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How can I be sure to make the right decision when choosing a pool builder?
Referrals can be the most
valuable source of information. If a builder gives you a list of
only 20 to 30 names you should be concerned. Call old customers and
ask about their experience. If they had any problems, did the
company take care of them? If possible, go and see some of the work
that the builder has done in your area. Make sure that they are a
member of NSPI (National Spa and Pool Institute) and of course,
please always check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure
that if there were any complaints, they were all satisfied.
(Go to how to pick a pool builder for more information)
Back to Questions
What about warranties? Is my investment
well protected?
Warranties are very
important. Always compare the warranties of every builder to whom you talk. Make sure all warranties are in
writing, not verbal. Remember one thing: the warranty is only as good
as the company and their reputation. If the builder is not in
business for the duration of your pool warranty, then you haven’t
got a warranty. Back to Questions
What if I have a small or difficult yard to
work with?
Good builders can construct pools in almost any yard. You will be
surprised at how such a small back yard can have the most innovative
design. Don’t think you can't have a pool, call Platinum today
for a free design consultation.
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Questions
I sometimes see advertisements promising pools at very low
prices. Is this really possible to get a pool at these prices?
It is possible to build a pool at a very low price. But most of
these “incredible deals” are nothing more than a bait-and-switch
tactic to get you to call. You should be aware that to build a pool
at a low price, quality would have to be compromised. The cost
of the pool may be cheap, but your time and money spent to
up keep the pool could be 4 to 5 times more if the pool was not
built right to begin with. Remember the old adage “YOU GET WHAT YOU
PAY FOR.”
(Go to how to pick a builder for more information)
Back to Questions
Why do
cost estimates vary when pools seem to be the same?
The price of a pool is determined by much more than size and shape
of the pool. A lot of builders do not include some of the most
important factors affecting cost in their proposals. Because there
are so many factors that go into building a swimming pool, there are
a lot of places to cut corners. Here are some of them;
Craftsmanship
Quality of materials (smaller pumps, filter, etc.)
Design
Underground strength
Ease of maintenance
Warranties
Service
Remember: GOOD WORK IS NEVER CHEAP, AND CHEAP WORK IS NEVER GOOD.
(Go to how to pick a builder for more information)
Back to Questions
What
does “lifetime structural warranty” really mean?
A lifetime structural warranty means that the gunite
structure will hold water for as long as you live in the home.
Remember that this warranty is only as good as the company backing it. Some companies
such as Platinum Pools will transfer that warranty one time if you
sell your home. Back to Questions
How long does it take to build a swimming
pool?
From the day of excavation it should take about thirty working days,
which is 6 weeks. Remember though, from the day you sign the contract
other things have to happen before the pool can be excavated, such
as:
Financing (if applicable)
Home owners associations
Marking and finding utilities
Permits from your city or county
Permits can sometimes hold up the process, it all depends on what
city you live in and the time of year. Ask your Platinum designer
how long your city normally takes at that time of year.
Back to Questions
Will we be required
to be home the entire time during construction?
No. There are only a few times that we need you to be home during
construction - the day the swimming pool is excavated and the day
that the electrician and gas people are there. You will also need
to water down the gunite structure 2 to 3 times a day for about 7
days as well as turn the water off after the pool is filled to the middle
of the tile line. Back to Questions
Are
there any care free swimming pools?
Most pool companies
can build the pool so you only have to spend about 20 minutes a week
on maintenance. But most builders build
them so you have to spend about 2 hours a week on maintenance. They
feel that price is the only thing that matters and that your time is
not valuable. All of the things that make the pool easier to take
care of is an option and of course cost more money. We at Platinum
Pools include all these things in our pools because we know that you
want to spend time in the pool, not working on the pool.
Back to Questions
Does a swimming pool add value to my home?
Yes, it sure does. Normally it will give you about 75% of the value
of the pool. But the more you decorate the backyard with
landscaping, the more money you will get back on the pool.
Back to Questions
Are some swimming
pool shapes less expensive than others?
Yes, a curve shape swimming pool is less expensive than a rectangle.
Pools are priced by the perimeter of the swimming pool, which is the
tile line around the pool.
(Go to the pricing page to see pools and the cost)
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