Luxury Fiberglass Pool Articles

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 sign. Read More...

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! Read More...

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 pool installer. Read More...

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. When OUPS is notified of an excavation they notify all of the utility companies that are listed as having lines in the work area. Those cable, phone, and electric lines are marked by location services that are hired by that utility company. Read More...

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.

The main features of an auto cover is that they keep the pool safe, increase energy efficiency, and keep the pool clean. The not so obvious benefit is that an auto cover can also serve as your winter cover saving you the cost of a winter mesh cover. It also means you don’t have to drill the holes in your deck that are needed for a winter cover. If you choose to go this route (and it really is a great way to go) there are a few things you will need to keep in mind and pay attention to through the fall closing and the winter season. Read More...

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. Read More...

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. Read More...

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 connection. Read More...

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. Read More...

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. Besides meeting with three or four "pool guys" is frankly time consuming and not that fun. Read More...