However, some customers may opt to do some of these items themselves to save costs. For example, a customer can pull the permit themselves, hire their own electrician, provide the required access for our excavation equipment, or even dig their own pool.

Whether you’re the hands on type or just want to relax and watch us do what we do, we’ll work with you towards your vision. Our design experts can help you determine what, if any, items you wish to tackle yourself and our construction department will work with you to coordinate your project.

The Islander Pool Installation Process

Typical pool construction is completed in phases. The basic phases are excavation (digging), wall assembly (building) and liner installation. If additional features are part of the scope of work, these will be completed throughout the phase process.

Phase 0: Planning

Prior to commencement, we will contact and coordinate a service called Dig Alert. This service is required by any company doing excavation work such as your pool. Dig Alert will come out and mark any known public utilities. These utilities are usually marked where they enter your property, typically along the street. If an old or unknown utility was to interfere with the pool area and were undetected the utility can be relocated or the pool area can be redesigned, if necessary.

Phase 1 – Digging

The first phase consists of the excavation of the pool and grading of the pool area. We include up to 6″ of grading in the pool area. Excavation usually can be completed in one day. Additional days may be required due to access issues or the use of smaller equipment. The access path must be clear and any fences and/ or gates should be removed to provide the access.

Our standard tractor (aka Bobcat) is 64″ (5′-4″) wide. Smaller 56″ (4′-8″) and even smaller 36″ (3′) version are available for narrower access conditions. Small steps or planters can be driven over that may be in the access path. Keep in mind that some damage may occur to existing concrete, pavers, tile, etc. that are in the access path that has to be driven over. Grass will get damaged when it’s in the access path but is typically easily replaced with seed or sod.

Phase 2: Pool Building

After excavation, heavy equipment will no longer be required into the pool area. Everything else is brought in by hand and the largest piece of equipment that will be used is a wheel barrel. The wall assembly consists of the building of the pool structure with our prefabricated wall panels. While the footings are prepped for the inspection and left empty, they will later be filled with concrete upon the inspector’s approval. The plumbing trenches are also inspected and are filled in upon approval.

During this phase, the pool equipment is installed in your desired location and according to the plans that have been developed for the pool site. If the customer is providing the electrical, it can be completed at this time. After the equipment is installed, it is clear where the electrical needs to be provided.

Phase 3: Vinyl Liner Installation

Liner installation is the final phase. The pool floor is prepared with a sand or a hard bottom (a special hard shell) before the liner is put in place. This treatment provides a smooth surface on the pool floor, filling any voids that are found in the excavated area. When the liner is installed, the pool is filled with water immediately. Filling the pool may take 1-2 days, depending on water pressure. Once the pool is full, we will complete a detail process to finish off all aspects of the pool.

As the phases are to be completed, our construction office will call to schedule the various site visits well in advance. Additionally, we will always call you the day before a scheduled visit to confirm an arrival time and remind you of the visit. You don’t have to be home for any of these visits unless we advise you otherwise. It is requested that access to the pool area, an electrical outlet and a water source is provided and additionally any pets are put away for the safety of them and our crew. If a phase payment is due, you will be notified by the construction office in advance. Payments can be made to the crew, to your sales office, or with a credit card kept on file.

Installing a pool can be a fun process as you watch your dream back yard take shape and we are here to work through it with you. We put our best foot forward on every project and make every attempt to keep our customers informed and engaged in the process.

Remember: The more involved and accessible the customer (you) is, the smoother things typically go.

Water and Chemicals

Keeping your spa’s water clean and clear benefits the health of both you and the spa. Oils from your skin, suntan lotions, detergent residue from bathing suits and grime should be controlled. All of these not only degrade your water; they can also harm your spa’s equipment and components. This is the benefit of keeping the proper chemicals and additives in your water. Manufacturer’s instructions should always be followed. If you have hard water in your area, use a product to balance your calcium levels. Excess calcium levels lead to scaling and erosion of your jets and mechanical equipment. If you use the spa often or have several persons using the spa, drain and replace the water every 90 to 120 days.

