When the Florida sun hits its peak and the Gulf breezes shift just so, having a backyard pool in Oldsmar isn’t just luxury; it’s almost a necessity. As any seasoned Floridian knows, the process of selecting the right contractor to bring your aquatic dreams to life is as crucial as the decision to install a pool itself. So, grab a glass of lemonade and let’s dive into how you can find the best swimming pool contractor to create your backyard oasis.

Understanding Your Needs

First things first, define what you want. Are you envisioning a simple, modest-sized pool for cooling off on hot days, or are you leaning towards a lavish retreat complete with a spa, waterfalls, and custom lighting? Knowing your desires and budget upfront will guide your conversations with potential contractors and help prevent any wallet surprises.

Researching Potential Contractors

In Oldsmar and the surrounding Tampa Bay area, there are numerous contractors to choose from, but not all are created equal. Start your search by asking for recommendations from friends and family who have recently undertaken similar projects. Social media local groups and platforms like Nextdoor can also be gold mines for real-world feedback and recommendations.

Once you’ve got a list of names, check each contractor’s credentials. Are they licensed and insured? This is crucial. In Florida, swimming pool contractors must be licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Verify this without fail, as it ensures that the contractor meets certain standards and is accountable for their work.

Evaluating Past Work and Reputation

A reputable contractor should have no problem showing off their past projects. Ask for a portfolio of previous work and see if their style aligns with what you’re envisioning. If possible, visit one of their completed pools to get a feel for the quality and finish.

Furthermore, dive into the deep end of customer reviews and testimonials. Websites like Angie’s List, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau can provide insights into the contractor’s reputation and customer service ethos. Pay attention not just to the star ratings but read the reviews thoroughly—both the good and the bad.

Getting the Details Right

When you meet with contractors, have them walk you through their proposed process. What are the construction phases? What materials do they recommend and why? How do they handle unexpected issues like bad weather or discovery of unsuitable soil conditions during excavation?

This is also the time to talk specifics about warranties and what they cover. For example, what happens if the pool starts to lose water or the filtration system malfunctions shortly after completion? Understanding these details upfront can save you significant stress later on.

Comparing Bids

Once you’ve discussed your project with several contractors, you’ll start receiving bids. It’s essential to compare these proposals side by side. Check that each bid includes everything from preliminary design and permits to clean-up and maintenance instructions. The cheapest proposal might not always be the best—consider value, quality of materials, and the contractor’s track record.

Making the Decision

After evaluating all the information, it’s time to make your choice. Remember, this decision goes beyond just who’s offering the lowest bid. Trust your instincts about the contractor’s professionalism and ability to deliver your vision. Once you’ve made your choice, get everything in writing. The contract should clearly state the project scope, timeline, materials to be used, payment schedule, and warranty details.

What to Expect During Construction

Prepare for some disruption during the construction phase. There will be noise, dust, and workers coming and going. A good contractor will make efforts to minimize the impact on your daily life and keep the site as neat as possible.

After the Splash: Pool Maintenance

Finally, remember that your relationship with your pool contractor might not end at the completion of the construction. Many offer maintenance services, or at least they should be able to recommend someone who does. Regular maintenance is crucial to keep your pool in tip-top shape for years to come.

Conclusion

Choosing the right swimming pool contractor in Oldsmar can be the difference between creating a source of joy for your family or a problematic pit. Take your time, do your research, and choose wisely. Your perfect summer oasis awaits!

With these steps, you’ll not only enhance your property’s value but also ensure countless days of fun under the sun in the comfort of your own backyard. Here’s to making a splash in your perfect pool!

In the heart of Oldsmar, Florida, where the sun graces us with its presence almost year-round, the addition of a swimming pool in one’s backyard is not just a luxury—it’s a lifestyle. As homeowners in this sunny paradise, the journey to installing that perfect oasis begins with one critical step: selecting the right pool contractor. Here’s a guide to help you navigate these waters with confidence, ensuring your venture into pool ownership is as smooth as the surface of a calm pool at dawn.

Understand Your Needs and Preferences

Before you even start looking for a contractor, have a clear idea of what you want. Are we talking about a simple lap pool, or is your vision more along the lines of a tropical getaway complete with a waterfall? Knowing your preferences, including the type of materials and the features you desire, will not only help you communicate your vision but also affect your budget and the choice of contractor.

Research and Referrals: The Foundation of Your Search

The quest for the perfect pool contractor in Oldsmar starts with thorough research. Online reviews and ratings are a goldmine of information but take them with a grain of salt. Personal referrals, on the other hand, are worth their weight in gold. If you know someone who has recently undertaken a pool project, their insights could lead you to your dream contractor—or help you dodge a bullet.

