Over the last several weeks we have met with many families that are looking for a new pool and are excited to order. Over a dozen of those families have reported they have had encounters with Columbus pool installers that are asking for 40% OR MORE of their contract as a DOWN PAYMENT. Two families reported that they were asked for 70% down. That much money is absolutely not need and would suggest that the installer is cash strapped. BEWARE. That much money is a HUGE warning s

Good question, and we get it somewhat regularly. We call this recycling a hole. It's possible but not a cost savings measure. It is delicate, harder, and more expensive than if there was nothing in the back yard in the first place. Sorry. For many that doesn't matter. People love their pool and are ready to renovate their back yard.

The IntelliConnect from Pentair is a handy piece of automation designed for the 'simple pool.' It offers pool owners basic automation via a wi-fi connection and the 'Pentair Home' application, giving you control of you pool systems anywhere in the world. It has a lot of horse power when you consider what it is, AND what it costs.

The Lux Capacitor (yes we are Back To The Future fans) is a device that is installed on your pool filtration equipment that offers a few special and unique benefits that may seem like magic. At its core, the Lux Capacitor is a device that creates structured water. It is passive, so it requires no power or servicing, and will last nearly indefinitely.

For decades the pool industry preformed backyard consultations with clients. The pool was painted out in the grass and some flags were placed to represent the pool corners and concrete apron. In the early 2010's this became less important with the development of 3D design software but many pool installers continued to meet at the house. Why?

Over the last few years, the pool industry has shifted to ONLY focus on START times for projects. The covid boom trained consumers (and contractors) to talk about how far they were booked out and focus on when the project would start. That has been damaging to the pool business. The start date should be discussed, but isn't knowing when things are going to be DONE more important? Recently, a lot of projects have been started, and MANY projects never completed.

Draws and down payments are a very large and important part of a construction project. The way a pool installer sets up draws should be carefully considered. It is important that neither the pool builder nor the client is ahead or behind the other. Otherwise, it could end up creating a hostage situation. If a pool contractor is not good with finances, they may be cash flowing other jobs with YOUR money and at some point be unable to complete jobs. You don't want to be the las

In Ohio there is no sales tax on the installation of a fiberglass pool. At least there shouldn't be. In Ohio the builder should be paying sales / use tax on everything that is purchased and used on the installation when the items are purchased for your project.

Including a spa in your pool space can add a lot of class to your project. Before you decide, it is important to understand how the spa will be controlled and operated. There are three ways to plumb and operate a pool / spa combo in your backyard. A passive system, a split system, and a dual system.

Over the last several years fiberglass pool manufactures have responded to client demand and pushed the limits of splashpads and integrated tanning ledges. This has ultimately evolved into the zero or beach entry design. These zero / beach entry pools look great and it's easy to see yourself laying there in a few inches to a foot of water taking in the sun and enjoying an umbrella drink right? Of course!

For decades gas heaters have been a staple in the pool industry for a warm pool and for extending the swim season. For decades these heaters have made nearly no improvements to efficacy and only modest improvements (if any) on their exchanger materials. Heat pumps on the other hand developed over the last 10-15 years are more efficient, more reliable, and last 2 – 3 times longer. There is almost no good reason for an owner to install a gas heater as they largely benefit the p

While installing swimming pools it is not uncommon to hit or damage underground utilities such as internet cable, cable TV, phone lines, and of course down spout / sump pump pipes that go to the street. Though we do our very best to work around those items, more often than not there is damage that will need to be addressed. It is the law to call OUPS (Ohio Utilities Protection Service) 72 hours before any excavation takes place.

An automatic safety cover is probably the most common addition to any fiberglass pool. We install an auto cover on over half of the fiberglass pools we build.

Like it or not we live in a world where government seems to be involved in everything with an unquenchable thirst for control, money, and power. With the recent decline in construction type projects this has meant that building and zoning departments have found themselves with even MORE time to scrutinize projects that are going on in an effort to further justify their own existence.

Taking care of a salt pool is no different than any other type of pool. Your Alkalinity, PH, and available chlorine all need monitored. Understanding the way the system works and that this is s means of MAKING chlorine rather than purchasing will help you understand how to take care of it.

Next to "Why should I buy a fiberglass pool?" The second most common question I get is, "How much does a fiberglass pool cost?" A simple question but, unfortunately, not so simple of an answer.

I am often told by future clients that they have several estimates for their new pool and they know they are comparing apples to apples. They typically believe they have a firm grasp on the features and the scope of work they are comparing. Unless they have some experience in the construction industry, the truth is they're usually lost. It is only after I review the quotes with them do they understand not only what is included, but more importantly they understand what is not

Contrary to what we have been taught in today's economy, 'sales' are bad. In most situations, it means the price was too high in the first place. When people ask me "Is that the best you can do on this?" Yes is always my reply. We spend a lot of time estimating and more importantly reviewing completed jobs so we can improve and keep tabs on costs. We line item every penny of our jobs and that's how I am able to give my best price the first time.

I am told regularly by clients that they "fully understand that a pool will only devalue my house and I will not get any money back out of it." I find this fascinating because usually the customer will go on to say that they are currently "looking at a couple of houses with pools" OR that they bought their current home because they wanted a pool and couldn't find any houses that had pools they felt comfortable with. Despite making those statements they fail to see the connect

As you are putting together you new pool and living space one of the things you will be looking at is what to do about a cover. Though on the surface this may seem like a very basic component the truth is it's NOT. There are many different options when it comes to winter covers and you will absolutely get what you pay for in each.