Posted by Marcus Sheridan on Mon, Jul 12, 2010 @ 09:54 AM
Although there are certainly many ways to dress up an inground swimming pool, I wanted to write a brief list showing 11 things (just about all of which are shown in the video) you may consider to dress up the overall appearance of your backyard ‘poolscape’. Keep in mind that as you read the following ideas they are just that-- ideas, and by no means a requisite to having a beautiful pool in your backyard. As I always say, it’s better to have a pool in your backyard without all the options you wanted, than it is to have a beautiful pool with every option you ever dreamed of......in your head……and not in your backyard.
But without further ado, here goes:
1. Colored Pool Finish: White pools, especially if you’re considering fiberglass or concrete, have gone the way of the dinosaur. And to this I say good riddance. Colors make swimming pools look more natural, inviting, and often times create that ‘Carribean’ feel so many are looking for.
2. Separate Coping Color: As shown in the attached video, installing a separate border around an inground pool not only delineates the pool, but it adds a ‘pop’ to the shape itself. Borders can be done in a variety of ways, with an 18” stamped concrete border w/extra cuts the most common method on a fiberglass swimming pool.
3. Decorative Patio: Stamped Concrete and Pavers are two of the most common ways homeowners dress up their pool patio, but there are also many more, like bluestone, CoolDeck/Spray Deck, etc.
4. Gravel Between Pool and Fence: You'll notice on the video that the homeowner layed a white gravel beteen the fence and the pool. This makes for a perfect transition and is also rather low maintenance in terms of yardwork.
5. Dress Up the Fence: As shown in the video, black aluminum combined with brick pillars is very, very pretty. It’s also very expensive, but if you have the additional funds, the elegant feel it brings to the backyard is significant.
6. Arched Gate: This one goes hand-in-hand with brick pillars, but an arched gate has an impressive feel adds a nice flare to the fence itself.
7. Flowers/Greenery/Shrubs/Etc: The homeowner in the video did an excellent job with his plantings around the pool area, especially in the pathways that lead to the pool. When done the right way and with the right selection, plantings can completely change the look and feel of a backyard.
8. Water Features: This is one of the few elements not shown in the video, but water features have a powerful effect on the backyard/swimming pool experience. Even simple waterfalls are popular these days because of their relaxing and tranquil impact on the pool area.
9. Multiple Seating Elevations: In the attached video, the homeowner achieved this with a nicely designed composite deck that had multiple levels, overlooking the pool. This can also be achieved by using landscape blocks to create steps, benches, etc.
10. Contour Your Patio: The homeowners did an excellent job of this in the video, as they put an arch in the concrete on the opposite side of the arch in the Moroccan (fiberglass pool by Leisure), thus accentuating the shape of the pool and adding further to the 'classy' feel of the backyard.
11. Landscape Lighting: It's a shame we couldn't do a night-time video of this pool as well, because all of the landscape lighting has an awesome effect on the overall ambiance of the backyard at night time.
Well I hope this little list and video helps you with further ideas to enhance the look of your backyard swimming pool experience. If you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to leave them below.
Posted by Jason Hughes on Fri, May 28, 2010 @ 09:27 AM
If you want a crash course on the finer details of a fiberglass pool installation then you've come to the right place. Contained in this article are points of a fiberglass pool project that are NOT frequently covered on the internet, or possibly even in your backyard with your contractor, but are absolutely essential to a successful installation. These are the things you absolutely should know before the first piece of equipment shows up.
These points are in random order. Get ready for a Fiberglass Pool Feeding Frenzy!
1. If electrical hook-up is not included in the contractor's standard package keep this in mind:
The further your filter system is from the house (or an existing sub-panel) the more the initial electrical hook-up cost will be. In our area, placing the filter system in the yard as opposed to being adjacent to the house will increase the price $500-$1000.
2. The filter system does not need to be enclosed to protect it from the weather. It's made to be outside already!
3. The filter system does not need to be located directly beside the pool. On most occasions as long as it is within 50'-60' of the pool its fine....and it can be much, much further away if needed. Read more about filter system location here.
4. Most contractors do not pour a concrete pad for the pump and filter system to sit on. They usually bring out one of those plastic deals like the ones used for your house hvac units.
5. You need to become familiar with the term bonding because many regions have not adopted the latest bonding requirements for fiberglass pools (which are necessary) and therefore some local contractors may not be bonding their pools properly.
