Pool builder advice
Building a pool can be quite a time-consuming process, not just for choosing a design, but also choosing a good pool builder. Find out from an expert on what you should look for when deciding on a swimming pool designer.
Q. What should people look for when choosing a pool builder?
A. It's important to choose a registered swimming pool builder who can provide you with warranty insurance. Preferably, the builder should also be a member of the Swimming Pool and Spa Association (SPASA) in their state.
Q. What's your number-one design tip for swimming pools?
A. Build a pool that suits your purpose, e.g. exercise vs fun, and one that integrates with the function and aesthetics of your home.
Q. What are some common pool mistakes?
A. Dealing with unlicensed builders who have no insurance or warranties. People who don't use a licensed builder are financially liable for anything that goes wrong. Or worse, the unregulated builder may disappear with your deposit after digging a hole. Another pitfall is owner-builders who don't take out warranty insurance and try to sell their home within six and a half years. They may need to provide retrospective warranty insurance.
Q. What are the latest trends in swimming pool designs?
A. Lap pools represent the latest trend in design. They are great for fitness and fit into tight-width areas, often utilising wasted or unused space. Automatic in-pool cleaning systems which eliminate the need for vacuuming are a growth area in pool maintenance, along with salt chlorination and/or the use of self-dosing devices for chlorine and pH control.
Q. What advice would you give someone deciding between a lap and a leisure pool?
A. It's all about your lifestyle - a good pool builder will ask questions that make the decision easier. For example, if you're thinking about a lap pool, are you planning on swimming every day? If you are, and you live in a cool climate, heating will cost extra. A good option is to combine a lap pool with an adjacent family pool. Pool-spa combinations are also popular.
Q. What does it take to be a pool builder?
A. There are no formal qualifications - just experience. Most pools these days are designed by a landscape designer or architect. As a pool builder, you need a good comprehension of site locality and the ambience of the property. This determines how the pool sits on the block to get the most sunlight and eliminate over-shadowing and how it integrates with a user-friendly entertainment area.
Contact a pool builder in your area to find out which swimming pool design will suit your needs:
Find pool builders in your local area with
Find by state:
