Pool Renovation Options

January 3rd, 2014 Posted in Pool Remodeling
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Swimming pools and spas built in the past, while completely functional, often were boring from an aesthetic perspective.  Typically pools and spas would have a white coping, dark blue tile at the water line and a white pool coating.  Pool decks would be constructed with traditional concrete.  In the past pool contractors did not have access to the wide variety of building materials today that allow swimming pools and spas to be both functional and beautiful at the same time.

Today, swimming pool contractors have access to a great deal of exciting natural and man-made materials that were not available 10 or 20 years ago.  Traditional concrete pool copings are now available in a wide variety of shapes and colors besides white.  The selection of tiles is almost endless with natural stones such as travertine and marble being available in many sizes and colors.  There are literally hundreds of glass and porcelain tiles available in different sizes and shapes, as well as a wide range of colors.   Pool coatings available include bead or pebble finishes as well as diamond brite finishes.  Pool decks can be built with pavers or stamped concrete with a wide variety of colors available.  In addition, specialized concrete coatings are available to make existing concrete decks slip resistant, as well as to keep the surface cool on even the hottest day!

There is no need to live with that old swimming pool or build a new pool, when renovations to an existing pool can be done quickly and economically.  An experienced pool remodeling contractor that specializes in swimming pool and spa renovations will be able to transform an existing pool into a work of art that matches the architecture of the home as well as blends the pool or spa into the outdoor living area.

Posted on behalf of Premier Pool Enterprises 

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Pebble Tec Pool Resurfacing

January 3rd, 2014 Posted in Pool Remodeling
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In most cases, swimming pools and spas should be resurfaced every 5-10 years as part of the pool’s maintenance plan, which will increase the lifespan of the pool as well keep the pool looking new.  While there are a number of excellent products available on the market, Pebble Tec is an industry leader and provides outstanding results, while being cost effective at the same time.

The heart of the Pebble Tec pool finish is the use of natural pebbles, which are incorporated into the finish.  The pebbles are obtained from mines throughout the United States as well as overseas and are of the highest quality.  Quality standards are very specific in determining the texture, color and size acceptable, as Pebble Tec does not consider every pebble to be the equal!

Pebble Tec is available in 18 colors including Jet Black, Back Pearl, Jade, Tahoe Blue, Blue Lagoon, Blue Sky, Moonlight Grey, Caribbean Blue and Sedona Red.  In addition, Pebble Tec is available in four different textures as well.  In addition to being stain resistant, beautiful and natural, Pebble Tec provides a non-slip surface to the pool, which enhances safety.  One of the features of the product that makes it so popular is how the finish interacts with the water to reflect sunlight throughout the day, resulting in a wide spectrum of colors.

A highly experienced, licensed and insured swimming pool and spa contractor, who is certified to apply Pebble-Tec pool finishes, will be able to transform the appearance of any existing pool or spa into a natural looking work of art!

Posted on behalf of Somar Pools

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Pool and Spa Improvements

January 3rd, 2014 Posted in Pool Remodeling
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It has never been easier to upgrade both the appearance and functionality of existing swimming pools and spas!  Some of the most popular pool remodeling improvements include water features such as waterfalls, lighting and the addition of dual level steps.  When performed by a qualified, experienced, licensed and insured swimming pool contractor, these additions are quick, affordable and improve the spa and pool experience, as well as the appearance and safety of any swimming pool or spa.

Waterfalls and other water features are easily created by diverting water returning to the pool or spa during the filtration process.  The water is diverted so that it flows over rocks or falls directly into the pool or spa.  The addition of a waterfall or other water feature to a pool or spa is easily accomplished in most cases.  There is nothing more relaxing than the sound of running water!

The addition of lighting to a spa or pool adds to both the overall safety of the pool or spa by providing ambient lighting to the area.  In addition, it also creates mood lighting as well, which most people find relaxing.  In most cases, an experienced swimming pool contractor will be able to install the lighting quickly and with minimal disruption to the pool or spa.

In the past, most pools were not built with integral stairs, instead relying on ladders to allow people to enter or exit the pool or spa.  Dual level steps provide a very safe means to enter or exit any existing pool or spa and are both economical and relatively easy to install.

Posted on behalf of Somar Pools

 

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Swimming Pool Planning

January 3rd, 2014 Posted in Pool Construction
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In general there are two processed involved in new pool construction.  The first is the planning process, while the second is the actual swimming pool construction process.  However the planning process is the most important step and good planning is directly related to the successful construction of any swimming pool.  In general the planning process includes consultation and permitting.

During the consultation portion of the planning process, a qualified swimming pool contractor will have a designer meet with the client to determine the features the client wants in the pool, in addition to taking detailed measurements of the site.  The contractor will then prepare a design that meets all required zoning ordinances, including set backs from adjacent properties, as well as incorporating the desired features that the client desires.

In addition, sometimes a landscape architect is brought on board as a member of the team to help design an overall hardscape and landscape plan for the property.  The contractor will also prepare a detailed written estimate of the cost to build the pool.  In some cases the contractor and the client will go thru several revisions of the design before the best of is found that meets zoning ordinances, the features desired by the client and the client’s budget.

Once the plan is developed and the contractor is released to begin work on the pool, more detailed plans will be developed, which will need to be submitted to the city or county the property is located in, as part of the requirements to obtain a building permit.  The detailed plans will provide a guideline for the construction of the pool and will demonstrate that the pool is being constructed to the applicable building and zoning codes.  Depending upon the locality of the property, the building permit will be issued upon “approval” of the plans and payment of all fees.  The pool contractor’s representative will have work diligently throughout the permitting process to obtain the permit s quickly as possible.  Once the permit is obtained, the contractor will be able to start construction and a completed pool is weeks away!

Posted on behalf of Somar Pools

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Pool Construction Process

January 3rd, 2014 Posted in Pool Construction
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The actual construction phase of the swimming pool begins once all necessary permits have been obtained.  The first step in the pool construction process is the excavation of the dirt where the pool is to be located.  The contractor will first verify that there are no existing utilities in the area and then begin the excavation of the soils.  In most cases the soils will be taken offsite for disposal.  The excavation will be in the shape and the depth as shown on the plans.

Once the excavation is complete the required electrical and plumbing work will be performed.  In general, the electrical and plumbing work will be related to pumps, drains, filtration systems and lighting systems within the pool shell.  After the work is complete and inspected, the pool contractor will then install reinforcing steel within the pool shell as shown on the approved plans.  The size and quantity of steel depends upon a number of factors including soil conditions and the size and shape of the pool.

After the structural steel is inspected the contractor then spray a specialized type of concrete, which is called “Shotcrete” against the dirt formed sidewalls.  The concrete will cover the reinforcing steel, as well as the plumbing and electrical work previously installed to create the shell of the pool.  The next step in the process is to install the pool tile at the waterline, as well as the pool coping.   The coping provides a transition from the pool to the pool deck.  Once the coping is complete, the contractor will then apply the finish coat to the pool shell, with many different coatings being available.

At the same time there will be a number of other tasking performed including installation of the pool equipment, pool deck and pool fence along with any other hardscapes.  Typical pool decks include concrete, natural stone, pavers or decorative concrete.

The final step is to fill the pool with water and obtain all required inspections from the appropriate government agencies including zoning, building and health.  Once final approval is obtained, it will be time to enjoy that new pool!

Posted on behalf of Premier Pool Enterprises

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