6. Bonding is essentially a means of making all components around the pool that bathers come in contact with the same voltage potential. In non-pool guy terms, it's a way to insure swimmers do not get shocked by the stuff around the pool. This is accomplished by connecting these components together with a bare copper wire. The things that need to be bonded around the pool include but are not limited to handrails, ladders, slides, metal pool lights, the pool deck, and the water in the pool. I can't emphasize the importance of proper bonding enough....please research it and ask your pool guy how he bonds his pools. Getting zapped by a handrail can be a traumatizing experience.
7. 
Most areas require a plug-in service receptacle between 10' and 20' of the water's edge of the pool so plan accordingly. Everyone asks the same question..."why?" Best I can figure is because at 10' a standard cord on an appliance will not reach pool-side, and at 20' folks will break out the extension cord in order to reach the pool area.....in which case it may get a little too close to the pool, Ouch!
8. Regarding pool decks: if you are considering concrete as your material of choice, you need to understand that IT CRACKS! It is a guarantee that concrete will crack every 12'-15' throughout a pool deck. Contractors understand this and install control joints (cut, groves, or pieces of material) in the concrete to attempt to force the crack to occur within the pretty straight line of their joint. The problem is that sometimes concrete decides to crack where it wants despite the intentions of the contractor. These "shrinkage cracks" are not structural in nature and are not indicative of unsuitable concrete, an unstable base, or poor workmanship. There is no guarantee that you will get a shrinkage crack on your patio, but if the chance of it occurring makes you shudder, you might want to consider another option....like pavers or natural stone.
9. Pool coping is the material that borders the inside of the pool and provides the transition between the pool and the patio. 90% of all fiberglass pools installed in the United States have what's known as
cantilevered concrete coping. This is a poured-in-place concrete coping that's affordable, looks great, and lasts a long, long time. However, most fiberglass pool installers will tell you that it is also the most difficult portion of the project. Make sure your concrete finisher is a well seasoned cantilevered concrete installing machine!....otherwise it may not be pretty. To see how this product is installed check out our cantilevered concrete video.
10. If you're considering pavers for your fiberglass pool patio, a popular way to do this is to pour a concrete border around the pool (we like 18") then butt the pavers to this concrete coping. This method is budget friendly because paver coping can get pricey, it is structurally sound because the concrete supports the pool, plus it looks awesome!
11. If you're considering stamped concrete around your fiberglass pool you need to be aware that if your patio is large enough to require multiple truckloads of concrete, the color between the different trucks may not match. These differences in color, if they even occur, are usually very mild, but keep in mind that the darker the concrete color the higher the probability of this occurring.
12. 
Stamped concrete can be very slippery around a pool unless a skid-resistant additive is incorporated into the sealer as it is applied. This will make the surface safe and you should not have any concerns about ‘slippery-ness' if this product is used correctly. But if not, get ready for a backyard version of Disney's swimmers on ice.
13. Keep in mind that the lighter the color of the patio the cooler it stays on your feet. Gotta keep your feet happy!
14. Let's talk about your site: First, access lane....How's the builder getting in and out? Chances are that they do not take down or re-install fences or other barriers. Check with them up front.....no surprises!
15. 
Warning, disturbing comment to follow: Your yard will get destroyed! Sorry, but you're going to find out sooner or later, so I might as well tell you right now. The great thing is that when God created grass, he made it so it grows back.....cool huh?
16. What are you going to do with the dirt? If you have a flat yard with a few ‘low areas', you may be able to use about 1% of the dirt filling them in....so plan on your pool guy getting the stuff out of there so you're not stuck with it. To give you an idea of how much dirt we're talking about, look at the shed out in your back yard.....where talking about a pile of dirt about the size of 5 of those. Yep, it's a lot! Be sure to discuss hauling and dump fees before the project begins.
17. Don't assume your yard is level. In fact, make dang sure someone shoots some elevations in your yard before the project begins. Pool guys are famous for installing a pool then saying, "Ooops, I had no idea your yard had a 3' slope.....I guess you'll need a $5k retaining wall."
18. Don't allow a pool guy to install flexible PVC around your pool...it's a no-no in our book (along with dozens of folks who've contacted us with flex pipe problems since we began writing about this). Heat bending rigid PVC is the only way to fly. Check out our video to see the heat bending process in action and read about it in our article Rigid vs. Flex pvc pipe: Which is Better?.