Licensing and Insurance: Non-Negotiables

Florida is no stranger to strict regulations, and pool construction is no exception. Ensure any contractor you consider is fully licensed to operate in Oldsmar and carries the necessary insurance. This isn’t just bureaucratic red tape; it’s your safeguard against liability and the assurance that your contractor meets industry standards.

Quotes and Contracts: The Devil is in the Details

Obtain multiple quotes to understand the market rate for your pool project. However, remember that the cheapest option may not always be the best. Examine what’s included in each quote and watch out for hidden costs. Once you’ve chosen a contractor, insist on a detailed contract that outlines the scope of work, materials, timeline, payment schedule, and warranty. This document is your primary protection against misunderstandings and unmet expectations.

Communication: The Cornerstone of Collaboration

A successful partnership with your pool contractor hinges on clear and consistent communication. Choose a contractor who is responsive, willing to answer your questions, and capable of providing updates throughout the project. Remember, a good contractor will not just talk but will listen and adapt to your needs and concerns.

Experience and Portfolio: Proof of Excellence

Experience matters, especially in the nuanced field of pool construction. Review the contractor’s portfolio to assess their capability and expertise. If possible, visit some of their completed projects in Oldsmar. This not only gives you a sense of their quality of work but also might inspire new ideas for your own pool.

Financial Planning: Budgeting for Bliss

Discuss payment terms upfront and understand the financial commitment you’re making. A reputable contractor will never ask for the full payment upfront. Plan for contingencies in your budget; unexpected costs can arise, and it’s always better to be prepared.

Trust Your Instincts

Finally, trust your gut feeling. If a contractor seems knowledgeable, listens to your ideas, and makes you feel comfortable, these are good signs. You’re not just hiring a service; you’re entering into a partnership that will transform your backyard—and, by extension, your home life.

Choosing a pool contractor in Oldsmar, Florida, is a journey that demands diligence, research, and a bit of intuition. With the right approach, you can ensure that your pool installation process is as refreshing as the first dip in your new swimming oasis.

Ah, Oldsmar, Florida: the land of sunshine, palm trees, and the relentless urge to dive into a sparkling pool in your backyard. If you’re anything like me, the thought of sipping a cool drink by the side of your own pool has crossed your mind more times than the number of flip-flops in your closet. But before you can make your poolside dreams a reality, there’s a significant hurdle to clear: choosing the right pool contractor. Fear not, fellow homeowner, for I have navigated these waters before you and come out the other side (mostly) unscathed. Here’s my semi-expert guide on how to select a pool contractor in Oldsmar without losing your sanity.

1. Do Your Homework (Yes, More Homework)

First off, start with research. And I don’t mean a quick Google search between episodes of your latest binge-watch. Dive deep into the world of local pool contractors. Look for reviews, ask for references, and check out their previous projects. If a contractor’s portfolio has more red flags than a pirate ship, steer clear.

2. License and Insurance: The Boring but Essential Stuff

Ensure your chosen contractor has the necessary licenses and insurance to work in Oldsmar. It’s as thrilling as watching paint dry, but it’s crucial. You don’t want your dream pool turning into a legal nightmare because someone decided to cut corners.

3. Get Everything in Writing

When discussing your pool project, if a contractor’s promises seem too good to be true, they probably are. Make sure every detail, from the timeline to the cost breakdown, is in writing. This isn’t just for legal reasons; it’s also to ensure that your contractor doesn’t suddenly develop amnesia about that “all-inclusive price” they mentioned.

4. Communication is Key

Choose a contractor who listens to your ideas and communicates clearly. If you’re getting more mixed signals than a teenager’s first love, it’s a bad sign. Your contractor should be more reliable than Florida weather—and that’s saying something.

5. The Price is Right… Or Is It?

Beware of quotes that seem too low. In the world of pool construction, you often get what you pay for. If one contractor’s estimate is significantly lower than the others, they might be planning to build your pool out of cardboard and hope you don’t notice.

6. The Timeline Tango

Discuss realistic timelines. If a contractor promises to have your pool ready in time for your next pool party in two weeks, raise an eyebrow. Building a quality pool takes time. You want it done right, not fast.

7. Visit Completed Projects

If possible, visit some of the contractor’s completed projects in Oldsmar. It’s like online dating—you want to see if they look as good in real life as they do in their profile pictures.

8. Trust Your Gut

Lastly, trust your instincts. If something feels off about a contractor, it’s probably for a good reason. Your gut can be a surprisingly good judge of character, so listen to it.

