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We recognize and respect that building a pool is a large financial decision and often an emotional one. In recent years, the cost of a single family home has increased rapidly in proportion to average incomes. The result is that homeowners are moving less frequently and investing more in home improvements, which includes a swimming pool. We've put together this guide to help you begin the process of building a custom pool. Some steps in this process include:

1. Decide on a Budget 2. Decide on Size, Depth and Shape of your Pool 3. 5 Features that Affect the Cost of an Inground Pool 4. Choosing a Pool Automation System 5. Different Types of Pool Sanitizers 6. How to Select a Filter For Your Pool 7. Swimming Pool Heaters – yes in Florida 8. How to Find a Pool Builder BONUS - Top 6 mistakes when building a pool

Pool Buying Guide

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1. DECIDE ON A BUDGET

How much does a pool cost? It’s similar to asking, “How much does a house cost?” The cost of a pool is dependent on several factors including the size and shape of the pool and additional upgrades. Our pools have ranged from $25,000 to $200,000.

There is no one-price-fits-all scenario when it comes to building a pool. Even the most basic features affect the total inground pool cost, such as the depth and the type of pump. Everything from interior finishes to decking all has something to do with the overall price, but you can easily pick and choose to create a pool that fits within your budget. The best advice we can give is to know what you want • Would you like an exciting water world or a relaxing getaway? • Do you love wild slides or prefer cool tanning shelves? • Have a clear picture of what you want before asking for estimates. Then on the flip side, be careful. Low estimates usually equal low quality. Be cautious about extremely low estimates that save money by using cheap materials and cutting construction corners.

2. DECIDE ON SIZE & SHAPE OF YOUR POOL

Proper Swimming Pool Depth • Some homeowners with small children prefer to add a "sun shelf." This is a shelf about 3-5

inches deep. Sun shelves make ideal play areas that allow children to stay near the wall while playing in a very shallow area.

• Swimmers need enough room to stroke without striking the pool’s floor with their knuckles or toes, so experts recommend a depth of at least 4 feet.

• Swimming laps require a depth of 4 feet. Length is also important; the swimming lane should extend at least 25 feet.

What size and shape pool is best for my backyard? We get that question all the time. That answer varies by backyard, by purpose and even by lifestyle. We take great pride in designing multi-purpose pools that satisfy your personal interests and needs. Sure, you can pick from typical swimming pool designs and dimensions, such as 10-by-20 rectangles, but the choice of size and depth is up to you.

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2. DECIDE ON SIZE & SHAPE OF YOUR POOL – cont.

• For those who just want to relax, waist-high is considered the ideal depth which is typically around 4 feet.

• If you plan to play sports like volleyball or basketball in the pool, then you want a depth of 3.5 feet to 4 feet. Remember to include sufficient area for a playing field.

• People jumping in need enough water to absorb the force of their jump, so it’s necessary to have a depth of at least 4 feet.

• When diving headfirst, having sufficient depth to avoid injury is vital. The recommended depth is a minimum of 9 feet

When sizing a pool, make sure to keep in mind adequate space for entertaining including pool furniture and even some common backyard accessories (like outdoor kitchens, firepits and pergolas, which we do as well!). We will help you design and build your perfect pool to make your backyard dream come to life.

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You’ll also have to consider the size of your yard before getting caught up in unrealistic dimensions. Luckily, we’ve been able to work miracles with building pools in small backyards. You will be surprised at how a small backyard can have the most innovative design. Our design consultants will place the pool in your backyard using our 3-D software. You can see what your pool will look like before breaking ground. The goal is to create a backyard oasis you can enjoy for years to come.

What if I have a small or difficult backyard?

