Pool As Part of A New House Build Or After Moving In Pros & Cons???

[fruitcup]

Hi All,

We're going to start looking for a house lot and want to be prepared for some of our decisions ahead of time. Do you recommend doing the pool with the build of the house? The Villages uses T&D, and I've heard good things about them, but I've read some posts that recommend waiting till after moving in due to the Villages pricing of pools and customizations. Any thoughts???

Thanks!

[ResQme]

Hi All,

We're going to start looking for a house lot and want to be prepared for some of our decisions ahead of time. Do you recommend doing the pool with the build of the house? The Villages uses T&D, and I've heard good things about them, but I've read some posts that recommend waiting till after moving in due to the Villages pricing of pools and customizations. Any thoughts???

Thanks!

When we purchased in December of last year, the least expensive T&D pool with the build was $90K, and this was a TINY pool! We decided we would do it aftermarket. Note that these pool prices include the cage.

PS: Make sure your choice of lot can accommodate the model of the house + pool. We had put a deposit down on a lot and then found out that on that lot, only certain small house models could accommodate a pool in the back. We had to switch to a bigger lot.

[justjim]

If you think that you “must” have a pool, I would do it after buildout. It is possible you could change your mind after living in TV for a while.

[Babubhat]

After if you want customization. TD used to be so backlogged it would have been over a year to start and few choices. Plus they were the most expensive option. Pro is less construction hassle you have to live through.

The most important consideration is to get what you want, assuming it fits your budget.

[CarlR33]

41 replies, https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/swimming-pool-option-new-home-355446/?highlight=Pool+build

[jimhoward]

Putting costs aside, if you are buying a lot and you know you want a pool wouldn't it be best to build it at the same time as the house? That way you are synchronizing the design decisions, so you know both the house and pool you want fit on the lot. Plus, the pool is done when you move into the house.

Lots in the villages are really small.

[Papa_lecki]

Putting costs aside, if you are buying a lot and you know you want a pool wouldn't it be best to build it at the same time as the house? That way you are synchronizing the design decisions, so you know both the house and pool you want fit on the lot. Plus, the pool is done when you move into the house.

Lots in the villages are really small.

Yes, if you wait until you move in, you will be on an 18 month wait list. They have separate crews doing new builds.

We had T&D put our pool in. They were wonderful and i felt confident in the work they were doing.

[tophcfa]

We bought a preowned home and had a pool built by T&D. They did a fantastic job, but it’s a very disruptive process for both the homeowners and adjacent neighbors, and the whole job takes a couple months. If you can get a pool that works for you with a new build it’s probably a good idea.

[rsmurano]

What I do t get is that people pay TV to lay the concrete, install all the sod, and build the birdcage for your new homes backyard and then rip it all up so someone might build you a pool. You’ve wasted a lot of money redoing work, I say someone because there have been issues with fraud pool installers with people spending tens of thousands of $$$ and they have an incomplete pool/hole in the ground.
What would happen if you build your house and when designing your new pool after you move in you find out that what you want is too big for your lot? Also, when they build your pool after you move in, your lawn gets trashed and they turn off your sprinklers during the months of putting in your pool so your whole yard will need to be replaced if it happens to be during the hot season.

IMO, even if it costs a little more money, I would have it done while you build so you know that everything will be done to your liking before you close,

[IndianaJones]

We used Fiesta Pools out of Ocala - beautiful pool, quality construction & on time - they said 10 weeks, it was completed in 10 weeks. After signing the contract they started 2 weeks later. As mentioned, T&D said they were a year out. Pool is 14x24, constructed last year, price was $14k-$35k less than 3 other bids. Plus we got the exact pool we wanted with a large bird cage. I liked the idea of planning my own, picking out my own colors, etc rather than buying a pre-constructed pool.

[Juniper]

If you’re a golfer …. 12 country clubs can be accessed by cart from LSL w/ the furthest @ 35 minutes. Neighborhood vintages 2000 / 2010. Maybe a golf front designer with room for a new pool, a mile or two from the stage.