Choosing the right pool contractor in Oldsmar might feel like navigating a minefield at times, but it’s worth the effort. After all, nothing beats the feeling of lounging by your own pool, enjoying the Florida sun, and wondering why on earth you didn’t do this sooner. So, arm yourself with knowledge, a good sense of humor, and a bit of patience, and dive into the pool-building process. Your future poolside self will thank you.

Regardless of what kind of pool you own – a reliable pool cover is an absolute must. What type of cover to decide to use, however – is up for debate. Today, we’re going to talk mostly about automatic pool covers – their benefits, uses and instances as to where they’re the most useful. 

Especially if you’re in the process of trying to figure out what’s best for you, this can be helpful. Let’s jump right in!

Convenience

The first is obvious – and that’s convenience. Instead of having to roll up a cover on your own, worrying about detritus sneaking into your pool and the like – you’ll simply have the convenience of pushing a few buttons and watching the cover unfurl and protect your pool. 

Additional safety

Additionally -safety can sometimes be a real concern – especially when you have small kids. Automatic pool covers can usually hold up to 2000 lbs. So if an animal or small child makes their way to the pool when they shouldn’t they’re not going to fall through and/or potentially get wrapped up in the cover itself. Obviously – you should keep everyone OFF the cover at costs; but it’s nice to know that in the event of the worst, you don’t have to worry as much.

Better temperatures

Third – automatic covers do a better job of maintaining heat and temperatures. Yes – the cover itself will be more expensive up front, but this can lead to significant cost savings over time, making the additional up-front costs worth it. 

Better balance

Lastly, you’re going to get a cleaner pool with better chemical balance. Especially for inexperienced pool owners – maintaining chemicals can be one of the more challenging aspects of owning your own pool. Making sure everything is the way it needs to be can be tough. Automatic covers keep rain out, other elements and debris – allowing the pool to better maintain a healthier overall chemical balance. 

If you’re interested in potentially investing in an automatic pool cover, give us a call today and we can help to point you in the right direction. Until then, we hope you found today’s blog helpful. We’ll see you next month!

We’re in the midst of the holiday season and sooner rather than later, we’ll be ringing in the new year. And with New Year’s always comes New Year’s Resolutions. It’s time for a fresh start, and those resolutions can be personal, health-related, work-related – or maybe even activity-specific. 

This month, we’re going to discuss a few New Year’s Resolutions for your swimming pools – so that you get off to a strong, exciting start to 2024. Let’s jump right in!

Review your pool safety

Pools are here for fun and relaxation, but they can also be dangerous when people don’t know how to act and behave around them. Be sure – for the sake of everyone – that you take the time to sit down with your loved ones and run down the do’s and don’ts of being around the pool. Run over your family rules. Consider having everyone take a CPR course. Pools are fun, but to have fun – safety needs to be at the front of mind. 

Enjoying your pool more, and spend less time working on it

Too many pool owners get too wrapped up in things like water chemistry and day-to-day maintenance when they could spend more time enjoying it. We’re not telling you to neglect your pool, but be a little better at working smarter, not harder. Preschedule things like chemical balancing. Spread maintenance out into more digestible hunks. Delegate to family members. Heck, sign up for a monthly maintenance plan if you can afford it. Whatever you do – spend the time in your pool the way you want to; not just the way you have to.

Improvements 

Unless you’ve got deep pockets- getting your pool in its final state right off an install is rare. Most people get their pools installed and gradually add things to it over time. Most – try to make a point to make an upgrade every year. Sometimes it’s something fun like a new diving board, slide or patio area or perhaps it’s something more to the function of the pool – like a new cover, new liner or some concrete work. Whatever it is – each new addition is a step towards your dream space. 

Involve your family and friends more
Swimming pools are not just a place for a little relaxation – they’re also communal spaces that we use to create memories with the people who matter the most to us. So host a bbq, share your space and go create those memories we’re talking about. And that goes past just talking about the pool, too. That’s in life. We’re social animals – take advantage of what you have!

We hope you found today’s blog helpful. If you need more guidance on improvements to your pool or some potential ideas for an addition, give us a call today. Until then – have a happy, healthy and safe 2024!

We’re very up-front with our customers: an investment in an inground swimming pool is significant. It requires money. It requires time. It requires commitment. They’re also an incredible addition to your backyard and very much worth it. 

Some folks however, get hung up on whether to go with the less expensive above ground option. It’s certainly a better choice for some, but not for all. Today, we’re going to discuss why people choose to go with inground pools so that if you’re someone who’s faced with a similar decision – that your decision is made a little bit easier. Let’s jump right in!

