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You are here: Home / Archives for Swimming Pools

Swimming Pools

Concrete Pool Design & Construction: What You Need To Know

January 10, 2017 by Jim Oliver

Concrete Pool Design & Construction: What You Need To Know

So you’re thinking about having an in-ground swimming pool installed in your backyard, You’ve got decisions to make but you’re not sure where to start. Let’s see if we can’t help you with that.

What Kind Of Pool Do You Want?

inground pool & fireplace

First, what kind of swimming pool do you want? Believe it or not, many people don’t realize their are three different kinds of swimming pools. If you grew up with a vinyl liner pool you might tend to gravitate towards that type of pool. Fiberglass pools are considered the new kid on the block and are very popular here in the Wilmington, NC area and through out the south. Transportation of the pool shells from manufacturers in southern states to homes up north makes them somewhat cost prohibitive.

The Magic of Concrete Pools!

pool design

For many people their is only one kind of  pool and that is a concrete pool, also referred to as gunite or shotcrete. Their is a difference between gunite & shotcrete which we will address in another post but they both fall under the umbrella of concrete pools. Because concrete pools can be built to any size and shape they present the greatest opportunity for a custom and unique finished product.

Concrete pools give a pool designer and homeowner the chance to be as extravagant or as subtle as they choose to be. From a beach entry to an infinity edge to a swim up bar to a custom waterfall  that flows over the entrance of a grotto decked out with TV, lighting and audio. Almost nothing is out of reach!

 

Design, Design, Design!

pool design

I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to have a detailed design and plan in place before any work begins. With every additional water feature and shape change water flow and filtration need to be considered and planned out. Pool lighting is sometimes an after thought but their are many options available and your pool lighting should compliment your landscape lighting to create a beautiful night time ambiance.

Pros:

• Custom Shape – The number one advantage of a concrete swimming pool is customization. A concrete pool can be designed and built to any size and shape, include any features you can think of and be built in and around any hardscape. If you have a unique property or backyard layout, a concrete pool can be designed to take advantage of that, where as a fiberglass pool that has been manufactured to a certain size and shape would not be an option.

• Access – Access to the pool site is another factor that will determine what kind of pool is best for a particular backyard. It is sometimes virtually impossible to get a 3,000 pound fiberglass pool over a house or through an area full of trees. In these cases a concrete pool or vinyl liner pool are the only options.

• Luxury – And sometimes it’s about pure luxury. You want a pool with a beach entry, an infinity edge, a tanning ledge, a swim up bar, a waterfall & grotto with a slide, and a spill over spa? They can all be incorporated into the design and construction of a concrete pool.

• Finish – Concrete swimming pools have several different options for the surface of the pool. Of course their is the basic white or colored plaster. But Pebble Tec, Pebble Sheen and Pebble Fina add shimmering sparkle both day and night to your pool water. There is also Quartz which comes in many different colors, lasts longer and feels better to the touch than plaster.

Cons:

• Maintenance – Concrete pools require more maintenance than either fiberglass or vinyl liner. More attention has to be paid to the water chemistry as you will want to keep a closer eye on calcium and PH levels than you would the other options.

• Salt Water – Concrete pools aren’t as friendly with salt water as fiberglass and vinyl as the salt will wear away at the pool surface. Surfacing your concrete pool with Pebble Tec or Quartz as opposed to white plaster will help immensely.

• Resurface – Just as a vinyl liner will need to be replaced in 10-15 years, your concrete pool will need to be resurfaced. Depending on what surface you choose and how diligent you are in keeping an eye on water chemistry, resurfacing can be held off past the 10 year mark.

The Crown Jewel

kings crown

Your backyard is your opportunity to build something that is exactly you. It won’t cost anything nearly as much as what you paid for your house to turn your backyard into something that is beautiful, entertaining, functional and be a source of pride for years to come.

