[Pool Bids Negotiable?]

My wife and I just went through the same process. We had 4 people come over and give suggestions. I asked each to give me a detailed itemized quote, broken down by section (ie. such as pool, lighting, landscape, fence) and then each item under that section ie. pump type, filters, type of lights, type of pool, concrete, etc.).

This way we could be sure of everything we would/could get (a checklist), understand why we needed it and what to expect from each contractor when the job is complete. A checklist is extremely important! We had 2 of the contractors not supply the information, which let me know they most likely had something to hide and I wouldnt want them in the end anyhow.

Ironically, after finding that our expenses went from an expected 25k to around 40k, with taxes and finance charges, we decided the kids and the two of us can wait a few years.

Ask questions, get answers, document everything and understand the process. Its your money and you should invest it wisely to get exactly what you expect.

Be sure to check their quality of work by visiting a site or two as well. And keep in mind their quote generally does not include landscape, exterior lighting if desired, fencing and some concrete.

[Pool Bids Negotiable?]

My husband and I are getting three bids for an inground pool. While we have never had a pool installed, we assume the price has some degree of negotiability, but how much? We want to be fair, but also don't want to be stupid. We are concerned that what we are looking at on paper now (we already have two bids), may grow beyond our expectations as the project unfolds due to options we haven't even considered yet (upgrades to pool lighting, finishing, for example.) We want a cushion in our financial commitment to account for this.

Also, it is difficult to compare the two bids because costs on one bid seem to be "included" or standard on the other bid.

We could really use some advice on this initial, slightly overwhelming, aspect of the process.

Thanks!

Karen

[First Time Tub Owner]

I have a brother who has had a tub for over 15 years and tried numerous chemicals, he currently uses Bromine in his tub and likes it - he has 2 children.

I recently purchased a new tub and got the Chlorine beginners kit. I have 2 children, 3yr and 7mo., of which the 3yr old has exzima. I tried to switch from Chlorine to SoftSoak, a non-chlorine chemical (through a retailer, not where I bought my tub). To make a very long story short - after trying SoftSoak I now have to rebuff the entire tub and the tub was "down" for over a month while I got it back to "usable". It was a close call not to take the retailer to court, so that tells you how that went.

I am now back to Chlorine and thrilled to be so. I have also learned to accurately balance my chemicals to my satisfaction, which is key.

[First Time Tub Owner]

I have just recently purchased an Arctic Spa Cub Designer Tub after several years of looking at different designs and manufacturers, this one seemed to be most suited to my family. What i am looking for are suggestions on chemical use. It comes with the standard ozonater (I did not opt for the "Peak Ozone" as i really don't see a need for it), and i have a 2 year old daughter, with another on the way who will be using the tub (the newborn will have to wait awhile, but my 2 year old just loves hot tubs as we go to my in-laws all the time, and it's great to relax her muscles since she has mild cerebral palsy). The store i bought my tub from is setting me up with a chemical package and some "training", but after reading through the many posts here it seems as though there are people with many years experience with great input. What types of chemicals would be best to use in my spa? (Chlorine vs. Bromine . . . i like bromine since it isn't as caustic as chlorine, but is it possible to keep a tub clean with kids probably peeing occasionaly in it and using bromine? Or would I have to put so much bromine in that i may as well stick with chlorine?). Also, i've read that different chemicals are better for certain spa shells. I'm not exactly sure what my shell is, i know i have the microban type shell, but that's about it. Thanks for any input the more experienced can give me.

In addition, i've read a lot of posts from people looking to buy and asking what type of spa to purchase and what not to purchase. Although there are a few brands out there i would stear clear from after much research, I won't name them. After about 3 years of looking at my options, i decided on an arctic spa for several reasons: The seating arrangement, comfort of seating, company reputation, types of jets, and of course the knowledge and reputation of the local dealer. My inlaws have a different brand of spa (and it's full foam), it's a great spa as well, but i didn't like the seating arrangements that company had. So for all those out there still looking, i've found it's a matter of personal taste and while there are a few to stear clear from, don't close the door on options and wet test if possible (any reputable dealer will allow you to do this, almost all in my town told me to drop by sometime and hop in a tub to try it out).

I look forward to being a new member of this board and thank everyone for insights and tips!

[Soft Soak clean up question]

I've read a number of Soft Soak issues posted and even replied to a few before registering.

After fighting for 4 weeks with trying to balance Soft Soak and its sticky residue grime sap left on my tub's water-line - this includes 6 times of draining the tub, multiple visits to, and water testing by, the retailer and adding more chemicals and waterline controllers and pipe/ tub/ chemical cleaners etc. - I now just want to place my spa back to normal and run Chlorine again without the hastle.

Can anyone suggest an effective and safe cleaning process that takes off and out all the Soft Soak residue grime sap? I had the spa empty until I noticed the sap was hardening so now the tub sits "on" with it full of water to keep the sap soft.

Help appreciated - lesson learned!