I build pools in DFW and would be willing to travel but obviously wouldn't be your cheapest option.
Here's some things to look at/think about before you choose a builder.
- look at wall & floor thicknesses between builders, minimum is 6", I personally do at least 8" walls & floor
- Same for the steel cage, minimum is 3/8" (#3) at 12" on center. I do 1/2" (#4) at 8" on center
- tile isn't a big deal, but I'd recommend epoxy grout if you do anything other than 6" tile.
- don't use flagstone or limestone around saltwater unless you either want to watch it deteriorate into your pool or seal it every year
Finishes:
There are lots of options for plasters out there. Your low end/entry level will be a marcite plaster, typically either white, white with crushed quartz, or colored.
After that you're probably loooking at a quartz finish. These are my favorite as they hold color well and aren't as rough as a pebble.
Following that up, you're looking at a pebble product, there's lots of different brands out there these days, but PebbleTec still seems to be the most popular some builders may try and sell you on a different brand because it is cheaper for them. I would ask your builder if they were there installer is tech approved vendor. And then I would confirm that with PebbleTec if you choose to go with that and finish.
Lastly is going to be polished finishes. If you're familiar with Terrazzo flooring, that's what it looks like in the pool. They install a pebble finish and then they polish it smooth.
Feel free to email me if you have any questions
kb at NW-pools dot com