Turn Your Pool Financing Dream Into a Reality
Have you been looking out your window wishing there was a brand new fiberglass pool out there? Have you (or your kids) been dreaming about a pool for years, but you think you can’t afford it? If your answer to these questions is perpetually, “Yes. Maybe next year,” it’s time to change your mindset. Financing your new inground fiberglass pool project is easier than you might think. There are several financing options available that can get you started finding a great pool builder near you and choosing the pool of your dreams so you can tell the kids, “Yeah! This is the year we do it!” POOL FINANCING TIPS TO FAST TRACK YOUR POOL PURCHASE Think positively. When you make something a priority, you can make it happen. Most of us won’t be in a place to simply write a check, but if you really want a pool, and you’re willing to make a few sacrifices in other places, you can probably achieve your goal of saving up at least enough for a nice chunk of a down payment. Charge ahead. The high interest rates of credit cards might make it prohibitive to put your entire pool purchase on a single […]
Read MoreAsk the General: What are the Benefits of Automatic Pool Safety Covers?
Dear General, We’re in the process of getting a new fiberglass pool installed, and we’re super excited. The only decision we have remaining is what kind of pool cover we should get. Safety is a big concern for me. Can you explain the different kinds of pool covers available and give me some pros and cons for each? Signed- Cover My Pool in Covington Dear Cover My Pool, Pool covers are a lifesaver for pool owners, for many reasons. You’ll be delighted at the ways a pool cover will give you ease of maintenance and peace of mind regarding safety. Let’s take a look at the benefits of having a pool cover and talk about the two basic types available. Why Should You Have a Pool Cover? Safety. Safety is the most important concern for any pool owner. The idea behind a safety pool cover is to make your pool completely inaccessible. In some states, you don’t have to have a fence if you have a pool cover; however, many states and municipalities require a fence whether a pool has a safety cover or not. It’s important to know that YOU are responsible for ensuring safety in your pool […]
Read MoreHow Do I Find a Great Pool Builder Near Me?
How Do I Find a Great Pool Builder Near Me? After hours of perusing website after website to get ideas and find the exact pool design and color you want, you just need to figure out exactly how to get it! You need a professional, experienced pool builder near you to turn your dream into reality. So you might be asking, “How do I find a great pool builder near me?” Some pool-building companies are quite large–they do tons of marketing and have a team of installers juggling multiple projects at once. Other pool builders are one-person operations, and you’ll typically have the owner and a couple of helpers working on your pool project. One is not necessarily better than the other– it comes down to who you want to work with and whether you’re happy with the price they give you. You’ll definitely want to get more than one estimate, and when you’re comparing those estimates, make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. Go through the estimates carefully and consider whether they include the same options. Additionally, compare all their credentials and applicable consumer reviews so you can be sure you’re making the best choice. As you’re starting your […]
Read MoreAsk the General; What Can I Expect with New Pool Costs and Accessories?
Dear General: You can’t possibly imagine how badly my family wants a pool. But we don’t know where to start. What can I expect with new pool costs and accessories?  How can I get us from the dreaming stage to the swimming stage? Signed; Pool-less in Plainfield Dear Pool-less; Don’t despair. You have to start somewhere. As is the case with any big project, you have to break it down. While I can’t tell you exactly what your new pool will cost and what you might need in addition to the pool, I can give you some advice to help you get started. You’ll need to get in-home estimates from your local pool professionals and decide how you’d like to finance your pool. So let’s break down how you can get a little closer to that “swimming stage.” Pool Cost On average here in the Midwest, a basic inground fiberglass pool or inground vinyl liner pool installed with a pump, filter, chlorinator with a simple concrete deck surround (and don’t forget, water) will typically fall somewhere between $25,000 and $65,000 without the optional accessories we’ll discuss later in the post. That said, there are many factors that will affect […]
Read More3 Easy Steps to Hosting the Perfect Labor Day Pool Party
The arrival of Labor Day means the kids are back in school, fall is just around the corner and the joys of the holiday season will be here before we know it, but it’s far from time to close up the pool. We still have some great swim time left!  Designated to appreciate the hard work Americans do all year long, many use the day off by hosting (or attending) a pool party. In this post, we share some of our favorite recipes and Labor Day pool party ideas for an all-American pool party. Step One: The Decor Red, white and blue decor–tablecloths, plates, napkins, streamers and other festive Americana table decor is easy to find this time of year. Check out your local party goods store, or look online. Since this decor will also look great at your Fourth of July pool parties, you might think about investing in some decor that you can use for years to come. Step Two: The Buffet Labor Day parties should be easy, laid-back and fun for you as well as your guests. Do yourself a favor, and set up buffets for all your food and beverage. Put the food table near the […]
Read MoreChoosing the Perfect Furniture for Your Tanning Ledge
Built-in tanning ledges in fiberglass pools are dreamy. Understandably, they’re a highly sought-after feature with fiberglass pool owners. Tanning ledges are ideal spots to relax after a long day and to perfect your summer glow. Practically an outdoor living room, you’ll spend hours there relaxing and entertaining your friends and family, so you want it to be comfortable, cozy and stylish. An amazing variety of furniture and accessory options exist based on your tanning ledge’s shape and size. In this post, we’ll show you some perfect tanning ledge furniture and accessory ideas for the whole swim season. Tanning Ledge Chaise: A chaise gives you a contoured, comfortable place to relax on your tanning ledge. Because it leans back a bit, it’s great for tanning and napping. While other options will allow you to sit up a bit more, chaises are ideal for ledges with up to 9” of water. The chaises pictured here come in a great variety of colors so you can customize them to best fit your pool area’s theme. Tanning Ledge Chair:  If you’d rather be able to sit up and enjoy the the view, you can get a tanning ledge seat in […]
Read MoreAsk the General: How to Backwash a Sand Filter in My Fiberglass Pool?
