Swimming pool construction is handled by specialized swimming pool contractors who are experienced in ground conditions and climate of the region. Make sure that your contractor has experience building swimming pools especially the type of swimming pool that you are interested in installing.  When you get your bids, look carefully at each swimming pool estimate to assure that you accurately compare one estimate with the next.  It is very easy to miss details when comparing estimates. You may even want to create a swimming pool spreadsheet to compare one pool estimate to other pool estimates.  Pay special attention to the types of materials that the contractor will use to construct the pool; project extras such as water to fill the pool, special features, energy efficient pumps, going green, salt systems, patio/decking; warranties on the swimming pool and equipment; project timelines and the types of pool equipment that the pool contractor will use such as pool filter, the pool pump, number of skimmers, returns, turnover rates, number of lights, steps, swimming pool vacuums, etc. Many companies will entice a buyer with low prices and then increase the price dramatically with extras that may be included in another pool company’s base pricing- make sure you compare the bids equally across the board. Try to use a company that sells the pool as a whole package to get better pricing or has an all-inclusive policy.

TIP # 2: Get at least 3 references to help you accurately assess the pool builder’s workmanship and customer service.

Ask the references about how and why they picked this contractor and about their experience work with the contractor.  Find out if any issues came up during the project and how they handled the issues.   Ask if they would have done anything differently in hindsight.  If you cannot see the finished swimming pool project first hand, ask the pool contractor for pictures. The nature of references is that almost every reference will be positive.   Do not depend on references to be a critical analysis of the pool contractor.  The reference should give you an idea of how the contractor works on the project and how specific projects and issues were handled. Also, ask for trade references to show relationships within the pool industry, ask for architects, engineers and project managers that have real working relationships with the pool company to show the strength of the pool company’s business.

TIP # 3: Plan your payment schedule and follow schedule.

Most projects involve subcontractors, employees, equipment suppliers and others that are paid as a project proceeds or as needs arise.  A delay in payment may slow down or even stop aspects of your project mid-stream.  A slowed or stalled swimming pool project almost always increases the overall cost of the pool project.  If you anticipate issues with the payment schedule, speak up early as the contractor may be able to move the project schedule around to protect you and your pool project. While you should not wrongly hold back payments, don’t make your final payment until your swimming pool is completed. Your previous payments during the project should ensure that construction and equipment, decking or fencing by the contract has been completed.  Your final payment is your strongest insurance that your pool project will be completed as agreed.  If you must make your last payment early, make sure that you get in writing  a list of what still needs to be completed and the timeline for the remaining tasks. Do not pay cash in a lump sum for your swimming pool. Most contractors expect to receive money at stages during the project.  Contractors that request you to pay for the entire project in cash up front are operating illegally. Maryland Home Improvement Commission law states that a contractor can only take a 33% deposit.

TIP # 4 Communicate with your builder at all times.

Find out who will be responsible for supervising the work on your pool and keep in touch with them.  Find out their full name, office and cell phone and email if available.  Do not assume that the contractor will know what you are thinking about the progress of the project.  If concerns, questions or comments come up, you must let the builder know immediately.  Do not keep quiet or delay telling the builder.  Silence and delays will only increase the cost of correcting the problem.  Keep accurate records of all papers relating to your swimming pool. This information will help you maintain and take long term care of your pool.  Many of the questions that might come up over time about your pool will probably be answered in the papers that you received during the pool construction.

TIP # 5 Use web resources to help learn about and plan your project.

Swimming pool safety tips from the Consumer Safety Protection Commission -
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml74/74056.html

New guidelines for swimming pool MAIN DRAINS-
http://www.apsp.org/32/index.aspx#VGB

World’s largest pool -
http://www.worldrecordsacademy.org/biggest/largest_swimming_pool_world_record_set_by_San_Alfonso_pool_70920.htm

Pool maintenance guide-
http://www.doityourself.com/scat/poolmaintenance

Landscaping around swimming pools-
http://landscaping.about.com/cs/pondwatergarden/qt/pool_landscape.htm

Fence design and selection -
http://landscaping.about.com/cs/hedgesfences/a/fences_faq.htm

Solar heat supplement to conventional heaters in pools-
http://warmwater.com

SURFING IN A POOL -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-EgkPnCAQo&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lo_GmiiejYY&feature=related

Salt water swimming pools are increasingly popular, but how safe are they?

Salt or chlorine-which does a better job at keeping your pool clean?

Chlorination has been the traditional method of pool sanitation for decades-almost by default, since there were no alternatives for this crucial aspect of owning a swimming pool. However, for many pool owners, chlorination is an old and outdated pool sanitation method they’ve discarded in favor of maintaining a salt water pool.

