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The most intriguing, beautiful and enjoyable investment you can make is a swimming pool. There is no other investment that returns such contentment and aesthetically pleasing environment as a pool. Imagine walking out your own door to an oasis of water, landscaping, waterfalls, cascades, barbecue areas, spas and lush setting. Today such environment areas are now possible to the pool owners' lifestyle. A pool is a thing of beauty that is used, and enjoyed for a lifetime. Today swimming pools are capable of being totally automated; removing the concern of required maintenance. Studies show the number one concern next to safety is maintenance (1996 National Swimming Pool and Spa Oxtoby Study.) However, today pool automation advances have virtually eliminated the work of pool ownership. However, a pool can be a real problem if constructed or equipped improperly. This booklet is provided to assist you in understanding some key basics helping to provide what you need to know to achieve a well-built and properly equipped swimming pool. Three main issues must be considered by anyone who builds a pool. First, you need a structure built to remain sound and hold water. This vessel must withstand both the forces of the water as well as external forces from soil, weather and other elements. Secondly, the water must be kept clean and sanitary without extensive effort on the part of the owner. Thirdly, it must be constructed to achieve the appearance and lifestyle of you and your family. The majority of pools are concrete ("Ingalls Advertising Consumer Study"). However, there are vinyl liner pools, both in-ground and aboveground, and fiberglass or a combination of both. In most cases, geographical areas and/or budget will be the major factors.
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FIBERGLASS
A fiberglass pool is constructed in a factory then transported to your home by truck. This one-piece pool is then hoisted by crane and set in a prepared excavation. Fiberglass pool surfaces are smooth and their manufacturers claim the smooth surface reduces maintenance. Construction time is minimal since the pool is prefabricated. Fiberglass pools account for approximately 7% of total pools. They are limited as to shape but have other advantages.
VINYL LINED POOLS
The vinyl-lined pool is purchased from a vinyl-lined pool manufacturer in a kit. Then the components are erected at the job site. Vinyl-pools differ primarily in the type of wall material used to support the liner. Wall systems range from concrete to metal, to fiberglass, to structural foam, to wood. Costs vary based on materials used. Shapes are commonly geometrical, however, recent innovations now allow free forms. Once the pool is excavated, walls set, and decking is installed, a precise custom fit vinyl liner is installed into the pool and immediately filled with water. The Vinyl Pools Market consists of approximately 33%. Vinyl pools can be in ground or above ground.
CONCRETE POOLS
The most popular of the three pool types is concrete. This method consists of excavation that is contoured to the specific design you select. Any shape or configuration is possible, including varied elevations, and attached spas. The excavation is lined with reinforcing steel then covered with pneumatically applied concrete. Approximately 60% of pools built today are in ground concrete pools.
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Once you have selected the type of pool you want to build, you need to be aware of a few things before you make the decision to build your own pool. Here are a few:
PERMITS
You will need to check with local governing authorities to confirm all requirements. Some municipalities require you to use a licensed contractor. There will be specific guidelines you must follow such as property line set backs and easements. Contact your local authority before you make the decision to proceed. Get your permit from appropriate local governing authorities.
ENGINEERING
Many authorities require specific structural engineering be done on a pool by pool basis. Regardless, you will want to consult a structural engineer to make sure you are building a structurally sound pool. With a few calls from the Yellow Pages, you can probably locate a structural engineer in your area with swimming pool engineering experience. Of course, should you choose a pool builder, this engineering is done for you.
SOIL CONDITIONS
You will want to make sure you do some investigation of the soil conditions you will have to deal with. Some soils require specific engineering to assure you of a sound pool. Such things as rock, expansive soils, caliche and sub-terrain water can dramatically add to the costs and additional engineering requirements. Check with a soils engineer or a qualified excavator.
LICENSING
Make sure each of the sub-contractors you select is reputable. It is always recommended you use licensed or bonded sub-contractors to do your work.
WARRANTIES
Thorough investigation is necessary. Make sure you review a written statement of warranty from each sub-contractor. Should you build your own pool, remember your only warranties are with the individual suppliers. This may get confusing should a problem occur. Should your supplier go "out of business", you have no warranty. If you choose to have your pool built, you will receive all warranties backed by your Builder.
INSURANCE
Make sure each trade that does work on your pool has Property Damage Insurance and Liability Insurance before they enter your property.
