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.

Via Phone call: 'How long will an auto cover last?' Asked a customer this week. 'I have read that they can fail in a few years. Is that true?'

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.

Not all concrete aprons are created equal. Some of the things that set a quality job apart are the use of cantilever coping, rebar, fiber reinforcing, saw cutting, and of course decorative stamping!

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.

Planning a design concept for your swimming pool project can seem like a tough task and even a bit overwhelming to some. There are a lot of decisions that need careful consideration.

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".

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.

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.

For some mysterious reason when it comes to home improvement there seems to be an unspoken 11th commandment. "Thou shall not engage in home improvement without a minimum of three estimates." (I can almost see Moses taking notes and looking confused) I don't know where that came from OR what benefit it serves at least anymore. Most people with a little internet research KNOW what they want and who they want to work with.

The easy answers are yes and absolutely! When it comes to purchasing a swimming pool, most people first focus on size. Though size does matter features matter more. The way you and your family will use your pool will determine what feature make sense for you.

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!

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.

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.