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3. FIVE FEATURES THAT AFFECT THE COST OF AN INGROUND POOL

1. Pumps and Filters You’ll want swimming pool pumps and filters that do the job without a lot of work on your part. We install Pentair SuperFlo variable speed pumps, which have lower operating costs, provide maximum water flow and run quietly. We combine SuperFlo pumps with Pentair cartridge filters, which strip particles from the water and require very little maintenance. Check out our pool pumps and filters page. 2. Pool Coping The coping is the brick or stone above the tile line that wraps around the edge of the pool. It does more than provide an attractive edging; it also separates the pool structure from the decking. The coping that you choose affects both the price and the visual style of your pool. 3. Interior Finishes The interior finish is what gives your pool that signature look. It comes in various colors and textures to mimic natural stone or to reflect the colors of nature. American Pools installs upgraded quartz finishes in every pool and offers bluestone, marina, natural and oyster finish options. 4. Decking We offer a standard concrete and or upgraded pavers for pool decking. Although concrete is less expensive, it may require more maintenance over time. Pavers, though more costly, are easy to maintain, come in numerous styles and create a nonslip surface around your pool. Contact us for more information if you are considering upgrading to pool deck pavers. 5. Waterline Tiles Waterline tiles add to the overall appearance of your pool. They are also designed to resist chemical treatments and hold up to years of use. Waterline tiles come in many different colors, patterns and materials and don’t stain like vinyl liners do.

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4. CHOOSING A POOL AUTOMATION SYSTEM

Picking out the right pool control system before you start construction ensures that you will successfully achieve your vision. This guide compares two of the most popular automation systems made by Pentair to help you decide which is the best fit for your project.

Pentair IntelliTouch Pool Automation System With its customizable programs and simple menus, IntelliTouch turns any swimming pool into a “smart” pool. The optional IntelliFlo pump monitors your filtration system to ensure that it always operates at peak efficiency. The right automation system can drastically reduce your monthly power bill. IntelliTouch also supports ScreenLogic Interface software allowing users to sync their pool system with a mobile device. • Supports a variety of salt chlorine generators • Supports up to 40 circuits for controlling pumps, water features and lights • Supports IntelliBrite Pool Lights and IntelliTouch Automation Dimmer Module • Multiple feature circuits can be mapped onto a single button allowing users to program “themes”

Pentair EasyTouch Pool Automation System EasyTouch systems come with a convenient central control panel, so functions such as opening valves or resetting the pool timer can be performed by pressing a single button. EasyTouch is also compatible with ScreenLogic2 for remote monitoring and control. • Supports IntelliChlor Salt Chlorine Generator • Diagnostic screen reports problems for easy troubleshooting • Supports up to eight feature circuits • Supports IntelliBrite Pool Lights

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5. DIFFERENT TYPES OF POOL SANITIZERS

When it comes to pool sanitizers, chlorine has long been a popular choice, but its unpleasant strong odor and tendency to irritate swimmers’ eyes and skin can leave pool owners longing for alternatives. Fortunately, there are several pool sanitizers to consider besides chlorine. Bromine Bromine tablets can be added to a pool manually or via an automated filter, offering the advantage of familiarity to people who are used to dosing their pools with chlorine. More importantly, this chemical alternative packs a double punch. Chlorine combines with the contaminants in pool water to produce chloramine, and then it stops working. When bromine interacts with contaminants, the result is bromamine, a byproduct that has sanitizing properties of its own, so it continues to clean the pool water. Salt Water Salt water pool systems are an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin. A salt chlorine generator uses the magic of electrolysis to transform salt and water into hypochlorous acid, a component in chlorine. The hypochlorous acid cleanses the pool water and then is recycled so that the sanitization cycle continues. The result is sparkling clean water with no strong smell that is gentler on the eyes and skin. In addition, the pH of salt chlorine is virtually neutral, so fewer chemicals are required to keep the pool water’s pH levels balanced. While salt is fairly easy on the wallet, salt water systems can be pricey to purchase and maintain, although savings on other chemicals can help offset this. Ozone Ozone is a highly effective oxidizer that destroys bacteria and other contaminants. It even breaks down grease and oil, preventing filter clogs and reducing maintenance, and since it doesn’t alter pH levels, fewer chemical interventions are required to maintain a healthy pH level in the pool. Unfortunately, ozone is strictly a supporting player. For most pools, it cannot provide sufficient cleaning power to keep the water clean and fresh. However, ozone works well when combined with chlorine or bromine. UV – Ultraviolet Paramount has one of the best eco-friendly ultraviolet water sanitizers which will keep your water cleaner and healthier for you and your family.

