Swimming Pools

You've decided you want a pool.... 
.....here's what you need to know first.

Swimming pools are a symbol of the American Dream. Our desire to pursue this dream is fueled by visions of the children laughing, splashing and having fun or the tranquility of floating in the calming water. No wonder everyone dreams of having this constant source of recreation right in their own backyard. Most people don't have any idea about how to go about getting one installed. The following information was designed to answer the most common questions we are asked by people just beginning to investigate the possibility of installing a pool in their own backyard.

Types of Inground Pools and Costs
The first thing to decide is which type of inground pool will best meet your needs. There are three types of pools to choose from vinyl, fiberglass, and gunite. Each type has its pros and cons but the bottom line is that they are all FUN! Although we only install inground fiberglass and vinyl lined pools at this time, we are happy to provi ...More

Automatic Pool Covers 
You'll notice in our swimming pool gallery that many of our pools are rectangular. This is because most of our pools are installed with a Cover-Pools Save-T Cover. Although these covers can be installed on many pool shapes and styles, it is very easy and economical to install them on a rectangular pool. The automatic cover is one of our most popular options for an inground swimming pool. A CoverPools Automatic Cover is an investment in convenience and peace of mind.

The turn of a key allows you to easily cover or uncover your pool. Cover-Pools covers are independently certified to exceed the requirements of the A.S.T.M, which sets safety standards for pool covers. In addition, the Cover-Pools cover is ideal for the Pacific Northwest climate because:

Saves energy - the Save-T cover reduces heating costs and extends your swimming season.

Saves water and chemicals - the cover will reduce evaporation to save water and by doing so will reduce the use of chemicals.

Saves time - ...More

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Building a Pool.... What To Expect 
The following steps are a general outline of the pool building process. This process may vary depending upon the site and the type of pool being installed. As you will see, building a pool is not unlike building a house. It is not something that happens overnight. Just like building a house, patience on your part is a requirement. If you're in a hurry to get your pool installed, you'll be more likely to make judgment errors.

Begin planning early, don't wait until the sun shines!! The planning process should begin several months before your anticipated completion date.

Obtain a bid for your project from the pool builder(s) you have selected.

Based upon your comfort level (more important than ''low bid''), make a decision on which builder you are going to proceed with.

Have the builder provide a detailed plan. This may require a deposit due to the time involved in providing this plan. A substantial deposit may also be required to hold your spot in the queue.

Obtain permits ...More

Pool Questionnaire 
Thinking about a Swimming Pool? Here's a guide to help you and your pool builder decide what you want. The following questions will help you determine what is most important to you. Once these issues are understood, your builder will be able to design a pool that best matches your desires. It will also help isolate areas of concern so that these issues can be addressed right up front.

What are the primary factors fueling your desire for a swimming pool?
Kids_____ Exercise_____ Aesthetics_____ Relaxation_____ Relief from heat_____ Owned one before_____ Lifestyle_____ Home Improvement_____ Other (explain)____________________________

What are the most important aspects of your pool?
Safety_____ Ease of maintenance_____ Aesthetics_____ Other (explain)__________________________

How do you anticipate using your pool?
Lap Swimming _____ Sports (volleyball, polo, basketball)_____ Lounging_____ Entertaining_____ Other___________________

Do you have any concerns about owning a poo ...More

Can I avoid using any chemicals in my pool? 
No. Chemicals are necessary to keep the water sanitary and safe for the people who use it. Keeping the water properly balanced will also protect the equipment and pool surface, optimize sanitizers, and make the water comfortable for bathers. Many pool stores offer FREE water testing to their customers.

Can I put a heater on my small splash pool? 
The very small splash pools that cost under $750 usually have inexpensive equipment that cannot handle a heater. However, we do have a small solar heater available now that have been quite popular. You should also keep the pool covered with a solar blanket anytime the pool is not in use.

How much does an inground pool cost? 
There are three types of inground pools. Gunite (also called plaster), vinyl-lined, and fiberglass. Cost will depend upon which type of pool you choose. The cost of installing a pool will also depend upon your location. Pools in Florida, California, or Arizona will cost considerably less than a pool in Western Washington State. This is due to supply and demand issues, weather, and availability of qualified builders.

In Western Washington a basic inground pool will start in the $35,000 - $40,000 range and go up from there. Your budget and your imagination will be your limiting factors when deciding on a pool design--those dream pools with grottos can cost well in excess of $100,000+.

How often should I change the sand in my sand filter? 
Filter sand should last 5 - 7 years. The sand should be chemically cleaned at least twice each year. In the event you are using a biguanide product, such as Baquacilฎ or SoftSwimฎ, you may need to change the sand as often as once each year and the sand should be chemically cleaned every 4 - 6 weeks during summer months.

How often should I drain my pool? 
Inground pools are seldom drained. In fact, if water tables are high in the area of the pool, it should not be drained by anyone other than a pool professional.

The pool would be at risk of literally floating out of the ground. Vinyl-lined pools should not be drained because doing so could damage the vinyl. There are times when draining a pool makes sense. You should always consult with your pool dealer before draining any pool.

What is a Salt Pool? 
There is a misconception about what a ''salt pool'' really is. Many people believe that it means that there is no chlorine in the pool. Actually, equipment known as a chlorine generator, through the process of electrolysis will convert the salt to chlorine. The cells in the generator are very prone to calcium deposits which can cause the generator to stop functioning correctly.

It is imperitive to keep the pool properly balanced and clean the cell as needed. Phosphates are also a potential problem with chlorine generators. High phosphate levels can cause the sensors and cells to malfunction or fail to produce chlorine. Although chlorine generators are a good choice for some pools, it is important to understand ALL of the pros and cons of chlorine generators before deciding to go that route.

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