New Swimming Pool Construction - Things to Consider First!

Building a New Swimming Pool

During this tough economy, every dollar countsSo, when undergoing a substantial decision, like purchasing a [new swimming pool, swimming pool, new pool, pool], one should make sure that ones finances are spent wisely.  When considering to hire a company to build a new swimming pool, your choice should be a careful one.  There are many ways to install a new swimming pool, and some of these methods are not a good long-term solution.  Some swimming pool companies specialize in some of the best construction techniques for building a new pool, while other companies focus on building cheap & quick pools for their clients.  The single biggest decision in buying a new pool is the selection of the swimming pool builder.The actual design, planning, material selections and layout of the swimming pool project is a close second place.Here are a couple items that you need to heed prior to building a new pool.

Hiring a Pool Company -This is probably one of the most important steps, so you need to do the most research on the actual pool company before hiring them. Pool and Spa contractors are notorious for being some of the most scandalous contractors in the construction industry. For the easy fact that any hungry contractor can build swimming pools with a pickup truck and a few subcontractors.  For this reason alone, the new pool buyer should find what type of company they are hiring, and performing research on the size and history or the business will unveil the most.  Here are some simple suggestions to consider when making a swimming pool contractor selection:

1. Years in business - choosing a pool contractor that has been in business for less than 3 years is high risk.  It actually takes many years for pool problems to become evident, so you could be hiring someone on the edge of some serious issues.  Only hire a swimming pool company that has been building pools for more than four years.
2. Size of Company - the size of a swimming pool company can reveal a lot about the actual business.Since a swimming pool company only needs a truck and a list of subcontractors, finding an actual company that has employees is key.  Having employees, sales team, or an office staff is a tell-all showing that he is committed to sustaining a good pool company.
3. -Licenses - Many cities demand a swimming pool license before a pool builder can build a pool and spa. Arizona pool contractors actually have to show 5 years of experience in building pool before they can get a license. In fact, it’s probably the most challenging of any licenses to achieve. Make sure your pool builder has the proper licenses necessary to construct swimming pools legally.
4. Pool Business Reputation - It’s an simple task to go online and do some fact finding on the builders you are hiring.  Check with local pool associations, National Pool Associations (APSP - Association of Pool and Spa Professionals, the Better Business Bureau, or any other means of contractor reviews.
5. Business Reputation - When undertaking a huge investment like a pool and spa, it’s better to hire a pool builder that looks professional. Paying attention to the appearance of a companies vehicles, employees, office locations, and website are all ways to determine what quality of work you should expect.
6. Pool Building Techniques - There are many methods to build swimming pools. Understanding the techniques on how that pool contractor designs and builds swimming pools will help you consider if that swimming pool business is for you.
7. Go with your GUT - There’s a lot to be said of “human instinct”, so after doing your research on the company, it’s staff, and it’s techniques - just go with your gut feeling!

After you have made your selection on a swimming pool contractor to build your new pool, then it is time to focus on a few more criteria.Possibly, during the interview process, you may have seen some great design ideas from the pool contractor.  This is a great first step, and may push you through to the next level. Designing a swimming pool to fit your finance, your overall family wants, and overall look is desired. Be sure to spend proper time when designing your new swimming pool. Make sure you invest in the things for your new swimming pool that will allow you to enjoy it.  Remember, swimming pool remodeling can be quite time consuming and expensive, so get it right the first time!

Lastly, the actual pool construction should be a major concern for pool buyers.Below are many phases of building a new swimming pool, and how each aspect should be built to ensure your pool lasts forever.

Plumbing:  Pool plumbing is not given the respect that it deserves, since it’s mostly covered up by the concrete & decking.  The plumbing of the pool is probably one of the most important factors of the pool, and using proper PVC pipes & fittings is key.  Look for a company that pays special attention to pool plumbing.Items to look for: Over-sized pipes, use of less 90 fittings, extra plumbing, over-sized valves, and organizes plumbing methods. 

Steel:  Structural steel and re-bar is what holds the shell of the pool together.Rule of Thumb: The more re-bar the better, the tighter the spacing - the better.  The bond beam is a major part of the swimming pool (and it could fail over time), so make sure it has up to four re-bars!). 

Equipment:  One of the most expensive investments in a new swimming pool is the pool equipment.  Many pool builders look for ways to save money on inefficient pumps, small filters, and other improper parts.Pentair Pool Products have some of the best & eco-friendly pool and spa products out there today.  Consider a swimming pool contractor that installs professional pool equipment and understands how to install it. 

Shell:  The shell of the pool is made up of concrete, and this is what holds the pool together for life.  It’s something that should endure the life spa of the swimming pool, and to ensure this - using a high strength gunite (3500 PSI (or higher)), fibermesh reinforcement, and a 4-day water curing method.

Interior:    Not all interior surfaces are equal. Choose a pool builder that uses the best interior surfaces available.  PebbleTec is one of the best brand names in the pool business.There are many other interior finishes available, and finding a company that understands the pros and cons of each is key. 

Landscape & Waterfalls: Most swimming pool companies do not finish the actual landscaping or patio part of the project.Finding a pool builder that can not only build you swimming pool, but also finish the cosmetic aspects of the project - like the landscaping & patio portions of the project will make life easy for the buyer.Pool companies will ofter bring a local landscaping design company to you, but the best bet is to find a good landscape and pool company that can handle it all! 

Buying or building a new swimming pool can be a very enjoyable experience, and a great way to increase the value of your home, as well as get outside and have fun!  If you do the proper research, and understand you get what you pay for…  your new swimming pool will be the center of your family entertainment for years to come.