LIEN RELEASES
Many states have Lien Laws. These laws give suppliers of materials or service the right to encumber your property by filing a claim against your home. If such is the case, make sure each trade gives you a valid Lien Release at your time of payment. Some states allow material suppliers lien rights also and in these cases you must get a release from not only the tradesmen, but also his supplier. (E.g. Your deck contractor might need to give you a release from his concrete supplier.) Check with an attorney in your area for advice.
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A review of the Phases of Construction will help you understand the building process. While the three types of pools vary somewhat, all are similar. The order may vary depending on type of pool you select.
ENGINEERING
All soil and structural investigations must be complete before you begin. As mentioned, this is an area to seek professional help.
DESIGN
You need to complete design drawings showing shape, size, equipment, location decks, etc., including the finish elevation of the pool.
LAYOUT
Based on your plans and engineering, you need to determine a finish grade level of pool. Set a point of reference and benchmark to determine other variable finished elevations. This could be your house finished floor or an actual stake driven to grade. Drive large "spikes" 6-10 into the ground at the excavation perimeter line of the pool. Flag each spike with fluorescent ribbon. Make sure you allow for over digging for wall thickness requirements. Mark all steps, corners, lights and benches.
EXCAVATION
Use a qualified pool excavator. A contractor, who uses a backhoe and a truck to dig ditches, basements, etc., is not necessarily a qualified pool excavator. You will need to make sure you have adequate access and written permission from your neighbors if you have to encroach on their property. Make sure all permits are posted before work begins.
PLUMBING
Use a tradesman who specializes in pool plumbing. Make sure all piping is a minimum of schedule 40 PVC or equivalent. Make sure all piping is stamped with ASTM approval. The plumber must determine the sizes of all piping by calculating the volume of water in the pool. Water is to be filtered every six hours of operation. Over-sized piping is a key to an efficient and easy to maintain pool. A good rule when in doubt, use 2" minimum. This may cost you more, but you will reap benefits in reduced pump size and pump run times. (See Pumps section)
CIRCULATION
It is very important that you understand the importance of circulation of the pool water. Most pools draw water from the drain located in the deepest portion of the pool and the skimmers located at the surface of the pool. Most pools have one skimmer but if you are building a pool over 500 square feet of surface water you should consider the second skimmer. Skimmers remove the floating debris from the surface. If you have trees or foliage around the pool additional skimmers will help. The water drawn from the pool is filtered then returned to the return inlets located around the perimeter of the pool. These returns aid in creating surface action to help the skimmers function. Remember to place the skimmers to take advantage of predominate wind directions. There is a tremendous advantage in not only returning water to the surface but to cycle the water to the bottom of the pool also. There is a system that does this and gives dramatic advantages in chemical reduction and heating cost reduction. This system is called the EnvironPool® and we have taken the liberty to include a brochure on this device. Whatever you do, make sure your pool is equipped with a system that circulates water from the bottom of your pool as well as the surface. This will make a noticeable difference in your water quality and save you money every month.
EQUIPMENT SELECTION
While each element of pool building is important, the proper selection of equipment is most critical to enjoying your pool. Your cost of maintenance and time required for maintenance is determined by your equipment selection. You must do some serious research here to assure a rewarding pool ownership experience. For this reason, we have created a separate section to cover equipment selection. (See equipment selection section)
REINFORCING STEEL
If you are building a concrete pool, reinforcing steel must be installed after the plumbing is complete. This steel adds to the strength of your pool. The steel is installed in a grid pattern following the requirements of the engineering calculations. Steel bar size can range from 3/8" diameter to 3/4" diameter depending on the requirements.
ELECTRICAL
You must use a licensed electrical contractor for this phase. Electric and water do not mis and the use of a professional is a MUST. There is a National Electrical Code Article 680 that covers swimming pools. You may secure a copy at the local library or via the Internet. All pools must be grounded including all steel within 5 feet of the pool. Underwater lights must be installed with Ground Fault Interupters (GFI). These breakers protect from shorts in underwater lighting. The latest in pool lighting is Fiber Optics. Fiber Optics add safe and beautiful accents to the pool so you may want to research this feature.
AUTOMATION
Pools today can be totally automated, allowing pre-programmed timing and convenient in-house operation. Automated controllers add convenience and simple operation. You can set run times to take advantage of pool utility off-peak rates and set pre-arranged spa warm up times. You can even turn on your spa heater from your cell phone and have it ready for your arrival. Local authorities must inspect all electrical installations. The timing of this inspection varies; check with your local authority.
