Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose a Concrete Pool?
While initially concrete swimming pools are slightly more expensive than fiberglass or vinyl liners, there are far more advantages for choosing a concrete swimming pool:
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Flexible: Concrete pools offer more flexibility when choosing a swimming pool as they are built to suit your unique location. Any shape, size or depth and can be designed to meet your specific requirements. Contrary to common belief, concrete swimming pools can be built both in-ground and out-of-ground.
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Individuality: Because they are so flexible, concrete swimming pools allow you to choose to add special features such as islands, steps & ledges, wet edges, beaches, bays and more.
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Finishing: When it comes to choosing interior finishes, concrete swimming pools are far more versatile, offering a wide range of finishings such as as tiles, pebbles, quartz, coloured render and more.
I Dont Have Much Space Can I Still Get a Pool?
We are often sought out by Austin homeowners telling us there is limited space for a pool on their land but they are concerned they don’t have access or perhaps the room to carry out construction.
Advanced Custom Pools is highly experienced at building pools in inaccessible places: tiny terrace houses, etc… and we are the most capable company for technically challenging sites. We even install pools in downtown homes that have next to no room for a pool.
Be aware that works of this nature sometimes cost more for building support structures when we need to go over, around or under other structures. The easy way is to book a no obligation site assessment by one of our trained consultants and we can offer expert advice even before you decide to go ahead.
A good concrete pool builder will help you by designing to suit the space you have and will advise the cost ramifications of varying sizes within that space. Also taking into account your existing and planned landscaping.
What Design and Construction Issues Might
Homeowners Face If They Choose The Wrong Builder?
With an inexperienced builder the list could possibly be endless. Financial problems, completion delays, arguments over additional payments, damage to sewer or water mains, warranty claim issues. We’ve even heard many stories of pools popping out of the ground like a boat because the hydrostatic valve was incorrectly installed and failed (you get the picture).
When shopping around ask the potential builder… Do you offer a warranty? How many pools have you built? What are your inclusions? Can I inspect a pool you’ve built in a suburb nearby to me? If so, look for cracking, poor craftsmanship such as loose or uneven tiling, signs of messy mortar and concrete, even staining!
Is Salt Water Better Than Chlorine?
Chlorine has been around for many years and is still the best way to achieve the cleanest and safest water to swim in. Salt water chlorinators also produce chlorine in smaller doses to keep your pool clean and safe to swim in. Advanced Custom Pools is still yet to be convinced with some of the alternative products on the market. We have used other products on customers’ request over the years and have always reverted back to chlorine and salt chlorinators as they are proven performers.
What Are Waterline Tiles?
Waterline tiles are set directly under the coping and help with the appearance of your pool as well as the colour of the reflection on the water. The main reason tiles are great for your new pool is they are easier to clean and avoid the bath-ring effect should you ever let the water quality degrade dramatically. We recommend up to a 300mm waterline tile band to give the appearance the tiles are well under the water line.
What Is Coping?
Coping is the flat walking surface surrounding your pool. Natural stone is an excellent product choice as they have a better life span and are not as susceptible to movement as man-made products can be. Sandstone and Travertine are very popular and come in a huge range of colours and styles. Sandstone used around a salt water pool should be treated with a sealer to prevent the salt from damaging the surface.
What If We Hit Rock In The Excavation Process?
With so much experience in all areas of Austin, Advanced Custom Pools has a good understanding of which suburbs are more likely to contain rock. Also we have found that most clients already know if there may be rock their area. Prior to excavation, we try to estimate the amount of possible rock so there is less likelihood of unwelcome surprises.
How Long Does It Take To Build a Pool
You should allow 3 to 6 months for the entire consultation, design, construction and finishing process. This will vary moderately depending on your approval type, weather, complexity of construction, as well as the landscaping and the finishes you select.
How Much Does A Custom Pool Cost?
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In fairly answering the hot question ‘how much does a pool cost?’, we first have to say that a pool will vary in price greatly depending on the size, complexity of construction and amount of features and finishes selected.