[golfing eagles]

If you’re a golfer …. 12 country clubs can be accessed by cart from LSL w/ the furthest @ 35 minutes. Neighborhood vintages 2000 / 2010. Maybe a golf front designer with room for a new pool, a mile or two from the stage.

That would be 14 "country clubs" with 2 more under construction.

[Rwirish]

With over 125 pools in TV it makes no sense to get a pool.

[Rocksnap]

Aftermarket will ALWAYS be tens of thousands cheaper. Hummmmm…

[JIMGRUM]

With over 125 pools in TV it makes no sense to get a pool.
We keep ours at 90 degrees. Which TV public pool is warm enough for us?

[Laurawilcox]

We had ours built by T and D during the house construction. Wanted to move in and be done. They also have an obligation to the developer to have it finished to close the home. Couldn’t imagine watching construction and our side and bark yard being ripped up for however long when this was already an option. We also have dogs and knew they would be going nuts during the process. They did an excellent job and have been very supportive with any issues under our three year warranty. We use it regularly, often in the evenings as we work, at 89 degrees with solar and gas heat. Things we couldn’t do with The Villages pools. It is expensive though we maintain our own, but feel we are getting the value from it.

[asianthree]

We used Fiesta Pools out of Ocala - beautiful pool, quality construction & on time - they said 10 weeks, it was completed in 10 weeks. After signing the contract they started 2 weeks later. As mentioned, T&D said they were a year out. Pool is 14x24, constructed last year, price was $14k-$35k less than 3 other bids. Plus we got the exact pool we wanted with a large bird cage. I liked the idea of planning my own, picking out my own colors, etc rather than buying a pre-constructed pool.

I agree Fiesta was in forefront of our list. Design team meetings with Builder, following week 3 other bids. Went with Fiesta due to their employees are either multi gen family or have been with Fiesta for over 10 years.
Time frame 8-10weeks due to Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year. Complete in 9 weeks. Office staff is on top of everything. The customer is first priority.

[Signguy]

1. They do not do "FULLY" custom pools as part of new construction.
2. They only do Concrete pool deck.
3. AND they are Super-Duper expensive

At the design phase see what the largest pool you can get, and be sure it can be placed where you like. The scratch the pool from the plan, or move on to a different lot. Get a copy of the site plan and get some estimates.

I used Cody Pools and the experience was excellent.

[asianthree]

Aftermarket will ALWAYS be tens of thousands cheaper. Hummmmm…

My guess is you definitely don’t have first hand experience with pool at new build, or aftermarket.

Yes there is a large difference between at build or aftermarket. Not just $40,000 difference,and less pool only offer two options. Plus a larger cost increase if you wanted the better equipment and larger dimensions that other companies quoted.

[Jimmay]

All at once, all constructed at the same time done with the mess.

[PoolBrews]

While using T&D at the time of build is the easiest choice, it's not necessarily the best. I've installed pools at all 3 of my homes over the past 40 years and maintain them myself. As an engineer, I always did a lot of research before selecting a pool builder. T&D was on my list to of builders to get quotes from when I installed here. (I bought a new home that did not come with a pool).

These were the reasons why T&D was NOT selected:

1) All of the equipment (pump, filter, heater, salt water generator (SWG)) was quoted with the minimum size. My experience has been that you want the SWG, pump, and filter designed to handle at least 2x the size of your pool (in gallons of water), and you want the biggest heater you can get for either a heat pump or gas heater. Larger heaters will heat far faster, last longer, and are more efficient.

2) They automation they quoted was out of date and had been replaced by the manufacturer with a new model 2 years prior to them trying to sell it to me. Not only was it older... they were charging more than the new automation.

3) Out of 6 builders, they were the last to get a quote in (took them 6 WEEKS just to quote), and had the longest time until they could actually start. The builder I went with gave me quote the same day they stopped by. Once permits came in, they finished my pool in 13 weeks.

4) They were the most expensive option ar nearly 50% over the builder I ended up selecting (who did quote properly sized equipment).

5) When I asked about getting properly sized equipment they couldn't believe I would question them on their selections. To upgrade to the same level as what I ended up with from my builder they tacked on another $10K.

