Posted by Marcus Sheridan on Mon, Aug 30, 2010 @ 07:26 AM
Just the other day I was speaking with a pool customer in the Maryland area who was debating the merits of concrete vs. fiberglass swimming pools. During our discussion, I became disenchanted to hear some of the concerns this gentleman had—not because he had concerns, but the root of the concerns themselves.
You see, this man had talked with a sales person from a major concrete pool builder in Maryland, a company that has been a ‘Top 50 Builder’ and one that has been doing concrete pools for many, many years. And it was during this conversation with their salesman that he was treated to a plethora of inaccurate statements regarding fiberglass pools.
Despite the fact that I was frustrated such a company would elect to take the road of fear-mongering so as to make a sale, I ended up reflecting upon the experience and came up with two realizations:
1. Swimming pool consumers are more informed than they’ve ever been regarding the incredible merits of fiberglass. Despite the efforts of concrete companies like this on in Md. to fight the tide of positive information regarding a gunite/concrete pool alternative, most consumers are now smart enough to know when sales persons and marketing departments are being dishonest. The pool shopper I mentioned above had just begun his research, and therefore was more susceptible to mythology. But in many cases this past year, I’ve spoken with homeowners that were incredibly turned off by this and other companies that are obviously desperate to hold fast to concrete pool superiority in the marketplace.
2. More and more concrete pool companies have now decided to embrace the 21st century. The same holds true for quite a few vinyl companies as well. The economy, because of its tough state, has forced businesses to make decisions that they simply weren’t making just 3 years ago. Whether it has been a massive pool builder like Anthony Sylvan or a mom and pop company in the Midwest, gunite companies are accepting the reality that fiberglass pools are now in high demand due to their many benefits, as shown in this incredibly telling video we just released a few weeks ago.
But as I mentioned at the start of this article, there are still a few holdouts. Despite all the facts and signs of the times, there are still some companies like the Maryland pool builder I mentioned that elect not to embrace the future, but instead hunker-down and do their best to misinform. So as to protect those consumers who truly are looking for the pros and cons of fiberglass pools, I’ve listed here 6 of the most common myths a few gunite pool builders are still using:
1. Fiberglass Pools Don’t Work in Certain Soil Conditions: The Md. customer told me this statement the other day and I laughed. The reason for my amusement was simple: I’ve heard this silly myth used by pool companies literally in every part of the US and Canada. If it was up to certain builders, apparently fiberglass wouldn’t work in any soil condition in the world. As I’ve discussed before in other posts, fiberglass pools are incredible strong, flexible, and even repairable—which makes them perfect for any soil condition.
2. You Don’t Have a Pool Unless It’s Concrete: Yeah, and Henry Ford said you didn’t have a car unless it was a Model-T……Frankly, I’m amazed this is still a line used by sales persons. A note to sales guys, what do you say we embrace the technology of the future and not stifle it??
3. Fiberglass Pools are Ugly: 25 years ago, maybe. Today, well, I’ll let you decide—just take a glance at a few of our photos.
4. Fiberglass Pools Float: Alas…..I can only slap my forehead with this one. First of all, any vessel, be it concrete or vinyl, can float. But when built properly, and maintained with water, this should never happen with a swimming pool—as it has never happened with one of the 600+ fiberglass pools we’ve installed during our time in business—many of which were built on the water, hence River Pools and Spas.
5. Fiberglass Pools aren’t Repairable: Huh??? This statement is a laugh, really. Just talk to a boat guy if you want the ultimate unbiased opinion.
6. Fiberglass Pools only Work in Certain Warmer Climates: Again, totally bogus. The fastest growing pool in Canada is fiberglass.
Well there you have it folks—the top 6 myths concrete pool companies are still using to sway consumers. As I’ve mentioned before in other articles, there isn’t a perfect pool out there. They all have their drawbacks. Fiberglass is limited in its shapes and sizes. Concrete is high in maintenance, chemicals, and long-term costs. Despite their drawbacks though, swimming pool ownership is an amazing experience, especially with all the technology advancements of the 21st century making the process of ownership such a more pleasant one.