A swimming pool is many times the crown jewel and centerpiece of your picture perfect backyard. You want to do it once and do it right so design, plan and construct with piece of mind. Not everything in your dream backyard needs to be done at once. Their is nothing wrong with adding a new piece or element each year. In fact it gives you time to live with it and get it just the way you want. But you need to start somewhere…start with a design.

It’s Your Backyard. Use It, Live It, Love It!

jim@backyardvision.com / 910-465-8472

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Filed Under: Outdoor Living, Swimming Pools Tagged With: Concrete Pools

5 Reasons Why You Should Install A Pool While Building Your House.

December 29, 2015 by Jim Oliver

5 Reasons Why You Should Install A Pool While Building Your House.

I often get asked this question by homeowners who are having a new home built,  “I know I want an in-ground pool, should I have it installed while my home is being built, or wait until after we move in?

The answer is easy. If at all possible have your swimming pool installed while your home is being built! I can think of 5 good reasons right off the top of my head to do this:

  1. Simple Financing.                                                                                                                                 Figuring out how to finance a new pool is the biggest obstacle most prospective pool owners face. Not many people have $25-$50,ooo laying around burning a whole in their pocket. To get an idea how much a fiberglass pool costs check out this article. The most common source of funds is a home equity loan. Including your new pool in your mortgage will save you the hassle of taking on another loan.
  2. Save Your Landscaping.                                                                                                                        During the time your home is being built your property is considered a construction site. Trucks and machinery in and out day after day. Having an in-ground pool installed is similar, but on a smaller scale. Your lawn will get dug up and your plants and shrubs could take a beating depending on where they are in proximity to your pool.                                                                                                  To have your pool installed while your yard is nothing but dirt makes perfect sense. Why wait until you might do damage to expensive landscaping?pool installed during house build
  3. Save Your Driveway.                                                                                                                             Just like your yard hasn’t been landscaped yet, your concrete driveway hasn’t been poured yet. The last thing you want to do is take a chance your brand new driveway cracks under the weight of a cement truck delivering concrete for your pool deck or a crane placing a fiberglass pool in the hole. Another benefit of installing during your build.fiberglass pool on crane
  4. Save On Electrician Costs.                                                                                                              There’s a reason the electrician’s are called in to run wiring during the house’s framing process, no drywall or ceilings to deal with makes there job easier. The same goes for the exterior, if the electrician knows a pool is going to be installed he can take steps to make sure that when it’s time to connect the pool equipment all the pieces are in place. finished fiberglass pool
  5. Move In And Start Swimming.                                                                                                          The best reason to install a pool during your home build is to know that when you move into your new home, your new pool will be there ready and waiting for you to enjoy! It doesn’t get any more exciting then that for you and your family!

Home Builder and Pool Builder Working as One

As long as your home builder and your pool builder are on the same page, building both house & pool at the same time should be a seamless process. In most cases the pool installation doesn’t start until about 2/3 of the way through the house build.

It should be timed so that all the exterior work on the house is finished except for the pouring of the driveway and landscaping. This way the pool builder can install the pool without interfering with the house builders schedule.

It’s Your Backyard…Use It, Live It, Love It!

 

Filed Under: Swimming Pools Tagged With: Fiberglass Pools

What Is The Best Time Of Year To Install An In-ground Swimming Pool?

November 17, 2015 by Jim Oliver

What Is The Best Time Of Year To Install An In-ground Swimming Pool?

So when is the best time to install a pool?

Depending on who you ask, the answer to that question can be quite different. If you ask a pool contractor the most likely response will be “right now”. The reasoning being that prices will only go up, not down so now is as good as time as any. Not bad logic.

If your in the market for a pool the answer should be “when your ready” and when you can afford the pool you want. But there are other factors and for the purposes of this article the factor we are discussing is what the “best time of year” to install or shop for an in-ground swimming pool is. So lets take a look at each of the four seasons starting with the obvious.

outdoor living image

Summer:

June and July are the months when homeowners pick up the phone to inquire about having a pool built the most. This is unfortunate for everyone involved. The weather is hot so it makes sense, but the truth of the matter is any pool contractor worth his salt is booked solid at that time of the year. If you were able to find someone to build your pool three things would happen.