19. Let's talk fence, but first a disclaimer. River Pools and Spas does not claim to know any barrier requirements (fence code) for any specific areas and the following are only suggestions. So anyway, there are several fence facts that may apply in your area that you need to check on. First, gates normally have to swing out away from the pool, have to self-close, and self-latch. There are also restrictions on the following specifications of a pool fence such as: distance from bottom of fence to the ground, spacing between pickets, type of gate latches, etc. Also, many areas require door alarms on any doors from the house if they open directly into the pool area.
20. Remember bonding? It applies to metal fence as well. If any metal fence, including aluminum, is within 5' of the water's edge of the pool it will need to be bonded....which is a major pain in the butt. So to avoid the hassle make sure your fence is at least 5' away from the pool.
21. Make sure you're pool contractor pressure tests his plumbing. Leaks are bad....avoidable leaks are worse.
22. You must have a dewatering system installed on your fiberglass pool! This is simply a way to access and drain the ground water around the pool if needed. The objective of this system is not to constantly remove the ground water around the pool; it will be fine so long as it remains full of water. However, when your pool needs to be drained (even if it is 50 yrs from now) the ground water around the pool must be removed or less-than-fun things tend to happen. We simply install an 8" pvc pipe off the deep end of the pool and place a skimmer lid on top and leave it. It costs $50....make sure your contractor installs one for Pete's sake! Here's a detailed article on how it's done.
23. We are huge proponents of using gravel to backfill around fiberglass pools as opposed to sand which is the industry standard. There are many reasons for this which you can read about here.
24. If concrete or asphalt driveways will be used for access, be aware that they may incur damage. Use an alternative access lane if available. Grass is cheaper to replace than concrete.
25. Any reputable pool contractor will secure a building permit with local authorities as well as call in to have the utilities in your yard located.
26. The average fiberglass pool holds 10,000 gallons of water. There is a lesson for you contained in each and every gallon: have fun!
Thanks for being here,
Jason Hughes
Comments and questions welcome and appreciated.
Posted by Marcus Sheridan on Mon, Apr 26, 2010 @ 12:07 PM
One of the biggest debates that pool shoppers have during the process of building their swimming pool is which type of concrete to use for their patio. And although there are many, many types of patios that can go around a swimming pool (like brushed concrete, stamped concrete, pavers, stone, brick, overlays, etc), this article will solely focus on helping you to understand the pros and cons to brushed (aka broomed) vs. stamped. By so doing, you will be able to make the best choice for you and your family.
Brushed Concrete vs. Stamped Concrete: A Comparison
Maintenance
Broomed concrete is definitely less maintenance than stamped. The main reason for this is because stamped concrete must be sealed every 2-3 years. The process of sealing it is relatively simple and done with a roller, but the sealer is a little bit expensive, likely costing the homeowner a few hundred dollars each time. But keep in mind the sealer is critical to the stamped concrete because otherwise its appearance will be dull, therefore causing it to not nearly have the same aesthetic impact it should normally have.
Aesthetics:
Without question, stamped concrete, especially when done the right way, is absolutely beautiful. With so many colors and patterns now available, stamped concrete can almost match any appearance the homeowner is looking for and completely alter the look and feel of a backyard. Brushed concrete, for all of its functional benefits, simply doesn't stand up aesthetically to stamp. This does not mean that it's ugly; it just isn't quite as pleasing to the eye as is stamped. Personally, when it comes down to it, I feel both options can look very nice when designed with some character and surrounded by nice landscaping.
Cost
Of all the types of patios that one can put around a swimming pool, regular concrete is certainly the most inexpensive. In most cases, it costs 40-70% less than stamped concrete (This typically equates to a 2-6k difference on most pools). Also, because there is no serious maintenance required down the road (like sealing), the residual expenses are very low as well.
Safety
Because regular concrete does not require any type of sealer, its rougher surface lends itself nicely to wet, bare-feet. I have heard of customers fearful that broomed concrete will be too rough, but such is rarely ever the case. In fact, I've never once heard a pool owner complain of this once they've owned their swimming pool. On the other hand, stamped concrete is well known for its slippery nature. Because the product is sealed, no question it can have this issue. This is why it is a must that pool installers and homeowners add some type of substance to counteract the slippery nature of the sealer. For example, when our company seals a patio we add a polymeric substance called Sharkgrip, which adds a fine texture to the sealer and lessens the potential of any slipping hazards.
