Posted by Larry Rogers on Fri, Jan 20, 2012 @ 09:36 AM
When it comes to building a new pool, it’s the subject that can be a bit touchy: Money.
However, it’s a topic that’s better dealt with up front so everyone knows what to expect.
The good news here at Parrot Bay Pools is that you are entering into an Agreement with a reputable pool builder, the cost of your pool and your payment schedule should be clearly outlined—in writing—for you. You may also ask to "review" our Agreement before placing your signature on the bottom line.
These written terms should include
phased payments that dovetail with key construction phases such as excavation, gunite application, tile and plaster.
Typically, there will be a down payment, and several additional payments throughout the construction process. The total number of payments will vary in accordance with any applicable state regulations.
Change Orders should be explained to you and the why's as they relate to any additional required proper construction practices and their associated costs. If any.
You should also receive details on acceptable methods of payment, to whom checks should be made out, and to which individuals you should give the payments.
Be wary of anyone from your pool company or of any subcontractor who asks for a cash payment. Sometimes, they will use a ploy, such as telling you a cash payment will enable them to give you a discount.
If your pool is financed, be sure you understand how the payments will work. If the checks are from a lender, be sure all required parties endorse the check.
Prompt payments are vital to your construction timeline. They will help your builder achieve smooth scheduling and coordination of related logistics, such as ordering materials. And when everything goes as planned, it’s a win-win for everyone.
Posted by Larry Rogers on Tue, Nov 22, 2011 @ 10:01 AM
When taking care of a in-ground swimming pool, having the right type of cover can make all the difference. Finding the right cover can be a bit tricky and will depend upon a variety of factors including your pool shape, size, and of course, what you need the cover for. The guide below should help you identify just the right cover(s) for your pool.
Solar Pool Covers: A very common pool cover, solar covers utilize the suns energy to generate heat for your pool. These covers float freely on your pool surface and are designed primarily for heating your pool and prolonging your pool season. They are not the most efficient covers for keeping debris out of your pool and should not be consider a safety cover.
Solar Rings: While designed to provide heat for a pool similar to a standard solar pool cover, solar rings have a few unique benefits. Due to their design, solar rings are very adept at passing heat to deeper parts of your pool. They can also be turned over when the pool temperature is ideal, enabling them to act as barriers to sunlight that will evaporate water and precious pool chemicals. Solar rings work well with automatic pool cleaners as well.
Leaf Nets: With these covers the name says it all. Leaf nets are basic covers designed to keep leaves and other larger containments out of your pool. Simply place the leaf net over the pool, anchor it down and watch as the leaves fall harmlessly onto your net. If you have a lot of leaves to deal with every year, it may be wise to remove this net multiple times to clean the leaves off. Leaf nets are often used in combination with a heavier winter cover.
Winter Pool Cover: These heavy-duty pool covers are designed to protect your pool from debris as well as other unwanted pool contaminators. While many winter covers offer features such as thermal protection or coloring to help guard against algae growth, they do often vary in weave thickness which can be a determinate in the durability and overall quality of the cover. As mentioned above, winter pool covers can be used in concert with leaf nets. It’s important to note that winter pool covers are not necessarily considered safety covers.
Safety Nets and Safety Covers: Pool safety covers are available in a standard net/mesh form, as well as solid covers. Safety nets are designed with gaps too small for a child to fall through, but too big to allow efficient balancing or movement. Solid safety pool covers are heavy covers that are designed to be anchored down and keep everything from loose debris to kids and pets out of your pool.
Automatic Covers: Automatic covers have permanently mounted reels that automatically cover and uncover the pool at the push of a button. They are the most expensive option, but are also the most convenient. These reels can be run from either an external motor or using an internal motor that spins the reel.
Parrot Bay Pools is fully qualifed to measure and install any of the afore-mentioned covering systems. Let us know how we can help you manage your covering requirements if any.