But hopefully this article will help some of you that are currently in the process of researching and buying a pool to make the right decision for your situation based on facts, and not on the frivolous and inaccurate statements some will make simply in an effort to get a sale.
As always, happy swimming to everyone (only a month or so left)!
Marcus Sheridan
Posted by Jason Hughes on Mon, Aug 23, 2010 @ 10:08 AM
The process of setting a Deep End Fiberglass Pool is the most critical phase of the construction process. An improper set could result in damage to the pool shell when the weight of the water is placed on the structure.
This video demonstrates 3 critical aspects of setting a Deep End Fiberglass Pool:
1. Proper transition alignment
When the pool is set, it is critical to insure that the breaks in the shallow and deep ends align with the breaks of the excavation. As you will see, this requires carefull placement of the pool as well as inspecting the set from inside the excavated area.
2. Checking for voids under the Fiberglass Pool
It's critical to insure that the entire pool floor rests on the base material....especially along the shallow and deep end breaks. This video shows the process of walking the floor of the pool to insure it is on a solid foundation.
3. The pool must be Level
Any experienced fiberglass pool installer will tell you that it's more difficult to level a transitional, or hopper bottom fiberglass pool, like the one in this video, than a pool with a constant slope. Notwithstanding, it is critical to insure that the pool is level along the shallow and deep end breaks first because they cannot be adjusted, then focus on the shallow and deep ends of the pool. As you'll see, the pool in this video was within 1/2" of level on the first set without any adjustment.....prop's to Leisure, it's a very well built pool.
Hope you enjoy the video!
Comments and questions welcome as aways.
Posted by Marcus Sheridan on Thu, Aug 19, 2010 @ 12:13 AM
As just about any pool shopper knows, there is a significant debate raging on in the swimming pool industry:
Concrete Compared to Fiberglass: Which is the Best Swimming Pool?
Understandably, this question merits serious consideration. But the truth is, just about every pool guy is quite biased when it comes to the product they sell. And no matter what any person says, they are almost always leaning one way or another when it comes to what they tend to recommend to customers.
I've mentioned many times that we try not to be 'that guy' here at River Pools---You know, the one that is so blinded by his own products and need to 'make a sale' that he completely loses track of what the customer is really looking for. In reality, the fact is fiberglass pools aren't for everyone. Nor is a concrete or gunite pool the right choice for many consumers. One has size/shape limitations. The other involves significant upkeep, chemicals, and maintenance.
But when comparing the two, the truest way to know the merits of each product is to actually ask a consumer who has owned or currently owns both products. After all, pool owners that have experience with only one type of pool only know things from their one-way perspective. Not that this is by any stretch a bad thing, it just is what it is. But when you take an individual who owns both and ask that person to compare, well then we have a serious analysis at hand.
So without further ado let's finally hear what a customer who owns both products has to say. The following video shows Ken Knull, owner of Yankee Pt marina in Lancaster Virginia. Ken owns a fiberglass pool at his marina. He also owns a concrete pool at his residence. Considering the heavy usage of his fiberglass pool, Ken is the perfect case study of someone who can shed legitimate light and understanding on such a long-standing debate:
Posted by Marcus Sheridan on Tue, Aug 17, 2010 @ 11:09 AM
Many of you seeing the title of this article may laugh at the idea of pools and dogs, but believe it or not for many families out there the dog(s) have just as much say in the pool as the rest of the family does. Just ask my business partner Jim with his two pugs. Heck, sometimes I think those two dogs have more say than any one in Jim’s household…..but I digress. :-)
So let’s take a look at a few common questions we get regarding pools and dogs:
What is the best type of pool for my dog?