1. You would be paying top dollar.

2. The building process would be taking place during the hottest part of the summer and you will get very impatient because you want to swim.

3. And last your backyard will be in a state of dis-repair for the remainder of the summer.

fiberglass pool

Fall:

Fall is a good time to install a swimming pool. Summer is over so there is no rush to swim, thus no pressure on the pool builder to complete the project in record time. You might also get a price break at this time of year as the pool contractors workload starts to ease up. It is also the last chance to get the current years pricing as most pool manufacturers raise the price on fiberglass pool shells after the new year. And it gives you until next spring to get your yard back in shape.

 

swim FI 2

Winter:

If you are serious about installing a pool for the next swim season you should absolutely be thinking about your pool project starting in January. This is when you should be thinking about what size, shape and style of pool you want. This is when you should start shopping for a pool contractor. These things take time and should not be taken lightly as a swimming pool is a big investment.

This is when pool contractors schedules start filling up and you want to get on the calendar as early as possible. If you can get your pool installed by March or April it will give you time to get your landscape in shape by the time the weather and water temps scream “everybody in the pool!” To me, this is the best time of year to start your pool project.

landscape image

Spring:

Many people feel that if they start the pool buying process in the spring that they have plenty of time to have a pool installed and have a full swim season. In most cases this will work out and you can have a great summer. For me the official start of summer is Memorial Day weekend. That’s the first big party of the year and that’s when you want your pool in full working order.

So if you’re going to wait till spring make sure it’s early spring. Do your due diligence beforehand and get on the calendar as soon as you can. Then, all you need to do is kick back and enjoy the perfect summer!

It’s your backyard…Use it. Live it. Love it!

 

 

Filed Under: Swimming Pools Tagged With: Fiberglass Pools

Pool Covers: Which Cover Is Best For You?

November 15, 2014 by Jim Oliver

Pool Covers: Which Cover Is Best For You?

People cover or do not cover their pools for many different reasons. The biggest reason to cover your pool is safety. If you have small children or pets that could wander near the pool you may want to cover your pool when not in use. You might want to cover your pool to keep the water warm when the nights get cool. You may want to cover your pool simply to keep leaves from blowing in during the winter months. Their are several different options for covering your pool depending on what you are trying to accomplish.

Here are a few options to consider if you’re thinking of covering your pool.

Solar Covers

solar cover, hampstead, nc

Solar pool covers are just that, they will draw heat from the suns rays and warm your pool water. They are by no means protective and if a child or pet were to try and walk on one the cover would give way immediately. They look similar to bubble wrap and float on top of the pool water. They can be purchased at any pool supply store for usually less than $200 depending on the size of your pool.

They are an inexpensive option during the winter months to keep leaves out of your pool and keep your water a little cleaner. They will also warm up your pool water in the spring so that when you take the cover off your water temp will be a few degrees higher than if you hadn’t used the cover.

Standard Winter Covers

This kind of pool cover is basically a tarp that is held down with water bags. It is not a weight bearing cover and if a child or large pet walks on this cover they would definitely get wet and most likely fall into the pool.

It does a good job of keeping leaves and other debris out of the pool but will need to have rainwater and melted snow periodically pumped off to ensure it does not collapse into the pool. You can pick up one of these covers at any pool supply store fairly cheaply.

 

Safety Covers

safety cover-wilmington.nc

Safety Covers are the most popular type of pool cover for in-ground swimming pools. They are made of a strong mesh material that lets water seep through or with a reinforced solid material that requires the use of small pump periodically to remove the accumulated water from the surface of the cover. These pool covers are built with spring-loaded straps that are connected to anchors that have been drilled into the pool deck.

This pool cover can bear a good amount of weight and does a great job of keeping debris out of your pool. It requires little to no maintenance once it’s on. The one drawback is that since it is made of mesh, dirt particles can pass through along with rainwater and melted snow, which might result in dirty water when you remove the cover. A safety cover fully installed should cost you around $1200 – $1500 depending on the size of the pool. You can usually count on this cover to last 12 to 15 years.

