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"Karen created many ... programs to help promote the Park... Her
help and feedback was invaluable to us. Although many of the programs
formed and promoted by Karen will continue in her absence, her energy and
enthusiasm will be greatly missed.
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Chandler Pools Appeared in the Sacramento Bee Neighbors July 2, 1998 What to ask before you build a swimming poolIn the excitement of considering a swimming
pool, don't miss out on critical considerations that could cost you time,
money and frustration. Before you take the swimming pool plunge, take the
time to plan a pool that your family will enjoy for many years. Ask your
questions now, so when the weather warms up you'll be ready to build. To
help get you started, below are some of the most commonly asked questions
about putting in a pool.
How long does it take? The average length of time from signing a contract to getting final approval is 6-8 weeks. Before signing a contract, however, you'll probably have several meetings with different contractors to hone in on the design, and negotiate a price that fits your budget. You may want to look at several pools and you should call references. The time invested in this preliminary research will enable you to find a contractor you can work with and develop a design that suits your family. What kind of qualifications should the contractor have? The company should have a valid C-53 Swimming Pool Contractors License; call the Contractor State License Board at 1-800-321-2752 to verify the license status. Ask if the contractor is a member of the National Spa and Pool Institute, because members are required to adhere to certain safety and construction standards. What are some of the design considerations? How you expect to use the pool will have the biggest impact on the design. For example, if you want a diving board, the pool will have to be at least 32 feet long, 15 feet wide and 8 feet deep. A lap pool should be a minimum of 34 long and 10 wide. If children will be using the pool, you'll want to allow plenty of shallow area for safe play.
What shape will look best? A professional pool contractor will work with you to design a pool that meets your families' needs and safety requirements. The pool shape and patio area should enhance and work with your outdoor space. The size of your yard and the location of existing landscaping will impact design. Classic pools with straight lines are coming back into fashion. Many people like the free form style. Your builder should offer ideas and develop a unique design that compliments your setting and needs. What else impacts design? You'll want to think about how the pool will look from the windows inside your house. And, don't forget, the sun will be at a different location on the horizon in mid-August than it is in Spring. Consider about how easy it will be to reach the pool from the kitchen and dressing areas. The patio finish also affects the overall appearance.
What options should you ask the pool contractor about? The builder should ask how you will use the pool, your budget, and any other constraints or expectations you have about the pool. Expect to see sample designs and discuss the options. You might want to ask about: * Types of diving boards or slides * Ornamental rocks and Waterfalls * Self cleaning systems * Solar heating systems * Type of filtration system * Alternatives to stairs and extra sitting ledges * Lighting systems * Built-in Spas What kinds of problems could you run into? Don't forget that you don't know what is underground until you start digging. Ask your contractor what can be done if the excavator hits rock and how it might impact your budget. Also, what will your builder do if he or she hits water. The weather may affect the project as well. Rain can slow things down and in the heat of the summer you may have to spray the drying gunite and cement work many times per day with water to keep it from drying too quickly. What should you ask references? You should always check references. Not only will they give you an idea what it is like to work with the contractor, they may also make you aware on new design considerations or issues. Some of the questions you might want to ask include: * Did the project go as expected? * Did you have any difficulties and how were they handled? * How did you feel about the company's ability to keep to the schedule? * How frequently was the project manager on-site? * What was your impression of the people working on the project? * What one thing could have been done to improve the project or your level of satisfaction? To help get you started, you can get a copy of the National Spa and Pool Institute's brochure on "The Sensible Way to Enjoy Your In-ground Swimming Pool, An Essential Safety Guide" by calling Jim Chandler Pools at 624-5296. xxx Jim Chandler, owner of Rocklin-based, Jim Chandler Pools has been building pools locally for over 20 years, is a member of the National Spa and Pool Institute and is a certified C-53 Licensed Swimming Pool Contractor. Jim Chandler also serves the State of California Contractors Board as an expert in the field of swimming pools. |
"High-equity companies were much more likely to
obtain the desired behaviors from their stakeholders...they simply 'spoke
louder' through advertising and other communications.
"Just because your ad looks
good is no insurance that it will get looked at. How many people do you
know who are impeccably groomed... but dull? |
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