Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is a "gunite" pool?
- Gunite or fiberglass, which pool type should I choose?
- Who takes care of the building permits?
- What are the permit requirements to install a pool where I live?
- I'm told I need a survey plat to get a permit. I can't locate mine. What now?
- My yard is full of trees. Do you arrange for them to be removed?
- My yard will need retaining walls. Do you build them?
- My house is under construction. Can I build the pool now?
- What size pool is right for me?
- How deep should the pool be?
- Should I add a spa?
- How practical is it to heat a pool?
- Can you tap into my existing gas line when you install my heater?
- My yard has a slope, how do you address that?
- What kind of excavation equipment do you use?
- What happens if my driveway gets broken?
- What happens if we hit rock at excavation?
- Behind my house is a body of water. What problems can I expect?
- Do I have to take off from work to meet the crews?
- What kind of steel do you use?
- What kind of plumbing do you use?
- How thick is the gunite?
- How many skimmers?
- What electrical requirements are needed?
- Is there a light in the pool?
- Can I get additional electrical outlets for landscape lighting?
- What kind of tile do you use on a pool?
- Can I get a tile mosaic on the floor of the pool?
- How do we decide on the stonework for my pool?
- Can I add a sidewalk while you pour my pool deck?
- How thick is the plaster?
- Do you landscape my yard when the pool is finished?
- Is there a ladder in the pool?
- Do I need a fence?
- How much does it cost to fill up the pool?
- What is the monthly cost for chemicals and electricity?
- How difficult is it to maintain a pool?
- Do I need a pool service?
- Is an automatic cover worth the money?
- What are the insurance ramifications by putting in a pool?
- What is the warranty on the pool?
- Is the warranty transferable?
- How long does it take to build a pool?
- Is it really smart to build in the "off-season"?
- What cost can I expect to build a pool house or cabana?
- How about enclosing the pool like they do in Florida?
- Are the workmen insured?
- Does a pool add any value to the property?
- How much does a pool cost?
What is a "gunite" pool?
A "gunite" pool is the same kind of pool you've seen all of your life at hotels, schools and apartment complexes. It's a steel reinforced concrete structure that's applied with a high pressure spray, shot from a hose with a "gun" attachment. The process can be either a dry method (where sand and cement are brought to the jobsite and mixed there) or a wet method (where the mixture has been prepared at a batch plant and brought to the jobsite).
Gunite or fiberglass, which pool type should I choose?
We build and install both. Gunite pools are custom and more personal. They cost more and take longer to install, but we feel the added time is clearly worth it. Building a gunite pool is like building your own house, you get to pick all the details and when it is complete, you will generally feel better about it since you helped design it. But, fiberglass is a great alternative. They are installed quicker and are less expensive. And, fiberglass comes in many variations today. Your Avalon Pools poolscape designer can assist you further.
Who takes care of the building permits?
Avalon Pools will apply for, monitor and follow through to obtain all necessary permits through the appropriate building department and/or environmental health agency. If it is necessary to obtain a variance, the client will be responsible for additional required fees. We will also prepare plans for the H.O.A.'s Architectural Committee. If a landscape plan is required, we can provide those services at reasonable rates.
What are the permit requirements to install a pool where I live?
Every county or city is different. Your poolscape designer can provide you with current permitting requirements for your community.
I'm told I need a survey plat to get a permit. I can't locate mine. What now?
Some counties and cities require a survey plat. In many cases, it's the only way anyone knows if there are strange property setbacks, flood plains or utility easements. If your closing attorney or title company can't provide a plat, we know surveyors who will prepare a new one (from scratch) for about $300
My yard is full of trees. Do you arrange for them to be removed?
We can. Tree removal is part of our scope of work. Or, you may contract separately.
My yard will need retaining walls. Do you build them?
Avalon Pools can handle all your retaining wall needs. From interlocking block to brick or stone-faced cinder block; from stacked stone to landscape timbers.
My house is under construction. Can I build the pool now?
Yes. But you'll probably have to make some arrangements with your home builder since the property technically still belongs to him (until after the closing). If you're going to fund the job yourself there's no problem. If the money is to be part of a new mortgage then some arrangements will be made with the mortgage company.
What size pool is right for me?
It depends on what you're trying to accomplish. If diving is important, the pool needs to be at least 36' long, 14' wide and at least 8' deep. Most would prefer the pool to be at least 40' in length to insure an adequate shallow area for volleyball, etc. When our poolscape designer sees the yard a determination will be made as to the most reasonable size.
How deep should the pool be?
If you're imagining a pool with a diving board, the pool will have to be at least 8' deep. Without the board, a pool of 3' to 6' is quite appropriate. Known industry-wide as a "Social Pool", it's great for volleyball, water basketball, floating around, swimming laps, etc. A lot of people also have fun in pools sculpted 3' to 5'6" to 3'. This "Game Pool" sports two shallow ends, lots of seating and symmetry.