General Maintenance

Keep your spa clean. Never use abrasive cleaners or scrubbers on the acrylic surfaces. Use only recommended cleaning agents specifically designed for spas and hot tubs. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for these. Cleaning the filter at least once a week will extend its life as well. Soak the filter once a month to loosen and remove residue and replace the filter about once a year. Make sure your pump, jets and filtration are operating properly and before using, always check your pH level and add chemicals as needed.

Cover

Your spa’s cover is designed not only to keep in the heat but also to protect you spa’s acrylic surface. Leaving your spa uncovered and exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time can lead to cracks and blisters in the acrylic shell. This type of neglect will most often not be covered by the spa manufacturer’s warranty. Be sure to always keep your spa covered and locked down when not in use. You can extend the life of your cover by simply keeping it clean. Remove dust and debris buildup regularly with a wet rag or vinyl cleaning solution. After treating the water with chemicals, keep the cover off for at least 20 minutes. Do not run the jets at high speed while the cover is on the tub and clean the inside area with a dry cloth about once a week to remove damaging chemical residue. Lastly, spa covers are not designed to support any weight so refrain from sitting on or storing heavy items on top of your spa cover.

Make Repairs

Examine your spa for small problems while cleaning, adding chemicals or using. Catch problems early, make the necessary repairs and minor problems will remain minor instead of becoming big, costly problems.

Use Your Spa

Don’t let your spa sit idle. If you live where winter temperatures are prohibitive, winterize you spa or drain if needed. All other times, keep you chemicals balanced, perform routine maintenance and enjoy the use of your spa. Leaving the spa idle and ignoring routing maintenance will gradually cause deterioration of the water and your spa as well as the equipment. Take responsibility, keep your spa in good working order and use it. The care you give it will reward you with a spa that returns your investment year after year.

If you’re in the market for a new spa, read on as we will discuss some of the features to look for. If you already have an energy hoarding unit that you’re not ready to part with, there’s a few tips we’ve addressed here for you as well.

New Features on Spas

To make owning a spa more affordable, manufacturers have come up with innovative ways to upgrade equipment and improve features on their tubs without aggressively affecting your pocket book. When shopping for a spa, ask your dealer about the energy efficiency of the unit. Here’s what to look for:

• Spa Covers — Insulated spa covers keep most of the heat inside the spa. Make sure your cover is equipped with straps that lock the cover down to the unit. Not only will you improve the safety aspect of your spa, but a tightly sealed cover greatly reduces heat loss from around the edges. Check to make sure your spa’s cover will be tapered or sloped; creating a run off for any excess rain water that may build up on the cover. As spa covers age, you may notice the weight of the cover increasing as the foam inside becomes saturated with moisture. Once this happens, replace the cover immediately as a water logged cover will have lost most of it’s insulating qualities.
• Insulation — At minimum, the shell and plumbing of the spa should have a generous amount of insulation. Even though most heat is lost from the top, well-insulated interiors reduce heat loss from below. If you live in an area that experiences extremely low temperatures or snow conditions, ask about a “full foam” option. This encapsulates the entire underbelly of the spa with solid foam for optimum insulation.
• Pumps — Energy-efficient pumps are becoming more common in spas. Make sure that your spa has at least one 2 speed pump for filtration. Most spas are pre-programmed to filter twice a day for two hours a day. Rather than going full bore for those 4 hours, running the filtration pump on low speed will greatly reduce the amount of electricity used.
• Heaters — Modern heaters utilize improved heat transfer with less waste. An undersized heater will require your spa to run longer and draw more energy. If you are into the technical jargon, as a good rule of thumb you should have a 1.5 kilowatt heater in a 110 volt unit and a 5.5 kilowatt heater in a 220 volt unit.
• Go Green – Not literally! “Going green” is not the fondest term in the pool and spa industry as it is sometimes associated with poor water chemistry. When discussing energy usage, “going green” means decreasing consumption of electricity and ultimately lowering your carbon footprint. Some spa manufactures specialize in just this. Ask your dealer to see their most energy efficient models. These units most often do not feature large jet quantities or the latest iPod stereo, but they certainly create a relaxing oasis on low energy usage.