Posted by Larry Rogers on Wed, Nov 09, 2011 @ 10:05 AM
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Question Your Intentions
Its a simple beginning, but why do you want a swimming pool? Pools come in all shapes and sizes. Ask yourself how you will use the pool: for swimming, lounging, exercising? Will you need space for grilling and entertaining? Will young children use the pool? How important is the visual appearance of the pool versus its functionality? How much time do you want to devote to maintenance?
Whether you decide to contact a contractor yourself or work with a landscape professional to develop a custom pool to fit your landscape, if you're armed with answers to these questions as well as examples from books and magazines of pools that appeal to you, you’ll be better prepared to articulate your desires. And that means you’ll be more likely to invest in the pool that's right for you.
"People tend to focus on size, shape, and depth, but these factors only become relevant after you've determined the role the pool will play in a family's lifestyle."
Picking a Location
Pools can slip into backyards, front yards, and even side yards of all shapes and sizes, so the perfect location can vary greatly by site. A good place to start when evaluating a site is the interior spaces of your house. You'll spend 50 hours looking at a pool from inside for every hour you spend in it, so the view inside-out is important.
Other factors include zoning codes, existing utility lines, and ease of access. Zoning codes can impact the safety features surrounding your pool, moving existing utility lines can add to the expense of a project, and convenient pathways to and from your home can impact how much you use a pool and spa. The pool's visibility from the house may also be an issue with children.
Don't forget to evaluate sun and shade patterns. A pool shrouded in shade all afternoon may languish unused or, depending on your climate, it may be the perfect place to cool off.
Interior Looks
Most in-ground swimming pools are made from concrete, vinyl, or fiberglass. Concrete (gunite) is most popular because it offers many design possibilities. It is generally sprayed over steel-reinforced rods on-site to form a seamless surface. A finish is then applied on top of the concrete.
Plaster is the most commonly used finished it has an average life of ten to twelve years. Exposed aggregate, which is made from crushed pebbles or a mixture of concrete and crushed quartz, is more expensive but gaining in popularity. Its prized for its durability, array of color options, and textured, nonslip surface. At the top of the line is ceramic tile. It can finish an entire pool or just be used along the water line for decorative detailing.
Color combinations are varied, and maintenance is minimal. Preformed fiberglass shells and vinyl liners offer less design flexibility, but their smooth surfaces are nice. Vinyl liners are supported by manufactured wall systems made from steel, aluminum, polymer, concrete, or wood.
Exterior Surrounds
Highly visible and highly trafficked, the surface (deck) that surrounds a pool also deserves serious consideration. Plain concrete offers a smooth, non-slippery surround and is an inexpensive, reliable option, but it can lack pizzazz. A stamped concrete finish can add charm inexpensively, but watch out for dark colors, as they can quickly become toasty underfoot. Bricks or concrete pavers make a classic, colorful choice and are easy on bare feet and on the eye.
For earthy tones and a natural look, fieldstone, slate, flagstone, and marble are beautiful, non-slippery surfaces but carry a hefty price tag. Wood and new synthetic woods can also play a role poolside.
Features of Fun
A decade ago, the bigger the volume of water in an in-ground pool, the better. But today's pools tend to downsize gallons of water, investing the saved money in accessories that add aesthetic and functional appeal.
Popular accessories include waterfalls and fountains that add soothing sounds of moving water; beach entries that offer space for young children to play and easy access for disabled or elderly visitors; swim-in-place jets that allow fat-burning exercise in pools too small to swim laps in; and LED lighting to illuminate steps, plants, and water features for a spectacular night time show. There are also underwater barstools for happy hour, umbrella supports inside the pool for instant shade, and shallow underwater sunbathing ledges to host those who want to get only a little sun. There are so many exciting things happening in pool design, that there's no reason to opt for a plain (blue) hole in the ground when you could add tremendous features without necessarily busting the budget.
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Posted by Larry Rogers on Mon, Oct 17, 2011 @ 08:55 AM
The process of obtaining funding for your back-yard project can be a daunting task these days to say the least. It’s almost a necessity for one to “qualify” for funding if you plan to finance your project BEFORE you begin to do all the planning and processes necessary for design and cost estimates. Only to find out you can not obtain enough funding to do the project in the proper manner. We highly encourage our potential customers to look into this, if they are serious about such a project.
