Frequently Asked Questions Buying a Pool Doesn't Have to be Complicated!
If you're in the market for a new pool or spa, you've probably got a lot of questions. Trust us when we say we've heard it all! Here are just a few of the most common questions we get.
Durable and resistant to bacteria and algae, fiberglass pools are a safe and long-lasting alternative to traditional concrete pools. Unlike concrete pools, fiberglass pools do not require periodic resurfacing. This means that you pay less in maintenance costs throughout the life of your pool.
You can expect your fiberglass pool to last at least 25 years. While concrete pools may last longer, they require resurfacing at least every 10 years—an expensive and time-consuming process.
Due to the nature of the materials, it’s not a good idea to completely drain your fiberglass pool. However, you can partially drain it while you perform cleaning or maintenance on your pool. If your pool does need maintenance that will require the pool to be drained, contact a professional to make sure it’s done correctly.
Vinyl pools are quick and easy to install, offer high level of design flexibility, and are a great option for a tight budget. The smooth and non-porous nature of the materials makes vinyl pools extremely comfortable and resistant to bacteria and algae.
Vinyl pool liners need to be replaced around every 5 years. This is because vinyl becomes more and more fragile as time passes. Failing to replace a vinyl pool liner on time can result in leaks and wrinkles in the liner.
The cost to replace a vinyl liner largely depends on the size of the pool. However, you can expect the cost to be anywhere from $3,000-$5,000.
The terms “spa” and “hot tub” are used interchangeably to refer to heated and jetted water features used for hydrotherapy and relaxation.
Most cleaning and maintenance for spas does not require you to drain the spa. If your water is cloudy or the quality is not improved with adjustments to the chemicals, it may be necessary to drain your spa. If you have further questions about spa maintenance and cleaning, contact our experts.
The best way to prevent cracks in your spa is to have it installed properly by industry professionals. Correct installation will prevent unnecessary stress on the materials, preventing cracks and other damage from occurring and extending the life of your spa.
The amount of time you should wait to swim in your pool after it has been chemically treated varies depending on the chemicals used. If you are just doing regular chemical maintenance, it’s safe to swim after about 20 minutes. If you are treating your pool with chlorine or calcium chloride, you may need to stay out of the pool for anywhere from 2 to 24 hours.
It’s generally a good idea to test your pool water 2-3 times per week to ensure safe pH and chemical levels.
The best way to conserve energy is to turn off your pool’s thermostat during periods of time you won’t be using the pool. Keeping the pool at approximately 78 degrees will keep it comfortable while not requiring as much energy.
It is not necessary to run your pool’s filtration system 24 hours per day. To conserve energy, run your pool’s filtration system at night. However, if you are adding chemicals to your pool, the filtration system needs to be active. The best way to conserve energy is to monitor how many hours per day your filtration system is running or to use a variable speed pump.
While a variable speed pump costs more up front, many of our customers find that it more than pays for itself through energy costs savings throughout the life of the pump. Most of our customers report energy savings of around 75-80%.
Most of our fiberglass pools can be installed within a few days. However, the process for planning and obtaining the required permits may take several weeks, depending on the county you live in.
When you’re planning your pool with our design experts, we’ll be happy to discuss the legal requirements as well as our professional recommendations for pool fences, diving boards, and other safety-related items.
Fiberglass and vinyl pools are both compatible with salt water systems, but they require different filtration equipment than standard chlorinated pools. We are happy to offer both systems. Many people appreciate salt water pools because they require fewer chemicals and are therefore less harsh on the eyes and skin.
At C2 Pools, we are your one-stop-shop for all things pool-related. In addition to installing pools, spas, and water features, we can also install professional landscaping, diving boards, slides, safety gates and covers.
You should remove debris from your pool almost every day if possible. A more thorough weekly cleaning is ideal to keep your pool clean and your equipment working efficiently. And professional maintenance should be performed by a professional at least once every spring and fall.
Your annual pool maintenance costs will depend largely on how often you decide to have your pool serviced and whether you choose to do some of the maintenance yourself. However, you can generally expect to pay approximately $200 per month for routine service and maintenance.
Most pumps are designed to run continuously, and some pumps may not last as long when they are constantly being turned off and back on. In addition to providing beautiful, serene water features, pumps also serve the purpose of preventing algae buildup, so that's another thing to consider when deciding whether to turn off your pumps. Mosquitoes and other bugs may also make a home of standing water, so it's not a good idea to leave your pump off too long.
There is a lot involved with opening and closing a pool for the year, and many people don’t want to deal with the hassle of preparing the equipment, completing a thorough cleaning, and handling the pool cover. Our pool experts are ready to help you open or close your pool if you decide you want to skip the chore.
You should not need to drain your pool completely each year. In fact, for most of our vinyl and fiberglass pools, it’s not a good idea to drain your pool completely unless you absolutely need to.