pool buyer’s informative guide - california swimming poolssaltwater bubblers on extended ledge for...

Pool Buyer’s Informative Guidewith Trade Secrets at your fingertips

© Janine Wilson

I compiled this book for the purpose of understanding and simplifying the entire process of buying, building,and maintaining your pool. The book is written in simple terms, from the research phase to beyondcompletion, and is sequenced in the order that is necessary to understand the process. There are areas that aretechnical but with diagrams to simplify the complexities.

Janine WilsonP.S. Please write to me if you have questions. [email protected]

CaliforniaPools.biz 2

The guide book is divided into three main sections:

Part I: Buyer Research and Information

Check List of Features and Structures

Consultation for Pricing and DesignCheck List of Legal Requirements

Survey

Helpful Tips

Payment schedule

Materials

Pool Equipment Selections

Construction Specifications Diagram

Common Questions and Answers

Part II: ConstructionConstruction Images

ScheduleDetailed Schedule

Part III: Post ConstructionPool Startup and Maintenance

WarrantiesService and Repairs

Dos and Don’ts


Part I: Buyer Research & Information


Select desired options:

Covered Patio

Fireplace

Geometric Shaped Pool Freeform Shaped Pool



Extended Ledge For Chairs & Tanning Area

Raised Spa

Select desired options:Raised Wall with Water FeatureFire feature

Select desired options:PlantsKitchen



Saltwater

Bubblers on Extended Ledge For Tanning Area

Energy Efficient Pump

LED Multi-Colored Lighting

Water Features From Raised Wall

Stamped Concrete Decking

Stone Travertine Decking

Kool Decking

Pool Slide

Grotto Waterfall

Rock Waterfall

Rock Waterfall

Sheer Descent WaterfallsSheet of water comes from raised wall

Negative EdgeAlso known as infinity and vanishing edge

Bar Stools

Table

Bridge

Beach Entry

Deck Jets

Fountains & Bubblers

Swim Jets


Step 1 Meeting: Simple Overview and Price RangesObjective: To determine costs for projectDuring Meeting: Discuss design, preferences, and costs

Typically, during meeting '1', the design and cost will be reviewed. Several meetings are necessary, to design and price the project.

Step 2 Meeting: Yard Assessment FREEObjective: To determine hidden costs

Step 3 Meeting: Meeting to Discuss Assessment FREEObjective: To discuss all construction related costs

Subsequent Meetings: Do you want to continue the process?Other meetings may be necessary to revise the design and cost options.There are no obligations for the designer nor client during any meetings.

Consultation for Pricing and Design:


Survey Required for Accuracy:BARRY D. ADKINS

6137

DRAWN BY: TA

**84

HARRIS

TEXAS1521 BEACONSHIRE ROAD HOUSTON

SURVEYED BY: RS

11/02/2016

U.E. = Utility Easement

B.L. = Building Line

I.R. = Iron Rod

P.P. = Power Pole

D.E. = Drainage Easement

Stm.S.E. = Storm Sewer Easement

This de termination to be used for flood insurance rate purposes ONLY and isNOT to be relied upon for ANY other purpose. Surveyor makes norepresentation as to whether property may Flood.

Notes :- Basis for Bearings: RECORD PLAT.- Distances shown are ground distances.- A l l abstracting done by title company.- A l l B.L.'s & U.E.'s taken from recorded plat unless otherwise noted.- Dimension ties from improvements to property lines are calculated and should NOT be relied upon for construction and/or removal of any improvements including fences.- Building dimensions may not be used to calculate square footage.- This property subject to any and all recorded and unrecorded easements. Surveyor has made no investigation or independent search for easements of record, encumbrances, restrictive covenants or ownership title evidence.

San.S.E. = Sanitary Sewer Easement

I.P. = Iron PipeP.I.P. = Pinch Iron Pipe

G.E. = Guy Easement

= Wood Fence= Chain Link= Barbed Wire= Wrought Iron

LEGEND :

H.C.C.F.No. = Harris County Clerk File Number

BARRY D. ADKINS, R.P.L.S. No. 6137This survey is certified for this transaction only, is not transferable to additional institutions or subsequent owners. If thissurvey does not bear an original BLUE seal it is invalid and should not be relied upon for any purpose.

