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 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 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 Marcus Sheridan on Wed, Jul 21, 2010 @ 11:04 AM
One of the greatest evolutions in the fiberglass swimming pool industry has been a concerted effort from many builders and manufacturers to add customized features to their products. And considering the biggest knock on a fiberglass swimming pool is its lack of customization, such an effort makes quite a bit of sense.
Since the beginning of the 21st century, one of the more ‘en vogue’ swimming pool features homeowners have been looking for is the addition of a tanning ledge/water feature to their poolscape. Because fiberglass pools have width limitations, such a feat is difficult unless the tanning ledge is modular (as offered by Trilogy Pools), or if the tanning ledge is built-in, just as it would be on a concrete pool.
The following video depicts a custom tanning ledge on a Leisure (Riviera Model) fiberglass pool. The tanning ledge is made out of regular concrete and is overlaid with a ceramic tile, specifically Aztec cobalt. Along with the ledge, you’ll also notice 3 bubblers that were built into the structure as well.
So if you are considering a fiberglass pool, and are worried you may not get as many ‘customized’ features as you’d like, make sure to check and see the limitations of your builder, as you may be very surprised just how customized these pools can really be.
Marcus Sheridan
Posted by Marcus Sheridan on Sat, Jun 05, 2010 @ 07:07 AM
In a continued effort to point out the pros and cons of all types of swimming pools on this blog, this article will discuss a common issue that can arise with a swimming pool over time--- fading. As you are likely aware, any surface of any product is going to lose some color and brilliance with time. So the main goal here is to give you an accurate expectation of each type of pool, as well as the factors that can dictate color loss.
Vinyl Liner Pools
Without a doubt, vinyl liner pools have more fading and color-loss issues than any other type of swimming pool. Whether it's an above ground or an inground, the liner is produced the same, with an extremely thin colored pattern overlayed on the vinyl material.
There are two main causes of color loss for a liner: Chemicals and Sunlight. Although the second cannot be deterred or managed (unless you have an automatic cover), chemicals are almost always the downfall to a vinyl liner, namely chlorine.
Because chlorine is a halogen (bleach), it will inevitably over time cause the design on the liner to fade. Combined with the bleaching power of the sun, a liner will often lose serious amounts of color within the 5-7 year mark, and can even eventually turn completely white. Obviously, this number can vary drastically, especially if a homeowner puts too much chorine in their pool or shocks it too often. This is another benefit of a using a salt chlorine generator-because it causes the chlorine production to be consistently low, yet effective, without ‘shocking' the pool and elevating the chorine levels drastically.
Concrete Pools
In the past, most concrete/gunite pools were white plaster, but today more and more consumers are choosing to utilize colored finishes with their concrete pool. In general, these pools look much better than their antiquated white counterparts, but they do surprisingly deal with quite a bit of color loss over time.
Anyone that has had a colored concrete patio will typically recognize the sun's dulling effects over time, which is certainly the case with a concrete swimming pool. The sun light, combined with the chlorine, will typically have a significant effect on colored concrete surfaces in the 8-12 year mark.
Fiberglass Pools
Like concrete, fiberglass pools in the past were mainly ‘white' or ‘baby blue' in color. But today, with the soaring popularity of colored finishes on fiberglass pools, most consumers are choosing to go with darker finishes for their aesthetic value.
Just like vinyl and concrete, fiberglass pool finishes will be affected by the sun but the main question is how much. I've written quite a bit about this on other posts, but there are some fiberglass pool manufacturers that make great color finishes (Leisure), a handful that make utilize average finishes, and then a few that use substandard finishes.
Keep in mind that the finish warranty on a fiberglass pool is often only as good as the disclaimers that comes with it, so make sure you see the written text before you assume that something with a frivolous ‘20 Year Finish Warranty' has any value.
In general, quality fiberglass finishes will start to experience some fading at the 8-12 year mark whereas the cheap finishes can experience fading within 1-2 years.
Questions about pool finishes and color loss? As always, feel free to leave your comments below.
Posted by Marcus Sheridan on Mon, May 10, 2010 @ 10:43 AM
When one looks back on the fiberglass pool industry over the last 25 years or so, it's truly amazing the amount of progress the industry has made as a whole. Upon reflection on these changes, I figured it would be a good thing to look at this time period and mention the innovations that have made their mark on the industry.
Top 5 Fiberglass Pool Innovations of the Last 25 Years
1. Vinyl Ester Resins
Without getting too technical here, there are many grades of resins that can be used in the construction of a fiberglass swimming pool. Unfortunately, fiberglass pools a few decades ago were being constructed without vinyl ester resin, which is a tremendous barrier and prevents water wreaking havoc on a fiberglass pool over time. When cheaper resins are used, such issues as cobalting and blisters rear their ugly heads, which was certainly the case with some of the first fiberglass pools. But today, just about every manufacturer in the fiberglass pool industry is using at least a layer of VE resin in their pools, which is a great stride in the right direction.
2. Cantilevered Coping
Maybe the biggest knock on fiberglass pools from pool builders and consumers in the past was their ‘bathtub' and modular-looking appearance. This stigma was mainly a result of concrete patios being poured up to the fiberglass lip versus on top of the fiberglass lip. I've spoken heavily on this subject before (watch a how-to video here), as it still is a subject of debate at times due to antiquated thought on behalf of certain builders and manufacturers, but the simple fact is that cantilevered concrete coping not only forms a powerful bond-beam around a fiberglass pool, but also allows it to rival a concrete/gunite pool in terms of aesthetics.
3. GOOD Color Finishes
Notice I did not write here ‘Colored Finishes'. This is because colored finishes on a fiberglass pool have had a tremendous benefit in terms of aesthetics to this industry, but is some regards these colors have hurt the industry as well. I mention this because like everything else in the world, just because a manufacturer produces a shell with colored finishes doesn't mean it's a quality product. Heck, warranties don't even mean it's a good finish considering some of the semantic games I've seen certain manufacturers play in recent months. Fact is, there are companies
out there that are offering great colored finishes on their pools that will last a long time, which is a great thing for the consumer. I can only hope some other manufacturers that are not so ‘quality oriented' will soon follow suit.
4. Gravel Base and Backfill
Another point of controversy here but I'm happy to say that just about every forward-thinking, quality-minded builder and manufacturer (Trilogy Pools was pushing gravel 6 years ago)in the industry has now moved to gravel as the base and backfill to their pools. Having discussed this point in multiple other
articles, I'm still at times saddened by the fact that some manufacturers have put up a fight against suggesting gravel as the base and backfill for their pools, which is a clear sign of delusion. In fact, just as vinyl ester is now a standard part of the fiberglass pool experience, gravel will soon be as well, mark my words. Simply put, there is just too much science, evidence, and common-sense on the side of gravel.
5. The Use of Tile
These days, it's quite common to see the use of ceramic tile in fiberglass swimming pools. Whether it's tile on the waterline, inlay tile in the steps and seats, or possibly a mosaic in the floor; ceramic tile has allowed fiberglass pools to take one more step in their customization abilities as well as their aesthetic rivaling of concrete pools. Other than the great videos
that are available on our site, I'd also suggest you learn from one of the premier tile experts in the industry, Robert Ault, to learn more about the subject.
So there are your top 5 fiberglass pool innovations over the last 25 years. Although I'd could certainly list many, many more, suffices to say that these 5 have been critical to the growth of the industry.
Marcus Sheridan