Which should I choose?
This is a good question, and frankly, I can't answer it for you. I've known many customers that have loved both products. My suggestion is that you look at the list above and base your decision on that. If aesthetics are your #1 concern and goal, then you likely should consider stamped. If you're looking to have the absolute least amount of maintenance possible, then broomed might be your answer. Either way, I do understand that it can be a tough call at times and wish you the best of luck with your decision.
Marcus Sheridan
Questions involving concrete? If you already own a pool, what are your thoughts on this debate? As always, we appreciate your comments and promise to answer any questions that are left in the comments section below.
Posted by Marcus Sheridan on Wed, Mar 24, 2010 @ 11:02 AM
Fiberglass Pool Coping: A How-To Video
One of the biggest factors in the success of a fiberglass pool project is the proper forming and pouring of the concrete patio. The absolute best way to achieve maximum structural integrity, as well as aesthetics, is to use cantilever forms. But as we've talked about many times in this blog, the reality is that many fiberglass pool builders have not yet fully grasped this construction technique.
This is why we at River Pools and Spas are so excited about this video, as it is, at least far as we're aware, the first of its kind. We hope that this video will be a tool for novice and even experienced fiberglass pool builders around the world to help them refine their trade and in-turn elevate the entire industry. We also hope this video will be utilized by homeowners attempting to bite off the huge task of building their own fiberglass pool from scratch in a DIY project.
If anyone has any questions regarding this unique skill, feel free to email Jason Hughes, who produced and narrated this entire video, at riverpoolsjason@gmail.com ...
Also, we invite all to leave comments, questions, or thoughts below.
Posted by Marcus Sheridan on Thu, Feb 25, 2010 @ 09:14 AM
Ok, so rumor has it that the economy is currently not as strong as it was this time five years ago....And although I have not officially confirmed this rumor, I'll just assume that it's true, at least for the duration of this article ;-) .....
But seriously, just about every pool shopper has a budget. As a pool guy, I get this. And that's what this article is all about. After having personally assisted over 500 people in their inground pool purchase, the concept of meeting a budget but also being happy with one's decisions can be a fine balance. To meet this balance, I have listed 5 suggestions here to save money with your swimming pool purchase.
1.
Wait on the Heater: The most common option I've seen homeowners add over the years after having bought their pool is a heater. Adding a heater after having owned the swimming pool a season or more can be a great idea because pool owners can get a true gauge on just how much they need a heater, as well as what type of heater will suite them best. For example, most of our heater customers get heat pumps instead of a gas or propane heater. But come in two options: With and without chillers. (A chiller is a component that will cool the water as well) After having owned a pool for a period of time, most people can determine which one of the two types of heat pumps is the better fit for their needs. Also, because heat pumps cost 4k or more, such a wait can save quite a bit of money initially.
2.
Add More Patio Later: In most cases, the most expensive option of a swimming pool project is the patio. This is why, when someone is on a very strict budget, getting only 3' of a concrete apron initially and then adding additional patio later is a great idea. When adding patio later, pavers tend to be the best option as they integrate well with older patio structures and offer unlimited flexibility.
3.
Size Isn't Everything: I've seen this over and over again. People (Dads in most cases) can get so caught up in the size of the pool that they end up not being able to afford the swimming pool at all. Such logic makes little sense considering most parents are getting the pool for their kids, and as we all know, children will use a swimming pool for hours upon hours no matter what size it is.
4.
Plumb for the Slide or Water Feature: Just like adding a heater later, slides and water features are easy to add to a pool down the road as long as the plumbing for these units is done during the pool's construction. Adding such options makes a lot of sense for those persons on a budget because a slide alone will usually cost 2k or higher installed. Same with certain water features. But having the forethought to install simple plumbing at the beginning of the project, pool owners can save thousands initially while enjoying the water feature or slide they always dreamed of down the road.
5.
Install the Cover at the End of the Season: This mainly applies to persons who purchase security covers (the ones that look like a trampoline). Because many people have their pool installed during the first part of the year, it makes sense in some cases to wait until the end of the season to have their security cover installed, as there is no use for the cover during the summer months. Considering that most security style covers cost over 1k installed, this expense can be delayed 3-7 months in most cases.