Making an Existing Spa More Efficient

There are a few things you can do to improve your current spa. Some are common sense, others may not have occurred to you. Just a few steps can help you reduce the cost of operating your current spa:

• You should never locate a spa on an open deck. If you have one on a deck, the open air beneath robs the heat from your spa. Underpin the deck with insulation board and siding if possible. This will help keep the temperature beneath the deck much warmer and prevent breezes from chilling your spa from below.
• Lower the temperature of your thermostat when not in use. Keep your spa at 80 – 90 degrees and turn it up an hour or so before using. This will save energy over keeping it at a higher temperature all the time.
• Use shrubs, privacy panels or fencing around the spa area as windbreaks to retain the spa heat better.
• If your spa is equipped with them, make sure your air venturi valves are closed when the spa is not in use. An air venturi valve blends air from outside your spa with the water in the jets. Pumping cold ambient air inside the spa will drastically lower the temperature and cause it to constantly run trying to maintain its heat.
• Turn the thermostat very low or off when on vacation.

You’ll get more spa for the money by following these few tips. Keeping operating costs down will increase your enjoyment, knowing your spa is costing you pennies per day instead of dollars.

The 9′ x 15′ pool constructed by Dan, boasted our 20 mil Oxford vinyl liner to offer an elegant Greek design tile and deep reflecting floor. At 2-1/2 foot deep, the performers made good use of the 135 square foot stage pool while depicting the theme of the transformation process of Greek myths throughout the play. Drama teacher for Flintridge Prep, Rob Lewis, directed a stunning performance but gives a great deal of credit to his students, stating “These students met the material with incredible reverence – even more than I initially expected”.

Written by 2002 Tony Award winner Mary Zimmerman, the play is based on Greek mythology and its central focus – change, and how we handle it. 3 years after its initial opening in Chicago, Metamorphoses made it to Broadway in 2001. The play is still professionally performed around the country today. We are pleased that we had the opportunity to be involved with Flintridge prep and their amazing program. You can see more information on the performance and pictures of the cast, rehearsal and more of the show by visiting Flintridge Prep’s Campus Press.

Where to find us:

We are located in Expo Hall # 5 across the aisle from Sit & Sleep. For the quickest route to us, park in the parking lot at gate 9 off of White Ave. Enter the fairgrounds through the “blue gate” and locate the Expo Halls on your left. We are located in Expo Hall # 5 just south of Expo Hall # 6. (click the image below for larger version of the map)

Here’s a sneak peak of what we will be displaying:

12’ x 18’ Islander Pool complete with waterfall, raised rock veneer and sheer descents.

When the design team at Secard Pools took an east coast engineering marvel and blended it with a little west coast flair, the Islander pool was born. Our goal was to bring an original and fully customizable pool to the masses at an affordable price. The Islander pool is just that. We’ve been displaying an Islander pool at every fair since 1991. This year’s display will be spectacular and the price will be even better!

F 1418 Coleman Swim Spa

Whether you’re looking to improve your health and overall quality of life or entertain a large family without breaking the bank, the F1418 is the perfect swim spa for you! With a powerful 3.0 HP XP3 Swim Jet Pump, the F1418 offers a complete at-home aquatic gym at a budget-friendly price. To enhance your aquatic workouts, the F1418 features fitness anchors for available Cal Flex™ Exercise Equipment and Tether Bar Kit. Join the Colman Spas Ultimate Fitness™ Revolution with the F1418 today and feel the difference in your everyday life!

