Analysis paralysis- building a new inground swimming pool for the family

[PSU95alum]

I'm just starting the process of finding a pool contractor, and as it turns out, I jumped the gun getting into the "pavers vs concrete" debate. Lol.

I'm now back to square one and debating on what type of pool to build- vinyl, fiberglass, or concrete. I originally thought I was going to do a concrete pool, now I'm not sure.

I've read countless articles, talked to several contractors, and watched numerous videos that go into great depth as to the pros and cons of each type of pool:
- initial cost
- ease of maintenance/ownership
- cost of maintenance/ownership
- durability
- size and shape
- timeframe for construction
- the list goes on

It seems the more I "learn", the more unsure I become. And god knows if you talk to 10 different pool "experts", you get 10 different opinions.

Of course, this is very typical of me. When I do something new or allocate for a major expense/purchase, I try to become a "subject matter expert" (in my own mind, at least), to the point of getting analysis paralysis. Why in the hell do I do this to myself!?! I guess I know the answer. If funds were endless, I would jump in feet first without testing the waters (pardon the pun), and if I missed, who cares? I would just spend more money to correct the miss. But alas, funds are limited and I don't want to regret my choice after dropping loads of cash on this money pit (insert joke here about regretting to build a pool in the first place). What to do, what to do????

 

[massimoManca II]

I feel for ya’ as I tend to behave the same way...

FWIW - Next door my neighbor has a gunite pool that was put in in 1961...

If you have no plans on relocating - I’d pour the extra $$$$ and do it right

 

[PearlSUJam]

I'm just starting the process of finding a pool contractor, and as it turns out, I jumped the gun getting into the "pavers vs concrete" debate. Lol.

I'm now back to square one and debating on what type of pool to build- vinyl, fiberglass, or concrete. I originally thought I was going to do a concrete pool, now I'm not sure.

I've read countless articles, talked to several contractors, and watched numerous videos that go into great depth as to the pros and cons of each type of pool:
- initial cost
- ease of maintenance/ownership
- cost of maintenance/ownership
- durability
- size and shape
- timeframe for construction
- the list goes on

It seems the more I "learn", the more unsure I become. And god knows if you talk to 10 different pool "experts", you get 10 different opinions.

Of course, this is very typical of me. When I do something new or allocate for a major expense/purchase, I try to become a "subject matter expert" (in my own mind, at least), to the point of getting analysis paralysis. Why in the hell do I do this to myself!?! I guess I know the answer. If funds were endless, I would jump in feet first without testing the waters (pardon the pun), and if I missed, who cares? I would just spend more money to correct the miss. But alas, funds are limited and I don't want to regret my choice after dropping loads of cash on this money pit (insert joke here about regretting to build a pool in the first place). What to do, what to do????

Plant a garden. You'll work less and get something out of it. And when your kids grow up, you won't have to fill it in with something.

 

[BudatPSU]

Build the pool and buy a black speedo.

 

[Lion8286]

I'm just starting the process of finding a pool contractor, and as it turns out, I jumped the gun getting into the "pavers vs concrete" debate. Lol.

I'm now back to square one and debating on what type of pool to build- vinyl, fiberglass, or concrete. I originally thought I was going to do a concrete pool, now I'm not sure.

I've read countless articles, talked to several contractors, and watched numerous videos that go into great depth as to the pros and cons of each type of pool:
- initial cost
- ease of maintenance/ownership
- cost of maintenance/ownership
- durability
- size and shape
- timeframe for construction
- the list goes on

It seems the more I "learn", the more unsure I become. And god knows if you talk to 10 different pool "experts", you get 10 different opinions.

Of course, this is very typical of me. When I do something new or allocate for a major expense/purchase, I try to become a "subject matter expert" (in my own mind, at least), to the point of getting analysis paralysis. Why in the hell do I do this to myself!?! I guess I know the answer. If funds were endless, I would jump in feet first without testing the waters (pardon the pun), and if I missed, who cares? I would just spend more money to correct the miss. But alas, funds are limited and I don't want to regret my choice after dropping loads of cash on this money pit (insert joke here about regretting to build a pool in the first place). What to do, what to do????

How many swimming pool threads is the OP going to start? This is embarrassing. Seriously, do your own research.

Blue-White game can't get here soon enough.

 

[PSU95alum]

I feel for ya’ as I tend to behave the same way...

FWIW - Next door my neighbor has a gunite pool that was put in in 1961...

If you have no plans on relocating - I’d pour the extra $$$$ and do it right

Why must we do this to ourselves? I envy my friends who can just pull the trigger without countless weeks of stressing over it.

 

[PSU95alum]

Plant a garden. You'll work less and get something out of it. And when your kids grow up, you won't have to fill it in with something.

Haha. Good point. But, when you have a wife that doesn't ask for much- what she wants, she should get.

 

[PSU95alum]

Build the pool and buy a black speedo.

 

[PSU95alum]

How many swimming pool threads is the OP going to start?

Ummm, 2.

This is embarrassing.

I'm sorry Richard Cranium.

Seriously, do your own research.

I am, Rick Medulla Oblongata

Do yourself a favor...put me on ignore.

 

[PeetzPoolBoy]

Why must we do this to ourselves? I envy my friends who can just pull the trigger without countless weeks of stressing over it.

I hate to post this, but you’ve become the new “Ranger Dan”.

You asked this esteemed board for advice on “pool surrounds” and then proceeded to summarily dismiss (sometimes argumentatively) most every piece of advice given to you, almost as if you decided on a “preferred installation” before you even posted.

Very unbecoming. Don’t be like “that guy” .

 

[PSU95alum]

I hate to post this, but you’ve become the new “Ranger Dan”.

You asked this esteemed board for advice on “pool surrounds” and then proceeded to summarily dismiss (sometimes argumentatively) most every piece of advice given to you, almost as if you decided on a “preferred installation” before you even posted.

Very unbecoming. Don’t be like “that guy” .

I hate to be argumentative and summarily dismiss your criticism of me, but I think you might want to reread that thread. I most certainly did not “summarily dismiss most every piece of advice given” to me. Furthermore, I was not “argumentative” with anyone. Finally, I did not decide on my preferred installation prior to posting.
I took a lot of great advice from that thread and am thankful for it.
I think maybe you read the thread with a mistaken tone, possibly a tone that you are accustomed to using yourself? Go back and reread the thread with a smile on your face and appreciation in your heart and see if the tone changes at all.
Perspective and paradigm.

 

[massimoManca II]

Why must we do this to ourselves? I envy my friends who can just pull the trigger without countless weeks of stressing over it.

Christ - my dehumidifier shatt the bed and I now know which brands / models are available at each retailer.... time to choose as the next one I buy is the one they’ll bury me with

 

[ClarkstonMark]

Concrete. Salt water. Hot tub as well.
Done - now just make a decimation already.

 

[Whaaaaaaaany]

whatever you choose, make sure you put a $50,000 fence around it