tgianco

Hello, My family is getting down to the wire on deciding between three companies to build our in-ground pool in the Sacramento, CA area. Since this will be my first pool, we (my wife and I) are learning on the run. Besides the pool, we're doing our whole backyard as one giant project. The pool itself will be on the smaller end, 315-325 sq ft. We know we want salt water, solar power (we're southwest facing, so we're golden), a big cabo ledge (for all the kids) and a waterfall. We also don't want to skimp on equipment, so we're trying to decide between the Jandy ePump (with corresponding equipment) and the Pentair 4x160 variable speed pump w/ Intelliflo, etc. Any thoughts on the differences when it comes to performance and utility costs? We'll be doing a lot of stamped concrete as well with a built-in gas firepit (gas run of about 80 feet with another stub for a future outdoor kitchen) and a bocce ball court (32x8... I know, not near regulation but enough to have some drinks and some fun) with some basic landscaping (no sod... I am one LOW-maintenance dude). When I look down the line items, it's funny how certain items are different. A couple of other questions: 1. would you expect the smaller, local company to be lower cost or more expensive than the big, mass producer? 2. what other considerations should we be looking at that a new pool buyer should ask but might usually miss?