First and foremost, vinyl liner is out of the question for most homeowners. For obvious reasons, the liner can tear or get small punctures, which then can lead to major leaking issues and headaches. On the other hand, fiberglass and concrete pools are almost never going to be damaged by dogs and are usually the right choice, depending on the needs of the homeowner. Also, keep in mind that depending on the size of the dog, a decent sized set of steps is important in terms of entry/exit points.
What is the best type of chemical to use in my pool if my dog likes to swim?
Frankly, there just haven’t been many studies on this one in the pool industry, so I’ll just explain what I’ve seen up to this point. Because just about all of our customers (1000+ inground and above ground pools) use salt, and due to the fact that many allow their animals to swim in the pool, we’ve been very pleased to see that salt chlorine generators work very well in conjunction with dogs. Because they produce a low level of natural chlorine, the chemicals aren’t harsh and the salt is easy on the skin. Up to this point, I’ve not had one of our customers say their dog had an adverse reaction to their salt chlorine generator.
Will a Dog Be Hard on My Filter System?
They say a dog is equivalent to about 50 people in the pool at one time. Crazy, huh? Notwithstanding, although their hair and such is harder on a filter system, by no means are they known to do damage either. For example, if you have a cartridge filter on your pool it may mean that you simply have to spray the filter off more often. If you have sand, you may need to backwash more often. But just as with the previous question, I’ve not heard any of our customers complain about how their animals have negatively affected their pool’s filter system.
Well I hope these questions help you dog lovers a little as your consider the process of pool ownership. One thing is for sure—If your dog likes the water, he/she will LOVE pool ownership, and in-turn will not be forced to bath in ice cubes any longer :-)
Happy Swimming,
Marcus Sheridan
Posted by Jason Hughes on Thu, Aug 12, 2010 @ 09:47 PM
“No runs; No drips, No errors”
That’s what Harold Johnson, the man who introduced me to the pool business over 17 years ago, used to say after every successful plumbing installation around a pool.
The fact is that most runs and drips are caused by plumbing errors, and this article is dedicated to defining several best practices when installing plumbing around an inground fiberglass pool.
5 Keys to Perfect Pool Plumbing
1. Proper Backfill
Believe it or not, the most healthy thing you can do for plumbing around a fiberglass pool has nothing to do with plumbing at all….it has to do with the installation and type of backfill material. The fact is that most leaks around fiberglass pools result from pressure exerted on the plumbing from settling backfill material. Although there are many contractors who successfully use sand as a backfill material, we prefer gravel because it compacts upon placement and does not require “washing” with water to achieve compaction. When not meticulously placed, sand backfill will often settle as much as 12”-18” around the outside of a fiberglass pool. Consider the downward pressure placed on the plumbing and thru-wall fittings of the pool. The use of gravel backfill alone would have eliminated about 75% of all of the plumbing problems we’ve seen around fiberglass pools.
2. Rigid PVC over Flexible PVC Pipe
I wrote a somewhat controversial article on Rigid vs. Flex PVC that has spawned some interesting comments. Here are a few excerpts from completely random and unsolicited pool owners:
“I developed a suction problem last summer in my in ground pool. My installer told me he felt it was a termite problem. I started digging and sure enough, my skimmer line flex pipe was riddled with bug chews….My installer came out and replaced the two lines with new flex pipe. I flooded the trench with 5 year termite killer and back filled. After 1-2 months, I again developed a suction problem. I closed the pool for the winter and just this week dug up my underground lines. Sure enough, my skimmer line was again destroyed by bugs.”
“Last year I noticed that I could not bleed the air out of my inground pool pump. I checked to see if any of the connections has leaks. None of them did. We started to dig, and found 5 out of 6 pipes leading from the filter to the concrete had multiple tiny holes. All 6 pipes were replaced. Now just a few days ago I am having the exact problem as last year. We even had a Termite inspection of the house and yard, and were told there was no visual sign of termites. How is it that the pool company is not responsible for using materials that are not suitable for inground pools?”