Although there are many more ways to make your pool project more affordable and budget friendly, this article hopefully has given you some helpful pointers in the right direction. To close, I want to reiterate one other point that I've made in other blog posts regarding pools, wants, and budgets-
‘Which would your children prefer-To enjoy a simplistic pool in the back yard or a dream pool that's in your head?'
As always, happy swimming in 2010 and don't forget to enter your email on the top of this page to receive future articles just like this one.
Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear your thoughts!
Marcus Sheridan, PoolSchool
Posted by Marcus Sheridan on Thu, Feb 18, 2010 @ 10:30 AM
5 Vinyl Liner Pool Problems and Solutions
Vinyl Liner swimming pools make up a significant portion of the swimming pool market in the United States, with a very large majority built in the Northeastern segment of the country. Often times, when someone is considering the purchase of such a pool, they are confronted with a few important decisions regarding some potential issues and problems that come with this structure. This article will explain some of these issues as well as their corresponding remedies.
Problem 1: Ugly Steps/Benches
The main problem with vinyl liner pools comes down to their aesthetics. Many consumers complain that they look ‘cheap', and the honest answer is that this is true in most cases. This is also why much of this article will focus on ways to prevent a liner pool from looking cheap, as there are certainly steps (as well as some great vinyl pool builders in the industry) that can help alleviate this problem.
In most cases, the steps and benches of vinyl liner pools are made of white plastic which is structurally sound but the bright white typically doesn't match well with a colored liner. To make things worse, these benches and steps also have a 3-4 inch wide 'lip' that is flush with the top of the patio making them conspicuous from all angles.....not the best thing to look at after investing big bucks into a lovely patio.
Solution: Recently, more and more builders have started using what's known as the 'vinyl over step' method where the steps and benches of the pool are integrated into the wall panel structure and covered with the vinyl liner. Although this method is quite a bit more expensive, it brings uniformity to the color scheme of the pool and looks much, much better.
Problem 2: Ugly Coping
In the majority of liner pools, the coping consists of an aluminum
C-track. The reason why this track is so commonly used is because it is easy to install and certainly easy to pour concrete up to. But the problem with it is that it makes for a white ‘rim' all the way around the pool's edge. This looks especially bad if someone is pouring any type of colored or stamped patio around their pool, as the color clash is quite noticeable and again deters from the entire look of the project.
Solution: There are two main alternatives to ugly aluminum coping on a liner pool. The first is by pouring a cantilever concrete edge. Although this technique is difficult (we've spoken about it extensively in other articles) , the aesthetic difference is night and day versus the aluminum coping. Another alternative would be a brick or paver coping (as seen in the lovely photo above). Again, this is much more expensive but certainly looks exceptional and will greatly enhance the look of the swimming pool.
Problem 3: Metal versus Polymer Walls
Originally, all vinyl liner pool structures were made of wood. As you can imagine, this was not the best long-term solution for a pool structure in your back yard. With the average life span of wood being 10-15 years, manufacturers started producing metal walls instead, namely galvanized steel panels. These steel panels were a major upgrade from wood, much stronger, and are still used today by many manufacturers. But as we all know, metal is metal, and no matter how galvanized it is, it can oxidize over time under the ground. This is especially true with the surge in salt water pools around the world. Every vinyl liner will experience at some point a leak behind the liner itself; meaning pool water is making contact with the pool's panel structure. These leaks and drips usually start in the places the liner has been cut- return fittings, skimmers, etc are the main problem areas. And how does a metal panel react to constant exposure with salt water over time? Yep, it rusts. In fact, the panel can oxidize all the way through, which is a major, major problem and repair.
Solution: Many vinyl liner companies are now using polymer wall panels as the pool's structure. This is a very smart method of construction because these panels will not oxidize over time, and are unaffected by salt. In fact, I've seen many cases where a vinyl liner was getting replaced and the polymer panels, which were over 20 years old, looked brand new.
Problem #4: Liner Longevity
Obviously, the biggest concern most pool consumers have when considering a vinyl liner is the longevity of the liner. This is understandable because the average vinyl liner replacement cost, when one considers labor, liner, and water is typically 3-6k. The average lifespan for a vinyl liner is 8-12 years, but there are certainly cases where they will last less than 5 years or more than 15. In fact, the biggest factor that dictates the longevity of a vinyl liner in many cases is ‘luck', although certain measures can be taken to increase the longevity of the pools liner.
