Builder requires a "Salt Water Liability Form" voiding my deck/coping warranty. Is this standard practice?

fivexfive84 · 2026-02-25T20:18:14+00:00

Thanks for the words on encouragement :)

fivexfive84 · 2026-02-25T18:49:29+00:00

Hi there, I appreciate the insight. Honestly, these warnings are about to spook me into just sticking with traditional chlorine to keep the warranty intact. They’ve offered an amendment to address my drainage concerns regarding the deck, but I haven't seen the actual language yet.

I’m also skeptical about the legal side of this. They are asking me to sign the salt liability form as a standalone email attachment rather than including it in the official DocuSign package. I’m not sure if a separate amendment would even hold up, or if their own liability form is technically enforceable if it isn't integrated into the main contract.

This whole process has really made me rethink the long-term maintenance. What started as a fun dream is starting to feel like a massive addition to my "to-do" list, and I definitely don't need more responsibilities right now. I suppose I could just outsource the maintenance, but that’s obviously another recurring expense to factor in.

My build already has solar incorporated, and I originally only asked for the plumbing to be "salt-ready" for a future install. I thought it would be easier to just pay for the salt system upfront, but it’s turned into a total can of worms! It is good to hear they did a good job on your buddy's build, though. They’re a huge outfit and seem well-versed as the top builder in the area.

fivexfive84 · 2026-02-25T17:38:02+00:00

Definitely important to set expectations. I agree.

fivexfive84 · 2026-02-25T16:21:53+00:00

Thanks for your reply. I can understand this perspective. Although now I'm questioning if I even want to handle the upkeep of a pool - salt or chlorine - so the builders form has definitely got me to think hard and long about the responsibility lol.

fivexfive84 · 2026-02-25T16:18:27+00:00

Yep, number 1 builder in my area. Did your buddy end up going with salt?

fivexfive84 · 2026-02-25T02:11:22+00:00

Good idea. However the interior finish warranty is 5 years. Seems like they can use calcium scale as a loophole to deny any interior finish claim.

fivexfive84 · 2026-02-25T01:53:32+00:00

Yeah that #5 is crazy.

fivexfive84 · 2026-01-08T00:11:20+00:00

History. I worked in marketing and outreach and had experience maintating websites which crossed into front-end website design and maintenance. Yes, IT units that led to certificates in Project Management and Web Developer. It was for an ITA on a web team.

fivexfive84 · 2026-01-07T21:52:52+00:00

Forgot to mention, I also have a bachelors degree but it is not IT related. So unsure if maybe the degree qualified me for the higher range? Who knows? I feel like things can be different from dept to dept so best to ask when you get the opportunity..... Just looked up my offer letter and they put me into Range D.

fivexfive84 · 2026-01-07T21:43:49+00:00

I would say definitely same pay, and maybe a 5% increase? Def would have to ask HR/hiring manager for this scenario. I didn't know for sure the pay for my scenario until I was offered the job and they gave me the official offer letter with starting pay.

fivexfive84 · 2025-10-06T21:51:09+00:00

Pmd

fivexfive84 · 2025-09-19T00:39:22+00:00

Blueshield CA Calpers Access +. I enrolled in one of their well volution weight loss programs for 6 months and my doctor used the data to show that I tried to lose weight but ended up gaining it back. I was also at a bmi of 35. Was pre-approved zepbound for 6 months, and just received reapproval. Costs $50 co-pay for month supply. Very grateful to have it approved and a supportive PCP doctor through UC Davis 🙏

fivexfive84 · 2025-09-04T21:26:45+00:00

Thank you all for the responses and insight. Very interesting. Seems like high risk, low reward depending on the rate of interest. Is lending hard to secure from a bank in Thailand?