“We found several "bug chews". No termites have been found but, several ant colonies have been found in the area of the flex….Pool installers in Michigan only warranty their work for the first year. So unless the bugs destroy the flex immediately, the homeowner is the loser….My pool guy has had several problems using flex and has given up on it. Whether it's the flex, or the sand back fill causing the bug problems makes little difference to me…..I also would like to note: my pool guy is still in business and is now quite busy with chew repairs.”
We’ll let the experiences of these unlucky folks speak for themselves….it’s best to avoid flexible PVC if at all possible.
3. Secure the Plumbing
We feel it’s best, even with gravel backfill, to “tie” the plumbing up with straps or wire to prevent settlement. This is done by drilling holes through the fiberglass coping of the pool and running the strap or wire through the holes and around the plumbing. We do this approximately every four to five feet, and wherever there’s a thru-wall fitting. This also allows us to pre-plumb the pools before setting them into the hole.
4. Pressure Test the Plumbing
This is an obvious one, but it needs to be stated that all plumbing lines need to be pressure tested to insure there are no leaks.
5. Heat Bending Rigid PVC Pipe
One of the arguments against rigid pipe is that fittings are needed in order to make a turn. Flex pipe has the ability to bend around turns and thus eliminating the need for fittings. There’s no doubt that reducing the amount of glued fittings is preferable. Heat bending rigid PVC pipe gives the best of both worlds. As shown in our heat bending video, heat bending transforms rigid pipe into a temporality flexible material that gives the fluidity of flex pipe with the added strength and durability of rigid PVC.
There you have it, 5 best practices for installing plumbing around an inground fiberglass pool. Comments and questions always welcome.
Thanks for visiting!
Posted by Marcus Sheridan on Mon, Aug 09, 2010 @ 09:53 AM
7 Qualities of the Best Fiberglass Pool Builders in America
Although I’ve been living the life of a ‘pool guy’ for about 10 years now, it has been over the last 3 where I’ve really begun to know the industry in and out. Because of this blog, the eBook, and the events I’ve had the opportunity to teach at, my conversations with fiberglass pool builders and consumers all over North America have increased 100-fold. In fact, on a normal day I’m now getting as many emails outside of our installation area (Va/Md) as I am inside.
I do not mention the facts to brag. No, such is not my goal at all. As most of you know, I’m all about teaching. I love learning, giving, and sharing knowledge in all its forms. Being a part of ‘the great discussion’ has satiated this tremendous need I have. Along this path of discussion with so many people, I’ve come to notice certain qualities that every great fiberglass pool builder has. And although most of these qualities are certainly applicable to vinyl and concrete pool builders, I decided to focus on fiberglass for now as it’s a subject that has weighed heavily on my mind for quite some time now.
So without further yapping on my part, I’d like to point out the top 7 qualities of the best fiberglass pool builders in the world today:
1. A Focus on Fiberglass: Although there are a few exceptions to this rule, in general the best fiberglass pool companies only focus on fiberglass. Instead of pretending to be great at more than one type of swimming pool, they focus their thoughts and efforts on becoming great with one thing. As I’ve watched many pool builders throughout the country expand into fiberglass due to consumer demand and the need for diversification in a down economy, I’ve also seen quite a few mistakes by builders who got into the business and simply assumed that installing a fiberglass pool would be a piece of cake. Granted, installing such a pool is not rocket science, but there are certainly many things that can go wrong. This is why a crew that installs fiberglass all the time, and experiences the repetition that comes with said installations, will likely commit fewer errors than a crew that ‘occasionally’ installs fiberglass.
2. Gravel over Sand: If there is anything about this blog that I’m proud of, it’s the fact that it has brought so much attention to the importance of using gravel (small size, roughly 3/8”) as a base and backfill versus the antiquated approach of using sand with fiberglass pools. Even better, most manufacturers have embraced this paradigm because inevitably, even though installations usually end up costing more initially, the pool structure benefits over time. 5 years ago I’d say only about 15% of fiberglass pool builders used gravel as a base and backfill. Today, I’d estimate the number of gravel users to be about 70%--a huge change for sure, and one that will only benefit the industry in the long run. At this point, even the most old-school installers have begun to embrace the common-sense and qualitative approach of gravel utilization.