Solution: Although I could spend quite a bit of time discussing ways to increase the lifespan of a pool's liner, I'll just briefly mention these 3:
- Proper Maintenance of Water Chemistry (Ph, Alkalinity, etc)
- Proper Installation of the Liner by the Builder (Most people overlook this important fact)
- Type of Water Sanitizer (High levels of chlorine (shock) are tough on a liner, which is why salt sytems and non chlorine systems are much easier on the liner's longevity)
Problem #5: Floating Liner
In areas with high water tables it is possible for the water pressure under the pool to actually cause the liner to float. When this occurs the liner looks like it's actually inflated, and feels like a water bed when walking on it. In most cases the liner is not damaged from this incident, but it normally results in wrinkles in the liner after the ground water recedes and the liner falls back into place.
Solution:
1. To fix the ground water issue: Install a dewatering system around the pool that will keep the ground water around the pool to a minimum. This will obviously keep the liner from floating again.
2. To remove the wrinkles in the liner: Drain the pool and re-set the liner. But this is a slippery slope; if the ground water is still there this will turn into a big mess. It should also be stated that liners more than 3 or 4 years old dry, shrink, and become rigid VERY QUICKLY. So I would not recommend this process to anyone without experience working with vinyl liners.
So those are 5 common vinyl liner problems and solutions. Hopefully these recommendations will set you on the right path if you have decided to purchase this type of pool. Also, if you'd like to read further articles comparing vinyl, concrete, and fiberglass pools, click here.
(Photo by Greg Broyer of Precision Pools in Massachusetts)
Questions? Comments? Please don't hesitate to leave your thoughts below.
Marcus Sheridan, PoolSchool
Posted by Marcus Sheridan on Wed, Jan 13, 2010 @ 11:41 AM
As I've mentioned before, one of the beauties of having a national pool blog is the fact that I get emails from all over the country from people who have experienced good, bad, and ugly during their swimming pool installation and ownership process. When it comes to fiberglass pools, one of the subjects I hear most about has to do with concrete patios, and more specifically, cantilever coping.
In the past, fiberglass pools were labeled as ‘bath tubby' due to the fact that so many builders poured the concrete patio up to the lip of the fiberglass, versus over the lip(cantilevered) as it is usually done today. (Picture to the left shows what this is should to look like)The problem with pouring cantilever concrete around a pool though, especially a fiberglass pool, is that it's rather difficult to do unless you've practiced the skill multiple times.
You see, cantilever concrete around a fiberglass swimming pool requires the installation of special forms that are made of Styrofoam. These forms are temporarily attached to the lip of the fiberglass and once the concrete decking has been poured, they are stripped off and what's left is a bull-nose finish(hopefully).
The problem that most contractors have is that when these forms are stripped off, the coping that's left can be jagged, honey-combed, and extremely unsightly. This is mainly due to improper installation of the forms as well as improper handling of the forms during the concrete pour. I've even seen many cases where large clumps of coping have simply been ripped off the pool deck when the forms were removed. Obviously, such occasions are disastrous for the aesthetics of any pool and can be extremely difficult to repair without tearing concrete out.
This brings me to another major point. If you are considering a "Build Your Own Pool" or "Do-It-Yourself" fiberglass pool project, then you better have a good idea as to who is going to pour your patio. I've had countless homeowners over the years tell me, "Marcus, I have an uncle that does concrete and so we'll take care of the pool's decking." or "Marcus, I'm really good with concrete so we'll be taking care of the patio." Years ago, I would simply allow homeowners to go down this road without truly making them aware of the possible ramifications of their decision. But after having seen so many disastrous pool patios and copings, I now loudly vocalize these 3 truths:
- 1. Your pool's patio, and coping, will make or break the entire look of the project.
- 2. I don't care how many ‘pool decks' a concrete finisher has poured, all that matters is the number of ‘cantilevered concrete decks' around a fiberglass pool he has poured.
- 3. Do not allow your pool's patio to be a contractor's guinea pig.
The pictures shown on here were sent to me by a homeowner who had his pool's concrete poured by someone who frankly didn't know what they were doing. They are a perfect example of what can go wrong when pouring concrete around a fiberglass pool and should be a reminder to everyone of what can go wrong if your don't do the proper leg work in choosing the right contractor for your swimming pool project.
