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Frequently Asked Questions
Above Ground Pools
Do I need a permit for an above ground pool? Are there any regulations regarding above ground pools?
Do I need a safety barrier around my above ground swimming pool?
Do I need to have my above ground pool installed by a professional?
How do I choose an above ground pool dealer?
How do I decide what size above ground pool to select?
How do I get the most life out of my liner?
How do I know what local laws and regulations are?
How long does an above ground pool last?
How would you advise moving an above ground pool?
What additional components do I need for my above ground pool?
What can I do to keep grass from growing through my vinyl liner?
What can I do to make my pool last longer?
What do you recommend for above ground pools, steel walls or aluminum walls?
What is the best kind of landscaping for my above ground pool?
What is the best way to light my above ground pool?
Where can I purchase an above ground pool?
Construction
How can I make sure pool construction stays on schedule and on budget?
How can you stop the liner from floating in an in-ground pool?
How do I get an in-ground pool liner back in the track?
How do I know if my pool fence satisfies local legislation requirements?
How do I know what local laws and regulations are?
How do I know what size pump and filter I really need?
How do I select the right pool builder?
How easy is it to install a saltwater system?
How long does it take to build a Pool?
How salty is the water in a saltwater pool?
How should I decide on the design of my pool?
How thick is gunite?
I have a small and difficult yard to work with. Can I still have a pool?
Is painting my pool a good idea?
What can I expect to see during the excavation process?
What can I expect to see during the gunite process?
What color pool surface is best for heat retention?
What information should I have available to get a price quote?
What is a gunite pool?
What is a saltwater system?
What is the best choice of a liner pattern for my pool?
What is the difference between shotcrete and gunite pools?
What should I look for in a swimming pool fencing contractor?
What the difference between a pebble tek type surface and a plaster surface?
What type of pool should I choose?
Where can a saltwater system for a saltwater pool be used?
Why do I need a site plan when designing my pool?
Why should I choose a gunite pool?
Will a darker liner heat my pool?
Will I be able to see the seams in my vinyl swimming pool?
Will my vinyl covered steps be slippery?
Decking and Coping
Are there benefits of sealing my pool pavement area?
Are there options for environmentally friendly pool decking?
How can I keep my pool deck looking attractive?
How do pavers compare with patterned or stamped concrete?
I am considering a pool finish as well as deck and coping remodel. How long will this take?
If there are stains on the pavers, what is the best way to remove these?
Is it a problem if there are ants under the pavers?
Should pavers be sealed?
What happens if my pavers are chipped or damaged?
What is the best way to clean my discolored coping and deck?
What kind of maintenance do I need for pavers?
What kind of material should I use for my pool deck?
What should I do about a sunken spot, chipped brick, or broken brick in my paved area?
Energy Efficiency
At what temperature should my pool heater’s thermostat be set to help conserve energy?
How do I know if there is enough solar energy in my area to heat my pool?
How will energy-efficient products make a difference in my backyard and my power bill?
Once I have my new energy efficient equipment, what other steps can I take to ensure maximum energy efficiency?
What would my annual savings be if I select a variable speed pump?
When is the best time to run my pool’s filtration system?
Health
Can I get head lice from a swimming pool?
Can I get sick from using a swimming pool?
Do dead animals in pools pose a health risk to swimmers?
Does chlorine prevent all recreational water illnesses?
How can I protect myself and other swimmers from germs in the pool water?
How can I recognize a healthy pool?
How do I prevent swimmer's ear?
How do pool operators keep a swimming pool healthy?
What are some ways that I can remodel my pool area to promote my health and fitness?
Landscaping
Does swimming pool water harm grass and shrubs around the pool?
How can I prevent weeds from growing in the beds?
How do I arrange the stones in a rock garden to make them look natural?
How do I deal with a muddy mess under a tree caused by dogs?
How do I know when to plant spring vegetables and annuals?
How much does a landscaped backyard cost?
I have a small and difficult yard to work with. Can I still have a pool?
Is it wise to use a fabric or plastic weed barrier under my mulch?
Should I hire a professional landscape architect to work on my landscape?
What is a Landscape Architect?
What is a Landscape Designer?
What is the best height to mow the lawn? Should the grass clippings be collected and disposed of?
What is the best kind of landscaping for my above ground pool?
What is the best mulch for suppressing weeds, holding water and increasing the speed of draining?
What is the best way to eliminate cheat grass?
What is the best way to provide shade for my pool area?
What is the best way to suppress and/or remove weeds from a paver patio?
What kind of maintenance do I need for my irrigation?
What kind of work will a landscape architect perform?
What plants are the best to plant in rock gardens?
What type of rock is it best to select for building rock gardens?
What types of lawn grass are there to choose from?
When is the best time to cut back my ornamental grasses, and how far do they need to be cut back?
When is the best time to water my lawn, and how much should it get?
Why should I have an automatic irrigation system?
Why should I hire a landscaper? Couldn't I do the work myself?
Will tree roots destroy my pool?
Maintenance
Can a pump for a water feature or outdoor fountain run continuously or does it need to be shut off at specific times?
Can I empty and then refill my in-ground pool to clean my vinyl liner?
