A-4: Budgeting for a pool environment is somewhat like shopping for a car.
There are different model categories at significantly different price
points. The price varies by the quality category as well as the features and
options built in. Similarly custom pools are endless in possibilities, both
from visual as well as performance and maintenance features that can be
built in. So first of all you need to determine what budget category is
appropriate for you financially and for the residence from an
investment point of view. Then develop a wish list for the pool, the patio
setting, and property landscaping. There will be some landscaping
challenges to be met as foundation work in some cases will impact the
budget. The budget will evolve from the various project components, and
obviously the wish list has to be in relation to the determined budget
category. So in summary, the budget is arrived at by a combination of "top
down" (ie: budget category level) and "bottom up" (cost of each wish list
segment) determination.