Pro ject # : S201677077-Beaconshire1521

VOLUME 269, PAGE 129 OF THE MAP RECORDS

C.U.E. = City Utility Easement

SCALE : 1" = 20'

77077

-

This property appears to be OUT of the 100 yearf lood plain and in Zone X; as per insurance rate map48201C0640 L, dated 06-18-2007.

STONEHENGE 3

This survey was prepared w i thou t the benef i t of a t i t le commi tmen t and may no t show all building lines, easemen ts or other ma t ters of record.

2 StoryBrick on slab

( # 1521)

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** Being more particularly described by metes and bounds attached.

P.O .B.

You will need to provide a copy of the survey for yourproperty. An example is shown. Usually, with anew home, you will have a copy with your closingdocuments. With an older home, if you cannot find acopy, one can be created. Surveys (also called plot plans)supply legal information about where you can build onyour property.

Answers to glean from survey:A. Is the property in flood zone?

B. Are there restrictions within the building envelope (areas where structures can be built)?

C. Are there any easements?

ELECTRICAL: During the yard assessment…

1. The location of the electrical lines will be determined.

2. The electrical service will be evaluated, for the proposed additional electrical demands.

Example of a Survey:


Full-lien release for subcontractors

Warranty documents and disclaimers(what is covered and what is excluded)

READABLE copy of "fine" print

Important information for material selections (fine print, beyond the sales talk)

All documents to peruse for better understanding about expectations.

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All possible 'surprise costs' known as contingencies

Designs (FREE preliminary drawings)

Cost analysis (when yard assessment is conducted)

Costs to repair and restore damage to access property (sprinkler, grass, etc.)

Disclosure of payment schedule

Estimated construction schedule and completion

The following details will be supplied to YOU by your pool builder, as a way to simplify the complex process.

This pre-construction checklist outlines each document you will receive:


Select desired options – Pool Equipment:

Energy Efficient Pump, Pentair Intelliflo

Filter choices: [A] Pentair Cartridge (most popular), or [B] Sand filter, or [C] Diatomaceous Earth filter

Heater (normally natural gas fuel)

Polaris cleaner and booster pump

Included pool equipment

In-floor cleaning system (alternative to Polaris cleaner)

Saltwater System (alternative to chlorine tablets, softer on skin)

Automated Controls

Ozone system (alternative to chlorine, yet acts as a supplemental system)

Ultra-violet light, as a supplemental system

LED colored and white lighting

PP

PP

PP

PP

PP


Gray Areas and Surprise Costs:Dark GrayThe destruction of landscape and utilities has long been a contentious subject for unwary homeowners. Therestoration of the landscape is included with your proposal from California Pools. I value private propertyand will give you the exact costs for unavoidable damage. For example, a tractor will typically drive overgrass and destroy it, along with sprinkler lines. We will not only cut and cap the sprinkler lines but alsorepair them.

Medium GrayUnderground utilities: To prevent striking any underground utilities (although it has happened), a service is hired to determine the location of all lines, such as gas, electrical, telephone cable, internet. You will be made totally aware of the location of the lines, before you enter into a contract.

Typical Payment Schedule:Prior to excavation 40%At Gunite (Concrete shell) 35%After tile and coping 20%Prior to completion 5%

Our Payment Schedule:During excavation commencement 20%During Gunite 25%After tile completion and coping 25%During decking phase 20%After quality control completion 5% During interior phase 5%

You would have probably already realized, from theabove payment schedule, that the pool builder willtypically be paid disproportionately to the actual workcompleted. You are correct about that conclusion.

I’ve revised the payment schedule, to beproportionate to the work completed.


Materials: Granite, Travertine Paverstone, Stamped Concrete,

Glass Mosaics, Cedar, Stacked Stone

Silver Travertine Tile

Blue Glass Mosaic Tile

Stamped Concrete

Ancient Castle Travertine Versailles Stone

Stacked Buckskin Stone

Stained and Sealed Red Cedar

Upgraded Granite

GUNITE: (concrete structure) 12"-14" wide bond beam, 8"-12" walls, floor, and coves 3,000 PSI initial 28 day curing, upto 4,500 PSI continue curing Broom finish (rough) for adherence for plaster/pebble. Piers are conditional uponnecessary specifications.