Do I need a pool heater in a warm climate?
Do I need to drain my pool each year?
Do you have to empty my gunite pool every winter?
How do I find a leak in my in-ground vinyl liner?
How do I keep debris from floating on top of my pool?
How do I measure water evaporation from my pool?
How do I open and close my in-ground vinyl liner pool myself?
How do I remove calcium deposits from my tile?
How does freezing cold weather affect a fiberglass pool surface?
How much water can be safely removed from an in-ground vinyl pool and for how long?
How much water evaporates from a pool?
How often should I drain and or acid-wash my pool?
If there are stains on the pavers, what is the best way to remove these?
Is it necessary for my pool pump to run every day?
Should I brush my pool regularly?
What do I do if I get a "bathtub ring" on my liner?
What is the benefit of an automatic cleaner?
What is the best way to clean my discolored coping and deck?
What is the best way to keep the outdoor fountain clean?
What kind of maintenance do I need for lighting?
What kind of maintenance do I need for pavers?
What kind of maintenance does a water feature need?
What upkeep do gunite pools require?
Why does my pool lose water over the winter?
Why is my pool cloudy, and how can I clear it up?
Will the salt in a saltwater pool corrode or damage my pool, or the pool equipment (pump, filter, etc.)?
Maintenance - Chemicals
Does chlorine prevent all recreational water illnesses?
How do I clean my stained plaster?
How do I get rid of the ring around my vinyl pool?
How long do I have to wait to use my swimming pool after chemical treatment?
How long should I wait to get into the water after the water treatment?
How often do I need to add salt to my saltwater pool?
How often do I need to test my pool water?
I still have pool chemicals left over from last season. Are they OK to use?
Is Chlorine safe for swimming pools?
What causes Chlorine odor, red eyes and itchy skin?
What does it mean if I smell a strong chlorine odor in my pool or spa or it burns my eyes?
What is the Correct Balance for My Pool Water?
When do I need to shock my pool?
Why is it important to be sure that my pool water’s chemistry is correct?
Why is there a strong chlorine smell?
Remodeling
Can an old gunite pool be converted to a vinyl liner pool?
Can I change the depth in my pool?
Can I change the shape of my pool?
Can I replace the wood wall panels on my vinyl in-ground pool at the same time I replace the liner?
Can my pump and filter be moved to a different location?
How can I enhance the appearance of my pool area at night?
How do I select the best company for my pool renovation?
How long does a swimming pool remodel take from start to finish?
I am considering a pool finish as well as deck and coping remodel. How long will this take?
Should I add handrails to my pool during a remodel for safety?
What are some ways that I can remodel my pool area to add value to my home?
What are some ways that I can remodel my pool area to make it a great place for my family?
What are some ways that I can remodel my pool area to promote my health and fitness?
What are some ways that I can update/remodel my pool area to make it current?
What features can I add to my pool area?
When is the best time to remodel my pool and spa?
Will the renovation process be messy?
Safety
Do I have to completely remove the swimming pool cover before swimming?
Do I need a safety barrier around my above ground swimming pool?
How do I know if my pool fence satisfies local legislation requirements?
How do pool safety nets work?
How will a pool safety net affect my automatic pool cleaner?
How will a safety fence affect the use of my pool?
In addition to a barrier, what other form of protection should I consider for pool safety?
Should I add handrails to my pool during a remodel for safety?
Should I install locks on my pool safety fence?
What are the advantages of installing a pool safety fence?
What are the advantages of pool safety nets?
What is a wristwatch alarm?
What is the benefit of a ramp in my swimming pool area?
What kind of first aid items should I have for water emergencies?
What kind of water safety items should I have around my pool?
What swimming pool safety issues should I consider?
What type of winter cover would be recommended for my in-ground gunite or vinyl liner pool?
Will a safety pool net affect my pool use?
Will adding a safety fence around my pool ruin the look of the pool area?
Service
Do you have to service the pool every week?
How can I find a professional pool store in my area?
How can I make sure pool construction stays on schedule and on budget?
How do I select the best company for my pool renovation?
How much does do-it-yourself pool maintenance cost?
Is price a consideration when hiring a Pool and Spa Professional?
Isn’t it easier to just take care of the pool myself?
My pool has plumbing and/or electrical issues. What should I do?
Should I hire a professional landscape architect to work on my landscape?
What kind of work will a landscape architect perform?
What should I expect from my Pool and Spa Professional?
Why should I hire a landscaper? Couldn't I do the work myself?
Why should I hire a pool service company?
Spas
Do I need a fence around my spa?
How often should I change the water in my spa?
What are some ways that I can remodel my pool area to promote my health and fitness?
When is the best time to remodel my pool and spa?
Supplies
How can I find a professional pool store in my area?
I still have pool chemicals left over from last season. Are they OK to use?
What is the difference between the chemicals that a professional pool supply store sells compared to a big box retailer?
Why is it important to be sure that my pool water’s chemistry is correct?
Why should I purchase pool chemicals from a professional pool store instead of a big box retailer?
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Glossary
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Why A Spa
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Winterizing Your Spa
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Sizing Up the Landscape
Decking and Coping
Decorating and Furnishing
Landscape Edging Ideas
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