FAQs

Every backyard is different and so is every family; both should be considered when designing your swimming pool. As pool builders, our team at Greg's Pools & Spas will personally meet with you at your home. We will survey your backyard, show you the different styles that are available, ask some key questions, and then help you select a design for your backyard.

We can construct a swimming pool in almost any backyard. Most pools have some access challenges, but small digging machines have made it much easier to build in a small backyard. We're pool builders who also have extensive experience in hand digs. Some construction sites, like in the French Quarter, have no access except through the front and back doors, so almost anything is possible!

In the past, pool maintenance was more of a chore. However, with modern recirculation systems, automated cleaners, and chemical systems, your swimming pool will be simple to maintain. In our experience as pool builders, pool maintenance only takes about 20 minutes a week.

This is an important question. Make sure to interview all prospective pool builders very carefully.

Here are some questions to consider:

• What is the company's reputation in the area?
• Do you know a friend or neighbor who has used the company, and are they happy with the results?
• Ask for a reference list of all the pools they have done that year.
• Ask for a few older references from years ago, perhaps in your neighborhood so that you could see how well their pool has aged.
• How long have they been in business, and how long have they been building pools in your area?
• How many swimming pools have they built?
• How long does construction take?
• Will they finish your pool on time?
• How close do they space the rebar?
• How thick is your gunite on your pool walls and floors?
• Have they had pools crack?
• Is the company financially sound so there is no risk they will not finish your pool or go out of business?
• Has the owner ever gone bankrupt?
• Does the builder own a home in the area, and do they have a pool?
• Is the estimate free of hidden charges that may drive up construction costs after work has begun?
• Will the company bring a portable restroom, keep the property clean, and remain safe throughout construction?
• Finally, is the payment schedule fair? That way, the builder does not have all your money with no incentive to complete your pool.

There are many reasons for estimates to vary across pool builders from company to company. 

Here are a few:

• In our experience, an average 500-square-foot pool can use as little as 21 yards or as much as 40 yards of gunite.
• Steel is another factor. The same as a 500-square-foot pool can be tied with as little as 100 rods or as many as 325 rods. We've seen that the price difference of just these two phases could be as much as $5,000.
• Quality of the materials.
• The experience of the craftsmen.

The payment schedule is a very important tool to keep contracting honest. DO NOT give all of your money in the early phases of construction.

Here are examples of a good and bad payment schedule:

Good Example

• Deposit $1,000
• Dig 25%
• Gunite 30%
• Tile, coping, plumbing 20%
• Deck 10%
• Plaster 10%
• Final 5%

Bad Example

• Deposit 10%
• Dig 35%
• Gunite 35%
• Tile, coping, plumbing 10%
• Plaster 10%

All payments are made after the phase is completed. Our pool builders agree that the key to ensuring that your pool builders have an incentive to finish your pool is to not pay more than 55% through the gunite phase.

The warranty on most pools is a standard lifetime on the shell of the pool, while it's one year on almost everything else. A few products offer extended warranties. The difference is the pool builders. If they are not in business, there is no warranty.

Not a lot of factors affect our costs as pool builders. Our prices are set by a pretty standard formula of square footage plus extra features. The variables are access into the yard, soil disposal, and waterfront or hillside construction.

As pool builders, we can answer your second question first. Our standard pool construction takes us three to four weeks. Spas, waterfalls, and large decking areas may take up to six weeks.

Now about your neighbor's pools. After building pools for 46 years in this area, we have seen a pattern develop. This is what happens: A struggling company will bid too low to secure a job. They might also receive too much money in the first couple of phases of construction. Then, they spend your money to finish their last pool. They may not show up on your job for weeks. Then, they will have to sell the next job and use their money to finish your pool. Sometimes, that next job does not come and someone else will have to finish your pool.

Yes, financing for your new pool and spa is available through Lyon Financial. We're pool builders that are registered as a preferred pool builder. For more information on financing for swimming pools, visit Lyon Financial.

It's a great investment to consider. According to RubyHome, an online real estate resource, swimming pools can boost a home's value by up to 7%. Invest wisely and watch your home's value increase.