I ended up going with Premier Pools of Central Florida out of Winter Garden. 6 years later and couldn't be happier. From the intitial sales process, through the build, and then service and support after they were fantastic. If you are interested in seeing my pool, let me know.

[peacefuldb]

If you can build it while the construction is happening that is OK. Once house is built and landscaping is in...the new plants will be trashed with the pool equipment. That being said, cheaper to build it afterwards. Plus you will get into your house and get settled...do you really want one? or will you use the community pools? We used Blue Moon out of Leesburg. Couple months wait as compared to T&D. Plus it was finished in 6 months, cage and all. Good people all local with their own crews except for the concrete and screen. Remember to use 20/20 screen to keep noseeums out. We paid extra for that. Big decision I wish you luck!

[LoisR]

Use the Villages pools. Why spend over $100k and then several thousands more for heating and cleaning it plus elect.
Doesn't make sense for something you'll probably use less than half the year.

[Sledneck]

when you add a pool during new construction is it through t&d or just added to the building cost? does the added cost effect your initial taxes by raising the overall cost when they assess you? if you add a pool down the road are your taxes reassessed at after the build is complete?

[Lottoguy]

I’ve known homes that wanted a pool but their neighbors refused to allow the access on their land so the equipment could get to the backyard. Neighbors don’t want any damage done to their drainage, irrigation and landscape. Not to mention a porta potty outside their home for three or four months.

[Lottoguy]

The Villages pools are great for socializing. Your own pool can turn you into a hermit.

[Justputt]

Hi All,

We're going to start looking for a house lot and want to be prepared for some of our decisions ahead of time. Do you recommend doing the pool with the build of the house? The Villages uses T&D, and I've heard good things about them, but I've read some posts that recommend waiting till after moving in due to the Villages pricing of pools and customizations. Any thoughts???

Thanks!

I see more unused pools than used! Also, the community pool is a great place to meet those in your neighborhood, and if you spend your time in your own pool, you'll miss that. Lastly, pools in TV regardless of who does them are expensive. IMO don't short yourself of the opportunity to meet a bunch of people at the local pool, as we have met more people there than anywhere else.

[Nana2Teddy]

We bought a preowned home and had a pool built by T&D. They did a fantastic job, but it’s a very disruptive process for both the homeowners and adjacent neighbors, and the whole job takes a couple months. If you can get a pool that works for you with a new build it’s probably a good idea.
Two months??? Wouldn’t that be nice. We’ve been dealing with new pool builds on our street for the past two years, with none of them taking less than four months, though most considerably longer. Two were directly across the street with two different companies (not T&D). Now another one has just started next door to the two directly across the street (so three houses in a row) just when we thought we were finally going to have a peaceful summer, haha. We will consider it a miracle if this third build is done in 2 months, though since it’s the same company as one of the other pools we expect this neighbor to possibly be using their pool by September if they’re lucky.

[Ptmcbriz]

Our pool was built by T&D 3 years ago after our house was built. It had a small built in gas grill with fridge summer kitchen, and a 30x12 salt water heated pool. It was $175,000. Several people that have seen it recently have said it would run $200K now. It was done top notch by T&D. Took 4 months start to finish and they were there just about every day working on it. Sometimes even weekends. The good thing about building it with the house is being able to roll the costs into the mortgage if you plan on a mortgage. Otherwise, you’ll pay cash for after market build. T&D are the only ones I would use to build a pool. Too many nightmares heard around about other company’s. Our next door neighbor took a year to finish their pool due to other contractor problems. It took us a year on a list to get an appointment, then another 6 months before they could start the pool. However it was worth it.

[asianthree]

The Villages pools are great for socializing. Your own pool can turn you into a hermit.

Some do need the social aspect of group pool interaction, but those with pools can invite who they choose, or have peace and quiet while reading a book.

Personally loud needless useless conversations is very annoying for some.

[Lottoguy]

Another cost to consider is the increase in your home owners insurance. That bird cage over the pool is usually the first thing damaged from the high hurricane winds. I had a pool up north and it was a pain in the butt to maintain.