3. Not Accepting the Status Quo: This goes along with sand versus gravel but it needs to be given attention as well. You see, for years there were a few ‘power-players’ in the fiberglass pool industry that really controlled the industry’s image, consumer awareness, and installation methodologies. But as we all know, the ‘status quo’ is often times NOT a good thing. Today, instead of just accepting things ‘the way Daddy did it’, builders all over the United States and Canada are looking for new ways to innovate, change, and become better at what they do. I think this movement is wonderful and I’m excited to see what it will bring to the industry over the next decade.
4. An Understanding of Product Limitations: This quality applies to all pool builders and what it stems from is the fact that most pool builders are very biased. The ‘liner guy’ thinks everyone should go liner. The ‘concrete guy’ looks down on the ‘other guys’ because ‘unless it’s concrete, it’s not a real pool’. The fiberglass guy tries to pretend their product has no limitations at all…and on and on and on.
The fact is that fiberglass isn’t for everybody. Yes, it does fit the needs of about 85% of the market, but for the person that absolutely has to have a size/shape/depth beyond the scope of fiberglass, then it might not be a great fit. This is why every year I tell every homeowner, quite bluntly, that I might not have a product for them. And do you know what? I’m OK with that…because it’s the truth.
Pool builders need to stop acting like their product is perfect. The concrete guy needs to accept the higher maintenance that comes with their product. The liner guy needs to stop misleading homeowners to believe that the liner will go at least 15+ years before replacement. Fiberglass guys need to accept size limitations.
I have seen a few builders around the country utilize such an honest approach and to them I say Good for You. You are doing a favor to the industry. Your honesty will be rewarded.
5. Hold Manufacturers Accountable: Nobody is perfect. This applies to all pool builders and it certainly applies to fiberglass pool manufacturers. I’ve seen 2 types of builders over the years:
1. The one who thinks their manufacturer is flawless
2. The one who appreciates their manufacturer yet looks for them to improve
As you might imagine, I’m not a fan of the ‘Our Pool Manufacturer is Perfect’ builder. As everyone knows, I’m a huge fan of Leisure Pools. I think their quality and company are tremendous. Notwithstanding, they have their flaws, and I let them know it at times. In fact, I’ve gotten in arguments with the owner, Ashely Gill. Why? Because we both care and are passionate about the industry. And when it comes down to it, we both want the same thing. We want the industry to be better, and we want the pools found therein to be built and installed better. That is our goal and I see us getting closer each and every day.
6. Willing to Fix Mistakes: Ahhh, the tough one. Maybe the hardest thing to do in any business is to fix mistakes that eat up profits. The life of a pool builder is no different. We all make mistakes. In fact, I tell every customer that I by no means can guarantee their job will go perfect, but I can guarantee they’ll recommend us to their friends when it’s all said and done. Such is the true mark of a great company. Are they willing to fix mistakes when it was their fault or do they just tell the homeowner to deal with it?
7. A Focus on Education: As previously mentioned, I love teaching. That’s why I (and my biz partners) write this blog. 90% of the people that come to this website are not even a potential customer of River Pools. But this matters not, as our goal here with this blog and everything we do is to empower pool shoppers through great education. I’ve seen other pool companies around the country begin to jump on this education wagon, which, to say it in the very least, thrills me. So as you go about looking for your pool builder, ask yourself how much time they’ve invested in your education. Are they ‘though leaders’ or focused solely on making more sales? The difference between the two can be quite profound.
Although I’m sure there are other mentionable qualities with merit, I hope these at least help some of you out there that are in the process of researching swimming pools to make the best decision for you and your family. I would also invite the pool contractors/manufacturers out there that have read this to offer your thoughts on the matter. What qualities would you add? Do you agree or disagree with what I’ve written here?
