FAQs

Here are several frequently asked questions that will help you decide what is right for you.

Are you interested in knowing what the steps are in building a new pool?
Below is the typical construction sequence that Pool Designs by Matlin follows. Prior to excavation we would make an appointment with Dig Alert, to check for underground utilities.

1. Swimming pool layout. (Marking the pool)
2. Pool excavation
3. Pool forming
4. Steel and main drain installation
5. Installation of plumbing
6. Inspection of steel, setback, plumbing, nice inspection)
7. Application of Shotcrete
8. First backfill, after removal of forming
9. Inspection of plumbing
10. Installation of tile and coping
11. Installation of lights, grounding and electrical equipment
12. 2nd. backfill
13. Electrical rough inspection of lights, grounding and electrical equipment
14. Preparation for decking and drain installation
15. Installation of pump, filter, etc.
16. Electrical hookup
17. Plaster inspection
18. Application of pool finish
19. Fill pool with water
20. Start up, chemically balance water
21. Give instructions on operation of equipment
22. Final inspections of electrical, plumbing and building. (Some cities require setback and zoning inspection.)

After the initial startup, the customer is responsible for maintaining the pool. We recommend that you hire a pool cleaning service for at least the first 2 or 3 months, while you become familiar with how to best care for and maintain your new pool.

How long will it take to complete our project?
The time needed to complete your project really depends on a few different considerations: Size of the project, building department inspections, availability of material, and the weather. Every project is directly supervised by Steve Matlin (the owner). We schedule the project BEFORE we begin excavation to create the smallest time lines. We have build a pool, spa, and decking as quickly as 17 days! Call us so we can discuss your project.

How do I know what type of pool would work in my backyard?
Pool Designs by Matlin will help you design the perfect pool for your needs. With our input and the knowledge and creativity of our team, we'll put together a pool and equipment package that meets or exceeds your expectations.

Is my backyard big enough?
We've built hundreds of pools in various shapes and sizes. Smaller backyards can often accommodate oversized spas or small pools. We have built many pools in larger areas that measure up to 1,400 sq. ft. We can design a project for practically any backyard.

Why do cost estimates vary when pools seem to be the same?
The price of a pool is determined by much more than size and shape of the pool. A lot of builders do not include some of the most important factors affecting cost in their proposals. Because there are so many factors that go into building a swimming pool, there are a lot of places to cut corners. Here are some of them:

• Craftsmanship
• Quality of materials (smaller pumps, filter, etc.)
• Design
• Underground strength
• Ease of maintenance
• Warranties
• Service

Will you take the lowest bid?
With all factors equal, it makes sense to take the lowest bid. Rarely, however, are all factors equal when comparing pool builders. Don’t allow price be the dominant factor in your decision. It is rare that the lowest bidder in the area builds a high quality pool. Many homeowners, having chosen the lowest bid, are later disappointed. Poor quality materials and inadequate construction techniques are often the path to the lowest price. The resulting structural problems are especially difficult and expensive to resolve.

Stay away from builders who:
Insist on cash payments; demand large up front payments; don’t understand soil characteristics and how they affect concrete structures; won’t answer questions on drowning prevention; won’t provide a contract that specifies materials and equipment brand names and models; won’t provide written warranties for pool structure and equipment and cannot provide proof of insurance, or license.