[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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

[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]

Originally Posted by 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

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.