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6. HOW TO SELECT A FILTER FOR YOUR POOL

The type of filter you need depends on the size of your pool. All of the water in your pool must flow through the filter at least once each day to ensure that contaminants or harmful chemicals don’t build up in the liquid,. That means the filter must be able to process 30 gallons of water every minute. Pool Volume If the pool has a rectangular shape, you should multiply the length, the width and the average depth to determine the pool’s volume. When calculating the volume of a circular pool, you must multiply the diameter, 3.14 and its average depth. Pool Capacity Once you’ve calculated the pool volume, then determine the pool capacity. In order to measure your pool’s capacity, multiply the volume by 7.48, and the product of this calculation will give you the pool capacity in gallons. The Size And The Turnover Rate The turnover rate can be defined as the amount of time that a filter takes to process all of the water in a pool, and you should install a filter that has a turnover rate of at least 12 hours. Sand Filters This type of pool filter pumps water through a screen that is covered by a layer of sand. The water is then pumped back into the pool by at least two vertical tubes underneath the device. To clean the pool filter system, you should simply operate the filter while allowing it to pump liquid in the opposite direction for at least 20 minutes. This technique is known as backwashing the filter. Diatomaceous Earth Pool Filters This type of rock primarily consists of silica, and it contains the exoskeletons of fossilized algae with hard shells, which are called diatoms. When crushed into a powdery form, the material is finer than sand. Most pool filters that use this type of rock have a diameter of 60 square feet to 70 square feet, and due to their exceptionally small size, diatoms can catch particles that have a length of five microns. Types of particles caught be a D.E. are: body oils, suntan lotions, pollens, dust and even some bacteria. Cartridge Filters The most popular type of pool filter is a cartridge filter. They use exceptionally dense materials that catch even the smallest debris. We prefer using a Pentair Cartridge Filter which will only need maintenance once per year because the device has an exceptionally large screen.

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7. SWIMMING POOL HEATERS

Despite the occasional cold-water enthusiast, most people prefer to swim their laps in pools where the water temperature ranges between 80 and 90 degrees. For these individuals and others who hope to extend the swimming season, the question is not whether to heat the pool at all but what type of heater to purchase. The Different Types of Pool Heaters • Solar pool heating, the greenest available, is quickly becoming a favorite with owners of

recreational pools. It is hard to deny the appeal of their ecological friendliness and negligible operating costs, but the quality of their performance will rise and fall with the sun.

• Electric pool heat pumps, on the other hand, are the heater of choice for those who prefer keeping their water warm with or without the help of Old Sol.

• Gas pool heaters are not only the least efficient of the three but also the shortest-lived. Before making a decision, it helps to know a few facts.

Efficiency Although solar pool heaters will heat the pool’s water to a comfortable low 80s, it won’t generate heat on cloudy days, and during the down times, the water can cool fairly quickly. Electric pool heat pumps will raise the water’s temperature to between 80 and 90 degrees. Although bad weather will not impede their operation, a power failure will put them out of commission in a hurry. While gas pool heaters will warm the water quickly, the expense of running them can pose a problem for some. Costs Despite the higher initial cost of solar pool heating, its utilization of free energy from the sun will keep your electric bill down to an economical $30 to $75 a year. On the other hand, despite their lower initial purchase price, electric pool heat pumps will consume between $250 and $500 worth of energy a year. Gas pool heaters can easily run between $1,000 and $1,500 a year. When considering which type of pool heater to buy, you must also consider the pool heater unit’s expected lifespan. While most solar heaters will easily serve for 10 to 20 years, the life expectancy of the electric variety will normally range between 5 and 15. It could be the rare gas heater, however, that holds up for longer than five.