REBAR: Grade 40 (40,000 pounds per square inch), A615, greatly increases tensile strength of concrete. Four bar,continuous box beam, 1/2" (#4) Steel bars are set in grids, minimum distance apart 8" x 8", and 6" x 6”.

PLUMBING: Schedule 40 PVC, main drains include anti-vortex, safety systems, anti-entrapment installation methods. Twoskimmers, 5 returns, Jandy never-lube valves, automatic chlorine feeder, automatic cleaner Pressure tested at 25 PSI420Pentair Cartridge filter, Pentair energy efficient pump, overflow line automatic water leveler, anti-syphon vacuum breaker2anti-vortex, safety drains.

ELECTRICAL BONDING TO REINFORCED STEEL: to all rebar, in decking and pool structure: bonding to all mountingbrackets, underwater lights, all metal fittings attached to shell, including handrail, diving board, ladders, metal parts of allelectrical equipment, any metal structure within 5-feet of pool, including fences and window frames.

Decking 4" concrete (unless sand set pave stones) 2"--4" sub-base sand#3 rebar, 16" x 16" grids. Doweled every 4' into beam.

Construction Specifications Diagram Cross-Sectional


What does it cost to build a complete backyard resort?To build everything, including Swimming pool, spa, outdoor kitchen, covered patio, fire features, water features, outdoor lighting, decking and extended patio, landscape, mosquito system, will start from $100,000.

How long does it take to build a pool?It normally takes between 8 weeks--12 weeks, depending on weather, and other variable factors.

How soon can construction commence?Within 1-2 weeks, once the necessary approvals have been received.

Is a saltwater pool popular?Approximately 65% of my client's pools are saltwater.

Is a spa popular?Approximately 65% of my client's pools will have an attached spa.

Do I need to be at home during construction?You need to be available only during the critical phases, when your approval is necessary.

How do I get homeowner's approval (HOA)?We assist with liaisons and submissions.

How long do homeowner approvals take (HOA)?Approvals take between a few days up to 30-days, depending on the complexity of the project, especially if the submission is to build a resort. Also, the range is subjective, for different associations. Some will require meetings, which we can attend to facilitate the process. Some HOA require processing fees and deposits.


What about legal setbacks (easements)?We will assist to determine the placement of structures to be built.

What about underground electrical and other lines?We will assist to determine the location of underground utilities. A full-assessment will be given to you, subsequently, from the yard assessment. We also have a service that locates the underground utilities.

How can the white scale line be avoided on the pool tile?The unsightly white scale around the pool tiles can be avoided with a special inhibitor. We will add this granular solution to your pool, during the initial month.

How do I select the colors for my design?We will meet at showrooms, where we can make selections.

Are there any surprise costs during construction?No. Any items that are considered a possible surprise will be listed.

Will the construction crew damage my landscape?Yes, in the construction zone.

Who is responsible to restore my landscape?With California Pools, restoration is included in the cost of the project. This includes sprinklers, drainage lines, grass, plants, etc.

What are some surprise costs that will be listed in the yard assessment?50% of the time, the underground electrical line to your home is in the pool zone and will need to be re-routed. If this is the situation, you will be MADE aware of it and its costs, upfront.


Are the workers insured and bonded?Yes, all the sub-contractors have insurance and bonding, in addition to the general contractor, California Pools.

How much does it cost to maintain a pool?Typically, the average cost of chemicals is $100 monthly (as of 2017). It is advantageous to hire a pool service company, because they include the chemicals within the cost. The electrical cost will depend on the quantity of pumps. The average cost of the single pump is $20.00 monthly (as of 2017), if it is an energy efficient pump. However, if it is a standard pump, the operating cost will start from $50.00 monthly.

Are saltwater pools a problem?No, if compatible materials are selected. Yes, if incompatible materials are selected. You will be given recommendations, for specific, compatible materials, if you prefer saltwater.

What choices do I have with chlorine?Either a saltwater pool that produces chlorine from salt, or a regular water pool that produces chlorine from tablets and granules.

