Which Pool Builder Builds Real Value?

Yes, you can buy a generic gunite swimming pool for about $50,000. You might think it’s a bargain—a $100,000 gunite pool at half price. You may then ask, “Why buy a custom Luxury Vinyl Liner pool built by Budd Pools & Spas? I can get gunite for less.” To find the answer, let’s consider another question. Which pool builder builds real value: the low-price gunite pool builder or the luxury vinyl liner pool builder?

Are you buying on first cost or lasting value?

A new in-ground pool is a long-term investment, and that makes choosing a low-price pool builder a risky first cost error (also called “Initial Cost“). Low first cost construction is an advantage for those who won’t be faced with the long term consequences of low-quality materials and workmanship. It can be a competitive advantage for the builder and a liability for the homeowner.

A low-price, high-risk story

This is a story we see all too often when it comes time to sell a home with a problem pool: Not long ago, a young family bought a house with a gunite pool. They’d really wanted a pool, and they loved the house and neighborhood, but their home inspector (thankfully) found the pool needed major repair, estimated at $50,000. That’s right, the minimum to fix the pool was as much as it probably cost to build that low-bid gunite pool in the first place.

To save the deal, the homeowner dropped the price $40,000 and made concessions worth about $10,000. For the owner, a pool built to enhance their home became a $50,000 liability. Even with the costly discount, the seller was fortunate to find buyers willing to take on a major pool renovation.

A happy solution for the new owners

When the new owners retained Budd to renovate the pool, we did a full evaluation and estimate, including equipment and design improvements that would enhance the pool and make the surrounding area more livable. Including the upgrades they chose, the entire restoration project totaled $80,000.

Know the real costs for quality pools

A well-built gunite (or Budd shotcrete) pool costs $100-500,000—more for some luxury outdoor living projects. A Budd Luxury Vinyl pool costs $60-80,000, and $100,000 gets you into a luxury outdoor living project. On the other hand, that bargain $50,000 gunite pool could get you into a high-risk situation.

Think about the value you could enjoy if you bought a Budd Luxury Vinyl Liner pool. There’s the pure joy of enjoying your pool, season after season. Then there’s the lower cost in time and money to maintain the pool. Finally, you needn’t worry about your pool when it’s time to sell your home.

To discover the real value, ask these questions

Whether it costs $50,000 or $80,000, buying a new in-ground pool is a significant long-term purchase. When setting your budget, think long term:

• What is the annual cost to keep everything in good repair (and keep your pool’s value)?
• Does your pool builder have a reputation for cheap work or building pools that last?
• Will the builder provide custom design and engineering for every project it builds?
• Can the builder offer pool opening & closing, weekly water care, and pool maintenance?
• Will the builder be there in the future if you need professional help?
• Will you continue to value your pool long after you paid off the construction loan?

7 ways Budd vinyl liner pools combine value and luxury

If you have a home in South Jersey, the answer to “Which pool builder builds real value” is  Budd Pools & Spas. In our more than 65 years of experience, we’ve been called on to restore too many poorly built,  low-cost, plastered gunite pools. You don’t want to learn the hard way that a discount gunite builder can’t match the value of our custom vinyl-lined concrete pools. Following are seven good reasons a Budd Luxury Vinyl Liner pool is your better value.

1. The Budd design-build-maintain process: Our Budd Quality by Design process guides every pool project, from the design to construction, and servicing your pool.
2. Custom pool design: Your Budd Luxury Vinyl pool fits your yard and your budget. Each plan is site-specific. We’ll determine your yard’s contours and potential building constraints. We’ll show you the optimum location for your pool, discuss your options, and make the best choices to keep you on budget. A low-bid gunite builder builds every pool from a generic design like every other pool.
3. Budd Luxury Vinyl pools are built to last: Your Budd vinyl liner pool walls are built with concrete and steel and meet or exceed the highest pool industry standards. Your bargain gunite pool walls will likely be built to a lower standard, often below the minimum.
4. Your Budd vinyl liner pool can be built in 4 weeks: No reputable pool builder will say they can build a gunite or shotcrete pool in 4 weeks. A typical Budd Ultra Luxury shotcrete pool project takes 4 months to build, more for large outdoor living projects.
5. Budd vinyl liner pools are easier to maintain and require fewer chemicals: Where gunite pools should have expert care, vinyl liner pools are more DIY friendly.
6. Budd vinyl liner pools have a smoother finish: A plastered gunite pool can turn rough without frequent water testing and treatment. Vinyl liners start smooth and stay smooth.
7. “It looks like gunite”: Just like gunite, you can have pool-wide steps, sun shelves, water features, and a spa; plus, you can pick custom pool colors. Budd vinyl liner pools say luxury, just like gunite. Don’t take our word for it. See for yourself here.