11
Aug 11

When Price Supersedes Quality

It is important to make a list of priorities for your Pool and Outdoor Living Project.  A few things that should be on that list are as follows:

Quality, Design, Price, Timing and etc.  Note that Price was one of the priorities on the list, but not the top priority.  Of course, price is important.  I have never worked with a client that didn’t have a budget at some point, however, I think that price has no place on the top of the list.  If so, you are already done reading this and I have lost you!

You have to admit Quality, Dependability, Reputation, Design and Service have their place too.  All these elements must be in balance to achieve the ideal backyard project.

Remember a Good Deal is a State of Mind!

That means getting all of your priorities met at a level that you are comfortable with long term.  Keep in mind buying and installing a pool is not like buying a car.  You don’t get to see it, test it or trade it in if you don’t like it!  Its permanent and the only two ways to get rid of it that I am aware of are to tear it out or sell the house and try again.  Who wants to deal with that?  I recommend getting a maximum of 3 bids from licensed, reputable pool builders.  Take the time to check them out!  Do your homework.  Make an appointment to see pools they have built and sites that are under construction. Talk to some of their clients past and present {not hand picked}. Share your priorities and concerns openly with the pool company representative.  Test their knowledge and confidence.  Study the process and be educated!  They should be able to take your ideas and expound on them. They should also be able to bring good sensible ideas to you that maybe you had not considered. Your comfort level with your potential pool builder should be stress free and positive.  Any lack in communication and attention to your needs are probably a sign of things to come.  Go with your gut instinct! Any investment in your property is worth the time and trouble to go through the proper procedures of selecting a contractor and design that you can enjoy for years to come.  The construction process should be relatively easy and pain free.  I can assure you I have heard countless horror stories of good deals gone bad.  Don’t be a future unhappy customer as a result of trying to save a few bucks now.

Invest wisely and consider the big picture.  For example – what is the difference overall in the cost for the entire scope of the project.  I would bet its less than 5% in most cases.  Simply not worth the risk.  Study our website. There are many pages and segments designed to educate you and help you make a good quality decision on who is best for your Pool Project.

Check out the following pages on our website:

What to Expect, Selecting a Pool Builder, Construction Basics 101, The Construction Process, Frequently asked Questions and Why Us?

 

 

01
Apr 11

Swimming pools from the ground up!

Excavation is the first major step in the construction process of your new pool. I think (in general) if things start off right there is a better chance of things turning out right at the end. Of course this has to be the rule throughout, but your first step and your initial approach as a whole will likely set the tone for things to come!

Proper excavation of the pool sounds simple however it is critical to the long term integrity of your pool. Here are a few reasons why.

First you must establish a grade or overall height of your pool coping and deck. Take into consideration potential steps and riser heights, drainage, type and thickness of coping  etc. Once a grade is established you will form the perimeter of the pool outline itself, taking the width of your structural pool beam into consideration when framing. I recommend a minimum of 12″inches. So for instance if your pool is 15′feet wide when finished it should be 17′feet wide from inside of forms at excavation,  and so on.

Your depth should be over excavated to allow for approximately 6″ of washed stone, 8″-12″ inches of concrete and 3″ of tile above the waterline. For a total over dig of about 18″inches plus or minus an inch. Therefore a pool with a shallow end depth of 3′ feet’6″inches finish to waterline should be excavated approximately 5′feet over all.

It is very important not to over dig past your finish grade or calculated depth and corresponding proper over dig depth. I have seen in some cases where a pool is grossly over dug then back filled with loose excavated soils. This is a poor practice and certain future trouble because it is difficult to re compact the soils to a satisfactory level. There fore I recommend any over dig be replaced with washed stone. Once the pool is excavated and shaped and your washed stone and forms are in place, you are ready for the next step.

Check in next week as we will be discussing the next step and each step through the whole construction process.

Note: We recommend minimum of 2×2 stakes and 6″ wide form boards for the pool and spa perimeter, in many cases more substantial form work is required.

Please leave comments or ask questions, and feel free to contact us for more details.

21
Mar 11

Spring is finally here and in full swing!

This time of year is typically the busiest for new pool construction as well as remodeling. Due to the economy, over the last couple of years it seems there is a trend developing. That trend indicates that more families are opting to stay at home and install a pool and outdoor living space as opposed to taking a vacation away from home. Another trend is instead of building a new home people are renovating their current home and adding a pool and other outdoor amenities instead.

Some of the advantages to these trends are:

  • An investment in your residence will come back to you
  • Its a tangible asset that you can enjoy all year
  • It is very convenient to enjoy

This is the right time to start your pool and outdoor project. Besides the great weather that is on its way, the lending rate is rock bottom.

Lets get started!