Our Blog | Advice on In Ground Swimming Pool Construction and Maintenance

Everyone wants a good deal on a major purchase and no one wants to overpay.  However, you also want to make sure you do not get cheated and do get the best value for your dollar.

When it comes to selecting a pool contractor for a major home improvement project, these desires really hit home. In particular, building a new swimming pool is a prime example of such a project. 

To ensure that you get the most for your money, it’s crucial to resist the temptation to choose your builder primarily on price—particularly if it is significantly lower than other bids you receive.

Here’s why: Low-priced contractors are often the ones who cut corners on a variety of fronts.  For example, they may operate without proper business insurance, liability insurance, workers comp insurance, or property-damage insurance.  In states where a license is required, as it does in Arkansas, the low-ball firms are often those without one.

They may install cheaper equipment or brands with poor warranties.  They may use low-quality materials or skimp on the required amounts.  They may rely on crews and subcontractors who charge less—due to limited skills, experience, or an unfavorable reputation among local pool builders.

Sometimes a low-ball price is a sign of desperation.  A builder may sell a pool virtually at his cost.  Why?  While he may make only slim or no profit, he may be on a money treadmill; he will take the job just in order just to keep cash flowing to pay the rent or the bills on his last customer’s project. 

Remember: To make profit to stay in business, any good business needs to charge enough for their product or service.  The same is true for pool contractors. 

However, a contractor staying in business is important not only for them—but for homeowners too.  You want your contractor to be around to take care of any warranty issues that may arise!

Certainly, your budget must be a major factor in guiding what you purchase.  However, it should not be the primary factor in guiding you with whom to make that purchase.

Weigh factors such as local reputation, length of time in business, financial stability, scope and depth of insurance coverage, expertise of the designer, and the quality and scope of equipment offerings.  Above all, when shopping for a pool builder, seek overall, long-term value.

 

Often you will find "pool" builders who perform other disciplines such as, concrete finishing, landscaping, carpentry, and even home building to name a few.  These contractors are what's referred to as "jack of all trades", master of none.  Beware of "pool" contractors who participate in multiple facets of operation.  Becoming a professional pool contractor takes experience and dedication, industry training, specialization in design and company structure set up as a bona fide pool company with a place of business.  This information is easy for one to validate.  With companies coming and going in and out of business these days, you do not want to be left holding the bag as they say.

 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?

It's a new year here in Arkansas and many individuals made New Year’s resolutions to get fit in 2011. Unfortunately, as the year progresses, some of those people will falter in their fitness programs and in their goals to get healthier and stronger. If this describes you, maybe it's time to look at changing your routine instead; new exercises will keep you from getting bored, helping you stay motivated. And unlike most land-based fitness activities, your muscles and joints are much less vulnerable to injury when you exercise in the water.

 

Once you've decided to try aquatic exercise, there are a variety of options to consider besides swimming, the obvious choice. The one that requires the least amount of planning but would probably be most expensive is to buy an aquatic treadmill or bicycle. Yes, you can use your favorite gym equipment in your backyard swimming pool! Some water treadmills allow you to perform exercises like crunches and dips in addition to walking or running in your pool. Aquatic bikes and treadmills are particularly helpful when you're recovering from an injury – they are often used in physical therapy programs.

If you want to walk or run in the pool for exercise but don't want to buy a treadmill, you can do so with relatively inexpensive equipment or even no equipment at all. Aqua jogging allows you to run while avoiding the potential repercussions from high-impact running on land. Because water provides more resistance than air, you’ll still reap the many fitness benefits of jogging. To get started, research aqua jogging workouts online and select a routine you'd like to try. As you increase your fitness level and/or start jogging in deeper water, you may want to add aqua fitness products such as a water noodle, aqua jogging belt, hydro-resistant arm and leg trainers, or aquatic dumbbells to your routine.

When an exercise partner or group is available, don't forget to challenge them to a game of aquatic basketball, baseball or volleyball. You'll have fun while getting fit!

Hopefully these aquatic exercise tips will give you some new ideas about how to approach your fitness program. Of course, you should consult your physician before embarking on any exercise program and follow swimming pool safety rules when you exercise in the water. Keep track of your exercises – and your results – in a journal so you can progress at a slow but steady pace. And if aqua fitness has helped you, we’d love to hear from you in the comments section!  Many customers choose to heat their pools for these reasons.  In Arkansas, we are fortunate enough to have warm weather at least eight months out of the year. 

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