Entertainment

If you’re someone who likes entertaining, having friends around and throwing gatherings – inground pools are often the way to go. Don’t get us wrong – you can do plenty with above ground models, too; but your options in terms of putting together a more complete entertainment space are going to be better with an in-ground pool. More space, options in terms of what you can do for a deck, entertaining area, etc. 

Fitness and health

Swimming is one of the best activities for your health. Whether it’s swimming laps, exercising your joints or working on your cardio – pools offer a number of health benefits. Simply put – while some activities are fine in an above ground pool – you’ll simply have more options at your disposal if you put your pool in-ground. 

Increasing the value of your home

While pools do bring with them a degree of labor and maintenance, they can vary a bit in terms of the value they can add to your home. Above ground pools are a little more prone to wear and tear and require more maintenance up front – which can sometimes be a turnoff to potential buyers. 

On the other hand in-ground pools are seen as significant assets when it comes to boosting the aesthetic value of your home. They enhance backyard spaces, make for more entertaining spaces and are on the whole, less work/risk than an above ground model would be. 

Regardless of your reason for wanting to own an inground swimming pool, feel free to give our team a call today if you’re interested in learning more! Until then – good luck and happy hunting! 

We are pretty direct with your customers when we say swimming pools are a significant investment – not only in terms of money, but in terms of time. It’s certainly a worthwhile one as you’re creating a space that will bring you and your family enjoyment and better overall health. 

However because of that – you should have something that’s uniquely yours. That reflects your wants and needs. That can fit into your lifestyle and schedule – a pool that will be more of a boon than a burden. And for that reason, many homeowners are going the custom route when it comes to designing their swimming pool. 

Could you purchase a model and install it and enjoy it? Sure! But if you’re going to spend the time and the money – why not get what you really want? Today, we’re going to discuss some of the reasons you should consider a custom pool. Let’s jump right in!

Something just for you

Premade pools are a dime a dozen and not every pre-built solution is a good one for every situation. Yes – when you go the custom route – you’ll be able to choose things like the accessories, features, lights and all the good stuff. But more importantly you’ll be able to maximize everything else around it. Instead of blowing your yard to bits and overwhelming the space you have – you’ll have something that helps maintain the area around the pool and give you a solution that fits neatly into its parameters. 

No need to worry about permitting

Custom pool builders will help you cover all the legalities of installing your pool – from permits and licenses and the like. This in and of itself is a huge relief for families as working through the red tape and paperwork can be a major headache for families. They’ll also be well-versed in your area’s regulations and standards and you can rest assured knowing your pool will be up to code and meet all the extremely important safety standards it needs to. 

It’s more cost effective

I know this sounds a little preposterous on its face, but it’s true! While you may incur more up-front costs in terms of design and installation – it’s actually going to end up saving you a ton of money down the road. From lighting, to heating and maintenance costs- there’s a lot more expense to a pool than the up-front – and a custom pool done right can save you significant money on all these issues in the future. 

If you’re considering a custom-made swimming pool for your home, give us a call today and we’ll be happy to help you wade through the process. Until then, good luck!

Purchasing and installing a swimming pool is a great idea; but as people who do this every day, we see lots of people who sometimes make some severe mistakes – or are considering owning a pool for the wrong reasons. And obviously as a business, while everyone wants to make money – swimming pools are a significant investment – not just in terms of money – but of your time as well!

Today, we’re going to share some of those mistakes and misguided thoughts in hopes that it helps you make a better, more informed decision when you’re ready to purchase a pool. Let’s jump right in! 

Poor design

Design means a lot when it comes to installing a pool. Everyone loves something that’s different and ‘something different’ is somewhat of a specialty of ours; but having a clear understanding of the materials you like, size, scope and even how much shade you want is important. Not only does it have to be something aesthetically pleasing – it also needs to be functional and sustainable. Maintaining your pool is a significant expense in terms of both money and your own time!

Not understanding materials

If we notice issues in the design phase – it’s almost always rooted in a client’s ability to understand materials, how they work and what their benefits, costs and detractors are. But most specifically – the materials you choose will have by far the biggest impact on how your pool is maintained and the cost to both install it and care for it. 

Not considering your climate

This is a big one we as swimming pool contractors deal with in Oldsmar, FL. While you might have a certain set of materials in mind, they might not be the best overall, long term fit for where you live and the climate you reside in. Especially if you reside in an area where there’s frequent ground freeze or earthquakes, you’ll want to have some more involved discussions with your contractor. 