Will a saltwater pool be cheaper to operate?No, not compared to a chlorine system of tablets and granules.


Part 2: Construction


Finding Utilities

Digging and Forming Shape on Ground

Construction Images:

Rebar (steel) and Plumbing Phases

Concrete (known as gun-ite)


Example of Gunite shell• It needs to be watered three times a day, for five days, by hose or by rain.• It takes approximately five minutes to water the shell.• You can tell by the light color gray that the shell is dying out, after it was sprayed with water.



Cleanup

Plumbing

Construction Images:Electrical

Coping and Tile

Pavestone Travertine Decking and Final Cleanup


Water will be pumped from the deep end.

25

Interior Plaster or Pebble

Pool Filled


Construction Schedule: Typical Schedule for Pool

For additional structures, such as a kitchen or/and covered patio, they will be integrated within the schedule below.

• Pre-Construction

• Initial meeting 'A' to discuss costs and design

• Yard Assessment

• Meeting to discuss assessment, cost analysis, and design

• Additional meetings to select materials, discuss design, and cost

• Prepare for Construction

• Permits, HOA applications, construction plans

• Meeting to discuss construction

• Approvals received

• Schedule a layout (paint contours on ground) and dig date


Construction Days:

STEPS DAYS CONSTRUCTION1 1 Layout: paint structure contours on the ground2 1 Inspection3 1 Dig4 1 Inspection5 1 Install rebar (reinforced bars of steel)6 1 Inspection7 1 Install short stubs of plumbing8 1 Gunite (concrete structure) 9 1 Inspection10 5 Water curing of the Gunite (directions below)

11 1 Cleanup Gunite with Bobcat 12 1 Long plumbing13 1 Inspection14 1 Electrical 15 1 Inspection16 1 Fill trenches17 5 Tile and coping18 1 Inspection19 5 Accumulated allowance of sub-contractor revisions20 1 Drainage


Construction Days:

STEPS DAYS CONSTRUCTION21 1 Inspection22 5 Decking phase23 1 Inspection24 1 Cleanup

25 2 Landscape26 1 Inspection27 1 Irrigation28 1 Fence installation29 1 Decorative work for concrete (If applicable)30 1 Quality Control Inspection31 1 Quality Control Inspection with you32 1 Pool interior33 1 Inspection34 1 Pebble pool interior (additional day)35 2 Estimated for filling pool

STEPS DAYS POST CONSTRUCTION36 1 Start up initial phase and introduction37 10 Subsequent brushing pool38 21 Pool school and instructions


Detailed Schedule:

PRE-CONSTRUCTIONA service will be performed (images shown in construction), to determine the location of the electrical andgas lines. Sewer and water lines are in a separate category. If any of the major utility lines are in the poolzone, a cost will be determined for the re-route. Gas is typically $400. Electrical re-routes are more expensive.Internet connection and the telephone cable will probably be effected. The lines are buried, several inchesbelow ground. We will use the best way to keep the lines protected, during construction, and keep theconnections working.

LAYOUTThe superintendent will paint the shapes of the design on the ground. The layout will be larger than thespecified size, because the contours are drawn for the excavator, to dig the engineered specifications. Thelarger sizes will allow for the thickness of the perimeter beam of 12” and pool walls.

CAVEATDuring layout, many clients complain that the size is too small. This is because they are looking at a 2-dimensional image, without depth, and looking from the outside. Try standing inside the painted lines andimagine swimming. It is best to think about changes, for at least a few hours, before making any changes.

DIGThe excavator will arrive with a bobcat. He will remove the fence panels and start the digging process. Hewill drive in and out, quickly, while shaking around within a machine that makes a lot of noise. He will createa huge mess, as he darts in and out of the newly forming hole, ruining the grass. By the time he is finished,your yard will be a construction zone, with mud and ruts, and broken sprinkler lines. But you will have ahole that resembles the final shape of the beautiful design. You will not see the pool steps inside theexcavated area, until the next phase.


Detailed Schedule:

REBARTypically, on the following day, a crew will arrive to install the rebar (steel). This is one of the interesting aspects,as they make a cage, within the excavated zone. They will form the steps, except the last step. The last step willbe formed from solid concrete during Gunite (sprayed concrete).