[Lisanp@aol.com]

I have done both.
After is a lot of effort, but will get you more options for customization.
At build with T&D currently offers 55 pool and pool/spa options (though many are the same pool just switching location of steps and bench for example). They range in price from 90 to 200. You can't make any modifications to the design, but get to select your tile color, finish color, decking color from standard options with a few upgrade choices. You can also opt for some "enhancements" like the small spillover walls or pool bottom decals.
The price includes cage, salt system, and texture/color on the pool deck and into your existing lanai.
The advantage at build is that irrigation, sod, etc is done to accommodate pool design. Post build you will need to redo these as most pool contractors don't get involved at this level.
I don't think you will save huge amounts of money not using T&D at build. You will save the headaches and living with construction so you have to weigh that into your decision.
T&D at build will also not do any privacy walls, pavers, extra screen doors (you get one) etc. if you want those options.

[Snowbirdtobe]

Many people want only new homes and need to add things. We started with a used home with pool and added things like new flooring, new counters, new shower etc.

[asianthree]

when you add a pool during new construction is it through t&d or just added to the building cost? does the added cost effect your initial taxes by raising the overall cost when they assess you? if you add a pool down the road are your taxes reassessed at after the build is complete?

At build cost is rolled into final cost of check written to developer. Property tax is accessed at build of original home, any additional build, taxes are accessed at construction completion

[PoolBrews]

I’ve known homes that wanted a pool but their neighbors refused to allow the access on their land so the equipment could get to the backyard. Neighbors don’t want any damage done to their drainage, irrigation and landscape. Not to mention a porta potty outside their home for three or four months.

We never had to go through a neighbors yard, and there was no porta potty.

[Janie123]

Aftermarket will ALWAYS be tens of thousands cheaper. Hummmmm…
I’m not sure about that…I put in a pool on an existing house. I had to pay to rip out existing sprinklers, cut down trees, put in temporary sprinklers to keep the landscaping watered for the 9 months of construction, install new landscape including new sod in my neighbors yard, patching the house where existing screen enclosure was removed not mention the mess of living with the construction. I also had to pay additional on top of the pool price for a plumber to install a new gas line to the heater and while they were there, run gas to the grill into a deck that was not built… then there’s the coordination of all the pre and post pool stuff. I wonder if a new house, is a screened enclosure installed and then torn out for a larger one??? I would guess I spent about $25k on top of the pool price.

[Palmtree12]

Send phone to mikequalex@gmail.com

[shut the front door]

We keep ours at 90 degrees. Which TV public pool is warm enough for us?

I'll never understand why people ask a question, and people should be capable of reading that they want a pool but still gotta come on telling them why they shouldn't. Sounds like jealousy to me.

[asianthree]

I’m not sure about that…I put in a pool on an existing house. I had to pay to rip out existing sprinklers, cut down trees, put in temporary sprinklers to keep the landscaping watered for the 9 months of construction, install new landscape including new sod in my neighbors yard, patching the house where existing screen enclosure was removed not mention the mess of living with the construction. I also had to pay additional on top of the pool price for a plumber to install a new gas line to the heater and while they were there, run gas to the grill into a deck that was not built… then there’s the coordination of all the pre and post pool stuff. I wonder if a new house, is a screened enclosure installed and then torn out for a larger one??? I would guess I spent about $25k on top of the pool price.

Our total pool build was only 9 weeks from shovel to swim. It is a small pool 28’ length 12-18’ width.
Our irrigation change was $900 Any existing lawn all irrigation worked. Last zone was off, until pool completed.
4 pallets sod, and 18” of rock (we picked expensive rock) around house and pool was $1,950.

Any other costs were included in pool build. We didn’t have to coordinate any outside companies, it was all handled within.

[Just jimmy]

Hi All,

We're going to start looking for a house lot and want to be prepared for some of our decisions ahead of time. Do you recommend doing the pool with the build of the house? The Villages uses T&D, and I've heard good things about them, but I've read some posts that recommend waiting till after moving in due to the Villages pricing of pools and customizations. Any thoughts???

Thanks!

We did it with the build. No regrets. If you do it after you are ripping out the landscaping. The irrigation. The screening in your lanai. Not to mention you are putting up with the digging and construction. Also the wait time for estimates and then construction I would never do it afterwards