As always, Happy Swimming to everyone.
Marcus Sheridan
Posted by Marcus Sheridan on Sun, Aug 01, 2010 @ 06:57 AM
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This is part 2 of our efforts here to highlite the 2 fabulous fiberglass pool projects that won this year's Master of Design awards. The pool shown was installed by Cherry Hill Pools in Massachusetts. What's so impressive about the project, as you can easily see, is the dynamic natural water feature that begins at a high elevations and cascades into the free-form fiberglass pool below. Considering myths are often circulated regarding the fact that fiberglass pools don't look good with natural water features, I give quite a bit of credit to companies like Cherry Hill that are changing the perception of fiberglass swimming pools across the country, especially in their Northeast corner of the United States. Also, I've included here a few answers to some questions I sent out to Cherry Hill.
Question: Did the homeowner know what they wanted from the beginning or was this something that Cherry Hill designed for them?
The homeowners, like many of our clients had decided that rather than purchase a vacation home, they would invest in their space. The couple, Steve and Kim, own a business together and as such don't have much free time in the summer.
Question: What were the biggest obstacles to the project?
LEDGE! If you notice, the pool is elevated by about 1 foot - you step up into the patio area. That was to reduce hammering out the ledge. However, that ledge and subsequent area became a stunning water feature in the water fall that trickles down in to their pool.
Question: What made the homeowner choose fiberglass over liner or concrete?
The ease of maintenance .... That really made the difference. They did their research and new they wanted the durability and long lasting qualities of fiberglass. The inclusion of the cleaning system was the key item as not only does that feature keep the pool super clean, but circulates the water so that the heating system doesn't need to work as hard.
Question: What does Cherry Hill see for the fiberglass pool industry in the future there in the North East?
As it has been stated, fiberglass is the way to go in cold weather climates. It can withstand the freeze thaw cycles that we have with no loss in performance to the product. It is the most installed pool in Canada and New Englander's are discovering just how awesome fiberglass is.
Owner Bio:
Jim McGill has been in the outdoor living/home improvement area his entire life. He started Cherry Hill Pool & Spa in 1999 and has been actively building fiberglass pools ever since.
Posted by Marcus Sheridan on Sat, Jul 31, 2010 @ 10:49 AM
When purchasing a swimming pool, many homeowners debate as to whether or not a water feature is a worthy investment. Although arguments could likely be made for both sides, I would emphasize here that a pool is an AWESOME addition to a back yard and to your family experience with or without such a feature. Notwithstanding, there are some definite benefits to having a water feature installed on your swimming pool. Here are my top 3. Also, make sure you take a look at the following video as it shows a recent stone water feature we built on a 16x40 fiberglass pool from Leisure.
Sound: Believe or not, the number one reason why people get water features on their pools is more for sound and less for looks. Simply put, there is just something very tranquil and relaxing about floating in a pool or laying out on a deck and listening to the sound of cascading water.
Aesthetics: Although sound is quite nice, the beauty a water feature can add to a pool project can be quite dynamic as well. Whether you’re going for a simple, 18” cascade that comes off the side of the pool, or a dynamic, 10’ grotto that is the talk of the neighborhood, water features can be quite please to the eye and very much enhance the look of one’s backyard.
Fun to Play In: My swimming pool has a very simple water feature on it called a ‘Wonderfall’. Basically, it’s a small piece of plumbing that connects to one of the pool’s returns and uses the water pressure from the return to create a spraying water feature. Because this little tube can be rotated and manipulated, the kids have a blast spraying it at each other and also floating under it to get a simple ‘cool-off’ while on a raft.
So there are 3 reasons to consider some type of water feature on your swimming pool. As always, if you have any questions or comments regarding this or any other pool topic, don’t hesitate to leave your thoughts below.
