Why do people purchase salt chlorinators? I honestly think that most are sold because of hype. Misinformation by both pool "guys" and pool owners alike flood the internet and make these systems out to be the "magic bullet" to pool maintenance. There are people that have been told and or read that a salt pool takes care of itself and they don't have to test it!!! That simply is not the case. These systems are handy and convenient in that you don't have to purchase chlorine.

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

Spring's the best time to build an inground swimming pool right? WRONG . I'm not sure how the idea became so common, but for some reason most people think the spring is the time to build pools, fences, houses, landscapes and other outdoor project. The truth is there is absolutely not a harder time to build a swimming pool, or anything else outside, than spring. The reasons, though simple, may not be so obvious. Weather Don't wait until it's too wet In the Midwest spring come

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In the pool industry this saying most certainly applies to the use of use and installation of sump tubes. Sump tubes are pipes installed at the deep end of a pool that run vertically from the pool deck to the very bottom of the pool floor. Diameters may vary, but it must to be large enough to allow for a sump pump to be placed into the well – typically 8".

So you want to install your own fiberglass pool. OK. For most people the prospect of installing their own swimming pool means savings. The process of installing a fiberglass pool is not that difficult. Most mechanical people after a glance over some installation pictures have a basic handle on it. Dig, set, backfill, form and pour the concrete. Let's face it $10,000-$15,000 in potential savings can get about anyone's attention.

Once you've got your base installed, it's time to set your shell. This can vary in complexity depending on the size and type of your pool as well as the equipment you're using. Small and medium pools can be set with excavators, a couple straps and a spreader bar to rig with. Smaller pools are typically stronger and easier than larger pools. The larger the pool the more delicate straight walls can be.

There are many options on concrete. Stamped, colored, skinned, broomed, acid wash, to name a few. What's important is that you have a concrete apron around the pool to hold the shell in place. It may be covered by pavers or stone but you must have concrete connecting to the pool and extending to virgin soil for structural reasons. In addition to having concrete you must also bond the concrete to the shell with rebar.

I often hear from clients and fellow builders alike how much they "hate" the building department and the "stupid" inspectors. They usually follow up such statements with a story of a specific inspector and how "dumb" he was and why something did or didn't apply to them and their project and go on to say how they just won't get a permit next time. Now, I have absolutely have had my tiffs with building departments and inspectors...

Unfortunately the pool business has a reputation for being a bit of a sleazy industry. It is riddled with one man operations that call themselves "pool builders" and for either lack of knowledge, ability, or because they are simply crooks, screw the average home owner and give our industry the reputation we have today.

One of the more common questions I get is: Do you do salt pools? The short answer is yes I do. What I have come to realize however is that there is an abundance of misinformation and lack of knowledge out there when it comes to what a salt pools is.

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.

One important consideration when selecting your pool and designing your living space is how you're going to use it. For most people the pool is a place to cool off and socialize with friends. Despite that many people when they initially come to us thinking about their new pool they tend to focus on wanting a DEEP pool because they have tall friends. On the surface you would tend to think that if you and your friends are average height (5-8 to 5-10) you would want a pool that

"So how far out are you scheduling right now?" Asked an excited pool owner to be. "It depends" I replied. Many people ask how many pools we have in queue and where they would end up on the list. The truth however is that we don't operate (as it would be totally impossible) on a "first in first out" basis. There is a chance that your project could be a lot quicker than simply going to the end of the line. Once we have all the components we need we get started!

The answer is it doesn't have that much bearing on the installation cost. 3 reasons. (1) Efficiency - For some weird reason our efficacy increases out of town. I think our guys simply have a heightened awareness for a project that is out of town and they work more efficiently because they want to get done and go home. They also don't forgot much, if anything. When we are "at home" it's not as big of deal to "get it tomorrow." The team as a whole tends not be quite as diligent

As I talk to customers each day about the benefits of fiberglass vs. vinyl swimming pools I find myself sometimes just saying the words and not really thinking about the TRUE benefits of fiberglass. Sure the whole easy maintenance thing is a huge and REAL benefit as are the integrated bench seats and stairs, as is the gorgeous color! But the real benefit to most clients is the sheer durability. It most cases it's taken for complete granted or not even realized until they own

If and HOW you're going to heat your pool is a definitely a consideration when you are planning your project. If a heater is in the budget I highly recommend heat pumps. They are by far the best and easiest way to heat your pool. If not many people ask if they should get a solar cover. My answer is no. Though they absolutely work to heat the pool as well as retain heat at night, they have other shortcomings that I think are not worth it.

When testing your pool water for "available" or "free" chlorine (CL) you are measuring the amount of chlorine that is in the pool and is ready to attack a waste. If your test indicates 0.0 CL there may be chlorine in the pool working to sanitize the pool BUT there is no extra, "Free", or "Available" chlorine to attack new or additional waste. In this state it is possible to have a perfectly clear and clean pool as well as SMELL chlorine (really chloramines) but not have any C

The easy and short answer is...'Sometimes' and or 'It depends' particularly when a safety cover is the proposed barrier. The complication stems from the multitude of building departments, zoning departments, and different guidelines at each. For some homeowners a lack of any governing department at all may actually work in this case to their benefit.

Yes you heard me correctly. There are people that should in fact buy a vinyl liner pool. I estimate that somewhere around 5% of residential pool buyers should look at installing a vinyl liner in ground pool. There are some customer that have a project parameters that just cant always be accomplished with fiberglass pools. This segment of the market is typically going to fall into needing one of the following:

The truth is that a crane is almost never needed to install a pool. In fact all it really does is increase the risk and the cost of the project. The neighbors may get a charge out of it and it may be thrilling for the pool guy but in my opinion it's reckless and unneeded with the right planning, diligence, and patience. See what can happen when a crane is misused...