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Swimming pool construction is a major investment. It increases your property’s value and offers hours of amusement to the family. The pool construction process is complex and lengthy, taking eight to twelve weeks to complete. If you plan on building a pool, there is a lot you need to know about the process from start to finish. As a first-time customer, you will have many questions for your pool construction company. Highlighted below are frequently asked questions (FAQs) about pools.

Concrete Pools

If you are interested in concrete pools, the questions you want to ask your pool builder about them are:

Do Concrete Pools Vary in Size and Shape?

One primary benefit of concrete swimming pools is the limitless options for choosing sizes and shapes. Your pool builder can find a design that suits you, from large to small pools.

Can I Customize My Concrete Swimming Pool Features?

Yes. Endless design options are available to tailor your concrete swimming pool. You can incorporate raised spars, cozy corners, vanishing edges, tanning edges, and swim-up bars. Any ideas for your courtyard oasis should be discussed with your choice of pool builder to incorporate them into the design.

Will the Concrete Pool Retain its Shape or Form?

Yes. Pool builders use detailed engineering plans for concrete pools reinforced by steel bars. The steel bars hold the pool’s shape in place and ensure the concrete maintains its strength. Builders apply the concrete first and then embed the steel bars into the shell. Your construction company then applies a waterproof inner finish to enhance the pool’s durability.

What are My Options for the Pool's Interior Colors?

Manifold options exist regarding the interior colors of your concrete swimming pool. You can go for the blue, green, or black shade. These shades are appealing to the eye and easy to sustain.

Fiberglass Pools

When you opt for a fiberglass pool, you will have several questions about the cost of the pool and the advantages of owning one. The questions you should ask your pool builder include:

1. Which of the Fiberglass and Concrete Pools is Stronger?

The term concrete makes concrete pools seem stronger than fiberglass. Some individuals even try to argue that fiberglass pools are the strongest. However, the fact is that the two pool designs are correspondingly strong.

2. Are Fiberglass Swimming Pools More Cost-Friendly to Maintain?

Fiberglass pools have smooth surfaces that are highly resistant to algae. Therefore, as a homeowner, you save money that could have otherwise gone into maintaining the pool. Also, fiberglass swimming pools hold less water, meaning you spend less on the water bill, saving money.

3. How Complex is it to Repair Fiberglass Pools?

Repairs on the solid surface finish are easy to perform and leave the surface as sturdy as initially. Also, these pools rarely require structural repairs. The only overhauls the pool could require are cosmetic-related and can happen underwater.

4. What are the Pool Shades to Pick From?

Your pool builder should offer solid surfaces and spa varnishes for beautiful visuals with smooth surfaces that do not require maintenance. Apart from the white gel layer, there are six other exclusive multi-colored solid surface finishes for fiberglass pools.

5. Do Fiberglass Pools Have Any Environmental Impact?

Yes. The construction of fiberglass pools relies on fewer chemicals. Operating the pool also relies on little energy. Also, the liners are never replaced, meaning less waste goes to landfills.

In-Ground Pools

When I want an in-ground pool, the questions you should ask your builder are:

Can I Obtain an In-Ground  Swimming Pool at a Low price?

Many pool-building companies claim to offer the best pool services, but that is untrue. Therefore, you must do your homework before hiring. Some amateur pool builders will charge the lowest prices for the pool to bait you, only for them to provide compromised services. Others will use poor-quality materials and artistic skills to make a profit and still manage to deliver the low-cost pool.

When hiring, ensure you request detailed quotations from various pool builders. The quotes must include matching equipment, water volume, structures, and accessories. Evaluate each quote to ensure no hidden costs will increase the price once construction has started.

Also, you must encourage the contractor to finish the project. You want your home pool to last for a lifetime. If you pick the wrong builder because of the cost, you will incur extra costs for repairing or building another pool. Again, pick a builder willing to guarantee their artistic skills because, in the case of repairs, you will not pay for them.

There is no specific price for constructing a pool. Various factors affect the price of the home project, including:

• Pool size.
• Swimming pool type.
• Upgrades, customization, and luxury accessories.

A reputable builder will not put you in an uncomfortable financial situation. They will be transparent and straightforward regarding the price of your pool.

Why is there a Price Variation in the Market while Pools are the Same?

Several factors, apart from size, determine the rate of your pool. Some companies take shortcuts to deliver pools at eye-catching prices. They compromise the simplicity of maintenance, design, material quality, and warranties to offer the lowest prices in the market. Therefore, do your homework on the price and understand why one builder charges higher or lower prices. Also, be careful of hidden charges, so you do not hire a pool builder who introduces hidden charges in the middle of the project.

What is the Impact of the Pool on My Utility Bills?

The monthly estimates for utility bills after installing a swimming pool are $20 to $40, depending on your location. Speak to your pool company for an accurate estimate.

