Frequently Asked Questions

Ask everybody you can if they know a good pool contractor: Neighbors, friends, HOA, City Building and Safety Department, and your local Chamber of Commerce are places to start.

 

Check all potential builders’ license status at the California State Contractor’s license board (www.cslb.ca.gov). You can check to see if the builders are currently licensed and have a clean record, and if they have the required workers’ compensation insurance, liability insurance, and bond.

 

Get more than one estimate!

 

Do an internet search about the contractors you want to have out—you’ll learn that not all San Diego pool contractors are alike.

 

When it comes to most companies, you will probably end up dealing with a franchise. Since they aren’t owned locally, they are not very personable or active on your project. Since we are a small family owned business; you will get personalized service, every step of the way. Whether you need help with design choices, information on products or just a recap on what’s done and what will be done next- we’ll be there for you.

 

Most importantly, hire only licensed contractors. Using a “consultant” (a non-licensed person) is risky business: No warranties, little or no supervision, and using workers doing it as a side job. If anyone gets hurt on your property, then you alone are responsible for any litigation. I’ve been involved in the construction of many pools that “consultants” have started and never finished.

Pool construction, like most custom construction projects, is coordinated through many specialized trades. All of these different trades offer varying degrees of standards and attention to detail. Unlike a car manufactured in a factory under controlled conditions, a pool never has the same engineering features exacted to detail. So, much of what you don’t see is what impacts the future cost of your pool ownership.

Do not assume every builder is going to educate you, or is capable doing so, for that matter. The more you know and understand, the better buyer you will ultimately be. This helps you and your pool contractor. Do your homework. Check every contractor out thoroughly, call references, and be sure the contractor is who they say they are. Consider the saying, “If you think the cost of a professional is expensive, wait until you hire an amateur.”

We have seen increases in steel prices, concrete shortages, gas increases, and insurance premium hikes every year. Swimming pools never get cheaper as time goes on; in fact, most price increases come towards the end of each year and take effect January-April, such as the pool equipment itself.

Hydraulic design, flow rates, pipe size, pump and filter types, chemical management systems, and many other factors will make a difference in the ability of your swimming pool to stay clean and sanitized.

Usually if a deal seems too good to be true, it is! If you shop for price alone, you are destined to be disappointed. Bottom line: you usually get what you pay for—equipment, experience of the personnel, etc., all plays a big part in the pool cost.

There are many factors to the cost of the pool, such as shotcrete vs. gunite, experience of the contractor, type/size of the pool equipment, the amount of excavation time included in the contract, and extras most companies don’t (BUT SHOULD) include: mastic, tile trim, an auto chlorinator, startup tools, plumbing, pool sweep, and dedicated suction line. All of these things add up to thousands of dollars in costs that other companies hope you’ll overlook. I can only promise that every pool we build uses the same equipment and standards that go into our pools—NO EXCEPTIONS.

Pool shell is more resistant to hydraulic pressures and structural stress factors—increases the structural integrity of the pool shell, especially during ground movement and earthquakes.

Code: Not Required

Completely eliminates the possibility of the skimmer moving, separating from the pool, and leaking out water— thus saving thousands of dollars in damage and repair bills.

Code: 3# Bars of steel

Eliminates water in raised planters from leaking into the pool through the tile grout joints, which eliminates the ugly-looking white calcium buildup on the tiles and grout joints.

Code: Not Required

This bonds the tile to the pool much better, doubling the years of your tile’s bond to the pool.

Code: Not Required

Reduces the possibility of water leaking out of the pool or spa. Makes for nicer, cleaner installation of hardware.

Code: Not Required

Primer completely cleans and softens the glue fittings for stronger adhesion, reducing the possibility of plumbing leaks.

Code: Not Required

This additional pressure ensures that all glue fittings are completely glued and connected. This gives your plumbing added protection that it will not come apart even under extreme conditions.

Code:  Not Required

A. For the typical pool, it should take 6-8 weeks to finish from the day of excavation (depending on rain and winter holidays)

A. No. You can expect one pool construction crew per week depending on the following:

  • Construction step in process
  • Weather Delays
  • Speciality Products ordered for Tile and Coping
  • Specialty Products ordered for Pavers
  • Specialty Products ordered for Landscaping

A. There is really only three times you need to be home: the day we lay out the pool in the yard, the day of shotcrete (so we can put all benches and steps EXACTLY where you want them—I find most people to be visual), and finally the day of your preplaster inspection, where they check your door alarms, fences, and gates.

Have you started noticing that there is a constant need for you to refill your pool? If so, then there must be something up with your pool such as a leak. You want to make sure that you give it the right attention immediately. Call a pool specialist as soon as you can in order for you get the damage taken care of and to avoid your pool from getting more damage.

Cracks on your wall can be quite unsightly and you definitely want to make sure that you get it repaired as soon as you can. Cracks on the walls of your pool can result in leaking and can also be a cause of leaking. Erosion of the soil can also happen which can in turn also cause the whole structure to erode as well.

When your the water in your pool is starting to become unclean, there is a high likelihood that there could be an issue with your pool’s pump or your pump has stopped working. Call a pool specialist immediately to help you get your pump repaired or help you in getting a replacement.