FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(or call
281-858-8000 for answers)
General Questions
How much does a pool
cost?
How much is the monthly
electricity cost?
How much do chemicals cost?
How long does it take to build a pool?
Which kind of filter is the best?
What kind of decking is
available around pools?
Where does the water drain to?
How does financing on a pool work?
What kind of warranties are
available on pools?
How much room do we need for a
tractor?
What is gunite?
What is coping?
What is a Fill Line?
What is an Overflow Line?
How much steel do you put
in the structure of a pool?
What size pump is good? Is bigger
better?
How long does the pump need to run?
What are some guidelines for pool
safety?
How do I pay for a pool?
Is there TAX on pools?
New Home Buyer Info
What do we need to
know before contracting on an existing home?
What should we be aware of
when building a new home?
ANSWERS
How much does a pool
cost?
There are a lot of variables that effect pool costs.
Size of Pool, amount of decking, water-features, etc.
It is difficult to compare quotes from 2 different companies "apples to apples"
because of the amount of variables involved. And if you were able to get the equipment,
coping, decking etc. all the same, you would still have to consider the company's
reputation, warranties, and how the job will be supervised.
How
much is the monthly electricity cost?
Your electric bill will vary depending on if you have a spa/waterfall. An average
pool generates about $30-$35 per month.
How much do chemicals cost?
Chemicals will vary depending upon your water. From talking to our customers, the average
chlorine/acid cost is about $10 per month.
How long
does it take to build a pool?
From the day the pool is excavated, a pool takes about 30 days to build. If you live in
the city limits, your pool could take a little longer due to city inspections. Keep in
mind, if it rains, it will take longer.
Which kind of
filter is the best?
There are basically 2 types of Filters being used in the industry.
Cartridge Filters -
this filter should be a minimum of 300 sq.ft. As the water passes
through the cartridges,
it is filtered and returned to the pool.
Cleaning: On new pool, clean twice in first 2 months then every time pressure rises 10lbs.
To Clean: The cartridges are removed from the
tank and if not too dirty, wash with garden hose. If you have a lot of oil/chemical build up, they will need to be soaked in a cleaner. ( see your
local chemical store )
DE Filters -
this filter should be a minimum of 48 sq.ft. The DE powder coats the membrane of the
filter
and as water passes through this powder, it is filtered.
Cleaning: On new pool, clean twice in first 2 months then every time pressure rises 10lbs.
To Clean: Comes with a valve. Turn the valve to
"backwash mode" until filter is clean. Replenish powder.
So, which one is the best?
That depends on you. The cartridge filter might not have to be cleaned as
often as the DE filter, but the DE filter is easier to clean. The cartridge filter doesn't
use any powder so the DE filter will cost a little more. You be the judge!
What
kind of decking is available around pools?
The types of decking available are; brushed concrete, pea gravel, kool deck, sundek, brick
pavers, and flagstone. They are all good for around swimming pools. Wood decks look nice
too but do not hold up as well around water.
Where
does the water drain to?
People think of pool drains like bathtub drains. Actually pool main drains are for
circulation purposes mainly. A Pool does not need to be drained except for major repairs.
You should keep your pool running year-round. It is inexpensive to keep it running and
clean.
How
does financing on a pool work?
Financing is available from 0 down and sometimes as long as 25 years.
If you are credit challenged or get denied, we do have other sources to apply with.
What kind of warranties are available on pools?
We offer a lifetime transferable warranty on the structure and
3 years parts/labor
on the equipment.
How
much room do we need for a tractor?
Pools are usually excavated with a "bobcat type" tractor. We will need
approximately 6'-8' side to side clearance. Let us come look at your property.
What is gunite?
Gunite is a mixture of cement/sand that is much stronger that concrete. With the proper
steel ( 8" O.C.), we offer the Lifetime Structural Warranty.
What is coping?
Coping is the 9" - 1' edge around the water. It is either precast ( safety grip ),
bullnose brick or flagstone.
What is a Fill Line?
A Fill line is a PVC line we can install that will enable you to turn a faucet to fill
your pool with water as needed.
What is an Overflow
Line?
An Overflow line is a PVC line which is installed at the top of your tile line below your
coping which will allow water to drain to a predetermined location. KEEP IN MIND, when you
have an overflow line and several people get in the pool, your water will rise and cause
overflow which will make you add more water to the pool.
How much steel do you put in the structure of a pool?
Some companies are doing a 12" X 12" pattern of steel in your structure. Because
of the shifting soil in Texas and by recommendation from our Engineer, we always install
our steel on 8" Centers, giving you MUCH more strength.
What
size pump is good? Is bigger better?
Bigger is not always better. Get the right pump for your pool. Determine gallons, pump
flow rate and see which size will save you the most in electric cost. A good general
number to use is:
1HP Pump for pools 70 perimeter to 89 perimeter
1.5 HP Pump for pools 90 perimeter and up
2HP Pump for Pools with Spa
How long
does the pump need to run?
In the summer when algae grows the most, your pump should run about 8 hours per day. In
the winter, only about 3-4. In the summer, please run the pump in the day time. Algae
grows the most while the sun is out.
What
are some guidelines for pool safety?
Diving pools - minimum 34' long and 8' deep.
Slides - install where there is 14' water in front and at least 4 1/2' deep.
Main drains - ALWAYS 2
Fencing - 6' fence, gates self-closing and keep locks on all gates. A door alarm for the
back door helps too!
How do I pay for a
pool?
Cash or Finance ( see financing )
Once you have your money, you pay for the pool on a Draw Schedule. You pay as we build.
Is there TAX on pools?
NO! There is no tax on swimming pools.
What do we need to know before contracting on an existing home?
Be sure you find out the details! We have had customers in the past buy a home and realize
they can not put a pool in.
1 - Make sure your utility easement doesn't take up the whole yard - Get a survey and fax
it to us, we can tell you.
2 - Make sure the Home Owner's Assoc. doesn't have any guidelines which will prevent your
from your pool.
3 - You might have utilities running underground/overhead where the pool will go. If they
have to be moved, it will cost!
4 - Make sure you have the proper fencing.
What should we be
aware of when building a new home?
1 - See answers from above question.
2 - It is possible to finance the pool with your home or do a Home Improvement Loan
afterwards.
3 - Make sure the builder keeps all utilities out of the pool area.
4 - Let the builder know you are planning on putting a pool in so that he/she can leave
room in the breaker box.
5 - Get a survey (plot plan) from the builder so that we can work on designs.