Should I add a spa?
A spa is an attractive, therapeutic attachment to the pool that typically has at least (4) jets, a heater and an air blower for water agitation. Most of our clients will want the spa elevated to create a waterfall effect. Approximately 75% of the pools we construct will have a spa. However, if you have a specific medical condition that requires a spa, you might consider a portable model with 35 jets and sculpted seating, etc. No gunite spa will ever be able to perform like a portable. At Avalon Pools, we sell and install portable spas too. Visit one of our store locations for details.
How practical is it to heat a pool?
Provided there is a way to hold the heat in via a cover or solar blanket, a heater is ideal for adding a few extra weeks at the beginning and end of the pool season. Most people want the pool water to be about 80 degrees regardless of the outside temperature. However, it's doubtful anyone will want to swim when it's 30 degrees. Of course, you can use your spa practically all winter (at about 100 degrees).
Can you tap into my existing gas line when you install my heater?
No. Our gas people are required to install a dedicated line to fuel our pool heater.
My yard has a slope, how do you address that?
It depends on so many factors. Is the slope downhill or uphill? Would you like to step down to the pool? Or, would you like the elevation to finish at the same level as your existing patio? There are so many variables that the real answers won't come to light until one of our poolscape designers can do a thorough examination of the site.
What kind of excavation equipment do you use?
In almost every case we're going to excavate with a trackhoe. This is a big machine with a large bucket and is the primary reason the excavator is able to finish a pool almost every day. If, however, the situation calls for us to dig with a bobcat or rubber-tired backhoe, it's not a problem.
What happens if my driveway gets broken?
Avalon Pools will make every effort not to damage your driveway, walkway or yard. However, it is the homeowner's responsibility to provide us with suitable access and we can't be held responsible for any damage that may be incurred by heavy machinery.
What happens if we hit rock at excavation?
The excavator stops and tries to evaluate the situation. He will call Avalon Pools and inform us as to whether he expects there to be additional time needed. He will estimate the approximate additional time and expense. We will then contact you and relate the news and wait for you to say "yes" and have him continue. If the excavator is unable to approximate the time necessary to complete the job and you decide to say "no", the excavator will pack up and leave the job, we'll determine your expenses to date, present you with a bill and go on from there.
Behind my house is a body of water. What problems can I expect?
Besides possible permitting difficulties, there could be a high water table which will show itself at the excavation phase. If underground water is encountered the pool is usually dug too deep and it will be packed with gravel to stop seepage.
Do I have to take off from work to meet the crews?
No. There are 3-4 times you need to be at home. You need to approve the layout the morning we come to dig the pool. We may need to get into the house during the electrical phase. The third time would be at the deck phase, so we can formalize the design and make possible changes. Lastly, you'll meet with the start-up man to receive detailed instructions.
What kind of steel do you use?
Avalon Pools contracts to install 3/8" steel rebar, 12" on center throughout the side walls and floor areas of the pool. 1/2" steel rebar is installed (three bars to the beam) on the top bond beam around the pool.
What kind of plumbing do you use?
Avalon Pools installs Schedule 40 PVC plumbing throughout the pool. The main drains are plumbed separately from the skimmer. A typical installation will include three return lines and one skimmer. An overflow line is standard as is a fixed water line plumbed to an outside faucet. A garden hose is unnecessary to replace water loss due to evaporation.
How thick is the gunite?
The shell consists of a 12" thick bond beam (the top beam of the pool), 6" thick sidewalls, 10" thick coves (the part where the wall curves as it reaches the floor) and 6" thick floors.
How many skimmers?
Depending on the pool design, it's rare to need more than one skimmer. If you needlessly add a second skimmer, the result can likely be dead spots on the surface of the pool (floating debris) caused by a conflicting action between the two skimmers.
What electrical requirements are needed?
Our electrician will be installing 220 services for our equipment. We will require 2-4 breakers in your electric panel unless our guy can connect outside near the meter. In older homes it's not unusual for a sub-panel to be needed as the panel boxes are almost always filled.
Is there a light in the pool?
Yes. Avalon Pools will have at least one light installed in the pool. If the pool is larger or a darker plaster is being used a second light may be utilized. There is also a light included with a spa. Your poolscape designer can discuss alternative lighting methods such as a SAM light or fiber optics.
Can I get additional electrical outlets for landscape lighting?
Yes. Part of our scope is outdoor landscape lighting. We can recommend our sister company, NightVision Lighting, to assist you with your lighting needs.
What kind of tile do you use on a pool?
Avalon Pools uses 6" frostproof underwater tile. Your poolscape designer will meet you at the tile house to select the tile and brick (if applicable).
