What could be better than having your own swimming pool just steps from your home? If you’re like many homeowners, this is something you might have been dreaming of for years. Will 2023 be the year you make it a reality? The first step is finding the right swimming pool contractor near Islip and Long Island, NY—but what should you look for? Here are a few tips and some advice on the key factors to consider as you look into your options.
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Experience Is Key
First and foremost, consider the experience of any pool contractor you consider. The excavation required to build a pool can be extensive—especially if you are going to have a larger pool built. Excavation is best done by contractors that have the right equipment and have properly trained their team.
Constructing a pool is a delicate balance that requires a contractor to take into account a wide range of issues starting with the soil type in your backyard through to the size and shape of the pool. All of this must be considered when the rebar framework is designed. For gunite pools, the gunite mixture must be the exact balance of flexibility and strength. If you want a pool that looks great, functions well, and will be durable for years to come, you need an experienced pool contractor.
Look at Their Portfolio
The first thing you’ll look for in a pool contractor’s portfolio is simple: Do you like the work? Do you think the craftsmanship is beautiful? Do they work with a variety of styles? The portfolio can also help give you ideas and inspiration as you consider the various options for your own pool. In addition to photos of their work, you could look into certifications, awards, and peer reviews they might be able to provide as part of their portfolio.
Get Help with Design
It’s common for homeowners to start looking for a contractor before they have a good idea of what they want in a pool. They might have a general idea of shape or style but not know what material would be best or how deep it should be. This makes sense, as the contractor is there in part to educate homeowners on their options.
Narrow Down the Options
There are three basic types of pools: gunite, fiberglass, and vinyl. All three material options have their own pros and cons. Gunite offers the most customization options and is a top choice. These pools are made with a steel-reinforced framework and mortar, which results in an extremely strong and highly durable finished product. They utilize a mesh framework that better disperses the pressure of the soil on the sides of the pool, thus allowing for more flexibility and preventing the gunite from cracking. Fiberglass is prefabricated and does not offer the level of customization you get with other options, while vinyl is generally less likely to withstand wear and tear compared to gunite or fiberglass.
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