I also want to emphasize the need to decide, if you are doing a ‘Do-It-Yourself' project, on a concrete contractor before you buy the pool. Every year I get phone calls that go something like this:
"Marcus, I bought a fiberglass pool direct from the manufacturer. They helped set the pool and backfill it but now I'm not sure who is going to do the concrete. Who should I call?"
Such moments make me slap my forehead because in some parts of this country, there simply aren't contractors that have any clue whatsoever as to how to pour concrete around a fiberglass pool. Often times these homeowners end up settling on ugly non-cantilevered concrete or they end up finding someone who will do a stone/block coping instead, which is pretty expensive.
So keep this in mind as you prepare for your swimming pool installation in 2010 and if you have any questions/comments about fiberglass pool decking whatsoever, make sure you write them below, as we LOVE hearing from our readers!!
Marcus Sheridan
Want to receive a quote for your swimming pool or repair, anywhere in the US or Canada? Just click this photo and start getting calls immediately.
Posted by Marcus Sheridan on Sat, Dec 19, 2009 @ 01:13 PM
How to Choose the Right Swimming Pool Size for You and Your Family
One of the questions I'm most often confronted with as I meet speak with pool shopper s in Virginia and Maryland, as well as across the country, is: How big should our pool be?
This is certainly an important question to ask, as the pool's size and shape has no means of being pulled, stretched, or even shrunk after it's in the ground. It's one of those decisions that need to be correct the first time, as there is no turning back.
So how does one know what size to choose? Well to start, I suggest you always ask yourself the following questions:
- Who are the pool's main users and how often will they likely be using the pool?
-This is one of the most important questions one can ask. I've had Dads, who only have 1 or 2 kids, tell me, "I want a really big pool." Naturally, my next question is: Why? I'm not inferring that ‘big' pools are bad, I just want people to think about why they choose what they choose when it comes to their pool. The fact is that most kids, although they might say they want a ‘big' pool will end up using a 25' long pool as much as they would use a 35' pool. Kids just want to swim, and no child has EVER boycotted a swimming pool because it was too small.
- Does anyone plan on doing laps in the pool?
-Although there are tether systems that allow any pool to be a lap pool, for the person that wants to truly ‘swim' laps I suggest at least 34' in length.
- How much patio would I like to have around the pool and what are the objects (grills, furniture, etc) that I'd like to fit on the patio?
-My partner Jason wrote a great blog about this, so be sure to read his thoughts on proper swim pool patio planning and sizing.
- What are the pool's setbacks off of the house and property lines? Once the pool and needed patio are placed in the yard, will I have enough space for other items I'd like to have in my yard? (i.e.- jungle gym, trampoline, etc)
- How often do we plan on entertaining and what is the likely number of people at our gatherings?
-I hesitate to emphasize this question because I've seen customers make some silly decisions based on having one or two large events at their home each year. Remember, it's rare that more than 50% of any group is in the pool swimming at one time during an event such as a party, family gathering, etc.
- Will our family change size in the coming years?
-I know it's hard to see into the future, but families change, especially when grandkids enter the picture.
Although there are many more questions one can consider when deciding on the size of their swimming pool, this list is a great start for most people. As I mentioned at the start of this article, the whole point of asking yourself such questions is so that you do not have any regrets down the road about the decisions you're making today with your swimming pool choices.
Marcus Sheridan, http://www.poolschool.us/ / http://www.riverpoolsandspas.com/
As always, happy swimming and don't forget to subscribe my email to our blog in the upper right hand portion of this page!
Posted by Marcus Sheridan on Mon, Nov 16, 2009 @ 03:22 PM
Fiberglass Above Ground Pools
With the recent explosion of fiberglass pools in the swimming pool market throughout the world, I've been emailed a few times recently, and also asked by many of our local customers, whether or not such structures can be built above ground. 
Let me just start off saying a standard fiberglass pool is designed to be installed fully inground or partially above ground, but not for total on-ground installation without the support of backfill material. When we speak in terms of a partial above ground installation this is normally where the shell is installed with up to 18 inches out of the ground with a framed deck installed at the level of the top of the pool. A standard above ground pool is actually not a fiberglass shell at all, but is composed of a steel wall panel and supports. However, fiberglass pools can be customized by manufacturers who will "beef up" the structure by adding more fiberglass and supports that allow more of the shell to be installed above ground. But the real question is: When is such an installation necessary?