Posted by Marcus Sheridan on Wed, Jul 28, 2010 @ 01:44 PM
T
his article is the first in a two-part series I’ve done interviewing the winners of the prestigious Masters of Design Award given out by the pool industry’s leading magazine, Pool and Spa News. As you can see from the photo, this 16’x40’ model by Leisure Pools is no ordinary fiberglass pool, and major props to Signature Pools of Chicago Illinois for bringing this project to fruition. If you’re considering the purchase of a fiberglass swimming pool, this article is a prime example of a company doing things in the fiberglass pool industry the right way. Signature’s leading designer, Todd Emmerson, is the voice in the following interview:
Question: The homeowner could have chosen any type of pool for this project, what made them choose fiberglass?
“….. Vinyl was never an option for them because they realized it was a look that wouldn’t match the house as far as quality is concerned and they also realized vinyl wasn’t a good option with all of the trees on the property (twigs falling into the pool and tearing the liner). So it came down to deciding between fiberglass and concrete. Because of easements on the property they couldn’t fit a pool wider than 16’ so they weren’t opposed to the size of fiberglass pools. The client loved some of the pictures on our website and could see that we did quality pools so that helped me get my foot in the door. After we met and I explained the value of a fiberglass pool as being a life-long investment that would never need acid washed or re-plastered, and would also use less chemicals they were convinced. “
Question: Often time consumers worry that rectangles will look plain. Was that a concern here and how were you able to overcome that?
“The home is a very grand and formal home and from a design perspective it just made sense to go with a rectangle. From our first meeting I knew they wanted an auto cover to extend the swimming season and being a heavily wooded lot they wanted to keep as many leaves out of the pool as possible. I knew from seeing the house they would like nice clean lines and that an under guide auto cover was the only option to suggest.
We did three things to overcome the plain looking rectangle pool stigma:
- We used only high quality materials throughout the project including a natural stone deck around the pool.
- We softened up the rectangle look by adding a slight curve to a couple of the retaining walls and small portions of the patio.
- The job also had several different patio elevations with steps coming down from the back of the homes garage area as well as an existing patio off of the rear of the house. The large steps that we designed separating the main pool deck from the lower outdoor living area with the outdoor fireplace also helped make a rectangle pool look spectacular and elegant.”
Question: What was the most difficult element of design with this project?
“Two elements of the design were difficult with this project:
The yard had lots of slope to it and also had a few elements that we couldn’t change. The windows on the walkout basement room were at an elevation where we were forced to lower the patio height in certain areas as to create a beautiful view looking out the lower level house windows. On the far side of the property we needed to raise the pool as much as possible to create proper drainage around the pool. Where these two areas intersect we created the large expansive steps. So the large change in elevation between the two areas was necessary due to the elevation of the property and we were able to design them in a way where the large steps and different elevations added to the overall design. Good design is always going to take into consideration both good engineering and water flow drainage as well as the desire for a beautiful aesthetically looking project. As a designer you need to take into account the challenges of the property and then often times some of the design challenges on a project can be turned around and become a benefit to creating a stunning looking backyard. (Although the challenges can make the design look nicer it typically means higher costs to the client)
The other element of the design that was difficult was working within a heavily wooded lot. We knew we were going to have to lose some trees, but we wanted to save as many as possible to retain the natural looking setting.”
Question: Now that the project is complete, what are some comments you've received from the homeowner? Are they enjoying the pool? Do they like salt? Have they received comments from friends?
“The wife has hosted several events at the house including a large wedding rehearsal dinner as it is a great entertaining area. Her friends commented that they felt like they were at a Four Seasons Resort Swimming Pool. The pool has also been used for an end of school party for the family’s son.
Because of this job I am in the process of designing a pool for a neighbor of our client who has owned a concrete pool for the past 20 years. The neighbor is moving to a new property and would like a pool that requires less maintenance. The neighbor was excited to learn of the benefits of a fiberglass pool and should have her new pool installed this fall. All leads we receive are very valuable, but the most valuable leads we receive are personal referrals from our past clients and I’m sure in the years to come we will receive many other leads because of this job.”
