&D pool was finished this past April. It was started early January. Fabulous quality work and they keep things in stock in their warehouse. Never have to wait on products. Their price will be higher but zero frustration and only highest quantity products is what you get. I wouldn’t go with anyone else. We tried to get Blue Moon for a quote initially and they refused saying they couldn’t build the pool I designed. T&D said they could do it.

[Nana2Teddy]

Stay away from Backyard Pool Designs. Our neighbor had subcontractors asking them for payment after finishing their part in the build because Backyard wasn’t paying them. Neighbors finally gave up on Backyard and got T&D to come complete the pool. They’re very happy with T&D, and finally have a finished pool after almost a year. Another neighbor has had an unfinished pool for almost a year now. They used Staycation.

[Papa_lecki]

///

[tophcfa]

T&D did a wonderful job for us in a relatively short time period. That being said, that was 6 plus years ago, when they weren’t building a bunch of new construction pools for the developer south of 44. We were lucky with our timing, new home construction was slow then and prices hadn’t yet skyrocketed. Don’t underestimate the importance of their turn key quote that includes basically everything soup to nuts. They are a very large company with specialists for every aspect of the build, with a dedicated job supervisor overseeing the whole process. I’m glad we selected them.

[azcindy]

T&D will be you best choice. Don’t just look at T&D’s price, look at the other company’s prices, and ask what is and isn’t included. When I looked, there was always something else that I had to take care of - fencing (I have a CYV), propane tank (no natural gas between 466a & 44 where I live), landscaping, electric connections, etc. - not with T&D, they covered everything and when it was done, it was done, there was no “we’re waiting on this…” line, it was done. The extras not covered by the other contractors add to the total pool price, with T&D I knew the total before the first shovel went into the ground.

Is T&D perfect, no, but they will make it right, and when you compare the “problems” with the number of pools they build each year (600-700 between new construction and existing homes) the problems are a very small number. I’ve personally watched and photographed them building over 75 pools in the last 3 years and have only seen one that had an issue (drain line leak) that they spent several days isolating and fixing to ensure it was right, no problems with the pool since. I’ve shot 3 other pools by other builders - never again - I lost my shirt on all three because their delays drove my costs up (visit 3x a week based on schedule provided but they never met the schedule) but I didn’t have the heart to charge my customer more because of all the headaches they were going through with the build.

You will get what you pay for, the cost of steel and concrete that actually makes the pool doesn’t change too much between contractors, what does change is the many things you don’t see - design, engineering, supply chain, staffing, experience, financial stability - that will make all the difference and get your pool done right and on time. Bite the bullet and go with T&D you won’t regret it, but whatever you do stay away from Staycation pools if you value your money and sanity.

Do they help you find a contractor for the Bird Cage? Thanks!!!!!

Cindy

[Cobrasally]

I have to agree with Goldwingnut. T&D is hands down the best!

Some friends had another company build their pool, and were told they had to brush down the walls every day for 2 weeks before it was ready to use. They asked neighbors who used a different company and they were told the same thing. Not sure why you'd have to do that, we were not told to do it by T&D.

One other thing. T&D had stopped servicing pools and switched us to Patriot. I would absolutely NOT recommend them! We were not happy with Patriot, and switched to Pinch a Penny. We are very happy with their service. I'm not sure, but I think T&D may have resumed servicing.

[mark100]

My wife and I purchased a new home in Newell and are planning to have a pool built. We have quotes from 1) Premier pools of Central Florida 2) Premier pool contractor out of Leesburg 3)Waiting for T&D quote. I've heard these are all quality contractors with T&D being the best. Does anyone have an opinion on the other two contractors or another company. Thanks

Sir, In 2004 We had T & D build our pool. We have never had one day washout thinking we are so glad we went with T & D, Inc. The have always been responsive to our needs through out the years. You may have to wait for them to get to your pool however, I can tell you it is worth the wait. Over the years, we have had equipment replaced and up graded. I trust T & D Inc., for their wisdom and guidance. They have never steered me wrong. We had three bids when we built. We took the most expensive which was T & D. They are a full service company. Others sub contract parts of the job to other vendors.