Reasons People Want to Install Fiberglass Pools Above the Ground:
1. The homeowner thinks this will be a less expensive method of construction.
The reality is that just because a fiberglass pool is built partially out of the ground or fully out of the ground, very little, if any, money will be saved. This is because the only savings would result from using less backfill material and the fact that concrete is not used for the patio. These savings are usually offset, though, by the additional expense of framed decking which is usually close to double the cost of a concrete deck. Many people think that because the pool is only partially in the ground and there is less excavating involved there will be a savings. This is not case because the time saved on excavating is actually marginal. Therefore, if you're attempting to save money by installing your fiberglass pool above ground, I'm here to be the bearer of bad news and say that you're likely misinformed.
2. The homeowner is concerned about potential flooding in their yard (pool area) and want the pool above this potential flood plain.
There is no doubt that elevating a fiberglass pool in low-lying areas can certainly help if there is ever a flood that inundates the swimming pool. People often times think that if a fiberglass pool is covered by flood water it will pop out of the ground. The reality is that this is almost never the case IF the pool has a cantilevered concrete patio which serves as an anchor for the structure. Rarely will a fiberglass pool float in such conditions. Rather, the pool water will become a mess and days will be required to return it to normal conditions. We have installed many pools in low lying areas and have found that pools elevated in this manner perform very well over time.
3. The homeowner wants to have the level of the pool deck coming off a higher level (ie deck) of their house.
This can be one of the more tricky ways of installing a fiberglass pool. If the pool needs to be elevated more than 18 inches, and is done without backfill, the structure must be:
A. Custom built from the manufacturer as discussed earlier, ESPECIALLY if it's a straight wall pool. Remember, any time a liquid-carrying vessel is curved, it's stronger. I often use the analogy of a water tower. No one has ever seen a square water tower because they don't build them that way, they are all round. This is also why your classical above ground pool is round versus square. Round pools are naturally much stronger, which is also why oval above ground pools need buttress supports on the sides to assist in the structural integrity of the pool.
B. Supported by an additional retaining wall around the shell that will allow the pool to have no more than 18 inches above grade. For example, let's say the pool needs to be elevated 3 feet. You would simply build a retaining wall around the perimeter of the pool 18 inches tall and leave the remaining 18 inches of the shell above grade. This wall and exposed backfill material would then be covered by the framed deck. This method performs well but can be a bit costly depending on the retaining wall material used.
4. The pool is built on a hillside and the homeowner wants to leave the downhill side exposed. This is actually a great idea as long as no part of the pool is more than 18 inches above grade as discussed previously and some method of erosion control is used on the downhill side to prevent washing out of the backfill material and hillside. Some materials that might work would be mulch, stone, plantings, etc.
Finally, I suggest that if you are considering building your fiberglass pool above the ground, you should at least consider all methods of building the pool flush with the ground. In terms of creating your strongest fiberglass pool, nothing will beat a shell that's in the ground, with proper gravel backfill, and fortified with a cantilevered concrete bond beam.
Article written by Marcus Sheridan and Jason Hughes, www.PoolSchool.us
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Posted by Jason Hughes on Tue, Nov 10, 2009 @ 02:24 PM
How much does Stamped Concrete Cost?
Pool Patio Q & A
by: Jason Hughes
http://www.riverpoolsandspas.com/
http://www.poolschool.us/
Planning a budget for an inground pool? Want to know how much money to allocate toward your stamped concrete patio? Great, you've come to the right place!
Here's what you need to know in a nut-shell:
- Stamped concrete is measured and priced by the square foot.
- The average cost of stamped concrete around an inground swimming pool is $9-$13 per square foot (depending on region).
- The average size of a stamped concrete pool patio in most areas is 500-900 square feet.
Here are some other fun facts:
- Stamped concrete can be slippery, so make sure your contractor adds a skid resistant additive to the sealer that is applied to the surface of the concrete. Otherwise you'll have a built in slip-n-slide in addition to your pool.
- The average person will spend a whopping 90% of their time on the pool patio as opposed to in the pool.
- Stamped concrete needs to be re-sealed every 2-3 years and usually costs around fifty cents per square foot.
Click below to find answers to other pool patio questions:
How much patio do I need?
How does stamped concrete compare to other materials?
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