CHLORINE

So what’s the problem with chlorine, anyway? It does exactly what it needs to-kills algae and bacteria, keeping the pool attractive and more importantly, a safe and sanitary place to swim. A pool that doesn’t get regular chlorine treatments will quickly become clogged with thick green algae. Depending on where you live, and especially in warmer months, an untreated pool can become a green, sludgy nightmare inside of a week-the chlorine is definitely important.

If you maintain a chlorinated pool, however, it’s not enough to dump chlorine in periodically and let the pool fend for itself. There are other chemicals to add too, as well as regular testing to keep an eye on water quality. For example, you must make sure there is enough free available chlorine (meaning chlorine that is active) in the water to keep up with sanitizing the water. This is usually done with the use of weekly chlorine tablets.

Another important aspect of this maintenance is PH levels-the acidity or alkalinity of the water. If the PH gets too high, the chlorine in the pool isn’t able to work as efficiently. However, if the PH drops too low, the water quickly becomes too acidic to swim in comfortably. Keeping the PH at the right level is somewhat difficult, because the range at which it’s ‘just right’ is very narrow and many factors, including rain, affect this.

Chlorine is important for sanitation, but for many people it’s also a source of irritation. The harsh chemicals that are added to pre-packaged pool chlorine irritate the skin and eyes, making swimming a highly unpleasant experience. It is important to note that it’s not the chlorine that’s the problem-in most cases it’s the chemicals which are added to the pre-packaged mix.

SALT WATER

The main advantage of a salt water pool isn’t that it doesn’t use chlorine. In fact, a salt water pool does use chlorine to keep the water clean. The advantage is that the pool owner doesn’t add chlorine to the pool-that means no pre-packaged chlorine, and less irritation for people who are sensitive to the added chemicals. Salt water tends to be much softer than chlorinated water, so it’s much more pleasurable to swim in, and is much less harsh on your skin. In addition, a salt water pool usually has a much lower concentration of chlorine than a chlorinated pool.

Another important benefit is more of a long-term one. In the short term, converting from chlorine to a salt water pool will involve some cash outlay, since there are a few system components you’ll need to by. It’ll run approximately $1400-$1800 to convert a traditional chlorine system to a salt water system. Over two or three years, however, the money you spend is recouped due to not having to buy extra chlorine for the pool. Just a bag of salt which is much less expensive.

Just to be clear though, salt water pools do in fact use chlorine to sanitize and the water. So if you are not adding chlorine tablets or shock, how does that work?

It works because of the chemical composition of salt, which is made up of chlorine and sodium. Within the salt water system is a unit called a salt-chlorine generator, which uses electrolysis to generate chlorine by separating the sodium and chlorine molecules in the salt you add to the pool. As the generator unit separates out the chlorine, it’s returned to the pool, where it keeps the water clean and sanitary.

A well-maintained salt pool is an absolute delight to swim in, with softer, more comfortable water that doesn’t irritate. It doesn’t taste salty, either, as you might think, because it has such a low concentration of salt that it’s officially considered to be fresh water! In the ocean, the salt concentration is between 20,000 to 35,000 parts per million, whereas in a salt water pool, it’s just 2,600 to 3,200.

Finally, don’t be fooled into thinking that a salt water pool maintains itself. It doesn’t. You still need to check PH levels and carry out other maintenance tasks. However,you’ll benefit from lower maintenance costs and a more enjoyable swimming experience, which definitely makes it worthwhile.

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1. Inground vinyl swimming pools.

2. Inground fiberglass swimming pools.

3. Inground concrete swimming pools.

There are many pros and cons for each of these pools. Most of these center around price, installation time, aestethics and interior finish. All 3 of these types of pools have been around for decades and there is strong debate of which one is the best. In my opinion, all 3 types of pools are great depending on the application. For example, all 3 pools have a smooth finish but the interior finish on a vinyl and fiberglass pool are a little smoother. The fiberglass pool can be lifted over a home that has little or no access. The price point for vinyl pools is better than concrete and fiberglass. Concrete pools have no limitation on shape. Fiberglass interior do not have to be redone.

• Tips
• Maintaining Your Pool
• Warranty

• Your Experience
• Included Features
• Going Green

• 10 Great Reasons to Own a Pool
• 10 Myths About Owning a Pool
• 12 Frequently Asked Questions

Six steps that are vital for pool safety:

* Don’t swim alone. It’s important to have someone there to help if pool users fall, slip, or have a heart attack.

* Take a cell phone or cordless phone to the pool, and keep it close by.

* If at all possible, be sure that someone trained in lifesaving and CPR is nearby.

* Make it clear to parents that they are responsible for watching their own children.

* Install an alarm in the house that sounds an alert when anyone goes near the pool.

* Before leaving and locking the gate, double-check the pool area. There may be children you didn’t see at first glance, who must not be left alone near the pool.