****Watch a video of the project here:
Todd’s Bio:
Todd Emmerson is a nationally recognized pool designer who has been featured in many of today’s top pool design publications. His work has also been featured in advertisement materials for companies such as Leisure Pools, Fiberstars, Garden Prairie Pool Enclosures, Blue Haven Pools, and Composite Pools. Todd’s straight forward and honest sales approach has helped over 300 Chicagoland clients achieve their own signature pool. Todd is a native of Tucson, AZ and currently lives in Geneva, IL with his wife Sara and son Lincoln. (One more child on the way )
Tom’s Bio(owner):
Tom McNelis has been installing fiberglass pools for almost 15 years in the Chicagoland area. As a working owner he has personally installed well over 300 fiberglass pools and has also won a Masters of Design award. Tom lives with his wife and two children in Yorkville, IL. The McNelis family enjoys spending time together in their own signature pool – an Elegance 33 model from Leisure Pools.
Posted by Jason Hughes on Fri, Jul 23, 2010 @ 08:18 AM
...and you thought you were supposed to shock the pool, not the other way around!
Whether you are experiencing this in your own inground pool, or are in the process of researching for your future pool, this article will give a brief explanation of swimming pool bonding in non-pool guy terms.
The key phrase to become familiar with here is equipotential bonding, which is essentially a function of connecting various pool components together with a bare copper wire to make them the same potential.
What is Electrical Potential?
To understand potential, imagine how water flows through a pipe. It will naturally flow from an area of higher pressure to an area of lower pressure. If both ends of the pipe have equal pressure the water will not move, regardless of the level of pressure. Electricity works in the same way. There has to be a difference in pressure (or voltage) to create a flow of electricity from one point to another. The purpose of equipotential bonding is to equalize the pressure around the entire pool so your body doesn’t create the circuit between areas of differing potential which would result in getting shocked. This is done by creating a “bonding grid”.
What components are in the Bonding Grid?
The bonding grid is established by connecting a bare copper wire to various components around the pool which include but are not limited to:
- All metal components within 5’ of the water’s edge of the pool including handrails, ladders, diving board jigs (the part that goes in the concrete), slides, pool lights with metal components, etc.
- The metal reinforcement used in the 36” of the pool patio surrounding the pool.
- At least 9 square inches of metal in contact with the water in the pool.
How are the connections made to these components?
All components such as handrails and ladders that have anchors recessed into the patio are bonded by connecting the copper wire to the side of the anchor. The reinforcing metal in the patio is connected to the bonding grid by fastening the copper wire to the metal with a bonding lug (picture) at multiple points around the pool. The required nine square inches of metal in the water can be satisfied through the use of a submersed metal pool accessory such as a light or ladder, or if no submersed metal component is used, through the use of a metal plate known as a “Bondsafe 680” installed in the throat of the skimmer. This is a wonderful product and is perfect for fiberglass pools.
What kind of “Shock” are we talking about here?
The good news is that in most cases the “shock” that occurs is somewhere between 1 and 3 volts, which is considered a nuisance voltage. This often results in a tingling or stinging sensation when a person touches the handrail, ladder, pool coping, or water from outside the pool. These sensations can become more perceptible when there is a cut or nick on the part of the hand touching the component or when the skin softens after spending a long time in the pool. Children are often more perceptive to this than adults and are often the ones who initially notice the problem.
How Can we Eliminate the Problem?
The first thing you need to do is contact your pool guy or a certified electrician to troubleshoot the problem. There is a chance the pool was improperly bonded if the pool was built before recent changes to the electrical code were enforced. The problem could also originate from your utility provider or from a wiring flaw outside of the pools bonding grid that is back-feeding electricity to the pool area. If the pool was bonded correctly there is a relatively good chance that the solution is simple once the problem is identified.
Well there you have it: Pool Bonding 101. Please feel free to share your thoughts or questions in the comments section. Thanks for Being Here!