Dear General; I love my fiberglass pool, but here’s my problem. I don’t understand how to backwash a sand filter. I keep my pool clean and add all the chemicals I’m supposed to, when I’m supposed to. What is backwashing, and WHY do I have to do it to my sand filter? Signed; Bad Backwasher in Bainbridge Dear Bad Backwasher: Funny you should mention bad back(washing), as I’m writing this with my feet propped up and an ice pack on my back. I’d like to tell you that I pulled something doing a triple Lindy off the high board into the pool, but the truth is, I hurt my back bending over to tie my shoe. The General’s not as young and spry as he used to be. My point is, much like tying a shoe, the simplest things can cause a lot of pain. Which brings us to your learning how to backwash a sand filter. If you want to talk about pain (which clearly I do because I’m in it), let’s talk about the pain of paying for extra chemicals to clear up a pool that got cloudy due to poor circulation. Why might you have a […]
Read MoreWhich Thursday Pools Pool Designs are Best for Tanning Ledges?
Fiberglass pools with tanning ledges are in high demand. And why wouldn’t they be? While soaking up the sun’s rays feels glorious, it can also get pretty hot. Being able to relax on a ledge lounger on a tanning ledge with just enough water to keep you cool is … well … just about as good as it gets. Regardless of the size of your yard and which other features interest you if you’ve decided that you’re ready to take the plunge with an inground fiberglass pool, make sure you choose one with a tanning ledge (especially if you have a furry family member who also loves to swim.) Read on to learn more about our best fiberglass pool designs with a tanning ledge, and pick the one that’s right for you.  After that, the only decision you’ll have to make is who to share it with because everyone will be vying for a spot! Aspen   The Aspen design is our top-selling fiberglass pool design. The large, expansive tanning ledge gives you ample room to relax and play. Place a couple of loungers on this tanning ledge, and you’ll still have room for little ones to splash […]
Read MoreWhat Qualities Make for a Truly Awesome Tanning Ledge?
The built-in tanning ledge feature in fiberglass pools has exploded in popularity over the last few years. They’re not just the perfect spot for sun worshippers. They’re also a marvelous place for children to enjoy the water, especially when they’re first learning to swim. Of course the kiddos still need their swim floats, but being able to gradually get used to the water by sitting in a shallow depth can help them get acclimated to being in the pool until they’re ready to take the next step and start to swim. And if you have a dog in the family who also loves the water, you’ll likely be sharing your tanning ledge with him or her as well. Dogs love tanning ledges because it gives them a place to chill between forays into the water. All told, your built-in tanning ledge will be the social center of your backyard pool oasis. So the question really isn’t, “Do I want a tanning ledge in my fiberglass pool?” The question is, “How can I be sure I’m getting the very best tanning ledge for my fiberglass pool?” Because not all tanning ledges are created equal, let’s take a look at the qualities […]
Read MoreAsk the General: Will a Pool Fit in my Yard?
Looking for high-class, very nice pools? See what the General has to say about making your pool dreams a reality! Dear General; My family has been begging for a new inground fiberglass pool (and I want one too!), but our yard is pretty small and I’m worried we can’t fit one. It is also hard to find very nice pools that are a smaller size. How can I find out if a pool will fit in my yard and what it might look like, so we can decide on a pool and get in the swim? Signed– Wondering in Winnetka Dear Wondering; Will an inground fiberglass pool fit in your backyard? The short answer is: probably! Fiberglass pools come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors. While your yard might not be large enough to accommodate a pool with features such as  built-in tanning ledges, open swim lanes or beach entry, there are still awesome fiberglass pool designs that are as small as 19.5 feet long and 9.5 feet wide that can give you the relaxing oasis you’re dreaming of. The first step is to consult with a professional pool builder. They’ll send an estimator to your house […]
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