Credentials Are King! (Pt.2)

by: Ric Reineke, President
The Pool Guyz

5. What type of decking will work best for my family?
Although standard broom finish concrete decking is the most common type around pool decks throughout the country, we believe it doesn’t belong around our pools. We normally will at least add a coloring into the mix to eliminate the gray look. We also do most of our pool decks in a textured or stamped colored concrete pattern. Although this will make the finished deck somewhat more slippery with an added sealer on it, the look it will give the project is amazing. Budget will also account for a majority of your decision as this type of concrete will double the cost of the standard gray broomed finish deck.

6. What pool equipment options are available?
Pool equipment is always being advanced with technology. We do our best to stay on top of the industry and make standard the best equipment available. Variable speed pumps are a great upgrade to consider. Salt water chlorinators are standard with us as well as Low maintenance cartridge filters and hand held automation. Pools should run themselves now days to minimize customer maintenance.

7. What is the difference between an automatic cover and a winter cover?
The automatic pool cover is permanently installed by a track system which allows the cover to slide over the top of the water of your pool. This is done either under your coping or on top of your deck. The cover rolls up into a box that can be placed in the ground or under a bench at one end of your pool. A key is used to open and close the cover. The winter cover needs to be installed annually and anchors into your deck with hidden grommets that can screw up or down when cover is off. The price difference is thousands of dollars depending on your pool size and cover options. If you have the budget for an automatic cover, the savings in heating and piece of mind in safety is well worth the cost to upgrade to this option.

8. How to do maintain proper chemical levels in my pool?
This is very easily done with a Viking pool. The smooth surface of our pools doesn’t offer a good solution for algae to form. When using a salt chlorinator and keeping salt levels proper, you will normally not have to add any chemicals to the pool at all. Various kits are available to check water chemistry as well as simple bottle of test strips you simply dip into the water and match the color to the bottle.

9. What options are available to keep my pool clean?
All Pool Builders believe in different types of cleaners. I personally like the electric cleaners the best. I believe every pool should have a cleaner whether electric or pressure sided. We do not use suction cleaners at all. A good robotic cleaner will be the aspirin for your pool cleaning headaches,

10. How do I open and close my pool for the season?
The best option is to pay a pro to do it for you. This charge is usually less than $300.00 dollars. The cost to replace frozen equipment or repair pipes can be thousands. If you insist on doing it then here is a few simple rules to follow. Make sure all the water is removed from all plumbing lines and everything capped to prohibit water from re entering. Add chemicals to the water to prevent algae growth over the winter. Remove and clean your filter and your salt cell. Put RV or pool antifreeze in your skimmer and plug the hole. Make sure you have a good airlock on the main drains as well. Make sure all breakers for pumps or other pool equipment are turned off. Properly install a good quality cover.

Credentials Are King! (Pt.1)

by: Ric Reineke, President
The Pool Guyz

1. How do I choose a pool builder?
Credentials are king. When installing a pool, ask the Builder to show you what he has done not tell you what he can do. Ask for at least three references and call them. If he is a good Builder he should have a minimum of these 4 things.

1) A professional place of work. An Office which displays his work.
2) A valid state contractors license and local business license.
3) A valid APSP card. This is his credentials as a pool & spa professional.
4) A good standing with the BBB. Make sure you check this.

2. How do I choose a pool that will fit my needs?
A good Pool Builder will explain in detail why you should buy a particular type and size of pool after reviewing your family size and yard size and surroundings. There are also lifestyle influences and budgets to consider. The professional has seen all of these circumstances before and will know how to deal with them.

3. What can I expect the installation process to involve?
The first thing to remember is this is a major construction project. The yard in which you know it now will be transpired into a beautiful in ground pool. For us the install goes as follows. The first day we layout and dig the hole. The dirt is removed from the property if needed and the sand is placed in the hole. The second day the crane and pool arrive and we set the pool in place. The water will begin to fill the pool as soon as it is set and the backfill process begins. Normally by the end of day three the pool is completely installed and ready for the deck to be formed. Over the next week the electrical is completed and the deck is poured. Then the pool is cleaned and balanced and we do a final indoctrination with the new owner.

4. What pool options will enhance my pool and backyard?
Pool options will change with the buyer. I like water features of almost any kind. We do a lot of rock waterfalls with our pools. When you look at a pool in a backyard without any special features like waterfalls or fire pits, deck jets, palm trees, etc. it appears to look plain and normal. I like every customer to add something to there pool or direct surroundings to make it “pop” out at you when you look at it.