A Plan Pools customer walks through why they opted to build a pool, and what their experience with our experts was like.
When families in the Twin Cities consider adding an inground pool to their backyard, they often face months or even years of research, quotes, and difficult decisions. This is exactly what happened to one local family who had been thinking about getting a pool for "quite a few years" and had collected several different quotes from various contractors.
After comparing multiple options, they chose Plan Pools – and their experience perfectly illustrates why more Minnesota families are discovering that Plan Pools delivers the best value swimming pool construction in the Twin Cities.
"He was the one we liked the best from the start," the homeowner explains. But what made the difference wasn't just a good first impression – it was Joe's approach to understanding their specific situation and budget.
"Joe really met with us, opened our eyes and said, 'Hey, let's get this done this fall and I think we can make it work in the budget.' And we did it and it was the best decision we ever made."
This collaborative, solution-focused approach sets Plan Pools' design and consultation process apart from typical pool contractors who simply provide quotes and walk away.
What truly convinced this family was discovering Plan Pools' revolutionary ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) construction versus traditional steel wall pools.
"We were getting a better pool at a better price, better service. It was a no-brainer for us."
The homeowner observed the construction process firsthand and could see the dramatic difference:
"Traditional pools, they put steel walls in and there's basically dirt on the outside of them. We watched Joe install it and they put basically styrofoam insulation, they put rebar in, they pour the concrete and it's basically a concrete 8 to 10 inch barrier that helps retain the heat."
This superior construction method delivers measurable results that directly impact the family's enjoyment and operating costs.
The most impressive benefit became clear once the pool was operational. The energy efficiency of ICF construction delivered exactly what Plan Pools promised:
"Our pool heater turned on in May to heat the pool up and it's maybe turned on twice all summer long. It just shows how much heat the pool actually retained."
The homeowner had been concerned about ongoing heating costs: "I was concerned what's my gas bill going to be throughout the summer with a pool, a heated pool. And it's been almost non-existent, the difference between previous years and what it is this summer."
This real-world experience confirms Plan Pools' promise of 60% lower heating costs with ICF construction, allowing families to enjoy their pool more while spending significantly less on energy.
Beyond the technical advantages, this pool achieved the family's deeper goals for their home and relationships:
"We've been able to have friends and family over almost every weekend. We have a lot of family nearby, and we're the place to be. And that's what we wanted both now and even with kids moving forward."
"We want this house to be the place that everybody wants to come to. We want to host. We want to just bring joy to people through swimming, through hanging out."
The transformation was immediate and dramatic: "This backyard has definitely seen more action the last 3 months than maybe the last probably 10 years it's ever had."
Plan Pools' comprehensive approach goes far beyond installation. Joe guided the family through crucial decisions about placement, features, and customization:
"Joe kind of guides you right through the whole process... Joe basically said 'well hey, where the survey is, this is where it has to be' and that's important. You want to make sure that you're doing it right with the city so things don't happen later on."
The family appreciated the expert recommendations for features like their Baja shelf and easy-exit steps: "He was able to kind of say 'hey here's what we've seen a lot of customers like, here's what we've seen a lot of customers want to do.'"
This level of guidance is part of Plan Pools' customer-first process, ensuring every detail serves the family's long-term enjoyment.
One of the biggest surprises was how quickly the project progressed:
"It goes quicker than you think. I always thought, oh, it takes 6 to 8 months to build a pool. I mean, they had that pool dug and basically ready to go, except for the liner in, I don't know, 7 days."
"Joe's got a very efficient team of diggers, of landscapers, of plumbers, of electricians, and he's got them all lined up, ready to go."
This efficiency comes from Plan Pools' streamlined process and experienced team that handles every aspect of the project in-house.
Their recommendation is comprehensive and enthusiastic:
"Here's why I would choose Plan Pools:
"It's been the greatest decision of our lives, and we'd do it 10 times over. I can't stress enough how important it is to talk to Joe because you'll realize very quickly there is no better option."
This family's experience demonstrates why Plan Pools has become the leading pool contractor in the Twin Cities. By combining revolutionary ICF construction, expert guidance, competitive pricing, and exceptional service, Plan Pools delivers what other contractors simply can't match.
"First and foremost, I'd say do it. Just do it. We dragged our feet for 2-3 years. It's been the best decision we've made for our family, for our house."
If you've been considering a pool for your family, this story shows what's possible when you choose the right partner. The combination of immediate enjoyment, long-term savings, and family connection makes it an investment that pays dividends for decades.
Ready to discover why Plan Pools is different? Contact us today to schedule your consultation and see how we can bring your pool dreams to life with the quality, service, and value that sets us apart from every other pool contractor in Minnesota.