What is the difference between a pool estimate, a quote and a bid?
Builders and homeowners use the three words for the same sheet. Whatever you call it, say on it whether the price can change after measuring, how long it holds and what would change it.
Which lines does a pool estimate need?
Split the job into lines the homeowner can follow and you can check later. Each line gets a quantity with its unit, a rate and a note on what it covers.
- Measured lines: deck in square feet, coping and fence in linear feet.
- Counted lines: lights, handrails, ladders and equipment units.
- Flat lines: the pool package, permit handling and start-up.
- Allowances: a fixed amount for something the homeowner picks later, such as tile or a heater model.
How do you work out deck and coping quantities?
Measure the whole deck area, then take the water out. A 16 by 32 pool inside a 28 by 44 deck area leaves 28 × 44 = 1,232 sq ft, minus 16 × 32 = 512 sq ft of water, so 720 sq ft of deck. Coping runs the pool's edge: 2 × (16 + 32) = 96 linear feet. Write the measurement you used beside each line so anyone can check it.
Worked example: a 16 by 32 pool estimate
Sample Pool Company and its rates are fictional. They show the arithmetic, not market prices.
- Pool package, 1 × $48,000: $48,000
- Travertine deck, 720 sq ft × $12: $8,640
- Coping, 96 LF × $35: $3,360
- Pool handrail, 1 × $850: $850
- Tile allowance, 1 project: $2,500
- Total: $63,350
- 10% deposit to begin: $6,335
How do allowances work on an estimate?
An allowance sets aside a fixed amount for a choice the homeowner hasn't made yet. Write what it covers, when the choice is due and how a higher or lower pick is settled. On a PoolQuote proposal an allowance line shows Homeowner chooses, Choose before and what happens if the pick costs more.
Can you build the estimate in PoolQuote instead?
PoolQuote builds the same lines from your catalogue. The 2D site plan fills the measured quantities, and each line shows its working, such as "720 sq ft × $12 = $8,640". A line with no measured quantity stays "Waiting for a quantity" until someone enters it. The homeowner gets one link with up to five options instead of a printed sheet.
Send your next estimate
Print the worksheet for your next site visit. To send it as a priced proposal with pictures of the pool on the homeowner's yard, select Get started to choose a plan, or book a demo. The guide to pricing a pool job covers rates and margin.