More Than Just Installing a Place to Jump in!
“We had no idea what all was involved,” said a recent Derby City Pools customer. “We would have been completely overwhelmed and I’m sure, not as happy, if we’d hadn’t run into Alex, Rick and Jake!”
“We thought we knew a lot more than we did. We envisioned a pool where the grandchildren would spend hours of fun and where we could have neighbors and friends over for a drink in the late afternoon, maybe some burgers on the grill,” she said while gesturing to the tiled pool and seating area that now included a retaining wall and neat landscaping. “We got about four estimates and we couldn’t believe how much they all varied. We were also shocked at how expensive a pool can be!”
Open discussion about how you will ultimately use your new pool is critical to making sure your oasis becomes a reality. This Highlands pool ultimately included a fire and water feature, new landscaping and a retaining wall.
$51,327 Is Average
Home Advisor, a national company who provides current prices for home projects, says on average, inground pools cost $51,327 for delivery, installation and a small amount of concrete or decking. They also note that costs vary widely because there are so many options that accompany an inground pool.
While Derby City Pools only install fiberglass pools, other options include vinyl and concrete. Vinyl is the least expensive and concrete is high-end, often times topping $200,000. “One of our main concerns,” said Alex Fransen, President of Derby City Pools, “is making sure the customer knows exactly what they are getting. Often times they have a mental picture that includes a ton of landscaping and maybe a hot tub or water feature. It is vital we discuss what the customer actually wants, what is included in the initial price and what will cost more as the project develops. We also want the opportunity to explain why we insist on good foundation work.”
If It’s Too Low, Know Why
Fransen was quick to point out the estimators at Derby City Pools want to discuss in detail what will be necessary to have a successful project, and how often times customers simply don’t know what questions to ask. “If another pool company is coming in $15,000 or $20,000 less, the customer needs to understand why. Our least favorite thing is coming behind another installer and fixing a mess,” said Fransen. “No one is happy at that point. Ever.”
Fiberglass pools come in a variety of sizes and shapes because no two pool sites are the same. The correct foundation is one of the most important elements in superior pool construction.
It is important to know how the process will work, including accessing the site, knowing what permits are needed and how to arrange for cable companies and other suppliers who might have underground wiring to mark off your property. Swimming pools also require safety features such as gate locks and appropriate fencing. Overhead wires are not allowed and often times tree limbs must be removed or trimmed. Cranes are required for accessing some spaces. Uneven yards may require additional dozing or retaining walls. If rock is discovered it can cost upwards of another $5,000 to remove the rock and free the space where the pool will eventually sit.
Not Just the Pool Guys
Derby City Pools has been able to establish a niche market in Louisville. “We aren’t just the pool guys,” said Fransen. “We only install fiberglass pools and we only install saltwater pools. We think that is where most people should be, and we have years of experience. We also know this is a luxury for most people and that to be completely happy, landscaping and hardscaping should be part of the project. What about pool lights for safe night swimming? Should you consider heating the pool to extend your season? What about automatic covers?”
While Fransen continued, the customer kept nodding her head. “We thought we’d spend maybe $50,000 and have this backyard oasis. We spent more, but we are confident the foundation and installation was completed in a professional and safe manner. We love the lighting and landscaping.”
Outdoor entertainment spaces are becoming one of the most requested pool add-ons for Derby City Pools. Kitchens with enough equipment and appliances to work independently from the main indoor kitchen, is often what customers want.
The Kitchen Is Next
“Derby City pools helped us with everything and every decision. We have this incredible ability to select the most expensive of everything from rocks to tile and Alex and his team gave us options. We really didn’t need rocks from Italy and we actually liked the ones from Tennessee better after they were shown to us. We decided we wanted to include a water and fire feature and we are so thrilled we did it when everything was a mess. We hadn’t considered that we’d need to run a gas line, but by discussing options, we made the right decision,” the customer said, “because the next step is the outdoor kitchen and you need gas for that! We look forward to working with the Derby City Pools team for that, too!”