 

Automatic Covers

auto cover-wilmington, nc

There are a few things to think about when considering an automatic pool cover for your in-ground swimming pool. Motorized or crank? Exposed tracks or hidden tracks? What you decide will greatly influence the price of this cover, which can range from $8,000 to over $15,000 depending on the size of the pool and design of the cover.

Automatic pool covers can be used on demand and usually open and close in less than a minute. A built-in safety feature for automatic pool covers is that the switch to open/close the cover must be turned and held in place the entire time the cover is moving. You cannot simply flip a switch and walk away from the cover while it is in operation, this insures that children and pets will not be trapped under a closed automatic pool cover.

The upside is they do a great job of keeping your pool clean, they keep unwanted swimmers (human & critter) out of your pool and they act as a great solar cover.

A minor draw back is that because they are mechanical they require yearly service visits to keep the tracks clean and to administer general maintenance. You’ll want to keep your automatic pool cover in proper operating order, just as you would make sure you get regular tune-ups for your car. Also the vinyl material the cover is made of is not as strong as the mesh safety cover and may wear out sooner than the mesh material as well as not support as much weight as a safety cover.

I hope we have given you some insight into swimming pool covers so that you can make a more informed decision when making your purchase.

Filed Under: Swimming Pools Tagged With: Pool Covers

What Kind Of Swimming Pool Fits Your Family Best? – Fiberglass vs Concrete vs Vinyl

August 14, 2014 by Jim Oliver

What Kind Of Swimming Pool Fits Your Family Best? – Fiberglass vs Concrete vs Vinyl

Concrete pool w/ infinity edge When I meet a homeowner for the first time they usually have a good idea what kind of swimming pool they want. Most of the time it sounds like this, “when I was growing up my parents had a (fill in the blank) pool so that’s what I’m used to”. And that is perfectly ok because if you had vinyl liner pool growing up you at the very least would still like to know about your other options before you buy. The problem is that if you are talking to a fiberglass pool dealer he will most likely try to steer you in the direction of a fiberglass pool and put down the others, and if you are talking to concrete pool builder…You can see where this is going right?

The good news is that because we offer each of the three types of in-ground pools available to you, we are only interested in making sure you get all the information you need to make a good decision. Each type of pool has its pros and cons. Each type of family has its needs and wants. Our goal is to make sure you get the swimming pool that is right for you and your family. So let’s take an unbiased look at the three in-ground swimming pool options that are available to you.

Vinyl Liner Pools

The Good News:

• The least expensive of the three types of pools.
• It can be built in almost any size & shape you can imagine.
• Works well with salt systems.
• Easy to maintain with a smooth surface.

Things To Think About:

• Liner will most likely have to be replaced in 10-15 years at a cost of about $3500.
• Must be careful of having pets in the pool and other sharp objects damaging liner.
• Lack of built-in seating

Fiberglass Pools

The Good News:

• Pre-built at manufacturer, so install is quick, usually about 3 weeks.
• Most models built with steps, seats and walk around safety ledge.
• Works well with salt systems.
• Easy to maintain and extremely low monthly chemical expenses.
• No resurfacing or vinyl liner replacement needed.
• Less expensive than a concrete pool.

Things To Think About:

• Limited styles, sizes & shapes.
• No wider than 16’
• Lack of backyard access could hinder placing of pool shell.
• More expensive than a vinyl liner pool (about $5000).

Concrete Pools

The Good News:

• Like vinyl, it can be built to any size and shape.
• Can be adapted and incorporated into your yards landscape.
• Great features like a tanning ledge, infinity edge & beach entries.

Things To Think About:

• More expensive to build and maintain.
• Longer install time (8-12 weeks).
• More chemical use due to porous surface of concrete.
• Concrete will need to be re-surfaced in about 15-20 years.

