Category Archives: Pool Construction

Fits Like a Glove: Let’s Start with Measuring

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An A-B measuring tool is extremely useful when taking dimensions of a stair/bench combination along a sloping wall, or a cuddle cove/seat in the deep end of a pool. Photos courtesy VynAll®

By J. Kevin Shea

Providing ‘spot on’ measurements to the liner fabricator is imperative to ensuring a perfect fit on vinyl-lined pools that include one or more of these speciality features. Steve Keller at Poolside Pools in St. Paul, Minn., says he never provides measurements to his liner fabricator until after he has completely built or renovated the pool.

“I always take complete A-B (plotted) measurements of the pool,” explains Keller, who also uses a digital camera when recording the pool’s dimensions. “I take photos from all the angles of the measurements I record around specialty features, so the fabricator has a clear understanding of what I am dealing with.”

Pool liner fabricators also highly recommend builders leave their plotting points marked for reference. Leaving these reference points until the liner installation process is complete can save valuable time for pool builders should a measurement need to be confirmed.

Read the full article: Fits Like a Glove

Fits Like a Glove: Tips and Tricks for Measuring and Installing Custom Vinyl Liners

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Builders and renovators are no longer limited to plastic drop in steps or standardized square step sections when it comes to building custom vinyl-lined pools. Photo courtesy Complete Pools

By J. Kevin Shea

The increasing number of awards handed out for innovative and unique vinyl-lined pool designs has made it apparent that builders can do almost anything when constructing these pools. Builders and renovators are no longer limited to plastic drop in steps or standardized square step sections. Today, homeowners are looking to include various specialty features on their pools—from sun decks/ledges to customized steps that stretch the entire width of the pool. Water features such as grottos with sitting areas and fountains are also becoming standard fare in current vinyl-liner pool designs.

Getting the vinyl liner to fit perfectly over these speciality features may be intimidating for those new to the process; however, the following measuring and installation tips and tricks can help builders overcome the fear of adding these specialty features to their next vinyl liner pool creation.

Read the full article: Fits Like a Glove

State of the Industry: Pool Industry Continues to Grow Despite Poor Spring

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In terms of major urban centres with increased building permit registration between 2010 and 2011, Quebec City led the pack with 581 additional permits issued.

Compiled by Jason Cramp

The 2011 Canadian swimming pool market experienced a second season of consecutive growth, after rebounding from subpar sales in 2009. One influencing factor is the government’s economic action plan, which has helped keep Canada’s economy one of the strongest in the world, since the 2008 global financial crisis.

Even though debt problems in Europe continue to affect other economies, the U.S. economy continued to improve, while Canada’s remained relatively strong, especially in the second half of 2011.

What did this mean for pool sales? In 2011, swimming pool building permit registrations kept pace with 2010, and then some.

Read the full article: State of the Industry

Small Space Design Solutions: Strategies and Techniques

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When dealing with narrow access routes, using a portable conveyor system allows material to be removed safely and efficiently in a cost-effective manner. Photo courtesy Ideal Excavating Inc.

By Barry Justus

Building aquatic features in a small space can be a logistical nightmare for some contractors. Small yards leave limited room for stockpiling both equipment and the materials necessary to complete the project. As a result, the use of project scheduling software (i.e., GANNT charts) and overall organization skills become paramount.

A good starting point for any particular project, however, is a thorough and complete design, which may include engineering, soil tests, as well as perspective and 3-D renderings. Further, obtaining the necessary allowances and permits from the municipalities ahead of time will also save headaches down the road.

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Tips for Increasing Renovation Profits: Accessories for the Entire Backyard

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From structures and furniture to installing anchors for umbrellas, these are the types of accessories that can provide higher profits on renovation projects. Photo courtesy All Seasons Pools

By Jill Thompson

For Fort Worth Custom Pools, backyard living spaces and outdoor living have become a large part of its renovation business. For instance, this type of work in the past, which includes designing and building arbours, gazebos, outdoor kitchens, as well as selling patio furniture and other related backyard accessories, represented a mere five per cent of the company’s business. Today, however, it represents nearly 40 per cent.

Renovating backyard living spaces has also grown exponentially for All Seasons Pools.

“From structures and furniture to installing anchors for umbrellas, these are the types of accessories that can provide higher profits on renovation projects,” says Lenz. “Our goal is to remain in the backyard and do everything we can for the client. We strive to offer one-stop shopping for everything in the backyard.

“In the past we would tell customers to call a landscaper to get their paver, concrete or other landscaping and hardscaping work done. Now we do everything ourselves.”

In fact, re-doing concrete and paver work has become a large part of Bama Pools’ renovation projects, as well. The company says this work is sometimes out of necessity when replacing old, plastic drop-in steps that are leaking and cracked.

Read the full article: Tips for increasing renovation profits with accessories