Pool Basics Guide

There are lots different types of pools out there. Which one is right for you? It really depends on your space, your budget, your wants and needs. For right now, let's just skip over above ground pools. We are going to talk only about in-ground pools and spas.
We offer fiberglass pools and concrete pools (Gunite), as well as replacing vinyl liners. We also provide service for all pool types. If you currently have a pool but are thinking about renovation, give us a call! Our experienced builders can steer you in the right direction.

Fiberglass Pools

 Fiberglass pools are pre-formed fiberglass shells. They are manufactured and then shipped to us. We dig the hole, install the pool, plumbing, coping and deck around the pool. Advantages of fiberglass pools include faster construction time, lower maintenance. Disadvantages include limited shapes and sizes- not customizable. However, as with the pool at left, the family chose to use stamped concrete as their decking and got to choose coping material. The shape was preformed but the material choices are individual. Higher cost than a vinyl liner but about the same as a basic concrete/ gunite pool.

Concrete Pool
 
Concrete pools are pools that are custom designed and dug to the homeowner's specifications. The shape is determined, the hole dug and the concrete is then applied (there are LOTS more steps but this is the short version). Gunite or Shotcrete is a new way of applying concrete vertically. When you are ready for the best, the backyard oasis, the whole package, you want a concrete pool. Every element is controlled by your choices. Want a spa? You got it. Want a water feature, a grotto, laminar that shoot from the center of the spa? Wand jets that create a mist all over your deck? You want a custom pool. Expect that your material choices and all the extras will obviously cost more money and take more time to create.

Vinyl Liners
Vinyl liner pools are inground pools with steel sides, usually a poured concrete bottom and a vinyl liner suctioned and affixed to the sides. The liners frequently have to be replaced- every 5-10 years. This is the lowest cost for the homeowner, but also the least permanent.

Backyard Paradise

MWCP's photostream on Flickr.

Considering a water feature in your landscape?

Pondless waterfalls are the latest design trend in low maintenance water features.  Their appeal is having the visual and audible benefit of a water feature without the laborious maintenance of a pool that attracts algae, wildlife, and insects.  A pondless water feature also has the benefit of allowing small children and pets to interact with the water without the fear of falling into an open pool.

The key component of the pondless water feature is to have the pump draw its water from an underground cistern-style reservoir, rather than an open air pond.  The water that runs down the fall percolates through layers of decorative rock where it is drawn into the pump.

At Lawrence Landscape, we have taken the pondless water feature design to the next level by incorporating them into retaining walls.  By doing this, we now provide our clients with all the benefits of running water while minimizing the required space that many natural stream bed designs require.  The other challenge with natural stream beds is that most look like volcanoes that all of a sudden appear in the corner of someone’s back yard. With our approach, the water feature co-exists with a natural retaining wall that is needed to define the outdoor space or create a screen of nearby structures.

We have also developed our mechanical system to utilize tried and true off-the shelf components, while keeping them completely out of site.  This has greatly reduced the need for follow-up repairs and replacements. 

 To continue pushing the design envelope, we have started to design spaces that will allow clients to have fire and water features in outdoor living spaces that have restricted space for traditional methods.

Pool Closings

It's that time of year again, when we all start thinking about pool closings. One question you might ask yourself is do I need to close my pool or spa down? This is answered by another question: are you planning on heating your pool or spa for the the season? If you are planning on heating your pool and or spa then, no, you don't need a closing. If your not, then you do need a closing.

What is involved in a pool closing? 

There are a lot of steps involved with a pool closing. First you need to drain to pool down past the lowest plumbing line in the pool, usually the return lines.

Then you need to blow the lines out with an air blower, a shopvac will not work don't try it. 

After lines are blown out, antifreeze will need blown through all of the lines. 

Then all lines will need to be plugged, and all equipment needs to have all plugs removed. 

You may be asking how do you winterize the main drain lines? You just blow air through the line, and then air lock it by closing the valve while the air is still on. Don't worry, there is enough water in the bottom of the pool to keep it from freezing. Chemicals will be placed in remaining water to help make it easier to open in the spring time. 

If you have a spa all these steps will need to be done on it as well. One thing that you have to remember is that all lines must have all water removed from them or there can be a possible freeze break. Also one good rule of thumb is blow antifreeze in the lines and when you see a faint hint of it coming out you have enough in the lines. This is also good if you do not know how the plumbing was run. 

Finally, you want to install the cover on the pool and spa. And remember to set up the cover pump if applicable.

Pool closing can be a overwhelming task and is usually best left to a pool professional. It can also take specialized equipment to winterize your pool. Also remember that most of the pool equipment have plugs in them. Heaters like to have hidden ones, so pay close attention to them. And if you don't close your pool properly, you may damage your pool. This can be a very expensive repair for you if a line breaks. Ask a pool professional to close your pool.

Midwest Custom Pools is not responsible if you close you pool on your own! This is simply information on what to expect your pool professional to do during the close.