PLUMBINGTypically, on the following day, the plumbers will arrive. Many pipes will protrude vertically and horizontallywithin the future pool. The pipes will have functions for the drains, the skimmer, the return lines, each with apurpose. They will protrude until the last phase. They will eventually be cut to the correct length, during theinterior application. The plaster or pebble crew will cut the pipes and will add the correct fittings, whether it bethe drain covers or the return jets.

GUNITETypically, within two days, a large noisy compressor will be parked with a concrete truck, in front of your house.If you are not prepared, the vehicles might block your driveway. A dry mixture will be pumped into theexcavated area, where it will mix with water. The consistency will stick to the rebar and will be slushy. Later, asit hardens, the crew will start to form the (concrete) Gunite into the shape of the walls, floor, steps. You will seeall the steps and benches. The crew will install tarps, to protect your home and fence. Once the process iscompleted, the tarps will be removed. You will see several holes in the bottom of the structure. These arepressure release valves, to prohibit the shell from rising with ground pressure. An hour or two, after completion,you will need to start the watering process.

WATERINGSpray water on the shell as if you had just planted seedlings. Water the entire concrete structure, including stepsand benches. Just spray lightly, enough to coat the area, changing the color from light to dark. For the followingfour days, three times a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), you can stand inside the shell, on the pool floor, andwet the areas heavily, as if you were hosing your driveway. Water will accumulate from the process.


Detailed Schedule:

Water might accumulate from raindrops. Water is excellent for the Gunite, because it cures the concrete(hydration), just as we need hydration. Sometimes, rain will almost completely fill the pool. If thishappens, it is fine, but we will pump it out later. The water will probably be green and unpleasant butwill protect the shell.

DEBRISThe yard will be very messy at this stage. There will be a pile of debris forming, with splattered concreteacross the ground, several holes; and mud will probably have been tracked across the road, from thetrucks. Your neighbors might be angry, because mud will get onto their clean tires and splatter their cars.

CLEANUPWorkers will arrive to clean the mess and road. There will be a mound of concrete in the backyard thatthe crew will remove. Some holes will be filled in.

PLUMBINGThe pool equipment will be installed. Long plumbing lines will be connected to the short stubbed pipesin the structure, the connective phase. On completion, the trenches will be open, and there will be lotsmore dirt piles. The trenches will remain open for inspection, and for the electrician to install lines, insome of the same trenches. The plumbing will be pressurized until the last cleanup.

ELECTRICALThe electrician will install the conduit and connect the electrical devices. He will install the light/s, whichmeans that you will see a box in the pool connected to a cord. He will also bond the electrical. If the mainservice panel is in the garage, the garage will need to be unlocked for access. Please leave your garageopen for this phase.


Detailed Schedule:

TILEThis is the phase for installing the water-line tile at the top level of the pool and spa. Any other areas thatrequire tile will be tiled too; for example, if you selected tiles for steps and benches, these areas will be tiled.

COPINGThe same crew that installed the tile will install the coping. The coping is the deck surface that borders thepool. It will be installed around the pool, the spa, and raised areas (if any). If there are inlays in your design,for the decking, they will be installed at a subsequent stage, after the deck concrete is poured.

DRAINAGEInstallation of drainage lines will be in the backyard but might also extend to the front yard. There will bemore trenches created in the areas where the pipes are installed. If there are downspouts, these will beconnected to the drainage. Some clients dislike the white drainage pipe (connecting to the downspout),calling it ugly. Please discuss the options, if you prefer not to see white pipe.

DECKINGDifferent Types of Installations: Select the one relevant to you. The first stage is painting the outline. Thisis to show the exact size for the decking. Many clients will increase the decking. Spending extra in this phaseis normal. Once you have approved the contours and quantity, the construction will begin.

PAVERSSand Set Pavers, travertine or pave stone. The area will be graded and a sub-base of cementitious sand

installed, tamped, and compacted to a hard surface. The pavers will be installed with a concrete border, tohold the outer edge in place.


Detailed Schedule:

TRAVERTINETravertine tile with Concrete Decking. A concrete sub-base will be installed for the travertine tile. Thistakes up to a week, starting with the forming and continuing with the pouring of concrete, followed bysetting the travertine tiles.