9’ x 19’ x 52” Sea breeze

There is no other pool on the market that matches the durability, portability and affordability of the Sea breeze pools by Secard Pools. Our soft sided pools carry the longest warranty, the greatest puncture resistance and highest tear strength. After all, we are the biggest in southern California so we figured we better be the best.

730L 6 person, 30 jet American spa

Turn your backyard in the ultimate entertainment destination with the Gen II™ 730L hot tub. This revolutionary hot tub offers a relaxing alternative for entertaining family and friends. It also features a full-size lounger seat, perfect for those solo nighttime soaks. The Gen II™ 730L hot tub will turn any backyard into a relaxing tropical oasis. Step in your own backyard paradise with the Gen II™ 730L today.

730B 6 person, 30 jet American Spa

Create timeless family memories with the Gen II™ 730B hot tub. This innovative hot tub combines elegant style with relaxing comfort. The Gen II™ 730B hot tub features contoured bench seating and provides a place for you and your family to sit back, unwind and enjoy each other’s company in the most relaxing place in the world: Your home.

750L Lounger, 50 jet American Spa

The Gen II 750L is a robust 50 jet hot tub in a seven-foot size configuration. This breathtaking spa features a full-length dedicated lounger seat and contoured captain seating for up to six adults. The Gen II 750L gives you hydrotherapy and entertainment features in a space-saving size.

850B 8 Ft. bench, 50 jet American Spa

Transform your backyard into a tropical family resort with the 850B. With ample contoured bench seating, six of your family and friends can sit back and enjoy stress-relieving massages delivered through the 50 breathtaking Candy Cane™ Jets. Enhance the tropical feel of your tub with the available LED Dual Cascading Hydro streamers™ and LED Perimeter Lighting.

850L 8 Ft. Lounger, 50 jet American Spa

Experience a relaxing vacation getaway in the comfort of your own home with the 850L hot tub. With 50 first-class hydrotherapy jets and seating for up to 6 adults, the 850L is guaranteed to turn your backyard into the five-star vacation resort you’ve always dreamed of.

890B 8 Ft. bench, 90 jet American Spa

Experience the world of pure relaxation and unmatched hydrotherapy with the 890B hot tub. With relaxing spa pillows and 90 high performance hydrotherapy jets, the 890B is guaranteed to take you away to your own private spa getaway.

890L 8 Ft. Lounger, 90 jet American Spa

Turn your backyard into a relaxing family retreat with the 890L hot tub. This breathtaking hot tub features soothing massage therapy jets that will instantly melt your stress away. If you’re looking for a hot tub for private nighttime soaks, the 890L also features an elegant lounger seat with massage therapy jets dedicated to your sore and tired muscles.

Fair grounds info:

Dates & Hours:

The fair will be running August 31st through September 30th.

Opening weekend
Friday, Aug. 31 3 p.m.-midnight
Saturday, Sept. 1 10 a.m.-midnight

Sunday, Sept. 2 10 a.m.-midnight
Monday, Sept. 3
Labor Day 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Hours Sept. 5-30, closed Mondays & Tuesdays
Wednesdays noon-10 p.m.
Thursdays noon-11 p.m.
Fridays noon-midnight
Saturdays 10 a.m.-midnight
Sundays 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

* Expo Halls and the Secard Pools booth close at 10 p.m. Thursdays; 11 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays

Admission:

Weekdays:
Adults, 13+: $12
Child, 6-12: $7
Seniors, 60+: $9
Child 5 & under: Free

Weekends:
Adults, 13+: $17
Child, 6-12: $12
Seniors, 60+: $14
Child 5 & under: Free

Parking:
Weekdays: $12
Weekends: $15
Valet (Gate 3): $30
Parking Season Pass: $60

See you at the fair!

Image credit: Omar Omar

Portable spas are above ground and can be used inside the home or out. As long as the spa can be located on a flat surface, it can be used on an inside floor, a deck or concrete area. Besides the lower pricing on portable spas, this is a feature that many consumers like.

