Conventional Pool With Endless Pools Fastlane

[Casimo]

I am about to start the process of building a pool in my back yard. I've contacted several pool builders and have scheduled appointments for them to come over and talk about design & budget. The only one feature that is a must have for me is the Endless Pools Fastlane. Does anyone have any experience with this in a conventional inground pool?

Also, I live in the Houston area and have contacted Houston Cool Pools, Platinum Pools, Marquise Pools, and some others. Does anyone have any experience with any of these pool builders?

Casimo

[txpoolguy]

It appears that the "fastlane" that you refer to is commonly known as a swim-jet, so you can swim against the flow of water & not just back & forth in the pool. Most reputable builders will be able to accommodate you on this feature, although it may not be the same name-brand that you mention. I'm not from Houston, but I know the reputation of Platinum Pools in North Texas. They'll take care of you.

[Casimo]

Thanks HTA. Although, I am installing an actual Endless Pools Fastlane unit. The Fastlane is the unit that Endless Pools sells to be installed in either an existing pool or a new construction conventional inground pool. I have heard of other "swim jets" and it sounded like they weren't as effective. They key difference is the flow of water from the Fastlane is very large and also laminar, where the flow from "jets" would be not as strong and most likely turbulent. I took a test swim in an Endless Pool in my area and was very impressed with the performance.

When I talked to Platinum Pools, it sounded like they have installed those units on other conventional pools, so that's a plus for them. However, I have also heard some horror stories about them.

[txpoolguy]

You'll hear the horror stories about every builder. It's not that every one of them is dishonest, just that not every job goes as we all would wish. Remember that YOU are the one who will manage your build. If you stay on top of the details, all generally goes well. Make sure you get to know the construction supervisor for your pool job. Unfortunately, sometimes regardless of the best efforts, things happen. Be patient but firm with them on all details & it should go well.

As a reference, I heard a story last week about a homeowner who purchased a "swimjet" from a builder who really messed it up. He installed another pump with 3 standard pool returns & called it a "swimjet". It doesn't work. Since you already know the specifics of the exact product you're purchasing, you're ahead of the game.

[shyswimmer]

Hey Casimo, what were your given estimates to have an endless pool installed?

[Casimo]

Hey Casimo, what were your given estimates to have an endless pool installed?

My pool builder quoted $500. They're not a licensed installer though. They went over the install with endless pools and it seemed easy enough, but ultimately they suggestedted that I go with a licensed installer. They contacted one for me and set up the meeting. This guy had installed several. He quoted me $875. The pool builder told me that he told him something like $1400 over the phone, but when he came to the house and saw it in person I guess he was able to give a better quote. Having been a part of the entire process except every step except for the last one, I can tell you it didn't seem complicated at all. My pool builder could have probably easily done it, and for a lot less. With a licensed installer, you're paying for experience, literally. He barely supplied $50 worth of material and spent a total of 20 hours on the project (granted that a lot of that time was spent waiting on the pool builder to finish a step, for example he was there almost the whole time the gunite was being shot to make sure the pieces for the endless pools were in there correctly).

End product is amazing. Pool is done. Fastlane works awesome! I will post pics of it all this weekend.

Casimo