Can I get a tile mosaic on the floor of the pool?
Tile mosaics are a wonderful, lively addition that complements the appearance of your pool. They can be selected and ordered upon your visit to choose waterline tile.
How do we decide on the stonework for my pool?
Your poolscape designer will provide you with samples or recommend other pool jobs for you to visit to assist you in making your decision.
Can I add a sidewalk while you pour my pool deck?
Our goal is to handle all the details for you and have this drawn in the original plan. You can make changes during the scope of the project though.
How thick is the plaster?
There are numerous plastering options from White Marbleite to Pebble-tec. All told the plaster is normally no more than 1/2" thickness.
Do you landscape my yard when the pool is finished?
Yes. Avalon Pools offers full landscape and hardscape services. We believe that a pool is not really complete until it has been properly landscaped. We will draw this into our plan and you can pick and choose what you want.
Is there a ladder in the pool?
A ladder is an old-fashioned way of exiting from the deep end of a pool. Ladders were popular until the advent of the "love seat" (a 4' x 18" bench). A ladder is a staple of the vinyl liner and fiberglass pool market and whereas they are still used with gunite pools, we don't install them except by special request.
Do I need a fence?
Yes. Most counties require at least a 4' high fence that someone cannot climb over. Most of the time you must install the kind of fence the Homeowner's Association requires in their Codes, Covenants and Restrictions handbook. Usually, they insist on black wrought iron or aluminum fencing at least 5' tall with a self-closing, self-latching gate.
How much does it cost to fill up the pool?
If you call your water company prior to filling the pool you can make arrangements for a one-time exemption from paying sewage on the approximately 15,000-22,000 gallons it will take. Expect this to cost $75-$125.
What is the monthly cost for chemicals and electricity?
It will cost you about $1.25 per day.
How difficult is it to maintain a pool?
With the kind of equipment we provide, normal maintenance is a easy.
Do I need a pool service?
If you have no spare time to work around the yard, probably yes. Otherwise, your pool installed by Avalon Pools includes the finest in swimming pool equipment. A pool can be properly maintained with as little dedication as 1-2 hour per month.
Is an automatic cover worth the money?
An automatic cover is the BEST money you can spend on a new pool. That is, if you want the CLEANEST, WARMEST and SAFEST pool in town. In addition, you'll save on chemicals and electrical usage. Size of the pool determines the price. Expect $6,000-$8,000.
What are the insurance ramifications by putting in a pool?
You will notify your insurance agent who will ask a few questions. Expect a rate increase of about $45 per year.
What is the warranty on the pool?
Avalon Pools warrants a new pool to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the day the pool is plastered. There are more extensive warranties on the equipment. Avalon Pools also warrants that the pool will be structurally sound for the time the home is owned by the Buyer. The term "structurally sound" means that the pool is capable of holding water. In the event the pool will not hold water, Avalon Pools will repair the pool so that it will hold water.
Is the warranty transferable?
Avalon Pools may elect to transfer the structural warranty on the pool after a complete inspection has been made and payment of $350 for inspection and transfer documents has been received.
How long does it take to build a pool?
If you build a pool in Fall or Winter, expect about six weeks. Add two weeks or more if the pool is an elaborate project. Our poolscape designer can estimate more exactly. Building in Spring and Summer months will require additional time.
Is it really smart to build in the "off-season"?
Yes. The weather's good, the best crews are more readily available; the jobs move along quickly. And, it usually means your pool will be ready for the swimming season.
What cost can I expect to build a pool house or cabana?
There are as many variations on building cabanas and pool houses as there are different swimming pool designs. A simple cabana with commode and shower could run $7,500-$15,000. Some pool houses we've seen run $25,000-$65,000 and up.
How about enclosing the pool like they do in Florida?
"Florida Rooms" aren't popular here in Georgia due to the size of the homes and properties. Also, because of the possible frigid temperatures (well-known in North Georgia), snow and ice can damage the enclosure. There are, of course, many other high dollar pool enclosures that can be constructed to match the home, etc.
Are the workmen insured?
Yes. All of the contractors and crews employed by Avalon Pools have provided us with current liability, property damage and workman's compensation insurance coverage.
Does a pool add any value to the property?
Yes. A home with an attractive, well-kept pool is generally easier to sell. However, you need to live in the home for at least (3) years if you expect to recoup the entire pool investment.
How much does a pool cost?
There are numerous factors to consider in pricing a pool. Obviously, the size of the pool and the various amenities available will primarily determine the price. Other factors such as the access area or the lay of the land will determine if additional cost will be incurred. Our quality and workmanship is the best and our visionary approach can not be matched, and our pricing is generally in the middle range. We have discovered that if a client goes to the trouble to get three quotes, ours will fall in the middle. Not too high . . . but not the cheapest, either.
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