frequently asked questions

Most inground builds run 6 to 10 weeks once construction begins, with design and permitting adding several weeks before that. Weather, soil conditions and inspection scheduling move the timeline, so we give you a working schedule and update it as phases finish.

Gunite is sprayed concrete shaped to any custom design. Vinyl liner pools use a supported wall system with a replaceable liner and cost less upfront. Fiberglass shells arrive molded and install fastest. Each suits different budgets, yard access and design goals.

Yes, and sloped lots often produce the best-looking results. The grade usually calls for retaining walls, engineered fill and a drainage plan so soil stays put and water runs away from the shell. We evaluate the slope before any design is finalized.

Nearly every municipality requires permits for the pool structure, electrical work and often the barrier or fencing around it. We handle applications and inspections as part of the build, so approvals track alongside construction instead of holding up the schedule.

A quality inground liner generally lasts 7 to 12 years. Water chemistry does most of the damage, since low pH and high chlorine break down vinyl early. Sun exposure, winter care and the original installation quality all shift that range considerably.

Plaster interiors typically need attention every 10 to 15 years, while aggregate and quartz finishes often run longer. Rough patches underfoot, persistent staining, chalky residue in the water and visible substrate are the signals worth acting on before structural damage begins.

Fall and winter are ideal for signing a build, because permitting and excavation happen while demand is low and the pool is ready when weather turns. Summer starts are possible, though schedules fill quickly once the first warm weekend arrives.

Water loss beyond a quarter inch per day usually points to a leak rather than evaporation. Wet ground near the equipment pad, air bubbles at the returns, and a level that stops falling at one specific point all narrow down the source.

Most residential pools need 8 to 12 hours of daily circulation in swim season to turn the water over completely. Variable-speed pumps often run longer at low speed, which filters more thoroughly while using a fraction of the electricity.

Salt systems generate chlorine on site, so sanitizer levels stay steadier and the water feels softer on skin and eyes. Upfront cost is higher and cells need replacing every few years, but ongoing chemical handling drops noticeably for most families.

A properly sized gas heater raises an average pool roughly 1 to 2 degrees per hour, so a 10 degree jump takes most of a day. Heat pumps work more slowly but cost far less to run over a full season.

Cover fabric generally lasts 5 to 8 years depending on sun exposure, water chemistry and how carefully it is operated. The motor and track system usually run 10 to 15 years, and fabric can be replaced without changing the whole mechanism.

For pools with a heater, lights, salt cell and multiple valves, automation pays off quickly in convenience and energy savings. Scheduling equipment properly prevents overrun pumps and forgotten heaters, and remote control means adjusting the water before you leave work.

Weekly routines cover skimming, brushing, emptying baskets and testing chemistry, with filter cleaning every few months. Seasonal opening and closing protect plumbing through Missouri winters, and annual equipment checks catch worn seals or bearings before they turn into failures.

In most cases yes. If the shell is structurally sound, new surfacing, tile, coping, decking and equipment can transform a pool built decades ago. Full replacement only makes sense when the structure itself has failed or the layout no longer works.

A well-built, well-maintained pool adds appeal in neighborhoods where outdoor living is expected, particularly with quality decking and thoughtful landscaping. Condition matters more than age, which is why deferred surfacing or dated equipment tends to work against resale.

Most family pools work best between 3 and 6 feet, deep enough for real swimming and shallow enough for children and lounging. Diving requires considerably more depth and specific shaping, which changes both the design and the safety requirements.

An in-ground spa is built into the deck or pool as permanent structure, often sharing equipment and spilling over into the pool. A portable hot tub sits above grade, plugs in, and can move with you, usually with more aggressive jets.

Clear equipment access to the dig site matters most, since excavators and concrete trucks need a wide path. Marking utilities, relocating sprinklers and identifying trees you want protected ahead of time prevents surprises once heavy machinery arrives on the property.