Here are a few things to consider when shopping for a portable spa:

• Your choice — Box stores and home improvement depots that carry portable spas typically offer one or two styles in stock but most models would have to be ordered online. Buying a spa online without actually sitting in it first is like buying a new car without test driving it. You want to sit in the model you plan to purchase to make sure you are comfortable in it. (All Secard Pools locations have an array of empty and running models to “test drive” and choose from.) Viewing a running model also allows you to see the performance of the jets and filtration system. Your purchase decision will last for many years. Your new spa should have all the options you need and want to give you the best service and satisfaction.
• Wiring — Portable spas run on either 110 or 220 volt electrical. You should decide on which type you prefer before making your purchase. 110 volt models are extremely easy to hook up and plug in to a standard household outlet just as a blow dryer would. Survey the area in which you plan on placing the spa and make sure there is an outlet near by prior to your purchase. Most 110 volt spas are outfitted with a 12 ft. cord. 220 volt models will require a licensed electrician but typically will heat faster and come equipped with larger pumps.
• Insulation — When using your spa, you want to ensure the water temperature is easily maintained. Closed cell foam insulation should be used by the manufacture to prevent heat loss from the spa shell and hold the water temperature at a steady setting.
• Cabinetry – Spa cabinets have come a long way over the years. Beware of any spa that is built with an outside cabinetry that is not synthetic. Wood and water do not mix and a soggy warped cabinet is the first thing to deteriorate on a spa. Additionally, the framing within the spa should be a pressure treated material.
• Components — Check for the number of jets and their placement. If the jets are not positioned to have therapeutic value, the number of jets won’t matter. Many manufacturers think that by putting more jets in a spa it is more effective. Actually it’s quite the opposite. You want pressure in areas that need pressure and not waist it in areas that don’t. The control panel and filtration equipment should be in an easy-to-reach position. You don’t want to have to climb under the spa cabinet every time you need turn the heater on or clean the filter.
• Size — The bigger the spa, obviously the more room. If you’re the outgoing type, get one that seats your family along with other family members or neighbors. If you are simply looking for yours and a spouse or partner’s comfort, one that seats only two or three is your best bet.
• Comfort — The ergonomics of a spa are extremely important. Check out the contour of the interior to ensure your comfort. Does the seating feel comfortable? Is there a headrest area that fits properly. Is a pillow easily attachable? Never forget that its purpose is comfort and relaxation.

Whenever possible, here at Secard Pools, we always promote and support purchasing American made products. With American made spas, If there are problems, parts are much easier to find and less expensive. Also, make sure you understand what the warranty covers. Buying from a local dealer will ensure the warranty is enforced and there’s always an expert to answer your questions as you begin using your new spa.

Photo taken at our Orange, Ca. Secard Pools & Spas showroom

Who’s The Expert?

• When you go to select your model, you’re sure to have some questions. A big box store often has revolving door issues with various departments. If Don or Donna is employed in that particular department, just how much do they know about the product you are about to invest your hard-earned money into?
• With the box store, you may have spoken to one person on Tuesday who gave you information. On Friday, they’re off and you’re speaking with someone else. Realistically, neither Don nor Donna may be there and your salesperson has been pulled from the curtain and blinds or paint department to help you with your purchase. Even on a good day, how much training has the salesperson had. How long have they worked in that department?
• When it’s delivered, you want it as near as possible to the area where it will be permanently located. The box stores have a clear delivery policy. You can choose from curbside delivery or delivery at curbside. From there, you’re on your own.
• Was the warranty information explained thoroughly? Is there a warranty after it’s delivered? If the merchandise is flawed, the box stores do not have service technicians to come to your home.
• Who installs your prized possession? If it becomes damaged during installation, what recourse do you have? Who takes ownership of the problem? You?