Once again, you will not be sorry if you chose T & D Inc.

Mark F. Hayes

[rabranca@aol.com]

Look into a one piece fiberglass pool. That is if you want a small pool. We love ours.

Who did you fiberglass. That is what I am looking at.

[whitevibe]

Who did you use for fiberglass? That is what I am looking at.

R & R did a fabulous job for a neighbor where they craned it over the house. They source from Latham which has amazing shape selections, some of which are quite large. Color choices are fantastic too.

[Just jimmy]

I used Stacation very happy with mine.

Owner is in court for not finishing multiple pools. His license is being pulled.

[Papa_lecki]

Do they help you find a contractor for the Bird Cage? Thanks!!!!!

Cindy

They do the birdcage.
From the first shovel in the ground to your first dip in the pool, they handle it all.
Each step (dig hole, framing, plumbing, concrete, tile, birdcage, etc) is a separate team, the go pool to pool doing the same thing.

you have a dedicated supervisor who will text you and communicate.

[thelegges]

They do the birdcage.
From the first shovel in the ground to your first dip in the pool, they handle it all.
Each step (dig hole, framing, plumbing, concrete, tile, birdcage, etc) is a separate team, the go pool to pool doing the same thing.

you have a dedicated supervisor who will text you and communicate.

How often was the dedicated supervisor on site if they text you

[Goldwingnut]

Do they help you find a contractor for the Bird Cage? Thanks!!!!!

Cindy

They did it all - pool, bird cage, propane tank, landscaping, sod, fence, everything soup to nuts, no one else did it all at the quoted price.

[PJ_Smiley]

For all you folks building pools, consider a sand filter instead of a cartridge filter. Every pool builder includes a cartridge filter (because it is cheaper). You will get tired of cleaning the cartridge filter every month or so and spending $100 or more once a year to replace cartridge. If you will stop and look at any of the water features at any of the street corners in TV, you will see they use sand filters. Cleaning a sand filter only requires you to backflush the filter. That's it. It's a simple process. Also, Zeobrite filter media can be used as a replacement for sand in the filter and provides superior water clarity. The sand filter may cost more upfront, but will save time and money over the long run. Determine the size needed for your pool and then go up a size. A little bigger is better IMHO.

[Pballer]

The least expensive way to get a pool is buy a pre-owned house that already has a pool.

[frayedends]

For all you folks building pools, consider a sand filter instead of a cartridge filter. Every pool builder includes a cartridge filter (because it is cheaper). You will get tired of cleaning the cartridge filter every month or so and spending $100 or more once a year to replace cartridge. If you will stop and look at any of the water features at any of the street corners in TV, you will see they use sand filters. Cleaning a sand filter only requires you to backflush the filter. That's it. It's a simple process. Also, Zeobrite filter media can be used as a replacement for sand in the filter and provides superior water clarity. The sand filter may cost more upfront, but will save time and money over the long run. Determine the size needed for your pool and then go up a size. A little bigger is better IMHO.

I'm not in Florida yet, in Massachusetts. I was skeptical of my cartridge filter when I bought my pool. But it lasted 4 seasons and honestly didn't need to be replaced this year, but I got lazy. I've only had to hose it out about 2X per season. For a pool in a birdcage, without much debris I can't imagine it being worse.

On our pool install, before landscaping drainage was done, we had an epic storm and pool filled with mud. That really taxed the cartridge, but a wash with the pressure washer (carefully) made it as good as new. Anyhow I have nothing against sand filters. The work pretty well.

I'd stay away from DE filters. Had that before and every backwash needs more diatomaceous earth, cleaning them is a nightmare. They do filter the best, but not worth the work.

[PoolBrews]

For all you folks building pools, consider a sand filter instead of a cartridge filter. Every pool builder includes a cartridge filter (because it is cheaper). You will get tired of cleaning the cartridge filter every month or so and spending $100 or more once a year to replace cartridge. If you will stop and look at any of the water features at any of the street corners in TV, you will see they use sand filters. Cleaning a sand filter only requires you to backflush the filter. That's it. It's a simple process. Also, Zeobrite filter media can be used as a replacement for sand in the filter and provides superior water clarity. The sand filter may cost more upfront, but will save time and money over the long run. Determine the size needed for your pool and then go up a size. A little bigger is better IMHO.