As you can see there are a few things to consider when deciding which type of swimming pool to have installed in your back yard. We love building all three types of pools and want to make sure that you not only get the pool you want but also the pool that is right for you.

It’s Your Backyard. Use It, Live It, Love It!

Backyard Vision – Wilmington, NC

www.backyardvision.com

Filed Under: Swimming Pools Tagged With: Concrete Pools, Fiberglass Pools, Vinyl Liner Pools

Fiberglass Pool Prices: How Much Should You Pay?

August 14, 2014 by Jim Oliver

Fiberglass Pool Prices: How Much Should You Pay?

pool:stone deck: wilmington, nc
The first question on every homeowner’s mind from the moment they start thinking about installing a new swimming pool is how much will it cost. The reason for this is obvious, in many cases the price of the fiberglass pool is the make or break factor that will determine if you will actually purchase a new swimming pool for your home.
There are many factors that go into determining the price of installing a swimming pool in your backyard.  Do you want a vinyl liner pool? A fiberglass pool? Or a concrete pool? For the purpose of this article we’ll focus on fiberglass but since we install all three types of pools we’ll touch on them all a little bit.

Fiberglass:
People who aren’t familiar with fiberglass pools tend to think that they are limited in what they can choose from but fiberglass pool manufactures have made amazing strides in the last few years in regards to sizes, shapes and colors.
To say a fiberglass pool is going to cost you x amount of dollars is impossible. You have to start somewhere and usually that somewhere is size. You can get a pool as small as 8’ x 14′ or as big as 16’ x 42’ and the price is directly related to size. An 8’ x 14’ with 4’ of concrete decking, 1 LED light & a salt chlorinator can cost as little as $17,000. A 14′ x 30′ might cost about $33,000. A 16’ x 42’ would be closer to $40,000 – $45,000.

Options, Options, Options!
Here are some of the variables that can drive a price up or down depending on if you include them or not:

• Salt Chlorine Generator: Like the fiberglass pool, Salt Chlorine Generators have become very popular over the last few years. They have a higher upfront cost but much lower yearly chemical costs. Prices can range from $750 – $1500 depending upon pool size.

• Concrete Deck: A beautiful concrete deck is almost as important as the pool itself. Many homeowners make the mistake of treating the deck as an afterthought. You will spend as much time on your deck as you will in your pool. Most pool builders will include 4’ of concrete deck (with a cantilevered edge) in the cost of your pool. Chances are you will want more deck than this and it will cost you per square foot. Decorative stamped concrete, integral colored concrete, flagstone and pavers are all deck options that can dramatically enhance the beauty of your pool deck and the cost as well.

• LED Lights: Multi-colored LED lights are a great addition to any pool and could cost from $400-$600 per light.

• Waterline Tile: Waterline Tile will make a pool look stunning, especially on a white shell. You pay for the tile by linear foot so depending on the tile chosen and the size of your pool the cost can be from $1300 – $2000.

• Water Features: Deck Jets, Spa Jets, Sheer Decents, Waterfalls, etc. The price depends on what you do and varies greatly.

• Automatic Pool Cover: Open and close your pool with a push of a button. Keeps, leaves, critters & the neighborhood kids from falling in your pool. Can cost from $8,000 – $13,000 depending on the size of the pool.

• Safety Cover: This cover is anchored to your deck and goes on in the winter and off in the spring. Usually about $1,500 – $3,000

• Heat Pumps or Gas Heaters: $2,000 – $5,000 plus electrical and/or gas connections.

• 2 Speed or Variable Speed Pump:  These are a great energy saver and offer a 1-2 season pay back on the initial investment. $350 – $1,200 (above base pump price).
These prices are by no means written in stone but it should give you an idea of what a new fiberglass pool installation will cost you as you begin the pool buying process. I hope this has helped and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us. Happy Swimming!
It’s your backyard. Use it. Live it. Love it!

 

Filed Under: Swimming Pools Tagged With: Fiberglass Pools

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