YES, YOU CAN!

Subcontracting your own swimming pool is not rocket science. If you've ever made dinner reservations or scheduled a vacation, you can build your own pool. Owner Grown Pool Plans will provide the experience and expertise, custom-designed CAD plans and systematic instructions. We will guide you through obtaining permits and contacting the subcontractors. You will always know what to do next because we will make sure you do!

Many people are surprised to know that it is a lot less frustrating and more time efficient to build your own pool than to hire a pool company. Plus, you will know the pool is being built correctly because your city or county always provides in-process inspections. If you so desire, superintendents are also available for hire to watch over the building process, although this option is rarely needed.

Building your own pool is an immensely satisfying undertaking; you'll be glad you chose this money-saving route!

WHY THIS WORKS.

Most pool companies do not actually build swimming pools. Instead, they subcontract their projects out by accepting the most competitive bids, and then add on their 'managing' fees. It is just a fact that the lower the incoming bids, the higher the profit is for the pool company. Obviously a pool company is in business to make money; their basic criterion for doing anything is profit, which is excellent for them but more costly for you.

OwnerGrown Pool Plans is a consultancy company rather than a licensed contractor. We don't have anything to markup because we are not selling supplies or subcontracting anyone. Instead, the process is simplified: we design your dream pool (with you) and the subcontractors build it. This means you avoid unnecessary middleman markups and keep the money you would have given to a pool company.

Pool companies substantially inflate the prices of pool equipment and typically offer a limited range of recommendations; usually based upon whichever equipment company offers them the greater profit margin. In contrast, we have no affiliation to any equipment company and therefore base our recommendations solely on experience and past customer satisfaction. Through our guidance, your equipment will be purchased at near wholesale prices from the plumbing and electric subcontractors or by sourcing it yourself.

Buying at wholesale prices and acting as their own contractors, our clients typically save 20% to 30% over pool company estimates. This savings is often applied to additional special features, such as a rock waterfall or fiber optic lighting, or even a larger pool! It's like getting those special options for free!

JUST A FEW EASY STEPS.

The first step is tremendously exciting! Owner Grown Pool Plans will help you design your own dream pool. We will assist you through the process by detailing available options and equipment. After that, we will provide professional plans that you'll fax to each subcontractor using the list we provide, and wait for bids. This can be a lot of fun. Then, following our guidelines, you'll decide which subcontractor you want to use for each phase of your swimming pool project.

Always make it your standard practice to ask as many questions as you need in order to feel comfortable. Do not base your choice of subcontractor or equipment entirely on price. You may find that you communicate better with one subcontractor over another or one may be able to offer a better timeline. After you have made your choices, call and make arrangements. It's really that simple!

WITH A BIG ADVANTAGE!

One real advantage you have when subcontracting out your own swimming pool is in controlling the process. Because you are in charge of scheduling your project, your pool may be finished in as little as 30 to 45 days from the date of excavation. We've seen examples of this regardless of the time of year. One of our clients completed his project in only 17 days, while another was in his pool 23 days after excavation. Both pools were completed during the month of May, which is normally considered the busiest pool-building time of the year!

'Pool season', or the busiest time of the year for pool building, is usually just before summer. Pool companies typically focus their energy towards large construction accounts that send them literally hundreds of pools annually. Often the individual homeowner is given low priority, which translates to a pool that takes months to construct. However, when you schedule your own pool, you are in charge of when your subcontractors report to you. While we do not promise that your project will go as quickly as 17 or 23 days, you are more likely to have it done in a timely manner and according to a set schedule.

Another reason to build your own swimming pool is the flexibility it offers. If you want to make changes to your pool, such as adding more decking or a few more scuppers, there is no red tape involved. Just communicate what you require directly to your subcontractor - it's that easy.

A SAFER WAY TO GO.

Many experts in the pool industry feel you get a 'better' pool as an owner-builder. By law, when any Arizona licensed subcontractor builds your pool, they must provide a minimum two-year warranty on their individual part of the job. Because of this, they are more likely to pay attention to specific details, rather than assume the pool company would be held responsible because it holds the 'qualifying' license.

Occasionally, a pool company goes out of business in the middle of building a pool. Clients are left with unfinished pools, for which they most likely have already paid. The larger pool companies are usually fairly stable, but even some of those have gone out of business in the last few years, and the trouble is you cannot tell which ones are in trouble.

When you build your own pool through Owner Grown Pool Plans and a subcontractor you hired goes out of business, chances are that either the work hasn't begun on your job or it was already completed - most phases take just a couple of days. If your subcontractor has completed the job, you are protected by the State regulatory board and may receive compensation if necessary. If the work was not yet started, you may simply find another subcontractor. Your best protection is to pay only for fully completed work.

HIRING SUBCONTRACTORS.

Just as attorneys and doctors specialize, so do subcontractors. A house plumber is not the same as a pool plumber. A trench excavator is not the same as a pool excavator. Get to know the person you are hiring: check licensing; check references. If you decide to find your own subcontractors rather than follow our recommendations, make sure that your subcontractors are licensed and bonded. You can check online at: Arizona Registrar of Contractors.

ABOUT OUR COMPETITION.

In addition to their higher fees, our competition may require you to purchase pool equipment exclusively through them. They sell this equipment at their retail, which is typically 40%-100% higher than wholesale. In contrast, we prefer that you save as much as possible and we do NOT earn any commissions from either equipment sales and we do NOT accept kickbacks from any subcontractors. On our web site, you will find a frequently updated list of wholesale pool equipment prices available in Arizona, which you may use for comparison-shopping. In addition, we will guide you to where you can purchase your equipment at wholesale outlets or through plumbing and electrical subcontractors that typically add a minimal markup.

MEET JEANNE SCOFIELD!

Jeanne Scofield graduated summa cum laude ("with highest honor") from Arizona State University in 1985, with a degree in education. She was on the dean's list at both SMU and ASU. Her career focus after graduation was as an analyst for some of the top corporations in America.

Since 1996, Jeanne has been providing her pool-building consultation services to owner-builders throughout Maricopa and Pinal counties in Arizona. As it is always a joy to stay on top of the latest pool technology and building trends, Jeanne loves what she does!

By utilizing her natural-born teaching skills, Jeanne has throughout her career made the most complex processes into something that can be easily understood by anyone. Plus, with her focus on in-depth analysis, she has never been one to accept the common path. If there is a better way something can be done, Jeanne is ready to research and improve upon it, while maintaining the highest standards possible.

Call and arrange for a meeting with Jeanne and allow her to educate you on the best possible choices for your situation and dreams. She will guide you through a process that, not only will you enjoy, you will also avoid the typical pitfalls many first-time builders encounter. Now, here is to your best pool experience ever!

LET'S GET STARTED!

The owner-builder is fast becoming the trend in pool construction. Since our inception in 1996, we have only had positive reviews from homeowners who have used our services. We would be pleased to offer references upon request. Our clients enjoy autonomy during the process and great pride in their 'owner-built' swimming pool or spa.

Call us now! You will be glad you did!

OwnerGrown CUSTOM POOL PLANS — Call now
and let's make your dream pool an affordable reality !