SHELL or WALL CONSTRUCTION
After the electrical inspection the reinforcing steel is covered with concrete. Your contractor may use ready-mix delivered to your site in ready-mix trucks. A pump at the street then pumps the concrete into the pool. This method is also referred to as "shot crete". Another method is to deliver dry sand and cement to the site then pump dry material through the hose adding water at the discharge nozzle. This method is called "gunite".
Regardless of method, the pool concrete is trimmed and shaped to the exact contours required. This includes all spas, benches and steps. After the placement of the concrete, you will need to keep the material wet. Spray the surface with a hose spraying a mist of water 3 to 5 times per day for 7-10 days. (Check with your contractor).
VINYL-LINED POOLS
If you are building a liner pool, you would set your walls of the chosen material and then complete your plumbing and bottom. As wall materials vary, so does the type of bottom. Bottoms can vary from the most common "Vermiculite" to sand and concete. The package that you purchase will specify the manufacturer's recommendations.
DECKING
Once the shell walls and bottom are complete, you can install the concrete decking. Decking materials also vary from stone to brick and/or concrete. Materials are unlimited depending on the look you want to achieve. In hot climates, certain materials are cooler than others. There are coatings such as Kool Deck that are effective in heat problem areas. In all cases, always install a concrete base to work from.
TILE
Ceramic tile is used to create a finished look and provide an easy-to-maintain water line. Make sure you use a ceramic fired tile that is frost protected. Tile is used for water lines, spas and even for an all tile pool.
FINAL INTERIOR FINISH
Interior finishes now are more than just common plaster or Marcite. Now you can select painted, plastered or surfaces with a stone exposed finish. The latest surface uses small, fine river-worn pebbles mixed with cement, then at a precise time these stones are exposed to create a natural rock finish. Finishing comes in various colors. This product is called Pebble Tec (r). If your pool is plastered, it will be filled with water immediately upon completion. With a pebble finish, your pool will be filled the next day or so.
START UP
When your pool is complete and filled with water, you can turn on all equipment. You will need to add chemicals usually consisting of chlorine, muratic acid and stabilizer. If you included an automatic Chlorinator, then some chemicals may not be necessary. All automated time clocks should be set. It is a good idea to run the filter system 24 hours a day until the pool water is clear. After clearing, the pool system can be run as few as six hours a day or longer depending on size and certain equipment on your pool.
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PUMPS
This is the "heart" of your pool. The pump takes water from the pool main drain and skimmer, sends it through a filter for cleaning then puts it back into the pool. To determine the proper pump, you must do a little engineering. You need to calculate what is called the Total Dynamic Head (TDH). Total Dynamic Head means you determine all friction losses in moving the water from the pool through the filter and piping then back to the pool. A hydraulic engineer can assist you or you can acquire friction loss charts and information from the various equipment manufacturers. First determine the water capacity of your pool. (Length x width x average depth x 7.5=gallons). Since we have determined you want to filter all water every six hours, you can now determine the gallons per minute required to do this (GPM). Once you know the GPM, compare the GPM and TDH to a manufacturer's pump performance specifications called a "Pump Curve". Some pumps of the same horsepower outperform others.
FILTERS
All filters remove dirt and contaminates from circulated water. All require periodic cleaning. There are three types of filters available. Each uses a different type of filter material.
DE - DIATOMACEOUS EARTH
This is a filter with cloth covered discs. These discs are "coated" with DE, or diatomaceous earth, to create a very fine means of filtration. This coating is added as a slurry mix and dumped into the skimmer. DE Filters can be equipped with a separation tank used to remove back-washed materials from the backwash water allowing the water to return to the pool rather than to waste.
DE FILTER/CARTRIDGE FILTERS
These filters work and look much like the air or oil filter on your car. The water passes through the pleated material where dirt and contaminates are held. After the prolonged filtration recommended by the filter manufacturers, the filter is removed and cleaned using a pressurized water hose. After cleaning, the filter or filters are replaced.
SAND FILTER
Usually these are filter tanks made of stainless steel or plastic and filled with very fine sand. The circulated water passes through the sand and dirt and contaminants remain in the sand. To clean, the water is reversed through the sand and sent to waste including the dirt. Water goes to waste into the sewer system or into a gravel pit adjacent to the equipment. The discharged back wash water may be regulated by local ordinances. You should check with local authorities.
All three filters will do an acceptable job of filtration. There are varied opinions on which is best. Choose the one that is most convenient for your way of thinking. As to which filters best, the finest micron of filtration is usually the DE followed by Cartridge then Sand. However, few can see the difference in clarity once installed.
Each filter has a gallon per minute rating. Once you know the GPM for your pool (flow rate), you should make sure the flow rate is at least 1 1/2 times. All flow rates are stamped on the filter.