DECKINGConcrete Decorative Decking. The first part, which takes several days, is grading and forming. The contourof the decking will follow the shape of the painted areas. There will be rebar installed. The concrete will bepoured. If the concrete is stamped, a pattern will be applied to the wet concrete. If the concrete is to have atexture or an overlay, the concrete will be brushed, ready for the next phase.

PAINTINGDecorative Process for Concrete (following from preceding subject). Typically, if the concrete is to have adecorative surface, it is preferred that the coating is installed after the landscape phase, to protect the newsurface.

CLEANINGThis is when the yard will be cleared of debris, the yard will be graded, sand will be spread, as needed, andany mud will be cleaned off the road. Please note: Mud will also be cleaned off the road during previousphases.

IRRIGATION & LANDSCAPEIf there will be plants and irrigation for the plants, the first phase is landscape, i.e. the plants to be installed

followed by installation of irrigation lines. If grass will be installed, the sprinklers will be repaired, followedby the grass installation.


Detailed Schedule:

FENCE & BARRIERSIf a new fence is to be installed, it would have already had the footings completed during an earlier phase.If the local code requires it, door alarms will be installed. Many clients say that they already have a housealarm and will not need individual door alarms (only for doors that open to the pool). However,the codes require special compliances, which only come from the door alarms. They are battery operated.The alarms are needed to pass any city inspections. Unincorporated county areas are exempt. Also, a gatespring and gate latch, according to code, will be necessary in city areas. These comprise of a latch, above54", with self-closing (spring on gate), and self-latching qualities, for all gates that open to the backyard.

QUALITY CONTROL INSPECTIONOnce this is completed, you will receive a report.

QUALITY CONTROL INSPECTION WITH CLIENTYou will be asked to join the superintendent for a thorough review of all the work that is completed. Ifitems are added to a list, for repairs, they will be completed, before the next step which is the pool interior.

INTERIORThere are two different interior surfaces, irrespective of color: Pebble and Plaster. Regardless of the type ofinterior, the pipes sticking into the pool, from the walls and floor, will be cut. Main drains will be installed,and wall jets fitted. If there is a spa, it will not receive the jets, until the startup.


Detailed Schedule:

PLASTER INTERIORThe crew will install plastic to prevent overspray, although sometimes it does happen. They will apply the mixture that resembles icing on a cake, and will trowel the surface, until it is smooth.

PEBBLE INTERIORThe pebble interior follows the same process as the plaster, with one extra phase: the acid wash. The poolwill not be filled until the crew returns to acid wash the pebble. The process will expose the aggregatestone. Following completion, the crew will start filling the pool. A slurry box will contain the wet mixturefor a day or more, to allow it time for hardening, but will be removed from the yard.

COMPLETION OF THE INTERIOR SURFACEThe crew will use your hose to fill the pool, by turning the water on and placing the end of the hose indeepest end of the pool. The hose should be left in the pool, and the water should remain on, until thewater reaches the tile. The desired level should be somewhere half-way up the tile. A caveat: Do not turnthe water off, regardless of the reason (shopping or sleeping), until the water reaches the desired level. Ifyou do, there will be a ring created, permanently marking the interior.

POOL AND SPA FILLEDOnce the water is at the desired level, contact us to schedule the startup phase.


Detailed Schedule:

STARTUP DEFINEDA serviceman will arrive to install the spa jets, install the fixtures at the pump, turn everything on andcheck everything. During this phase, you will learn how to basically operate the features. A thoroughinformative course will be scheduled at day 21, when the pool cleaner is installed. The startup phasemeans the following: We will maintain your pool for the first month, including chemicals and cleaning,and instructions. If the pool is to be saltwater, the salt will not be installed, until the balances are withinrange, to protect the fragility of the new interior. This means that the salt will be installed 30-days from theinitial startup. For the first 10-days, a technician will arrive to brush the pool interior and balancechemicals, a critical period. He can answer any of your questions. After the tenth day, he will continue toappear, once a week, to balance chemicals and clean the pool/spa. On the 21st day, he will install thecleaner. Once the cleaner is installed, on day 21, you will be asked to attend an informative introduction.On day 30, the salt (if saltwater pool) will be thrown into the pool, and will dissolve over a day.

