Is $1,600 to pool startup with hot startup method a fair price?

I am mid-renovation on my pool and have chosen a contractor whose renovation quote was substantially lower than my local pool company. I am concerned about the contractor's practices, as he previously tried to set waterline tile during freezing temperatures. He quoted $1,600 for the pool startup, but I decided to have my local pool company handle it for $650, as they service my pool regularly and are nearby. The contractor then asked if they would do a 'hot startup,' which my local pool guy advised against, stating it's not recommended and not following best practices. My pool finish will be NPT Aqua White Mini Pebble with PR blend glass beads and abalone shell. I've read that a hot startup can make the finish look better initially but may cause issues later. I feel like the contractor should be advising me, not the other way around, and I want to protect the finish long-term. I'm nervous working with him but too far in to back out. My finances are tight, and I'm trying to be informed to ensure things are done properly. The contractor lives over an hour away and didn't really want to do the startup, even encouraging my husband and me to do it ourselves. He seems upset that someone is advising me against his method. I just want to make sure things are done properly.