POOL CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT
Recent surveys in the swimming pool industry show that a major concern of pool ownership is the maintenance of a swimming pool and the cost of that maintenance. Today there are dramatic improvements in equipment automation in cleaning swimming pools. Your selection of the correct cleaning systems is the most important decision you will make. The worst thing a buyer can do is to invest in a beautiful pool with all the potential for a superb outdoor environment only to create a weekend cleaning and maintenance nightmare. There are several means of cleaning a swimming pool and you should be aware of each.
CLEANING YOUR POOL YOURSELF OR USING A SERVICE.
You can of course just plan on vacuuming and cleaning the pool yourself or you can have a pool service do it for you. You can simply purchase the vacuum hose and head to do the cleaning periodically yourself. Pools must have the dirt and debris cleaned out of the pool or this dirt will cause algae and staining not to mention the potential of an unhealthy environment. Some folks feel that they will just hire a weekly pool service to do the work, this approach is expensive and even if cost is not a factor, the pool will only be clean on the day of the visit. Since dirt constantly is blown, tracked or settles into the pool, it is a short period of time before the pool looses its intended beauty.
PORTABLE CLEANERS
Portable or Robotic cleaners are a great improvement over the old manual vacuum. These cleaners are devices that float or crawl around the interior of your pool and remove or suspend the debris to be removed by the filter. These consist of a feed hose to the device that is attached to the suction side of your equipment usually through the skimmer. They require using a large portion of the suction normally used to skim debris from the surface of the pool. It is important if you choose a portable, that you upsize the pool pump to allow for this extra suction requirement. Most portables do a good job, however, they will not adequately clean the steps or benches of a swimming pool. Since most operate randomly around the pool's interior, attached to a feed hose, they have difficulty maneuvering into the corners or offset areas of steps and benches. You should plan on brushing these areas. Also keep in mind, if you are adding a separate spa, they cannot crawl out of the pool and into this area to clean. You will have to clean this area by hand. Islands, barstools and interior boulders also create impossible obstacles for the portables to handle. A separate booster pump can also drive portable cleaners. These separate pump-driven cleaners eliminate the problem of using part of the suction needed for skimming and drain operation. A portable cleaner is the minimum you should do to your pool, as they will eliminate a portion of the work required. Check the warranty of the product you decide to purchase, as they will vary. Portables will need to be checked regularly and worn parts upgraded or changed.
CARETAKER BUILT-IN CLEANERS
The most innovative way to clean a pool is the built in floor cleaner. This cleaner can clean the total interior including steps, benches, walls, and even spas, fountains and other water features. The piping for the cleaning heads is installed at the time of the plumbing of your pool. These heads are strategically located throughout the pool to assure that virtually all areas are cleaned. Cleaning heads are also placed on steps and benches to make sure your entire pool stays clean at all times. The location of each head is determined by factory trained designers.
 
Cleaning heads pop up, sweep every square inch of the pool, and then return flush with the pool floor, virtually disappearing.
When you decide on the shape and size of your pool a copy of your plan is faxed to Caretaker, along with a questionnaire. The Caretaker designers, using an automated Auto Cad program, locate each head for easy installation by the plumbing crew.
Every Caretaker 99 System is computer custom designed to guarantee effective cleaning.
There is another benefit to the Caretaker and that is reduction of the cost of pool ownership. Since the Caretaker distributes water from the floor of the pool, every square inch of the pool interior receives circulation. This is done continuously without the aid of an additional pump. This deep circulation and cleaning reduces the need for excessive chlorine use, thus reducing the overall cost of maintenance for your pool. This means less cost for you, the pool owner, every single month.
There is a dramatic advantage and cost savings if you are to heat your pool. Since the Caretaker injects heated water into the floor of the pool you eliminate loss of expensive heated water lost to the cooler air at the surface of the pool. This injection of heated water thoroughly over the pool can save up to 40% of the cost to heat a swimming pool.
There is another advantage and that is warranty. The Caretaker System comes with a limited lifetime warranty. This means that as long as you own your swimming pool you will not have to pay for a replacement part on your system. Never... ever... period. These advantages dramatically reduce the cost of pool ownership and most importantly cleans your pool. In fact the manufacturers are so confident that Caretaker guarantees the pool to be more then 99% clean. The system has a special drain called the Leaf Trapper that removes all heavy debris and leaves then sends it to a conveniently located canister in the deck of your pool.