SWIMMING AND USING THE POOLAs soon as the pool is filled, you can enter the water and swim. To determine whether you can swim, asthe pool is being serviced, over the first 30-days, just wait half-hour, after the technician has been and hasadded chemicals.


Part 3: Post Construction


• For the first full-month, we maintain your pool and pool interior, including 10 days ofbrushing, 21 days of service, pool school, programming equipment, and chemicals.

• All chemicals are included. We even add Jack’s Magic Magenta Stuff to reduce dust andprevent metals stains.

• During the 1st weekly cleaning, day 14, the heater will be started. The reason for this is toprotect the heater from plaster or pebble residue.

• If you have a spa, the spa jets will be installed during the initial staring phase. You will beable to use your spa jets but not the heater.

• During day 21, the cleaner will be installed. The reason that we wait so long is to protectthe plaster from track marks.

• On day 28, if your pool is a saltwater pool, we will put the salt into the water and will doan introduction with you.

• Pool School: Instructions will be given to you, during two training dates.

We Maintain Your Pool For The First Month

Technician tests water and adjusts balances.

Chemicals and accessories included.


We supply several lifetime warranties.Although the items listed will outperform their respective warranties, California Pools includes the following:

Subject Length Special ConditionsStructural Shell Lifetime Original owner, unless transferredPebble Interior Lifetime Original owner, unless transferred In-floor Cleaning Lifetime Original owner, unless transferred Plaster Interior 7-yearsPump, Filter, Heater 3-YearsElectrical 1-yearPlumbing and Gas 1-yearDecking 1-yearTile and Grout 1-yearLights 1-yearOther Equipment 1-year

For a full-list of inclusions and exclusions, or conditions, full-disclosure will be supplied.

Warranties


It is necessary to keep a log. This can be done by a pool service company or by the owner, using a log book (to be supplied).

In the event of a requested warranty repair or service, the log will be needed and should be accessible on location. It should be kept in a dry compartment near the pool equipment.

To schedule a warranty call, you will be required to go online and submit a request. A customer portalwill be available to you, in a similar system as a portal in a homeowner's association portal, accessible24-hours a day, seven days a week. Priority of 24-hours will be allocated to the most urgent requests.For weekend requests, a service technician will contact you, with instructions, until he can attend tothe repair. For all other non-urgent repairs, a schedule will be confirmed within 2-business days.

Service and Repairs


Pre-Construction: Do turn off your sprinkler system for thegrass, several days, before commencing construction.Otherwise, tractors will sink into the wet ground.

Post-Construction: Whenever filling a pool (applies tospas too) DO fill to the tile line, at least half-way on the tile.Do NOT stop adding water before the level reaches thetile line!! If you do, there will be a permanent ring, like acoffee stain.

Do add scale inhibitor on your annual list. You can add it,by using a recommended dosage, from a pool professional.

Do NOT empty your pool, unless through a poolprofessional. Empty pool structures can float, unlesspressure relief valves are installed.

Do NOT add chlorine until pH is balanced. Chlorine isineffective, unless pH is balanced.

Do add 'stabilizer' to help save the chlorine from UV light.This will reduce the chlorine cost, substantially.

Do NOT add any algaecide with copper, if you or yourfamily members have blond hair. Copper turns blondhair green.

Dogs: If your dog swims in the pool, be prepared to usemore chemicals, and buy a special filter for the skimmer,which looks like a stocking, and will trap the fur. Dogs canintroduce many pathogens into the water, such as coli, orcryptosporidium, both of which can be destroyed with anozone system. For in-depth details, please consult a poolprofessional. There should be steps or beach areas, for dogsto exit.

Utilities: We fill the pool with water from your gardenhose. Contact your water supplier, for a discounted rate forfilling your pool.

Some Dos and Don’ts


Swimming Pool Location: San Brisas Business Center, 2020 Eldridge Parkway, Houston, Texas 77077

Open Monday-Sunday, 10am to 8pm(Optional: Bring your swimsuit!)

To visit the business center, please call or email to schedule.(713) 499-9875 • [email protected]

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