The application process is free and the customer does not have to commit to financing until they OK any loan papers. Once the application is submitted the loan process can begin. The minimum amount of time for the home equity loan or line process is 7 business days. On an unsecured loan two business days maximum.
Most decline loan applications are turned down due to high debt, high revolving debt or low home value. Having our lender personally working on pool financing gives the customer other options than a decline. Also; if a customer has a certain budget that they need to stay within to afford the project a banker can work with them to get the loan term or rate comparable to the customers’ ideal monthly payment.
Our lender can offer competitive rates on home equity loans, home equity lines of credit, unsecured home improvement loans and personal lines of credit.
Home equity loans do not have a payment until the money is used and there are no prepayment penalties. If someone does not have enough equity in their home to secure a project loan a banker will be able to offer an “unsecured” product or line of credit.
Some of our customers have taken advantage of financing two loans, a home equity and an unsecured to be able to finance the exact amount or monthly payment that they need.
Consolidation of existing debt can also be accomplished sometimes as well. With rates as low as they are now, this is a viable option for some potential clients. It’s always best to just apply and see where one stands and the options you may be qualified for your project
You can view our application on our website and submit it electronically to our lender.
Posted by Larry Rogers on Fri, Oct 07, 2011 @ 08:17 AM
With so many decisions to make when buying a pool—including choices about design, materials, features, equipment, location in your yard, decking, and other additions such as fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, or landscaping—there may be times when you want to change your mind about an earlier selection.
Before any dirt is turned in your backyard, your pool designer will develop a construction plan and give you a copy to review. Typically, a plan will outline elements such as, but not limited to:
Elements of the planning process:
> Backyard measurements
> Pool position in the yard
> Footprint of the house
> Property lines, fences, and other barriers (e.g., overhead power lines)
> Underground utility lines (e.g., electric, phone)
> Pool dimensions (e.g., width, length, perimeter)
> Pool depths
> Pool capacity (number of gallons)
> Access points into the yard
> Pool equipment location
> Pool plumbing (e.g., drains, return lines, skimmer(s))
> Location of gas meter and/or electric meter for home
> Pool structure (e.g., steps, benches, raised bond beam)
> Coping type for the perimeter (e.g., brick, flagstone, safety-grip)
> Tile type for the waterline
> Deck for the pool (e.g., type, color, footage)
> Equipment options (e.g., filter, pump, heater, remote control, sanitizer)
> Pool cleaner type and line location
> Any accessories, such as a slide, diving board, or water features
> Pool lighting and locations
> Type and color of interior finish
> Spa—shape and configuration
> Spa options (e.g., light, blower, remote control, number of jets)
> Areas to be landscaped
> Areas for other backyard amenities (e.g., fire pit, island barbeque)
Ideally, any changes that you may want are best made now. This is the best time to be sure the plan shows exactly what you want! If something gives you hesitation, ask your designer about it.
If you are thinking about a backyard project, a Parrot Bay Pool designer will visit with you to outline all of the above processes, provide you a detailed plan, cost analysis breakdown, and a 3D rendering of your project before you ever dig any dirt. These processes take time, so plan early and allow for several weeks, if not months, before you want to begin your project.
Posted by Larry Rogers on Fri, Sep 23, 2011 @ 12:37 PM
Building in the Fall
The oppressive Arkansas heat has finally lifted and that swimming pool you thought about building this summer is probably far from your mind, but did you know Fall is actually the perfect time to start that project?
Here are 6 advantages of building in the fall:
1. It's not too cold, hot or wet. If the weather is too cold it can complicate excavation and prevent concrete pouring. Extremely hot weather can slow down work crews and wet weather can cause unwanted delays and turn the project into a soggy mess.
2. You have the designer and builder's undivided attention. Fall is typically a slower time of year. With the subsiding heat, fewer people think about building. For the customer, this can result in scheduling flexibility, an even more attentive designer and a less hectic building experience.
