Check what is actually described.
Compare the pool model or dimensions, finish, equipment, deck quantity, and selected options. Make differences explicit before choosing.
Pool costs & project scope
The investment.
In full view.
A pool is one part of the project. Understand the property work, selections, equipment, and surrounding space before you compare a total.
Your preferences guide the design. A written scope describes the products, quantities, responsibilities, and work being proposed.
Read beyond the total
Compare the work.
Find the questions.
Use the same eight topics to record what each written proposal says and what needs clarification.
Two proposals · Your review
Your scope worksheet.
Choose a status for each topic and proposal. Specified records that the work is described in writing.
Selections stay on this page. Copy your notes before leaving.
What do the five statuses mean?
- Not reviewed
- You have not assessed this entry yet.
- Specified
- The work is clearly described in the written scope. Read the actual terms and responsibilities with the project team.
- Allowance
- The proposal identifies an allowance. Clarify what it covers and how selections or quantities affect the final scope.
- Excluded
- The proposal excludes the work. Clarify who is responsible and how it connects to the project.
- Unclear
- You need written clarification of the work, assumptions, or responsibilities.
Review the eight topics below to begin your notes.
Review my notesDifferences are counted only when both entries in a topic have been reviewed. The count does not rank either proposal.
Ready for your next conversation
Your scope discussion notes
These notes record your selected statuses and questions to discuss. They are not a submission, recommendation, or guarantee. Confirm the details against the actual proposal with the project team.
Copy your notes before leaving this page.
Read the assumptions.
Separate fixed selections from allowances and estimates. Ask what changes if selections, quantities, or site conditions differ.
Know the responsibilities.
Review payment terms, the change process, warranty terms, and completion details. Ask for unclear items to be explained in writing.
Understand the moving parts
Similar pool sizes.
Different project needs.
The construction method sets a starting point. Your property, equipment, selections, and the finished space influence the work involved.
Compare pool approachesThe pool itself
Method, model or dimensions, depth, entry, interior finish, and selected features shape the construction scope. Compare available fiberglass models with the layout choices for gunite and vinyl liner.
Your property
Delivery and equipment access, ground conditions, grade, drainage, utilities, and the route to the pool area can affect preparation and installation. Photos begin the conversation; the property needs its own review.
The finished space
Coping, decking, lighting, covers, barriers, landscaping, and the connection to your home belong in the overall plan. Identify what is included and what needs separate pricing.
Equipment & options
Pump, filtration, heating, sanitation, controls, and selected features change the package. Ask for the products and accessories to be identified clearly, with installation responsibilities.
A reference for the written scope
Eight areas.
One complete picture.
For each area, confirm the work, who completes it, what is excluded, and what remains open.
These are planning categories, not standard Burton inclusions. Your project documents confirm the agreed work.
What to check in each scope area
- Pool construction
- Method, model or dimensions, depths, steps, interior finish, and attached features.
- Site preparation
- Excavation, soil removal, access preparation, protection of existing areas, and restoration afterward.
- Equipment & utilities
- Selected equipment, plumbing, electrical connections, gas or other utility work, and responsibility for each connection.
- Pool edge & decking
- Coping, deck material and area, drainage details, and transitions to existing paths or patios.
- Covers & barriers
- The intended cover and barrier arrangements, related preparation, and responsibility for applicable approvals.
- Approvals & coordination
- Plans, applications, inspections, association approvals where applicable, and coordination with separate contractors.
- Startup & handover
- Initial filling, startup, equipment orientation, care instructions, and documents provided at completion.
- Allowances & unknowns
- Open selections, allowance amounts, site assumptions, exclusions, and how additional work is reviewed and priced.
Beyond the installation
Make room for
life with your pool.
Ask how your equipment, surface, cover, and service preferences affect the care you will arrange and the operation of your pool.
Discuss pool care with Aquarius- Routine care
- Water testing, treatment, cleaning, and supplies.
- Seasonal work
- Opening, closing, winter preparation, and service you plan to arrange.
- Operation
- Electricity, heating where selected, and water use for your setup.
- Future upkeep
- Equipment service, cover care, and eventual liner or surface work where applicable.
Before you set the budget
Good questions
bring the plan into focus.
Explore the property planning guide Do I need a final budget before I contact you?
No. Share a comfortable planning range if you have one, along with your priorities and the features you are considering. You can begin with questions, photographs, and your town or ZIP code.
Which pool type is the least expensive?
A fair comparison needs the property and complete scope. Size, access, finishes, equipment, and surrounding work can change the result. Review the three pool types, then compare project-specific proposals and the ongoing care each option involves.
Can I plan the work in stages?
Discuss the complete wish list and identify your first priorities. Ask which items can be added later, which preparations should happen during construction, and whether future access could disturb completed work.
How should I budget for a renovation?
Begin with the existing pool’s condition and the work you want to retain. A liner or finish replacement has a different scope from a coordinated update to coping, decking, equipment, and surroundings. Ask which concerns need investigation before pricing and how work uncovered during the renovation will be addressed. Explore renovation planning.
Your next conversation
Bring the priorities.
Work through the scope.
Start with your location, what you would like to build or change, and the questions that matter most to you.