- Getting Started
- Pools
- Spas
- Landscaping
- Entertaining
- Maintenance
- Fitness
- Safety
- Media
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 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?
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?