3. You're not so rushed: Who wants to be rushed when it comes to spending 30-70k on a swimming pool? By shopping for a pool now, you can make a relaxed and informed decision, and not base your thoughts on silly stipulations like 'which company can start the soonest.'
4. Special discounts are available. Manufacturers often discount equipments, covers and accessory items in the fall and winter, therefore you may save thousands by building before the spring and summer.
5. Your yard will have a chance to heal: Pool construction is messy, make no bones about it. After final grading, grass will need time to grow. For those persons that get their pool installed earlier, their yard will look much, much nicer come June 1 compared to the person that waited to make a decision.
6. It allows you to make the most of your first summer. By building in the fall, you won't miss a single swimming day next summer. Your pool will be ready to go when the weather starts to warm up.
The gratification may be delayed, but this fall could be the best time to start your back yard transformation.
Posted by Larry Rogers on Fri, Sep 23, 2011 @ 12:29 PM
The pros and cons of leaving your pool open year-round:
The Good
1. Pools are beautiful: Whether it's 98 degrees in June or 32 degrees in January, moving water is great to listen to and enjoy. This is especially true with snow on the ground.
2. Spring Clean Up: Because pool owners often reopen for the season in May, by that point the pool has quite a bit of algae and/or other debris in it. Although this can usually be removed within a couple of days, leaving a pool open year-round means that it won't start to see nearly the same issues, especially in terms of algae, as one that's closed.
The Bad
1. Losing Electricity: Fortunately for us here in arkansas our winters aren't that demanding. However in the event power goes out, a few blankets thrown of the plumbings pipes at the equipment pad generally will suffice. Another option would be to have the use of a portable generator.
2. Cost of Electricity: Although most pool owners now have variable speed pumps, an extra 4-6 months of usage does cost at least a few hundred dollars in most cases.
3. Salt System Will Not Be On: Even though this is not a huge deal, it's one that people often forget, and that's the fact that salt chlorine generators do not work when the water temperature drops below a certain level, usually around 60 degrees. With the cool temperatures though, water sanitation isn't nearly as much of a problem as algae will not grow during the winter months.
If you are planning on winterizing your pool:
Part of maintaining a swimming pool, spa or hot tub includes preparing it for those months when you won't be using it. Also referred to as "closing your pool," or "pool closing," the time to tackle this task varies, depending on the climate or region in which you live. Most experts believe that pools should be closed for the season when nighttime temperatures are in the 40s and daytime highs are in the mid 60s to low 70s. If you close it too soon, you risk the possibility of algae overgrowth. If you wait until trees really start to shed their leaves, obviously you've got a big mess to contend with. Read more...
Posted by Larry Rogers on Sun, Jun 12, 2011 @ 05:37 PM
Looking to select an inground pool builder. This is a big decision for most home owners who have never built a pool before. Asking questions and doing the appropriate amount of research is in order. Here are a few points you might consider asking and / or checking out:
Ask your potential builder if they are incorporated and registered in good standing with the Secretary of State's Office in Arkansas. If so, then what year were they incorporated as a corporation, this will provide you how long they have been in business under that current company name. This is public information and easy to check out for yourself.
Ask to meet them at their place of business. Check out their organization and their ability to support your project long after the construction is complete. If they do not have a place of business, beware!
Belonging to the BBB (Better Business Bureau) means nothing. All the BBB wants is a company's money in the form of an annual fee. Most any company today can pay the fee and belong to this organization. Same applies to the local Chamber of Commerce. Angie's List is the same kind of venue.
Ask to see a copy of their Liability Insurance. If they can not provide you this, chances are, they don't have it. Otherwise, your homeowners insurance will end up covering any liability should one occur on your property if something goes wrong. This is the last thing you need.
You can always ask for references from previous customers, however, this is usually a waste of time. Testimonials generally are ALWAYS from customers who had a decent or nice experience. Sometimes its just good business to just go with your "gut" feel about the person and the company they represent.
