Having a Swimming Pool Built - Surface Types and Equipment Part 2 of 3 in a Series


In part one of this series on getting a pool build we talked about the bidding and overall construction process. Here we will touch on the pool surface types and the pool equipment choices. The pool surface type and the equipment you choose are an essential part of the pool project. Changing one or the other later will cost a lot of money so you want to try to do everything right from the start.



Pool Surface Types:
There are a number of pool surface types you can chose from. Standard white plaster, Colored plaster, Quartz, Pebble Tec and Wet Edge.

Plaster is pretty common and is a surface type made with cement and white marble aggregate. The problem with white plaster is that any stain becomes very evident and in many cases and the color is effected by the pool chemistry. You can also go with a color plaster and this can make your pool really stand out and look great. The problem with the colored plaster is the Mottling or pattern discoloration is very apparent and visible over time. But it is still the most affordable pool surface type on the market.

Quartz is a surface type that consists of a combination of a quartz aggregate and polymer-modified-cement making is more durable then standard plaster and giving it a longer lifespan. You can also get Quartz in a variety of colors and he finish holds up well against chemicals and is more stain resistant. It is a hard surface type that is very smooth and swimmer friendly. A great choice for sure and a step up from standard plaster.

Pebble Tec is a well established brand and is a mixture of cement and small pebbles and stones. Pebble Tec is extremely durable and long lasting. There are a great variety of surface types and colors to choose from. The drawback is that the surface can be a little rough on the feet but it resists stains, looks great and uniformed throughout and lasts over 15-20 years. It is a more expensive choice but you can't beat the durability and look of Pebble Tec.

Wet Edge is much like Pebble Tec but at the same time different. Mike Willard of Your Pool Builder in Texas recommends and uses the Wet Edge surface. Wet Edge aggregate finishes are durable and beautiful. All Wet Edge finishes are handcrafted and custom-made for each swimming pool. The finish is white cement based, but with blended polymers to make them denser and more durable. There are a number of different Wet Edge Surface types and you can learn more directly from their website: http://wetedgetechnologies.com/

Of the different surface types the Wet Edge is the premium choice. But your budget might not make it the choice for your pool build so if you have to go down I would recommend going with a Quartz finish verses standard white plaster.


Pool Equipment:
This is the one part that I think many people overlook when having a pool constructed. But I think it is as important as the pool itself. From my experience, a bad equipment set up can really make a pool look and function poorly. I will list here what I think are essential and then go over some added equipment that I think you should have installed.

Lets start with the pool pump. I would suggest a Variable Speed (VS) pump as this will pay for itself over the course of a year or two. The energy savings are tremendous and you do not sacrifice any power at all as many manufacturers make a 2 HP and 3 HP version. A VS Pump is essential and I wouldn't put any other pump in at a new pool build.

The Filter is also a key piece of equipment and I suggest a very large Cartridge Filter. Depending on your pool size, anything over 20,000 gallons needs a 500 sq ft Cartridge Filter. If your pool is 10-15,000 Gallons you can go with a 300 sq ft Cartridge Filter. The bigger the filter the better. A D.E. Filter is also a good choice and go with the largest one possible for your pool. I would stay away from Sand Filters as they are less efficient and will give you trouble later down the road.

A heater is essential in my opinion, even if you are having a pool only installed without a spa. To add one later can be very expensive and maybe not even possible depending on where the equipment is placed. While everything is being installed it is easy to run the gas line and connect the heater to the equipment. You will use it more than you think over the course of the season, so put one in without question.

An Automated System is also essential. Most are now connected through the internet and you can control your pool and spa now with your Smart Phone. At the push of a button you can turn on your spa, heat it up and enjoy it without ever going into the equipment area. At the build the price is very reasonable and I wouldn't hesitate to have one installed.

Now for some other equipment you might want to add or enhance. Pool lights and spa lights can be easily upgraded to color LED lights which will give your pool a great look at night. Go for the color pool and spa LED lights. A Salt Water System makes your pool easier to maintain and eliminates the need to purchase chlorine, shock and tablets. I would go with a Salt Water Generator and I have a Salt Water Generator at my house and I wouldn't go back. A UV System is also a great idea as these systems allow you to run your pool with a lower chlorine level and remain clear and algae free. They are now relatively inexpensive and easy to install at the build.

The equipment is an important aspect and the more you can add at the build the better off you will be in the long run. So sit down with your builder and really spend some time going over the equipment set up for your new pool.

We go into much more detail in the Podcast and I suggest listening to the interview I did with Mike Willard of Your Pool Builder.

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


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





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




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