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?

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.