Perhaps this will give you some insight as what to look for and ask your potential pool company / builder and the manner in which they respond to your requests.
Posted by Larry Rogers on Sun, Mar 27, 2011 @ 11:41 AM
I get asked this question all the time. Let me answer it this way: Does a Boat add value to your home? Does an RV add value to your home? Does taking a Vacation add value to your home? You know the resounding answer. What they all do is create special memories. Memories of family and fun, friendships, get-togethers, cook outs and social gatherings. An in-ground swimming pool not only creates special memories, it also provides an added wonderful outdoor living space.
Granite Countertops, Stained Concrete Floors, Viking Cook Tops, Sub Zero Refrigerators are considered luxury items for the home. Do they add more equity to the home? Who knows what someone else will place value on. Home appraisers won’t give you much equity for them either. But one thing is for sure, they don’t add memories. What we once thought our homes were worth are not worth that today. Lots of people are "underwater" in what their homes are really worth based on what they owe on it. So what does one do? Wait for the housing market to “come back”. Is your home your best investment anymore. Who knows what going forward.
There are people who go thru life placing dollar signs on everything they observe and research. These are the same people who convince themselves that owning something like a Boat, RV, Motorcycle, and yes, even a Pool, are not a good “investment”. ( I bet they still have trouble believing in Santa Claus ). What we are talking about here is "investing" in your lifestyle and creating those special moments that last a lifetime. What we are further discussing is taking many backyards that are currently wastelands and turning them into private resorts. As I get older, I see how fast time flies and how short life really is. I don't know about you, but maybe its time to seize the moment.
So when people ask me, Does a Pool Add Value To My Home? Well, what does family fun, that place for gathering friends, building relationships, having the children and grandkids over to your place mean to you. I don’t know how much emphasis you place on that -- only you can answer that question. If it all creates more memories and a lifetime of enjoyment, then maybe you got your monies worth, or better yet, the added "value" to your home.
OBTW: Now perhaps you'll see why I always chuckle when someone says to me, "I won't get anything for the pool when i sell my house"......
Posted by Larry Rogers on Wed, Feb 09, 2011 @ 01:40 PM
Prospective pool owners – in the Little Rock area are finding that adding a pergola to the pool area adds a new level of ambiance and excitement to your pool space. The addition of a pergola will enhance the view in your yard and even increase the resale value of your home.
A pergola is – at its most basic – a series of horizontal timbers or wooden beams, supported by brick or stone pillars. They can also be built of timber over decking around the pool area. A pergola is more than a self-contained structure and are great for climbing plants. The sides of pergolas are usually open although the climbing greenery can give it the appearance of being an enclosed space.
If the idea of having plants such as wisteria or roses in the pool area is appealing, a pergola is the perfect structure for the climbing plants. They’re also useful for climbing vines or other greenery. Adding greenery adds to the vista of the swimming pool space.
Pergolas were typically used to house bench seating and were tucked in the corner of the yard. Today, pergolas are being used as a place to entertain and relax but to be in the midst of it all when it comes to the swimming pool. An excellent place to escape from under the sun yet still be “out by the pool”. They can be constructed in such a way as to create the illusion of seclusion or be used as a privacy “hedge.”
Adding a pergola to your pool area, whether you boast a large backyard area or a small one, can add magnificence and elegance. This structure also offers an additional entertaining area for guests.
The beauty of a pergola is that it can be a “destination” as well as a “pass-through” to get to other areas of the backyard and swimming pool or spa area. Before you add a pergola to your pool area, make certain your pool contractor measures the width and height and has the proper thickness for the support columns. Pressure treated wood or metal is typically used to construct a pergola although the metal must be treated with a rust-proofing agent.
Ornamental flower baskets can beautify the look of your pergola if you don’t want the heavy cover of a climbing plant. If you’re looking for a backyard enhancement for your swimming pool or outdoor kitchen area, one of these structures could be just what your backyard needs. This short video will display many types of pergolas for your consideration.