FAQ

A lot of people are shocked when they get the answer to this question, when it specifically applies to their yard. Do not spend a lot of time deciding on and getting excited about a swimming pool until you get the answer to this question.

It starts with your plot plan. You would have received one with the purchase of your home. It will show the property lines along with setbacks and easements on your property. In addition to those specifics, you need to know well and septic locations. If you do have a septic system, it may or may not show on your plot plan. If it doesn’t show, you will need to identify the tank and well field locations. A septic reserve area, is an area that can vary from home to home, and is an area set aside for future potential use where no construction can take place this area must also be identified. Proximity to the water and a forest retention area can also be a factor. A call to the municipality you live in might be necessary to clarify any of these potential issues, this is something we are happy to do for you.

Fiberglass and vinyl pools go in the fastest. Either one of these can be full of water in as little as a week. A concrete pool can take considerably longer because there are so many sub-contractors used and they have to be coordinated and scheduled appropriately. Obviously, the weather prior to and during your construction will also be a major factor. Of course, all of this occurs after permitting and projects in front of you are completed. If a contractor tells you they can start right away, you should ask yourself two questions: 1. Are they telling me the truth or are they telling me what I want to here to get my contract and 2. If they can start right away, why don’t they have any other work? It is reasonable to expect that a respected, competent contractor will have other work under contract and may take several weeks before they could begin your project.

The time of the season is also a big factor. Don’t start the process in May and expect to be swimming in June. Remember, this is a major investment that affects the biggest investment you have, your home, so don’t make a rash or compromised decision to gain a couple of weeks.

Can’t sugar coat this one. This is major construction, with a great big hole in your backyard. The weather will also be a factor here, not only as it relates to the duration of your project but the amount of mess as well. Rest assured though, both during construction and when completed, we will remove our trash and debris and leave your yard nicely graded.

No, not at all. We will have to coordinate certain meetings regarding the location and elevation of your pool and equipment location. We will need electricity and water at all times during construction, and at some point the electrician will need access to your main circuit panel in your home to complete the electrical wiring, but all of this will be coordinated with you.

Absolutely, in many different ways! One of the simplest ways is the light. Using an LED or series of LED lights will cut your cost of operating a light by up to 70%, will last up to ten times longer than an incandescent or halogen fixture and give you an incredible rainbow of color in your pool. In addition, programmable electronic controls, two speed or variable speed pumps, a heat pump instead of a gas heater and a solar blanket are all elements that will make your pool green (environmentally green that is, not, you know, green water :)).

In addition to all of these options, the single most significant option you could add to your pool to make it an environmentally green pool is an automatic cover. An automatic cover is very expensive; however, it dramatically reduces surface heat loss, reduces evaporation, prevents debris from getting in the pool, reduces chemical use, reduces filter times, can dramatically extend your season and even more important than all of those features, makes your pool safe. With all of these savings, and despite its cost, an automatic cover typically pays for itself in 4 to 5 years, and provides immeasurable piece of mind.

If anyone has ever told you that it was a nightmare to take care of their pool, I can promise you 9 times out of 10, they simply didn’t do the preventative things necessary to take care of it. Maintaining proper water balance along with when you open and close your pool are two significant things that affect how much maintenance is necessary. These are all things that we can help educate you on both on site and in our store.

Today’s improved filtration systems, automatic sanitizers and automatic cleaners are all features that can greatly reduce the maintenance you need to do. A pool is a luxury for most people and we don’t want luxuries that are high maintenance, so it is important that you balance your budget between the aesthetics that you want and maintenance features that you need, so that you spend all of your time enjoying your pool and not taking care of it.

Clearly, a lot of those choices are personal preferences, such as shape, size and whether to incorporate a water feature or not. The most common features that many of our customers include are heat pumps, salt sanitization systems, safety covers and an automatic cleaner. Other features you should strongly consider are, our exclusive deep heat system, an automatic cover, LED lighting, a love seat, paver patio, brick coping, and the most overlooked option, professional outdoor lighting. These are just a few of the features we can offer you. We will be happy to discuss them in more detail at your convenience.

Again, like many features related to a swimming pool, personal preference is the first consideration. You will probably want a pool to not only be practical but aesthetically pleasing as well. Other things you need to consider are: What shape fits best in my yard, how many people will routinely be using my pool, how deep do I want it, is the pool for play, exercise or both, do you plan to entertain in your pool a lot or is it primarily for family use, how does the shape compliment my home and how does the shape and or size fit in to the existing elevation and landscaping. All of these issues we look at and take into consideration and can make recommendations on during an in-home appointment.

Yes, financing is available. The most common form is a second mortgage based on the equity in your home with terms up to 20 years and rates as low as 4.5% for qualified buyers. There are also programs available for up to $50,000 unsecured, again for qualified buyers. The best way for you to know what program is best for you and what you might qualify for is for us to put you directly in touch with our financing experts.

There are several different companies that will truck in water for your pool if would like or it is necessary. We work with most of them, and can coordinate the one that can serve you best based on your location.

Obviously, our most frequent question. Unfortunately there is no simple answer. It’s sort of like asking, “How much does a house cost.” There are dozens of variables that affect the price of a swimming pool. What type of construction, location, size, access, options chosen, and on and on. So, as you can see, without getting many of these answers from you and a site inspection, it would be impossible to give you an accurate price online or over the phone.

With that being said, we can provide you with a wide general range. A small, basic vinyl liner pool can start for as little as the low 20s, and pools can range from there to well over $100,000. Just remember that when you here prices in that very high price range, the pool itself could be as little as 25% of an entire, more elaborate project involving hardscaping, pergolas, lighting, water features and many other options.

Again, not a simple answer. (Trying to get the tough ones out of the way first.) Pools are a very personal choice. Some things such as hardscaping and lighting can actually return as much or more than your original investment. The more you incorporate a pool into an outdoor living space that is multi-functional, as opposed to a detached one dimensional pool in the back forty, the more appealing it would be to others and the more return you will get on your investment.

Like many other choices in life, the right pool isn’t the same for everyone. There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the right pool for you. Factors such as budget, how many people will use the pool, how long you plan on staying in your current home, and many, many other considerations. The right type of construction for your friend or neighbor may not be the right one for you.

All three types of in-ground pools, concrete, vinyl and fiberglass, have their pluses and minuses. Whatever you do, do not talk to a builder or builders who only build one type of pool! Obviously, a builder that only builds one type of pool will sell against all other types, but one of those other types, might be the best option for you. So, in other words, talk to a builder or builders that build more than one type of pool so that you can make an educated decision as to what’s best for you.