Essential Tips for Inground Pool Shopping: What Every Buyer Should Know
Deciding to build an inground pool is a big choice to make. There are so many things to consider, such as available space, cost of construction, ongoing maintenance costs, etc.. It is important to do your homework. Precision Pools & Spas is here to help. Here are a few ideas about what to ask a pool contractor.
Inground Pool Questions – FAQs
What is most important to consider when buying an inground pool?
The first thing to consider is the pool’s purpose. Determine who will be using the pool and design it around them. If it is for kids and families, you may want to include an area for a barbecue or fire pit. Special considerations will also be made if elderly or handicapped persons will be using the pool.
You’ll also want to consider how much time and effort you want to put into the endeavor. Although the costs of installing saltwater pools are higher than those of conventional chlorinated pools, maintenance is cheaper. Which option best suits your lifestyle and budget?
The position is a huge factor when deciding where to put the pool. For some people, seeing the pool from the house is essential so children or guests can be monitored for safety. That leads us to the next question.
Is the location I have chosen for my inground pool going to work?
It may not be the first thing you think of, but you’ll want to consider sewer lines if you’re installing a new swimming pool. Usually, a house sewer line is connected to the main one. If your system has a septic tank, that is a different consideration.
If you have them, you must decide how close you want the pool to the house or retaining walls. It is important to examine the area to assess the space available accurately.
Always ask your HOA or other neighborhood entity if there are any rules and regulations to follow. You do not want to commence building and then be forced to stop because you violate HOA rules.
What is the difference between concrete, shotcrete, and gunite?
Concrete, shotcrete, and gunite are basically the same product. In swimming inground pool construction, the variations in strengths and weaknesses, inherent watertightness, and construction methods are what make them different. When designing a new swimming pool, the two main variations that are most important are strength and watertightness.
Concrete (cast in place) is created using small pieces of natural rock in various forms known as aggregate. To form concrete, this aggregate is mixed with a bonding material that holds the tiny rock particles together, turning it into a solid, usable structure of any size and dimension. The concrete’s overall strength will depend on the effectiveness of the bonding material when mixed. The drawback of concrete is that the mixture needs to incorporate a large volume of water. It is critical when pouring to get the proper thickness in all places, enabling a smooth and even surface. Any voids in the finished product can cause cracking down the road.
Shotcrete is generally a bit rougher than concrete. Most shotcrete pools are finished with a pool plaster known as Diamond Brite, while concrete is finished with epoxy-based pool paint. This epoxy-based paint will not look as good on shotcrete as on concrete and gunite. The installers must be highly experienced in installing shotcrete to get the perfect look and texture.
Gunite, when properly designed and constructed, will be the strongest and most watertight. The overall compressive strength will be higher than the other methods. There will be less water used during the process than concrete, which will minimize the number of pool joints between the concrete sections in the pool. If done correctly, the overall finish will have a smoother surface and can be finished with epoxy-based paints or pool plasters. The bottom line is that the gunite application makes it possible to end up with a solid pool of any shape and total watertight structures.
How should I maintain my inground pool?
Your main goal will be testing pool water chemistry and maintaining the proper balance of water and chlorine. You can purchase a pool maintenance service agreement and have a technician test it for you or collect the samples yourself and take them to a pool professional for testing.
Opening and closing your pool for the season involves special procedures. You can familiarize yourself with the process by speaking with your pool contractor.
Precision Pools & Spas is located in Sugarland and Magnolia, Texas and has built an excellent reputation within the Houston Pool Contractors inground pool industry. Precision Pools & Spas services Houston, TX and the surrounding areas. The entire staff is always happy to answer any questions you may have. Pool ownership is a great way to enjoy the warm weather, and getting started isn’t as complicated as you might think.
Are you inground pool shopping? Stop! Look no further. Contact Precision Pools & Spas today for your FREE, NO OBLIGATION quote.