Having a Swimming Pool Built - Automatic Cleaners and Things not to Miss Part 3 of 3

In part one of this series on getting a pool build we talked about the bidding and overall construction process. In part two we covered surface types and equipment choices and in part three we focus on Automatic Cleaners and the things not to miss on the final build to avoid future need for renovations. There are small details that you and the builder should address and sometimes there are small things that are often overlooked.

Automatic Cleaners:

In the Podcast discussion with Mike Willard of Your Pool Builder we talk about the various types of cleaners for a new pool build. We briefly touch on the In-floor system which we both dislike and would not recommended. This is where the Caretaker directs water to pop ups on the pool bottom and pushes the debris towards the main drain. In most cases, my experience with these systems is that they do not work effectively. Mike suggest a pressure side cleaner and I know that in states like Texas these are very popular. I have about eight pressure side cleaners on my pool route and think they work very well. The best time to add one to your pool is at the initial build since they will need a dedicated return line and booster pump..

Suction side cleaners are very popular in my area but Mike doesn't care much for them. In fact he suggests converting a dedicated suction port over to a pressure side cleaner line and adding a booster pump. I hadn't thought of that but it is very possible. All you need to do is isolate the 1 1/2” line and plumb it in to new dedicated line at the equipment to a ¾ hp booster pump. Since it is threaded already at the pool wall for a suction cleaner adapter you can easily install a pressure cleaner that uses the same 1 1/2” threaded wall connection. But we don't mind the suction cleaners to much in California since we do get a lot of dirt on the pool bottoms and they do work well with dirt and small debris.

A Robotic Cleaner would be an excellent choice. These are self contained units which work separate from your pool filtration system. All of the dirt and debris is captured inside the debris chamber and this will allow your pool filter to stay cleaner all season long. The brushes on the Robotic Cleaner will also scrub the pool surface for you and many will clean the walls and waterline. Since you only use it once or twice a week during the season the lifespan of these cleaners is also very long. With regular maintenance I have seen them last 10 years or more. A Robotic Pool Cleaner would be a great choice in my opinion.

Avoiding Mistakes at the Final Build Out:

There is so much going into a project like this from the pool itself, the equipment, tile, decking and many more small details that if you are not working with a top notch builder, you can easily overlook a detail here and there. That is why during the bidding process you want to pick the most competent builder. He or she will make sure every detail is discussed with you to prevent any oversights.

When you initially tour the builder's previous job sites (completed pools) you will see things that you would like in your own project. So all of these details should be worked out at the beginning. During various stages before the project is complete you may want to add something. It is important that the builder is in good communication with you because as the work progresses and something needs to be added or changed you will want to be able to nail it down right away. In a worst case scenario if the pool is already completed and you wanted something added it might cost you much more to do it verses at the initial build.

One example I give with Mike is a customer who had a $100,000 pool built but didn't think they needed umbrella mounts in the pool. After the pool was done the customer realized their mistake and wanted it done. Problem is, they are not that easy to add after the pool is done and filled with water. Other oversights are not that hard to correct. Say you decided you didn't want a salt system but now you do. The equipment is pretty easy to upgrade at any point and time. But anything that goes into the initial pool itself is not that easy to add or correct.

To learn more listen to the complete Podcast the I recorded with Mike Willard of Your Pool Builder:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/110832/682144-eposode-40-automatic-cleaners-common-mistakes-to-avoid-part-3-of-3-interview-with-mike-willard-of-your-pool-builder

Part One: Having a Swimming Pool Built: Bidding and Construction- Mike Willard "Your Pool Builder"

Listen to the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/110832/673035-eposode-38-having-a-pool-built-the-bidding-process-and-construction-part-1-of-3-interview-with-mike-willard-of-your-pool-builder

Part Two:

Having a Swimming Pool Built: Surfaces & Equipment- Mike Willard "Your Pool Builder"

Listen to the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/110832/678418-eposode-39-having-a-pool-built-surface-types-equipment-part-2-of-3-interview-with-mike-willard-of-your-pool-builder

Subscribe to my Podcast on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pool-guy-show-podcast/id1257613192

Subscribe on Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Imhdwnal25iyl4c2yfceih2ni4y

In part three we will go over other details and cautions to make sure you are not forgetting important details.

Visit my Website: http://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/

eBook: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/swimming-pool-care-ebook