FAQs
What types of pool are available today?
Most pools fall into three basic categories: Concrete / Gunite, Fiberglass, or Vinyl Here at Pleasure Pools, we only install Gunite pools which is pneumatically applied concrete. We feel that this is the most durable product to withstand the test of time that our environment and soil conditions present. Fiberglass and vinyl pools are less expensive but have the potential of failure in these conditions and decrease the ability of customization.
What is the difference between a chlorine pool and a saltwater pool?
The main difference between a chlorine pool and a saltwater pool is how the chlorine is added to the water. Chlorine pools have chlorine added manually to the pool in the form of tablets or power. Saltwater pools have a chlorine generator that uses electrolysis to convert salt into chlorine. Chlorine pools tend to lower the pH which makes the water more acidic and consequently more corrosive, while saltwater pools will naturally increase the pH and make the water more alkaline.
Are there any other methods of sanitizing pool water besides using chlorine?
The simple answer is Yes. For hundreds of years, we knew that drinking out of a silver cup was healthier but didn’t know why. Today we know that silver can kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. We also know that copper can kill or inhibit the growth of algae. There are products available called “Mineral Sanitizers” that incorporate these elements to sanitize your water. There are also Ozone Generators and UV Sanitizers that can aid in water sanitation. Unfortunately, each one of these options usually has to rely on the addition of chlorine to do the job completely.
How long does it take to build a pool?
The pool building process can take as little as a couple of weeks to as long as a year. Many factors contribute to this like permitting, design development, weather, material procurement, other ongoing site construction, and the list goes on. Typically, a custom pool, providing that all materials are readily available, should be completed with 90 days. When pools are built in conjunction with new house construction, the timeline is extended due to access and the inability to perform certain phases while the house is being built.
Do all swimming pools lose water?
All pools, regardless of the type or size will lose some water due to evaporation. You can expect to lose at least an 1/8 of an inch per day under normal conditions. If your pool has a fountain, water deck-jet, spa spillover, or any device that would move water through the air, your evaporation rate will increase. The size and amount of these features will have a proportional affect on that increase as well. Many other factors like pool heaters, temperature, relative humidity, wind velocity / direction, and orientation of the sun also affect the rate of evaporation. The level of ground water also can contribute to water loss.
Why does my pool builder not guarantee uniformity in plaster color?
Firstly, pool plaster is the final finish that is applied to the interior of the pool shell. Depending on the type of plaster you choose, there can and will be variations in the finished look. This is due to several factors such as the plaster curing time, changes in thickness of the plaster, and darkness of the desired color. Lighter colored plaster will have less variations while darker colors will tend to have more. Water chemistry also plays an important role in the plasters’ appearance and should be maintained in order to mitigate the changes.
Is there any guarantee that there won’t be extra cost accrued if the builder experiences unexpected soil conditions during the construction process?
Unless you have a soil analysis performed, a soil inspection report, and an engineered assessment of your soil’s weight bearing capacity, there is no way for any builder to determine if your current conditions can support the pool. The price of these services in most cases are cost prohibitive. There is also the possibility that during the excavation phase, obstructions such as buried tree stumps, logs, pieces of concrete slabs, and unidentified power and sewer lines can be uncovered.
Why is the decking around my pool cracking or moving?
If the earth beneath your pool or deck is unstable or settles, this will cause whatever is above to move with it. Whether your deck is set on compacted aggerate or even concrete, there is always the possibility for movement. This movement can result in pavers settling or cracks in the concrete. Most decks will exhibit this during the first year after installation.