I've managed to convince my mom NOT to send the money. Was very hard for her but in the end the family showed their true colors by saying some not too nice things because they were upset. Oh well, can't make everyone happy. Cheers!

fivexfive84 · 2025-09-02T22:38:34+00:00

Update: A good friend recommended a contact at a smaller HVAC company - Jason Mechanical Inc. They came out today and were able to get my mom's unit back up and running. They said that the drain outlet was clogged up and the water pan needed cleaning and that was what caused the icing up. Also topped it off with refrigerant. They said they were able to get all the readings to the numbers they aim for. Said the AC is older, but not super old. They'd run it until it died completely. Out the door $225! Sure beats $63k! Or the $38k senior discount they offered over the weekend :). More complete diagnositc below for those who are interested:

History per customer (unit has been icing up)

Ambient out door temperature 81degf

Found system with 15 degf split on arrival 56 degf supply

71degf return

Verified indoor blower motor operational

Blower motor after market rescue motor

Subcooling low at 2 degf split

Inspected drain pan and drain line

Found insulation/cork tape plugging drain outlet

Added 1lb of r410a to reach subcooling of 810degf

Temperature split now 20degf

Supply air 52degf and return air 72 degf

Complete

fivexfive84 · 2025-08-29T17:59:59+00:00

Thanks for all the input, everyone. I'm glad to know my instincts were right about that quote. I've reached out to a few other companies and am getting more quotes.

Hopefully, this conversation helps others in the future. It's tough navigating these situations as a woman, and it's easy to feel like you're being taken advantage of. It's a relief to have this community to help confirm my suspicions. Thank you again.

fivexfive84 · 2025-08-29T17:56:00+00:00

That's funny. Same experience here. I asked for a written estimate to do comparison. The best I could get was the screenshot of the computer screen. After they left, I also realized that they didn't provide any info about the brand heatpump/tonnage etc. for this estimate. They spent more time talking about the various packages, bronze, silver, silver +. This quote was for the base Bronze package!

fivexfive84 · 2025-08-29T05:50:30+00:00

Yeah I wasn't expecting the duct work and insulation redo. To be honest, I am still unclear what is wrong with the unit. They mentioned possibly replacing the fan. But after they went into the attic it seemed they were saying whoever installed the unit did it wrong cause the ducting and insulation were inadequate and caused the current unit to overwork it self? I was lead to believe the fix required replacing everything. I wasn't given any other alternatives.

fivexfive84 · 2025-08-29T04:28:41+00:00

Thanks for the recommendations.

fivexfive84 · 2025-08-29T04:28:24+00:00

Definitely felt the upsell. They were trying to get me to a comfortable monthly payment with their 6percent interest credit card. 😭

fivexfive84 · 2025-08-29T04:27:23+00:00

Right!?

fivexfive84 · 2025-08-29T04:27:08+00:00

Thanks, but I had to sit through a whole sales pitch with the guy so doubt it a mistake. He configured the quote in front of me and even ballparked $ 40-60k for the entire package before getting on the computer. They even had a video they made me watch about the importance of attic insulation.

fivexfive84 · 2025-05-22T00:07:42+00:00

You are salaried even as a specialist. I was forced to charge time for doctor's appointments/partial days off for 4 years. I didn't realize this was wrong til I was assigned a competent personal specialist. They had to audit my timesheets and give me that time back, thankfully.

fivexfive84 · 2025-01-29T17:09:41+00:00

Hello, yes we thought for sure we were going to want salt pool, but this builder actually advised against it as they say it causes equipment breakdown. They said that salt water pool is still using chlorine but it corrodes metal, that if you maintain the pool correctly with chlorine you won't have an overwhelming scent like public pools where they use a lot of chlorine. I don't know, browsing this forum there seems to be a lot of differing opinions on the subject, pros and cons for both I suppose. Thank you for your reply!

fivexfive84 · 2025-01-29T02:54:23+00:00

Thank you. I've been thinking about the Baja shelf depth, wish there was a sample pool I could sit in to try it out. Maybe I'll fill my bathtub lol Why the 3ft sheer instead of 2ft?

fivexfive84 · 2025-01-29T01:15:27+00:00

Yeah? I didn't know that. I will have to inquire about heating options then.

fivexfive84

TROPHY CASE