Is it Possible to have an In-ground Swimming Pool with a Small Yard?

Your pool builder should be flexible enough to construct a pool whose size and shape fit your area. Even if the space is limited, an innovative builder will develop the best designs. In-ground swimming pool and spa plans are free, so talk to your builder and see how your yard will look with various pool designs.

Are the Pros of Having a Pool Worth the Cost?

Most fun moments in a home are created in the pool area. A swimming pool enhances your psychological and physical well-being, not to mention the memories you create. The pool also increases the value of your property.

Does a Pool Increase the Worth of a Home?

Yes. A pool is a huge investment that increases your home’s value. All you need to do is keep it in good condition and decorate the area with various features and accessories. When selling the property, even realtors never forget to mention the pool and its features, showing how critical the project is to your property’s value.

Company Pool Installation, Financing Options, and Style

The questions you can ask about pool installation companies and financing include:

1. How do I Choose a Pool Builder?

Finding the correct pool builder for your project is challenging because it is one of the most critical decisions you will ever make about your home. You want to be sure that the best professionals in the industry are working on the project.

You can start your search by talking to friends, family, or colleagues with pools for referrals. Once you have a few names of the pool builders you are interested in, contact them and request a list of previous customers. Contact these former clients and find out their experiences at the hands of the builder. If the former clients seem happy with the construction company's work, it shows the builder is reputable.

Similarly, check for licensure. If a pool building company has no valid license, the state does not recognize them as they do not meet the requirements. Even if you give a company like that the contract for the project and they do not complete it, it will be difficult to trace them because the state does not recognize them. Steer clear of unlicensed and uninsured companies.

Also, you want to find out how long the company has been operating in your area and whether they have had a name or management change. If the company has been in the industry for a long time, it shows they have a strong reputation, hence why they have survived in the market for a long time. You can also request the company’s portfolio to see their completed projects. If some of the pools are what you are looking for, you should consider hiring.

2. How Long Will It Take Before I Can Use the Pool?

Pool construction takes anywhere between eight and twelve weeks to complete. A concrete swimming pool takes four to eight weeks, while a fiberglass pool takes two weeks. However, many factors can affect the timeline, including weather, the size of the pool, and design complexity.

You should know the project will not start immediately after signing the agreement. The homeowners association must approve the construction, after which marking will be done. Next, you must obtain the necessary certifications from the local authorities. Permit delays are expected, making estimating the project's duration difficult. The timeline for project completion depends on several factors. So, it would help if you found a builder who will keep you updated in case of delays and changes in project timelines.

3. What Financing Options do you Offer?

If you construct a home from scratch, part of the home loan will finance the pool construction. Nevertheless, if you already have a home, you will take out a loan for pool construction or acquire a second mortgage. Talk to your pool builder and see how they can help you finance the big investment.

4. Will I Consult My Pool Designer to Ensure I Receive the Desired Design?

Your swimming pool design should be with you every step of the way. The designer should be available throughout the project to ensure you receive the end product you ordered.

5. What can I do to Ensure the Building Stays on Schedule?

It would help to find a builder who will keep you updated on any delays or developments. Also, several factors can affect the project schedule, like weather and delays in obtaining permits. However, you can speed up the project by starting it in the summer or when there is no rain. Again, you can make payments online to avoid delays.

6. What are the Steps Involved in Pool Construction?

Several steps are involved in swimming pool building. The phases involved in the construction are:

• Developing the pool design and layout.
• Visiting the site.
• Construction site excavation.
• Installing steel bars.
• Installing the plumbing system.
• Concrete filling.
• Tile flooring.
• Electrical works.
• Decking.
• Interior surface finishing.
• Having the pool ready for swimming by filling it with water.
• Landscaping.

You must understand that the process of fiberglass pool construction differs from the one explained. It would help if you discussed the difference with your pool designer.

7. Must I be Home During the Building?

It is best to be home during specific days of the project. You should be home during excavation of the pool and the day the electrician will be performing the electrical works. Your opinion is important these days so it is best to be around. However, for the rest of the project, you can focus on your work and the builder will only call for you when there is a need to do so. Many poll builders require clients to be home during the final inspection to ensure that your expectations for the project are met.

8. Is Pool Maintenance Challenging and Time Consuming?

Typical pool maintenance takes at most twenty minutes. With the advanced pool technology, maintenance is simple, quick, and safe. You will spend the majority of your time swimming and not maintaining the pool. Talk to your builder about the cost of maintenance and what is involved to help you pick the right equipment for the job.

Find Competent Pool and Spa Services Near Me

When planning to start your swimming pool project, you will have several questions regarding the process. If the FAQ about the pool does not answer all your questions, consider speaking to the builder. At Oak Wells Aquatics, we can answer all your questions on swimming pool construction. Call us today at 904-619-3281 to speak to our pool builders in Jacksonville, FL.