Certified Experts

• Big box stores thrive and survive on sales. Secard Pools thrives on customer relationships. When you’re a customer instead of a sale, the experience can change — dramatically.
• Pricing from your local big box store  can sometimes be a misconceived value. While you may be able to save on cereal or saw blades, portable pools and spas are not their forte. Not only are the products from Secard Pools far more superior, you may be surprised to know that they cannot beat our prices.
• You can expect your salesperson at the local Secard Pools to be knowledgeable. This is what they do; this is their area of expertise. They don’t sell paint, blinds or storm doors. Their training is from the factory and years of experience. They are proud of their product and they want you to know all about it.
• With proper access, delivery is made to your specifications. Your spa or pool comes to your home and is placed where you want it. A home visit for a problem is simply a call away.
• Secard Pools can easily provide installation. We know the proper installation methods and, should there be a problem, it becomes our problem, not yours.
• At Secard Pools, we explain and support all aspects of warranties that apply. Your protection extends past the sale. Secard Pools takes ownership of our product and your satisfaction.
• Any water chemistry issues can be handled by your local Secard Pools retail location. Bring a water sample to us for free analysis and a quick resolution of your problem. The box store is not equipped to handle such issues.

Would you rather be a customer or a sale? At Secard Pools, a customer is a long-term agreement between us and you. A sale is a short-term relationship and something big box stores thrive on. Once you’re gone, their only concern is the next sale.

Photo credit Patrick Hoesly

When shopping for pool liners, it is very important that you are aware that gauge is not equal to mil. Some manufactures or retailers like to offer their liners in terms of gauges because they sound ticker than a true mil. To be technical, a 30 mil liner is equivalent to 0.0300 inches. A 30 gauge liner is equivalent to 0.0260 inches (26 mil). Therefore, if you see a liner advertised at 35 gauge, it is truly a 30 mil liner. To avoid this confusion, always make sure and purchase from a company that advertises in mil, versus gauge.

To give some additional perspective, here is the mil of some everyday items:

When deciding what’s best between the thicknesses of vinyl pool liners for in ground pools, a variety of factors should be considered. Such as the location of the pool in relation to sun exposure, how much time the pool will spend covered and the type of surface the liner will be laid on.

If the pool will experience longer exposure to direct sunlight throughout the year or when you’re dealing with a rougher surface material, such as a concrete or a sand and concrete mixture, the appropriate, preferred mil of vinyl pool liner would be the 28-30 mil. Although thicker material will typically cost you about 5 – 10% more, it is 29 – 32% thicker than 20 mil, and will no doubt provide adequate thickness and protection for its purpose.

With that being said, all pool liner material, no matter the thickness will boast the smooth nature vinyl is famous for, come in an array of patterns to choose from, and in most cases, carry the same warranty.

Cooling off in your swimming pool after work, doing a few laps to unwind, or relaxing in your spa with your family and friends are a few of the advantages of owning a pool or hot tub. Pool maintenance costs can add up quickly if you use conventional pool maintenance practices which rely on chlorine to keep the water clean. Freshwater pools need water testing weekly with chlorine added regularly for sanitary pool conditions and also to prevent algae. Chlorine is expensive and many find it harsh on their skin when used in the traditional freshwater pool. A traditional pool also requires quite an investment in time to maintain the proper chlorine level and to get the pool’s water to chemically balance.

You can ensure the pool’s maintenance is efficiently taken care of by automating your pool with a salt chlorinating system. It not only reduces your chemically produced chlorine use to zero, reduces costs but will also make your pool’s water feel good on your skin.

Salt chlorination system installation

Installation of the system is quick and easy and does not replace any of your existing pool equipment. After a simple plumbing modification, just add the correct amount of salt and the chlorinating system does the rest. It works by first adding salt to your pool’s water at the rate of 3500 ppm salt content (equivalent to the salt content of the human body). The salinated water then goes through the chlorinating system, which uses electrolysis to break down the salt. The chemical reaction produces a chlorine gas. This chlorine gas prevents algae and purifies the water of your pool or spa. Chloramines are what give traditional pools the terrible smell and red, burning eyes. The electrolytic process oxidizes, or “burns off” these chloramines leaving your pool water clean, pure and luxuriously soft.

