‘Pool Renovation Articles’ Category

Just imagine. You are relaxing on a pool-side chair enjoying every bit of the soothing effect that the pool has on you; the fragrance of flowers massaging your senses on a hot sunny day. Is this all that you want? Is that the end of what you expect your pool to be like?

Not just by day, but you can also make your pool look beautiful at night with sparkling lights, eye catching water features and more. Here are some helpful tips to make your pool look beautiful:

Water Features:- A beautiful fountain in the center of the pool can give a royal look or you can also opt for a gurgling waterfall that flows through an artificial rock – formation. This would not only add a wonderful look to your pool but the sound of flowing water will have a soothing effect on your senses. If you are looking for something that would add life to your poolside party, deck jets would do the trick. Deck jets can add life to your party especially with color changing lights (think of how it would look at night). You can also add some other water features like a Koi Pond by the pool with colourful fish swimming in it. A Container water plant is yet another option that would add a touch of plant life to your pool.

Lighting: Lights can make your pool look beautiful. However, there are certain things that you should remember while adding lighting to your pool:

1. Don’t add too many lights in the pool as it can make your pool look very loud.
2. Make sure you put up the lights in the deep end and not in the shallow end as it will give a better effect.
3. Lighting design should include standard electrical outlet lighting and also low-voltage lighting.
4. You should cut down on heavy shadows using a proper lighting design.

Pool Ornaments: You can even decorate your pool with different kinds of Pool ornaments like statues, bird feeders, fancy floats, Hot Tub pillows, floating waterproof LED balls, floating pond decorations, Floating Flowers LED.

Pool Furniture: A dip in the pool can be relaxing and tiring at the same time. It is then, necessary to have some furniture to slump on after a swim.
It is very important to select the right kind of pool-side furniture which can complement the swimming pool and the house. There are many options you can go for like a Hammock – just tie it between two trees and slump in it with your favorite book or simply close your eyes and relax. There are hammocks available for all seasons. You can even go for an Adirondack chair which is quite comfortable and resistant to water and humidity. Or an outdoor sectional that works perfect for a family get-together or a party.

Pool makeover: If you are ready to spend some extra buck, then you could perhaps, change the look of your pool, selecting a variety that is different and gives a rich look. You could try covering a pool’s bottom and walls with tiles, you could create fascinating patterns. You could enrich the bottom by a very big turtle, oriental ornaments and by using others original pictures. Images with cartoon characters ideally fit for kids swimming pools. Or just put glass tiles in orange, yellow and blood red at the bottom of your pool, as it gets its startling color from a base of mosaic.
So enjoy modifying your pool and see eyes pop out with fascination when your friends see your pool!

Whether you plan to restore, refinish, or remodel, your pool improvement project may require the services of a specialized renovation pool contractor. A renovation pool contractor understands, and has experience working with a wide variety of existing pool conditions, equipment, and materials. Some key points are as follows:

• A pool renovation contractor is different from a pool builder.
• A pool renovation contractor specializes in existing pools.
• A pool builder specializes in building new pools.

Though both types of pool contractors may well be talented and highly respected, the basic thought processes and skills of builders versus renovation contractors is vastly different. Your project may cost thousands of dollars, so choosing a qualified, experienced, skilled renovation pool contractor is very important.

Ask questions of your friends, relatives, co-workers and local building inspectors. Your research should include what has to be done, the best ways to do the work and the types of materials that may be used and their cost.

It is usually a good idea to ask at least two or three contractors to estimate the costs of your project. This is normally a free service and it helps you to prepare a final contract. Make sure that the proposals clearly detail in writing the full scope of the work, the types of the materials that will be used, and the total cost of the project and cost of various options you may be considering. Make sure any additional costs are clearly stated such as any required drawings, permits, and taxes.

Normally, the costs of a project are set at a fixed price. In a fixed price, the contractor promises to do the work specified at a certain cost. If you decide to make any changes once the job begins, these changes should also be prepared in writing—the same as the original agreement—and agreed to with the contractor separately. If you are borrowing money for the job, it is a good idea to discuss the proposal costs with the bank or lender.

Fraud is a growing problem. Here are some things to look out for:

• A contractor claiming “We’ve just done a job nearby and have some material left over, so we can do the job for half the price.”
• A post office address with no street address or a business address located in a residential area. This may not be a true business location (even a street address should be checked), or a phone number that is just an answering service. If you need to get the contractor back after the job is done, will you be able to find them?
• High pressure sales tactics
• No website
• Refusal to give you a complete detailed written estimate or their contractor’s license number
• Request a current certificate of insurance from the contractor for workers’ compensation and general liability coverage
• Refusal to furnish these documents may indicate the contractor does not have the coverage required by law and you may be liable for hospital charges, medical claims and inability to work financial claims made by workers injured on your property
• Check recent jobs, customers and local references of the contractor

Once you have agreed on a price with a contractor, get it all in writing. An agreement should be written and explicit in every detail. It should include:

1. Specifications – A detailed description of all the work to be performed. Pool coatings should be an average ½” thick. Low price is often a signal that corners are being cut to lower the price. Some only provide a skim coat of ¼” or less and proper preparation is often short cut. Short time warranties often are a signal of this.
2. Finishes/Materials – A list of the materials to be used which defines textures, brands, colors, sizes, and models.
3. Price – The total dollar amount of the contract, labor and material.
4. Tax, Permit, Miscellaneous Costs – Are these included in the total job cost?
5. Payment Schedule – Modest deposit with payments due as materials are ordered and based on the work progress.
6. Caution – Be very cautious about a contractor who demands a large payment up front (50 percent or more) before work is started.
7. Professional/Licensed Contractors – Are accustomed to modest good faith deposits, with payment schedules based on work progress, and final payment when the work is completed and the job site is given a final clean up.
8. Document – Write into the agreement any side promises made by the salesperson/contractor. Small things not included may not get done and cause you a lot of stress at the end of the job.
9. County Permits – Never apply for a building permit for the contractor. The contractor that asks you to do so is hiding something. The contractor may not have the proper insurance or license.
10. Permit Posting – When a building permit is required, it must be posted on the property before work begins.
11. Notice of Commencement – Must also be posted on the property before the work begins. This is required only when a permit is required.
12. Job Schedule – The planned start work and estimated completion dates should be included.
13. Warranty – Does it include labor, parts, materials, and equipment and for what time period.
14. Cleanup – This item is often neglected, but it should be considered especially if a good deal of debris will be generated. This service often costs $500 to $1,000 or more depending on the job.