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    Parrot Bay Pools

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    501.664.6861

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  • In ground pool little rock, AR

    Parrot Bay Pools

    Serving Central Arkansas

    501.664.6861

    Larry's Cell 501.580.6364

  • Freeform Pool Benton

    Parrot Bay Pools

    Serving Central Arkansas

    501.664.6861

    Larry's Cell 501.580.6364

  • Custom Pool and Spa

    Parrot Bay Pools

    Serving Central Arkansas

    501.664.6861

    Larry's Cell 501.580.6364

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

Buyer Beware: Choosing a pool builder for the lowest price

Posted by Larry Rogers on Fri, Mar 16, 2012

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.

 

Tags: parrot bay pools, arkansas, Little Rock pool contractors, In Ground pools AR. Pool Designs, Custom Concrete Pools in Arkansas, swimming pool little rock, Larry Rogers

In-Ground Swimming Pool Considerations

Posted by Larry Rogers on Wed, Nov 9, 2011

 

 

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.

Pool Plan

 

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.

 

Tags: Little Rock pool contractors, pool builders Little Rock, In Ground pools AR. Pool Designs, Pool Designs, Pool Planning

IN GROUND POOL PLAN / DESIGN ELEMENTS

Posted by Larry Rogers on Fri, Oct 7, 2011


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)


POOL PLAN

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.

Tags: Pool Contractors, In Ground pools AR. Pool Designs, Pool Shapes

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