A pool is a major investment that can yield many years of summer fun for the whole family. But being such a large investment, it’s important to plan ahead so that you’re completely satisfied with the result. Here are questions you need to ask your gunite pool builder before starting your pool design in Port Jefferson and Sag Harbor, NY.
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Before You Start Looking for a Gunite Pool Builder
Many homeowners dream of having a backyard pool where they can make the most of the summer without driving to the beach or dealing with crowds at water parks. Before committing to such a large project, you should have a few things already clarified.
1. Why do you want a pool?
In good design, “form follows function.” Knowing how you will use the pool will determine its size and shape, as well as add-on features. We’ll go more in-depth into this question during the design phase below.
2. Is your property suitable for the construction of a pool?
Not all locations are suitable for pools without extensive (and expensive) preparation. A high water table and certain soil types present unique challenges that will have to be addressed. A soil test must be conducted to determine whether the pool will remain structurally sound.
The site must also offer free access to heavy machinery (at a minimum, an 8-foot passage that is clear of all obstacles).
3. What is your budget?
It’s easy to be inspired by gorgeous magazine layouts of spectacular pools with every imaginable amenity. The reality could be quite different depending on the site preparation costs, materials choices, etc. Setting a budget ahead of time can help you make realistic choices.
Choosing the Right Gunite Pool Builder
You want to be sure you’re working with an experienced and reputable builder who can deliver the perfect pool for your family.
The expertise and reputation of your pool builder will, in large part, determine the final outcome.
A good place to start is with online reviews and ratings. Look for predominantly positive reviews; and just as importantly, see how they respond to negative reviews.
You can also get reviews from landscape architects, building inspectors, and people you know who have pools you like.
Here are some questions to help you vet prospective pool builders:
1. What is your experience?
Nearly half of landscaping companies and pool builders will go out of business within the first three years: the ones who make it, are still in business for a reason. This isn’t to say that you should not give a new company a chance! However, experience counts for a lot simply because there are so many variables in every project.
There are some things that must be learned on the job. The more projects a builder has in their portfolio, the more experienced they are at dealing with the unexpected. Knowing how many pools the builder has installed can help you gauge their level of experience and ability to overcome challenges.
Reviewing the builder’s portfolio is important, not only to demonstrate experience and style but experience with the type of pool you want (preferably in similar situations).
Choose a builder whose design aesthetics are aligned with yours. In many cases, the builder will be making recommendations about pool size and shape, amenities, features, and materials. Be sure to work with a builder who recommends materials and finishes you’ll want to live with for years to come.
2. Do you have references?
Word of mouth is important. If less than half of a builder’s customers are willing to give a reference, ask yourself why. Satisfied customers are usually willing to give a reference.
Call, and if possible visit, at least 5-10 references. Ask questions about the crew’s professionalism, the design, satisfaction with the finished product, the process, how challenges were handled, and what steps they took to protect your property. The overall experience should be positive, even if there were glitches along the way.
3. Which products do you use?
Work with a pool builder who uses quality products with a solid reputation and backed by competitive warranties.
4. What is your warranty?
Every builder should present a workmanship warranty that covers potential problems such as plumbing leaks, structural problems with the pool surround, pool movement, and cracking. The minimum workmanship warranty should be one year. Make sure the warranty clearly spells out what it covers, as well as exclusions and who is responsible for the work and cost of any warrantied repairs.
What’s Not Important in Choosing a Gunite Pool Builder
The company size doesn’t matter. Some builders operate with a core crew and subcontractors they trust, and some have an in-house crew. What matters is the end result, not who does the work.
Once you’ve decided on a builder you want to work with, it’s time to discuss the design of your pool and surrounding landscape.
Planning
The most important part of a pool project is the planning phase. Planning the visible and behind-the-scenes elements of your pool will ensure a desirable outcome. Asking the right questions will help you and your builder come up with the perfect design.
You can work with a landscape architect to finalize your plans. As well, some pool builders offer design services that will help bring your vision to life.
With that in mind, it’s good to have a general idea of what you want in terms of aesthetics and function.
1. What do you want in a pool?
Always begin your pool design with function in mind. Going back to the very first question you asked yourself, “Why do I want a pool?”, now is the time to design a pool based on who will be using the pool and how. A dedicated fitness swimmer will need a long pool in which to swim laps; someone who simply likes to take a dip on a scorching day could be content with a dipping (or “cocktail”) pool; a family with active kids will want a spacious pool with a deep end perfect for slides and diving boards.
Extra grab rails, underwater seating, a swim-up bar, a Baja shelf, a spillover hot tub, a waterfall, and a variable-speed current system… are all chosen based on the users and functions of your pool.
Plan ahead for landscape features that can enhance the experience: an outdoor kitchen, outdoor shower, a fire pit or fireplace, or a waterfall.
2. Where will the pool be located?
The pool’s size and shape must fit functionally and aesthetically into the landscape. You will be replacing a significant portion of landscaping to accommodate the pool and surrounding pool deck, so if you need to maintain some lawn area for kids and pets to play, the location becomes even more important.
Also, consider the off-season effect of a pool. You will ultimately spend more time looking at your pool than using it (winter can be unbearably long). One way to make your pool area functional year-round is to add a gazebo with an outdoor fireplace to the pool deck.
The pool location is determined by many more factors than your property and your lifestyle. Keep in mind the local zoning regulations, the location of existing underground utilities (which can be expensive to move), as well as convenience. Do you want the pool located close to the home so you can keep an eye on the kids or further away to minimize noise?
Also, consider your overall outdoor lifestyle. Will the pool area be part of your summer entertaining? If so, the pool deck will need to be spacious enough to accommodate a larger group of people. The pool deck could be a separate entity from the main outdoor living space or integrated.
3. What materials do you want around the pool?
A gunite pool is perfectly suited to any architectural style. One of the most delightful parts about designing a pool area is choosing the surrounding materials. Opt for low-maintenance materials with finishes that can stand up to pool chemicals and harsh sunlight. Natural stone or concrete patio pavers are the most commonly used, and both come in a wide variety of styles, colors, and finishes. Take your time choosing these materials so you have a pool area that’s not only beautiful but allows you to spend more time enjoying the space than fussing about it.
Look at the surroundings to inspire the right materials: your home (and its architectural style), and whether your landscape is manicured or naturalistic. Remember to consider vertical features as well, and how they integrate with the pool deck. These can include shelter (a pergola or a pavilion, for example); retaining walls; and natural gas- or propane-fueled fire pit.
The Plan and the Contract
The plan and contract should include everything, down to the smallest detail: the pool size and shape; any special features you will have installed such as laminar jets; the exact pool location; the elevation (height) of the pool relative to the surroundings; the type and location of the pump and filtration system; the dimensions and materials of the surrounding pool deck; location of a security fence, if applicable; and the location of any other structures such as a hot tub or pergola.
The pricing for each element of the overall design should be clearly defined in the contract. As well, the timeline and estimated completion date must be noted.
And then… the real fun begins as you watch your dream pool come to life!
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