Pools

Shape & Size

The choice is yours! We will recommend a pool shape and size based on the available space in your backyard taking into consideration your budget. However, keep in mind, we can make you ANY SIZE or SHAPE pool!

The most popular pools are 16’x32’, 18’x36’, or 20’x40’ rectangular shaped in-ground swimming pools. The rectangular shape allows for the most efficient use of space, most effective use of budget, and results in a pool that is perfect for lap swims. Rectangular shaped pools also have the widest range of pool accessories available.

Two other popular in-ground pool shapes are the “Olympic” and “L” shape.

Sanitization System

Chlorine, Salt-Water, or Bromine? It can be a bit overwhelming to choose a sanitization system that is right for you. Salt-water has become the trendy option over the last few years and many homes today are converting their old chlorine pools into a salt-water pool. But what is the real difference? Here is a quick run-down of each system.

Chlorine

Chlorination has been the traditional method of pool sanitation for decades-almost by default, since there were no alternatives for this crucial aspect of owning a swimming pool.

Chlorine is the chemical used most often to keep swimming pools free of bacteria that can be harmful to swimmers. It kills algae and bacteria, keeping the pool attractive and more importantly, a safe and sanitary place to swim.

While the bacteria-killing properties of chlorine are very useful, chlorine does have its disadvantages. Chlorine has a distinctive smell that most find unpleasant, and some find overwhelming. If used at a level that is too high – chlorine can cause skin to become itchy and irritated. Chlorine also causes fabrics to fade quickly when not rinsed off immediately after exiting the pool and eyes to become red after long periods of swimming.

Salt-Water

Salt-water pools are the latest trend in both new pool installations as well as converting existing standard chlorinated pools to salt. Salt-water is more comfortable for swimmers. Salt-water systems require fewer chemicals, making it easier on the eyes and skin. It also smells and taste better. But don’t be fooled into thinking that there is no chlorine or chemicals needed in salt-water pools. Salt-water pools still require a balancing of chemicals and salt levels.

In a salt-water pool versus a chlorine pool, the level of chlorine needed is lower and the pH level can be higher. Salt-water pools use chlorine generators, a “salt chlorinator”, to generate chlorine from salt. A stabilizer chemical is still required in order to protect the chlorine produced from burning off in the sun.

Salt-water pools are initially more expensive to install than standard chlorine systems. However, continued operation costs are less expensive and over time will make up the difference of the initial upfront costs.

Bromine

The chemical “Bromine” is very similar to chlorine in the way that it kills bacteria and harmful contaminants, but the two chemicals react in different ways. Bromine is most commonly used to sanitize public swimming pools where there are a larger number of users and spas/hot tubs because bromine is more stable in the warmer temperatures.

Bromine combines with bacteria in pool water to neutralize it in the same way that chlorine does, however a good portion of the bromine stays active even after combining with the bacteria.  The weekly shock treatment will burn off the bacteria and harmful contaminants, and leave the bromine behind in the pool water to sanitize the pool again.  The result is that the volume of the chemical bromine needed to sanitize a pool is less than the volume of chlorine needed to do the same job. With this said bromine costs a good deal more per pound than chlorine, which prevents most pool owners from using it.