Sand filters only filter to between 20-40 microns while cartridge is between 10-20 microns. Cartridge filters clean better and faster than any sand filter. DE filters are the best at cleaning at 1-5 microns, but are now banned in most areas due to the DE powder disposal.

Think of it this way... if your pool gets cloudy and you SLAM (shock) it, sand will take days to clear, cartridge half a day, and DE hours.

A properly sized cartridge filter has to be cleaned about every 6-12 months. From the 6 estimates I've seen from friends (and mine) T&D typically provides an undersized filter requiring cleaning every 1-3 months.

[PJ_Smiley]

Zeobrite filter media instead of sand - Filters particles down to 3 microns (10x smaller than sand). My water sparkled and was crystal clear, never cloudy.

[azcindy]

They did it all - pool, bird cage, propane tank, landscaping, sod, fence, everything soup to nuts, no one else did it all at the quoted price.

Thanks for the Info. You're the best!

Cindy

[Papa_lecki]

How often was the dedicated supervisor on site if they text you

Every day, pool was put in while we were back home.
Got an update with pics.

[auburn12]

My wife and I purchased a new home in Newell and are planning to have a pool built. We have quotes from 1) Premier pools of Central Florida 2) Premier pool contractor out of Leesburg 3)Waiting for T&D quote. I've heard these are all quality contractors with T&D being the best. Does anyone have an opinion on the other two contractors or another company. Thanks

Before we selected our pool contractor, we did extensive research and determined Jesse Folker of Premier Pool Contractor in Leesburg was the man/company for the job. Other companies provided sketchy timelines and quotes with very few details on equipment. Conversely Jesse and team provided a professional rendering/picture of what our pool would look like in our backyard and a line-item listing of all of the equipment, materials and services that came with the quote. This included things we didn’t think about, like rerouting/capping irrigation lines, 5 pallets of sod to repair our yard, repainting our lanai after the screen framing was removed, sealing our pool decking. Other companies did not provide this level of detail or services. When we asked one company he said, “Oh I have a guy you can contact for that”. Additionally, Jesse gave us a tour of his warehouse. As soon as we signed our contract, they ordered our equipment and put it in a bin separate from any other customer’s bin. They also had a huge whiteboard detailing the status of all of their ongoing projects. Being retired military this level of organization really impressed us. Do your due diligence; ask everyone if their quote includes top of the line equipment and do they repair your yard, fix your irrigation, paint your lanai and do they coordinate with the ARC for approval.
Bottom line Premier under promised and over delivered! Pool looks better than we imagined and it came in on budget and well ahead of schedule. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience!
We can’t thank Jesse, Christie, Scott, Liz, Grande, John, Abby and the entire Premier Pool Contractor team enough for turning our back yard into a tropical paradise!!!

[PoolBrews]

Do you want a generic pool or custom? Premier is a franchise, seen many of there pools here. TD quote will likely be highest cost and quality.

Link has Goldwingnut and Poolbrews recommendations


https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/pool-company-recommendations-340690/

Premier Pools of Central Florida is NOT a franchise. It's a local family owned business. There is a company called Premier Pool and Spas that is a franchise. It's not as old as Premier Pools of Central Florida, and is not as well respected in the area.

Premier Pools of Central Florida did my pool 4 years ago and did a fantastic job. There work is easily as good as T&D. The only advantage T&D has is that all of their workers report to them. Premier has partnerships with contractors for certain portions of their work - they call it a partnership and not a subcontractor because they have been working with the same partners for 25 years. My T&D quote took 3 months longer to get than one from Premier, and the quote was for $30K more. In addition, they quoted the minimum size equipment, not the industry accepted sizing. When I asked to upgrade to same size as what Premier included in their quote, my cost went up another $9K.

Premier Pools of Central Florida took 10 weeks from start of dig to water going in, and their on-going support has been fantastic.