Salt doesn’t evaporate like chlorine does which is where the savings come in. Constantly adding chemicals is a thing of the past. No more mixing, measuring and hassling with harsh chlorine again. The savings are significant financially as well as freeing up the chunks of time you won’t be spending maintaining your pool. Say goodbye to itchy skin, strong chemical odors, faded bathing suits and red eyes forever.

Save money and go green

If saving the planet is your forte, you’re on the right track. A salt chlorination system will help you “go green” without your pool going “green”. Limiting the transportation to and from the pool store, reducing the introduction of harsh chemicals into the environment from your pool and cutting out the waste from chlorine packaging are all ways to reduce your carbon footprint.

Now there’s an easier, more efficient and cost effective way to maintain your home pool or spa. Keep your pool’s water sparkling clean, fresh and crystal clear at all times. An automatic chlorinating system is a wise choice for easier maintenance at a lower cost to you. It’s amazing what a little salt can do!

Plaster pools do offer the most options in terms of design. Depending on your budget, you can design a plaster pool that is one of the most visually-pleasing spaces in your backyard, including those that feature grottos, rock slides, a waterfall or are lagoon-like in appearance. The shape of the pool itself, such as assorted asymmetrical designs, is another design option. Though asymmetrical shapes and water features are a possibility for vinyl pools as well, you are typically very limited when it comes to your options with fiberglass pool shapes and sizes.

Unlike vinyl pools, fiberglass and plaster pools are very expensive to install. The installation costs for a vinyl pool are about $11,000 to $25,000, while installing a plaster pool could cost you anywhere from $35,000 to a staggering $150,000 and fiberglass pools ranging from $20,000 to $40,000. The costs of installing a plaster pool could be even higher depending on how intricate your design plan is.

Not only are vinyl pools less expensive to install, they are also much quicker to install! Adding a vinyl pool to your property generally takes a few weeks, while installing a plaster pool can take anywhere from two to four months. Fiberglass pools tend to be on the shorter end of the scale for installation because you typically have to choose from a shell configuration that the installer has in stock.

While you generally have to replace your vinyl pool liner every 10 years, it is still much less expensive than resurfacing a plaster or fiberglass pool which needs to be done every 10 to 15 years. Additionally, vinyl pool liners and fiberglass shells are resistant to staining while the porous nature of a plaster design makes staining a frequent possibility. Plaster pools require more pool chemicals to keep the pool clean and stain-free. Vinyl pool liners and fiberglass shells are not only stain-resistant but are also algae-resistant. Many pool liners now feature thicker liners that are durable against wear and tear. You will therefore save money on pool chemicals and other maintenance costs if you choose a vinyl liner or fiberglass pool.

If water features are important to your overall pool design, note that such features are now a possibility with all three pool types, though they were previously features for plaster pools only. Browse pool packages to find water features and other design items that work for your vision.

It’s hard to argue with the overwhelming pros of vinyl liner pool design as it costs relatively little to install, takes only a short time to install, is easy to maintain, and offers many of the same features as a plaster pool! If you want a pool for your property but don’t have hours upon hours to dedicate to the scrubbing of algae and other time-
consuming pool maintenance issues, then vinyl liner pools are the optimal design for you.

Take a look at the following chart comparison for the visual touchy-feely:

Compare Features	Vinyl	Fiberglass	Plaster
Affordable
Short installation time
City or county permits required
Tractor access required
No crane access required
Customizable shape
Customizable depth
Unlimited shapes and sizes
Can withstand an earthquake
Smooth surface
No acid washing required
Heater friendly
Salt water friendly
Low resurface cost
Easy to clean
Easy to repair