Hi! I can't recommend any builders in that part of town as I'm in Cypress but welcome! As for Salt vs chlorine - we went for salt as I have eczema and salt systems have always been better on my skin. I've been told salt can erode the rock if it is not treated and sealed regularly but if you stay on top of it and seal it every year it will be fine.

We were in the same boat as you and didn't really know where to start so we looked at pools that we liked then took the plunge and got a pool builder round. It really helped to ask what they would recommend and see what was and wasn't possible. We got lucky with the first PB we spoke to (he's building our pool as I type) but would recommend speaking to at least a few so you can figure out the ones that are just trying to sell you particular items/products and those that are making sensible recommendations based on their experience and knowledge of pools.

see my posting re: BBB and do not use the builder mentioned there. FWIT, one of the reasons I picked the builder was b/c he lived in my area. Well, that didn't work out and I've found several good people that live further away. It may be that the more pertinent question is: will there be a supervisor or foreman looking at my job and how often will he/she be here? When checking references BEFORE signing contract, verify w/ past customers about presence.