8 THINGS TO CONSIDER!
Are you contemplating renovating, repairing, or updating your pool, pool equipment or pool deck? Your pool does not need to be showing immediate signs of breakage or wear-and-tear to consider a remodel. Renovations may increase the value of your home and enjoyment of your swimming pool with new water or light features and ambience with updated decorative attributes.
Renovating your pool is a big project and may often feel very daunting. Before you decide to dismantle and/or reconstruct your pool and surrounding area there are many questions you should address prior to demolition or change.
- PLAN, PLAN, PLAN & BUDGET
At first thought your project may seem like things are black and white, but much planning and consideration is needed to go forward with a project that will, hopefully, bring much joy for many years. Ask yourself why do you want to remodel now? Do you want to reduce maintenance? Are you trying to repair a poorly maintained pool? Do you want to expand your amenities? Is it the aesthetic you want changed? Do you want to change or improve your pool’s system and equipment?
Catching up from the past few years of shortages and distribution issues the industry has been facing, it is important to be aware of the need to plan ahead and have patience for project timelines that can be ever-changing in today’s construction climate. Your estimate and orders, therefore your budget and time plans, are essential to these initial planning decisions. Please be aware that changes during the project may not only snowball the time frame as remodeling progresses, but also, the costs can escalate above your expectations causing an emotional deflation in the project’s final outcome. Additionally, like all home projects, always account for anything that may go wrong, and be prepared for possible derailment due to supply issues or weather restraints.
- AND PLAN SOME MORE
Before you start making changes to your pool make sure the other areas of your pool and system are in good shape. It may be a good idea to schedule a pool inspection to assure you are addressing any issues that may arise without having to make adjustments half-way through your project. The small extra cost may seem irrelevant at first, but undiscovered problems, leaks or other major problems unrelated to your initial renovation will only increase time, expense and stress.
- HOW DO I CHOOSE MY CONTRACTOR?
Developing and maintaining a relationship with your contractor is paramount. You are entrusting your time, money and property to strangers. The quality and variety of materials offered as well as a personal connection may help you decide. It is often tempting to choose the lowest price tag, but you may regret that decision later if the workmanship, service and materials are subpar. Trust your instincts. You need to feel comfortable with the service provider and verify their credentials as discussed below.
- WHY SHOULD I USE A MHIC CONTRACTOR?
Make sure the company you choose is licensed with MHIC (Maryland Home Improvement Commission). In the state of Maryland, it is required that all home improvement (i.e., remodeling) contractors be licensed under MHIC. It is illegal for any contractor to perform work unlicensed, and you may become a victim of their crime including being charged for work that is never performed or having work performed by someone with a criminal background.
- WHY SHOULD I ASK MY CONTRACTOR FOR A COI (Certificate of Insurance)?
Protect yourself in case something goes wrong. No one wants anything to go wrong or anyone to get hurt, but if such an event should happen make sure your contractor is covered for damages and any expenses associated with such an occurrence. A COI shows the active insurance policy that the contractor holds and is issued by their insurance company. Make sure your contractor provides the COI before you sign a contract and work commences. Review the information including the legal company name, coverage limits, effective dates, and policy numbers.
- WHAT WARRANTY IS THE CONTRACTOR OFFERING?
There are different types of warranties for pool projects. There are warranties on pool equipment from the manufacturer, warranties on pool finishes from the manufacturers and warranties on workmanship from the pool renovation contractor. Since much of pool renovation is a workmanship warranty, it is the contractor’s guarantee that they stand behind and honor their work. The warranty offers the client a peace of mind.
- DON’T FORGET THE DETAILS FROM PAST ROUTINE!
- Do your renovations consist of a new paver deck?
Don’t forget to inform your pool closing company or have new anchors and pipe redrilled for your cover when doing your renovation. If your pool closing company is performing the work, make sure you budget the extra cost at closing time.
- You may need a new cover! Did your pool shape change, did you add water features, or do you just want a new cover to go with your new pool area?
Make sure you budget for a great new, secure cover for your pool and allow for the time to get a new one in. Consider a Loop-Loc custom cover that is safe for your family and pets, strong enough to hold an elephant and made in the USA.
- Why do I need to pay for new caulk?
Concrete is well known for expanding and contracting throughout the seasonal changes. It may seem at first sight to be under control, but it can become a nightmare. By applying caulk, the crumbling and cracking culprits of snow and freezing can be mitigated.
- KEEPING UP WITH THE NEW LOOK
Keep in mind that renovations due to upkeep issues or wear-and-tear issues may cause reconsideration and rethinking your chemicals, equipment and other maintenance routines that may be causing problems. During these renovations you may want to consider and budget a maintenance plan with our Pool Care Plus team to maintain and offer longevity of your beautiful outdoor oasis to come.
If you want to maintain your pool yourself, you may want to consider attending one of our Pool School lessons in the spring or scheduling an at-home orientation with one of our pool specialists to familiarize yourself with maintenance and current needs for your newly refurbished pool.
