Inground pool

[AManOnceSaid]

Looking for a good pool company to install an inground pool, not a liner or fiberglass, but a gunite concrete pool. Looking for a reputable dealer that will install a product that will not crack in the first 2 years(like I have heard from reading some other posts). I'm really interested in hearing your opinions and stories because aside from knowing that I jump into a pool to cool off, there's not too much more I can tell you about them...

 

[my-thyme]

Stevenson Pools in Dunkirk installed our pool in 1996. We have not had an instant of trouble. Just had to replace the filter last summer. No leaks, ever, not in the gunite or the lines.

For years I traveled to Dunkirk from Lex Pk for my chemicals, for the last dozen I've used Leisure World on Great Mills Road. Water is always beautiful and ready to jump into.

One bit of advice, get the self-propelled cleaner with the pool. They originally plumbed for the cleaner, but for years we used a manual vacuum system, not hard but time consuming. Now Polly (yes, we named her!) does all the pool cleaning. She does a great job, all I have to do is pull her out and jump in!

 

[AManOnceSaid]

Does it matter the season to have one installed? Talking with some concrete guys back in December I was told to wait until it warmed up and that it would be the optimum time to have any concrete installed. He mentioned something about the concrete freezing during the cold seasons and that it would not cure properly. I thought it best to have it done during the pool contractors slow season to gain better pricing though.

 

[migtig]

Does it matter the season to have one installed? Talking with some concrete guys back in December I was told to wait until it warmed up and that it would be the optimum time to have any concrete installed. He mentioned something about the concrete freezing during the cold seasons and that it would not cure properly. I thought it best to have it done during the pool contractors slow season to gain better pricing though.

Well the concrete guys were right. You don't want to pour concrete for any job when the ground is around freezing temperatures.

 

[ontheriver]

Anthony & Sylvan did my pool. They did a great job and I've never had any problems (except replacing the filter after 14 years). They did exactly what they promised and on time. Definitely get the attached cleaner. I named mine Larry (Polaris). He's my buddy and does all the work for me.

 

[So_what]

for Sylvan Pools, the pool is 40+years old, had it re-done about 5 years ago. McConnels in Waldorf used to be Sylvan but don't think they are anymore. They're still a great company so you might want to check with them. I think the closest Sylvan company now is in Glen Burnie

Anthony & Sylvan did my pool. They did a great job and I've never had any problems (except replacing the filter after 14 years). They did exactly what they promised and on time. Definitely get the attached cleaner. I named mine Larry (Polaris). He's my buddy and does all the work for me.

 

[glhs837]

Ask about a saltwater system, from my experience with my above ground, i's amazing, and will lower your maint requirements significantly, and increase your enjoyment of the pool through better water feel.

But I think you need to spec that up front, becuase some parts of the system need to be capable of handling that. A buddys automatic pool cover, for instance, is a bit old, and it's hardware isnt up to even the really low salt concentrations found in a saltwater system. If you can, before you decide, try and find a saltwater pool owner who will let you take a dip.


Mosts folks hear saltwater, and imagine it's like swimming in the ocean, when in fact, it's nothing like that.

 

[ICit]

Well the concrete guys were right. You don't want to pour concrete for any job when the ground is around freezing temperatures.

but they pour concrete all year long for slabs and basements for houses....

 

[migtig]

but they pour concrete all year long for slabs and basements for houses....

And this is why brand new housing gets foundation cracks.

 

[ICit]

And this is why brand new housing gets foundation cracks.

this can happen to any foundation.... poured at anytime.


True that winter is not the greatest time to pour.... but i dont think that summer time pours never crack.

 

[migtig]

this can happen to any foundation.... poured at anytime.


True that winter is not the greatest time to pour.... but i dont think that summer time pours never crack.

Winter is not optimal. Cold can weaken concrete.

Professionals will only pour concrete in the winter if they absolutely have to.

Trust me on this one. Or look it up for yourself.

 

[nomoney]

Ask about a saltwater system, from my experience with my above ground, i's amazing, and will lower your maint requirements significantly, and increase your enjoyment of the pool through better water feel.

But I think you need to spec that up front, becuase some parts of the system need to be capable of handling that. A buddys automatic pool cover, for instance, is a bit old, and it's hardware isnt up to even the really low salt concentrations found in a saltwater system. If you can, before you decide, try and find a saltwater pool owner who will let you take a dip.


Mosts folks hear saltwater, and imagine it's like swimming in the ocean, when in fact, it's nothing like that.

Second the salt water system. We have that in our inground. LOVE it.

 

[ICit]

Winter is not optimal. Cold can weaken concrete.

Professionals will only pour concrete in the winter if they absolutely have to.

Trust me on this one. Or look it up for yourself.

I understand... and pool people are smart... those who need concrete poured for personal reasons.... yeah.. I can see where they would be told not a good time to pour.


try telling the builders NOT TO pour concrete and build the houses....
you think they will stop??? nope

Builder only see the dollar bills

 

[daylily]

Ask about a saltwater system, from my experience with my above ground, i's amazing, and will lower your maint requirements significantly, and increase your enjoyment of the pool through better water feel.

But I think you need to spec that up front, becuase some parts of the system need to be capable of handling that. A buddys automatic pool cover, for instance, is a bit old, and it's hardware isnt up to even the really low salt concentrations found in a saltwater system. If you can, before you decide, try and find a saltwater pool owner who will let you take a dip.


Mosts folks hear saltwater, and imagine it's like swimming in the ocean, when in fact, it's nothing like that.

Agree with the saltwater system. After 4 years, we just changed our pool to saltwater and I love it. The water feels so soft and you'll spend A LOT less on chemicals. We had our pool done by Anthony and Sylvan. We had some issues with them but after about 15 phone calls they finally fixed a big crack. The pool is beautiful but getting someone to follow up on issues is frustrating. We now have any needed work done by Stevenson's and have been very happy with their service. I can't comment on their pool installation but it sure is nice to deal with a company who understands how to return a phone call.

 

[AManOnceSaid]

Left a message with Stevenson for a quote yesterday and just contacted anthony and sylvan.

 

[daylily]

Left a message with Stevenson for a quote yesterday and just contacted anthony and sylvan.

Good luck! FYI.......if you go with A&S and get any pavers put in around the pool, see if they still contract that out to Great Scapes. They do amazing work with pavers, stone, etc.

 

[Sparx]

Winter is not optimal. Cold can weaken concrete.

Professionals will only pour concrete in the winter if they absolutely have to.

Trust me on this one. Or look it up for yourself.

And if it's an important pour that HAD to be done in the cold, you will see blankets go down after the finishers are done to cool/harden it gradually.

 

[DEEKAYPEE8569]

Video: Pool delivery goes wrong as crane lands on house - Telegraph