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8. HOW TO FIND A POOL BUILDER

How do you determine who will be the best pool builder for the job. Building an inground pool is a major investment which takes time and involves having an installation team working at your property. Given all these factors, how can you make the best decision and hire a trustworthy contractor? One too many times, our highly-skilled team of designers, builders and contractors have been called by a worried homeowner to fix a mismanaged pool construction job – or in the worst cases, to rescue an abandoned pool build. That is why we compiled this list to help protect you and your home from becoming victims of undependable contractors or fly-by-night pool builders? Scam contractors that take your money and never return to the job site – they are out there, BEWARE!

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8. HOW TO FIND A POOL BUILDER – cont.

Consider these top 5 tips as trustworthy guidelines to help you choose the best builder for your swimming pool project: 1. Valid and Current Contractor’s License – The first thing you can do to prevent working with a bad contractor is to verify that they have a valid and current contractor’s license in the State of Florida. Additionally, the contractor must hold a valid insurance certificate. A reliable pool builder will be willing to have a certificate sent to you directly from their insurance company, so you’re not relying just on an outdated photocopy of expired coverage. It’s worth the peace of mind to verify the essential pool builder/contractor documents: contractor’s license, general liability and Workman’s Compensation insurance.

2. Check Their Credential / Associations – Once you’ve verified the essential documents, it’s time to start checking a few websites for information on the pool builder. Start with the pool builder’s website to see how long they’ve been in business. Check to see if they are a member of the BBB (Better Business Bureau) and also see if professional Pool & Spa industry journals and associations list the business as a resource. For example, American Pools and Spas is rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau and ranked as a Top 50 Pool Builders in the nation by Pool & Spa News. In most cities, you’ll have a local directory and review websites that may offer additional insight into the company and quality of work they provide in the community.

Once you feel comfortable that you’ve researched and identified a reliable, trustworthy contractor, go back to their business website. Now check for one key piece of information – does this company specialize in one type of pool over another? By closely looking at the image gallery of completed projects (and hopefully they have one!) you’ll be able to tell if the builder has built/installed pools like the one you’re looking to create in your backyard.

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8. HOW TO FIND A POOL BUILDER – cont.

3. How Many Subcontractors Will Be Used To Build Your Pool – Time to get back in touch with the pool builder directly and ask how many “SUB” contractors are used during the construction and installation phase. Ask if the same subcontractors and workers will work on your project from start to finish. These working teams will be on your property day after day, for an extended period – you want to know the builder is working with a core team of trustworthy, professional builders and laborers. In the case of American Pools and Spas, we keep the use of subcontractors to an absolute minimum to ensure quality control on every pool we build. Always include this question when asking about subcontractors. Are the subcontractors covered by the general liability and Workman’s Compensation insurance? A professional pool builder will be more than willing to answer all these questions and more because they want to earn your trust and your business.

4. Check out their Design Center and Showroom – Now that you’ve asked the essential questions and done the research, you can happily turn your attention to checking out the pool builder’s showroom and design center. It’s time to let the fun begin! One of the best reasons to visually ‘shop’ the showroom and designs – to get a feel for what appeals to your senses, what works best for the space you have and to see it all before you make the final buying decision. When you can see, feel and experience the pool selection and design process, you’ll be confident about the choices you’ve made BEFORE you even start the project.

5. 3D Pool Design Software – While the showroom and design center may have provided lots of great ideas, does your pool builder offer a state of the art 3D interactive design tool allowing your visualize your dream pool with every detail? Experiment with options in 3D and you’ll save time and money using a computerized accurate model to try out different design ideas before the building in your backyard space begins. How terrific is that? If your pool builder doesn’t offer this innovative tool, you’ll be forced to set appointments to look over complex 2D pool drawings, multiple building plans and maybe even deck layouts. In this day and age, you want the convenience and appreciate the cost-saving accuracy of 3D design when custom designing your new swimming pool.