So what does this system cost? While you will initially pay more for this system then the portable, you will save dramatically on the cost of operation of the pool. It is an investment that pays you back in a very short time and then continues to deliver reduced cost and a clean pool for the life of the pool.
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Whether building yourself, or buying from a licensed pool builder, the information we have provided should help you in your process of making your pool the "pool of your dreams". Should you choose to use a pool builder, then there are a few more things you need to know. You obviously want to pick a contractor that has a reputation for good workmanship, value, integrity, service, reliable product and timely completion. But how can you do this? And more importantly, how can you research the builder yourself? All are important questions and not as difficult as you may think. Check out your prospective builder thoroughly. Here is a list of things you should do and know before you select your builder: Make sure your builder is a licensed contractor. Only a few states do not require a license but even those require some type of bonding. Contact local agencies such as licensing board. Most keep records of complaints. Make sure that complaints are handled quickly and completely. This may also include the Better Business Bureau. Many of these agencies oversee complaints of consumers. Make sure your contractor is insured. Ask for a copy of his liability and property damage limits. Ask for a list of referral customers and go visit these pool owners. An actual visit will many times get you information you are seeking. Ask questions about workmanship and timely completion. Look at the project and judge for yourself the ability of your prospective contractor. Have them include pools under construction so you can see the pool in process and speak to those owners. Check out not only the contractor but also the salesperson. Is he/she qualified to design your pool? Can he/she give you others you can contact to ask specifically about the salesperson? Check out your prospective builders financially. Ask for bank references and if possible acquire a credit report or a Dunn and Bradstreet Report. Your banker may be able to help you here. Review the agreement thoroughly before you sign. Look for things that could be additional costs, such as:
- Soil Conditions
Is there an extra charge if we encounter hard soils or rock?
- Access
Has the builder included all access problems and included the necessary costs to complete the work?
- Electrical
Has the builder checked the power supply and is it adequate to run the new pumps and other electrical needs?
If an upgrade is needed, is it included in the price?
Has he included all electrical run?
- Property Damage
Is everything covered including driveways or sidewalks that they must cross?
Who pays if they are damaged?
- Sprinklers
Who replaces or re-routes?
- Landscaping
Who replaces?
- Completion Time
What is the time of construction and what happens if the contractor goes over?
Is the agreement clear?
Does it spell out every phase of construction and what is included such as type of equipment, amount of electrical run and amount of decking included?
Review each phase of construction we covered and make sure the agreement explains specifications of each in detail.
- Progressive Payment Schedules
Make sure that the payment schedule tracks with the costs of the project.
- Warranties
Make sure warranties are clearly explained in the agreement.
Request copies of not only the builder warranties, but the equipment manufacturer warranties also.
Make sure they are a part of the agreement.
- Service
Check out the service and labor coverage of your contractor.
Make sure labor to repair any need is covered for a reasonable length of time.
- Start Up
Make sure all chemicals for getting your pool into operation is included. Talk about service for the first 90 days. It takes awhile to learn all you need to know about your pool and having the builder do the work for the first 90 days is helpful.
To locate a quality pool builder near you, visit www.PoolMall.com.
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Owning your own swimming pool can be one of the most enjoyable experiences of your life. There is nothing more beautiful than the setting that a pool provides to your backyard. You will find that the pool environment may just be the most used "room" of your home. A swimming pool is a place where dreams are fulfilled and memories built. The decision to build or buy your own pool should be carefully thought out. Remember, if you decide to take this on yourself, you will be coordinating over 100 workmen and up to 30 different trades. It is a big undertaking and only for those who have some type of construction experience or just lots of time and enjoy a real challenge. A swimming pool is unique from all construction trades, and it is important you use qualified contractors. Swimming pool builders are specialists in this unique business and they offer you peace of mind in the coordination of all details. They give you a one-person point of warranty when they build your pool where if you do it yourself you will need to contact each trade individually. Most of the time the pool builder gives you warranties not available from the individual trades. Building a pool yourself is a monumental task and we recommend you give careful thought before you "take the plunge". We will close our information booklet by commending you on your decision to investigate a new swimming pool. You will find a swimming pool an enjoyable addition to your home, providing an environment and recreation facility in your own backyard for your family will be a very fulfilling experience. All of us at CSI wish you the best! And, we want you to know that you may contact us anytime for additional information. We have a data bank of qualified builders in your area who handle, install and service our products. You can find part of this list through the Internet at www.PoolMall.com. For a complete list of over 600 dealers contact us directly at 1-800-762-0647.
GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY SWIMMING!
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