Cutting corners

Everyone wants to save money but at a point the question becomes ‘but at what cost?’ Look inflation is rampant and everything’s more expensive. We all get it and are shouldering this burden together. But what’s cheaper up front is almost always more expensive down the road. It can be an outright detriment to a project if you’re cutting corners on things like quality based on money. Work within your budget – but don’t work with a budget that’s not big enough to help you take care of problems you’ll see down the road up-front. 

Hopefully today’s blog was helpful. If you’re looking for an Oldsmaar pool contractor, give us a call and we’ll be happy to provide you with a free consultation. Until then – good luck!

The fall is a pool owner’s least favorite time of year. While it’s true, the folks down here don’t get that traditional season with leaves turning and falling into the pool like those up north do, we get our own fair share of challenges we have to deal with.

Today, we’re going to discuss some of the things you can do in order to have a smoother fall maintenance schedule. Let’s jump right in!

Debris pickup

If you’re up north, you know the routine! Use your skimmer to help remove leaves and other debris that falls from trees and elsewhere. We recommend getting on this early because it doesn’t take much time for them to take on water and sink to the bottom of your pool. For folks down south? Well it’s storm season for us! Which means hurricanes, tropical storms and generally less predictable weather that can lead to the same kind of debris build up. Stay on your simmer and make sure you’re doing a passthrough every other day or so. 

Keep your cover clean and in good working order

Up north – this answer is pretty obvious. You need to do this to help the pool retain heat a little bit longer and keep leaves, branches and other random occurrences out of your pool. Down south – the same thing applies. Also – the air can have a significant impact on the condition of your pool cover and erosion can occur where there’s a lot more salt in the air like you’d find down here in the Tampa and Oldsmaar area. Inspect your pool cover for any potential hotels, deterioration or other possible defects. 

Keep the surroundings clean

This is something you should always be doing no matter what the season is. While there are certainly more seasonal considerations for debris up north, it’s not like that goes away in the summertime and regardless if you’re dealing with traditional fall conditions or not – debris buildup in a pool is almost a direct result of your ability to keep the surrounding area clean, full of clutter and in good, working order. This is a great time to trim branches, bushes, maintain peace stone and other debris that might find its way into your pool. 

Filter and chemical checks

Make sure you clean your filter completely right around early August. You want your filter to be in as good a shape as it possibly can be for storm season and the fall. Use your operator’s manual for the best way to maintain optimum performance and make it as durable as possible. 

Also in the fall, you can draw back a little bit on the amount of chemicals you’ll be using. If you have any expiring products – clear those out and purchase new ones. If you’re trying to find the right composition – ask your local pool pro. 

We hope you found today’s blog helpful! If you need to get your pool cleaned or have it regularly maintained, give us a call today and we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction. Until then – enjoy the remainder of the summer and we’ll look forward to hearing from you soon!

Look, as swimming pool owners we all want to and try our best, but frequently we make mistakes that can come back to bite us and end up costing us more time and treasure than the neglect was worth. Today, we’re going to talk about some of the more common mistakes that swimming pool owners make and what some of the things are that you can do in order to avoid them. 

Let’s jump right in!

Not cleaning the pool’s filter

One of the two most important aspects of owning a pool is keeping it clean and far too often owners simply think the filter will do a bulk of it for them. When filters clog with debris, other components of your pool tend to work overtime – which translates into increased wear and tear and maintenance issues. Additionally, debris often has contaminants that can enhance a pool’s PSI, which puts more pressure on the pump and makes it less effective.

Make sure you keep up on changing out your filter’s cartridges every 6-10 months. This will keep things flowing without over burdening your pool’s components. 

Not testing your swimming pool’s water 

One of the most important things you need to do with your swimming pool is test the water and test it often. In fact, it’s something you should be doing weekly and it should be a part of your routine when it comes to caring for your pool. Skipping won’t harm your pool too much – but avoiding it over a longer period of time can have consequences. This way you’ll know exactly what kind of shape your water is in and it will help keep the other components of your pool run as smoothly as possible. 

Not brushing the pool’s walls

A lot of people neglect to brush the walls of their pool. Not brushing them can lead to scum, algae and other baddies from building up and ruining your pool. Honestly – it’s a crass example – but it holds true; it’s a little bit like brushing your teeth. You brush and floss every day and while you don’t need to brush EVERY day – every few weeks is advisable.

We recommend using the vacuum and then using the brush to get to the harder-to-reach, problem areas. Places like your ladders, steps and stairs, corners, crevices and especially along the waterline. 

Just doing a little extra with your swimming pool can go a long way. If you want to be sure that you’re covering all your bases, feel free to give us a call and we’ll be happy to provide you with a free consultation. Until then – good luck!