Have confidence with a reputable and experienced pool contractor overseeing the design, construction and installation.

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TOP 6 MISTAKES WHEN BUILDING A POOL

Building a pool in your backyard isn’t something that you do every day. For many people, it’s an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime project.

Unfortunately, this lack of experience can lead to missed opportunities and major headaches. Worse, it can result in the heartbreak of a pool that is less than you’d hoped for. Protect your sanity, your property and your dream of the perfect pool by avoiding these common mistakes.

1. Underestimating the Scope of the Project There’s a lot to think about when building a pool.

• Where should the pool be?

• What size, shape and depth will work best for you today?

• Will those same features also serve your needs ten years from now?

• What about the mechanicals that keeps a pool running?

• How does the design process work?

• What do you need to do to ensure that the construction phase goes smoothly?

• What about safety and insurance issues?

Is your head swimming yet? To get the best results, you’ll need to ponder these considerations carefully. Be ready to do your homework so that you can make good decisions.

2. Choosing the Wrong Pool Builder A reputable pool builder has the knowledge, experience and equipment to guide you through the process of designing and installing a top-quality pool. Be wary of pool builders who cannot offer a plethora of references and satisfied customers to prove it. While it does take a bit of effort to research pool builders, taking the time to find an expert you can trust will ultimately save you a great deal of trouble.

BONUS

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TOP 6 MISTAKES WHEN BUILDING A POOL

3. Making Price the Priority Bargains are great, but putting price over quality can be an expensive mistake. When it comes to the cost of building a pool, remember that you get what you pay for. Buyers who choose cheap swimming pools often find themselves dealing with shoddy workmanship and bargain-basement materials. Ironically, cheaper products can be more expensive in the long run if they result in frequent replacements or higher energy costs.

Definitely RUN the other way if you see an ad for “We Build Pools Cheap.” The long-term cost of those savings adds up to structural problems, equipment failure and repeated repairs.

4. Ignoring Safety Concerns Pools are fun, but they do pose certain dangers. Protect your loved ones by educating yourself about pool safety and the types of safety features that can be incorporated into your pool’s design. There’s a financial factor to pool safety as well. Failure to follow your area’s rules regarding swimming pools may result in fines or costly retrofits.

Unwise choices in pool installation can also have a negative impact on your homeowner’s insurance.

5. Focusing Only on Aesthetics While the way your pool looks is an important factor, you should also think about how you intend to use your pool and what you’ll need to do to maintain it. An experienced pool builder can help you select a design that has the look you want, the functionality you need and a practicality you’ll certainly come to appreciate.

6. Skipping over the Fine Print It’s tempting to skip reading the fine print. It’s also a mistake.

Be sure to thoroughly read and understand both your contract with your pool builder and the warranties that come with your pool and its various components. Understanding your rights and responsibilities will make building and maintaining your pool go more smoothly, which will make it easier for you to concentrate on enjoying your new pool.

BONUS

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ABOUT AMERICAN POOLS & SPAS

We hope the information provided has helped you understand the process of building a swimming pool and the decisions that need to be made. By developing a blueprint for action beforehand, you’ll be able to navigate the pool-building process with ease. Rest assured, with a reputable and experienced pool contractor overseeing the design, build and installation, everything should come together beautifully. You’ll be enjoying your new backyard pool in no time at all and it will be the dream oasis you’ve been wishing for! Contact us today with your questions about swimming pool design, custom options, the pool building process, financing and more. We are eager to help you create your backyard oasis. Please call us (407) 847-9322 for a free no-obligation design consultation. Or better yet, stop by our indoor showroom and see for yourself all the wonderful options that are available to you.