Gunite Pool Builder Recommendation--OKC?

[BronchoSilverback]

Can anyone recommend a reputable and reasonable gunite pool contractor in OKC? The two businesses I have contacted thus far have quoted me prices of $65-$70k for a basic, no frills pool with diving board, roughly 18X36. I assumed I could do this for $35-$40k--am I delusional? I, and especially the two expensive midgets who are driving this whole endeavor, would greatly appreciate any help!

[Bellaboo]

Try Tidalwave in Norman. He did a gunite pool for me back in 1992 and was very reasonable and good. This is the time of year to make a deal......pool prices are negotiable keep in mind.

[BronchoSilverback]

Bellaboo, thanks, I really appreciate the rec!

[ctchandler]

BronchoSilverback,
Cardinal Pools built my pool in 1980 and I was pleased with their work. I think the price was competitive too. That's a long time ago, so I don't know what they are like now.
C. T.

[BronchoSilverback]

Thanks C.T.! They are the third builder I met with, but no bid yet.

[ctchandler]

BronchoSilverback,
My pool is 16' X 39' in a wedge shape so it's 14 1/2' wide in the deep end and 18 1/2' wide in the shallow end, depth is 3 1/2' in the shallow end and 9 1/2' in the deep end. Diving board, no slide and no heater. It cost $12,300 in 1980. I can't believe the prices you are seeing, but it has been 33 years!
C. T.

[BronchoSilverback]

C.T., it sounds like you got a deal. My first two bids were from high end companies who tend to do work in the wealthier neighborhoods. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Cardinal.

[Jeepnokc]

Terry Sanford with Speedway Pools. mainly pool service company but he build a couple of pools a year. He built mine last year and I want to say the initial pool for basic pool was high 30's to low forties but we ended up adding heater, fountains, tanning deck, remote controls, nicer tiles and a lot of concrete so we ended up quite a bit higher so can't give a better price comparison.

His number is 745-7557. Been in business many years and runs several service crews so not fly by night.

[BronchoSilverback]

Thanks Jeepnokc!

[ctchandler]

BronchoSilverback,
It actually was a little high in 1980. I suspect today's prices are comparable when adjusted for inflation.
C. T.

C.T., it sounds like you got a deal. My first two bids were from high end companies who tend to do work in the wealthier neighborhoods. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Cardinal.

[Garin]

Fox Pools - Mike Sanford

[Stinger]

Do you all know if any of the companies mentioned can install an automatic pool cover? I have an existing automatic cover that needs replacing and I'm having trouble finding someone to do it.

[ctchandler]

By the way, I have a desire to get rid of my pool and the quoted price for a complete removal, electrical, plumbing, concrete/gunite, not including landscaping is more than I paid for my pool in 1980, $12,500. If it sounds crazy, I lost my wife in 2005 and it has not been taken care of since 2004 when she was diagnosed. I don't believe in swimming alone (my lifesaver training) and it's too expensive to keep up when it's not being used.
C. T.

[mobstam]

Bringin this thread back from the grave.....

We've recently decided to explore the possibility of putting a gunnite pool in the backyard. Does anyone have experiences (good or bad) with specific companies?

We've talked with a few companies already and received some bids. Prices are fairly similar, but construction methods (wall thickness, size of re-bar, etc.) differ enough that we wonder which company makes the best product.

[BLJR]

Bringin this thread back from the grave.....

We've recently decided to explore the possibility of putting a gunnite pool in the backyard. Does anyone have experiences (good or bad) with specific companies?

We've talked with a few companies already and received some bids. Prices are fairly similar, but construction methods (wall thickness, size of re-bar, etc.) differ enough that we wonder which company makes the best product.

Mobstam, we put in a gunnite pool exactly 1 year ago. We used Blue Haven. I think they did a great job on the construction aspect and the pool itself, but service, communication, and everything else since then has been less than impressive. I honestly think if they put forth some effort in customer service, coupled with positive marketing, they would be the real deal, and even make more $$$. If you want to talk, send me a PM and we can discuss. We live near SW 119th and Meridian, and you are welcome to come check it out if you like.

Bryan

[gopokes88]

Bringin this thread back from the grave.....

We've recently decided to explore the possibility of putting a gunnite pool in the backyard. Does anyone have experiences (good or bad) with specific companies?

We've talked with a few companies already and received some bids. Prices are fairly similar, but construction methods (wall thickness, size of re-bar, etc.) differ enough that we wonder which company makes the best product.

I like johnsons or blue wave