Pools (Phoenix, Gilbert, Cave Creek: house, buyers, inspection)

[bigjdotcom01]

I am building a house in Gilbert and I will be getting a pool put in and I need to choose a company and design it. What are the items that I should definitely include in the design? Thanks for the input.

[twiggy]

A girl friend of mine just had a pool put in by Shasta pools. They were really good and finished before they told her it would be done. Very quick! I always love the layout pads. They are the 1st step into the pool but its extended so you can put lawn chairs on it, or just lay directly on it. The water is only a 1/2 or 1 foot deep. Nice spot to hang out.

[fotoverdi]

I wrote on another pool question, and as I said, we interviewed ten different pool companies, and ultimately went with Dolphin. If you deal with them, ask for Sandra Rosenthal. She was very good and new her stuff. They were located at 20635 North Cave Creek Road, in Phoenix. They had the best price, and returned calls on a timely fashion. Always followed up with e-mails, not like a lot of the other pool companies. One pool company changed our designer, 5 times, no lie. Every time we'd call, they'd say, oh we have switched the designer, the other guy was no good! Not very professional. Another two of them gave us a written estimate that was all of about 10 lines. When we'd call and try to find out what they included in this estimate, they would hedge and not give definitive answers. All ten companies were given the same pool and amenities to bid on. Just be careful. And, I agree, a swim step is a real nice touch to the pool.

[nitz 23]

I had AquaZona Pools and Spas remodel my pool and have had nothing but problems. The 15 to 20 days I was told it would take to complete a basic refinish lasted 4 months. Today my pool is green. I think the pool industry in phoenix is saturated with riff raff. AquaZona Pools and Spas fits squarely in the Riff Raff column. I could elaborate but I need to find someone to fix my newly remodeled, not on the cheap, pool.

[bigjdotcom01]

Thanks for the input. We decided to go with Presidential Pools.

[jimbowilly]

Being a native Phoenician I have heard many, many stories over the past few decades of people getting ripping off by fly-by-night pool companies in the Valley. They take some money up front, dig a big hole in your back yard, and then either go belly up legitimately or just skip town.

Whatever company you choose check them out thoroughly with the BBB and make sure they have been in business at least a few years.

I'm not saying Presidential Pools is one of these, I would at least do the research before giving them any money.

[chelle73]

Good luck with your pool.

Some of my neighbors have used Presidential and have been happy.

I am not a fan of pebble tech. I know it is really popular, but unless you get the "expensive" kind it can rip up your feat and I have had it tear a few of my bathing suits. Just my two cents.

If you are building the pool with kids in mind I like when people put colored diamonds on ledges and steps. It helps kids and other swims guage where the edges are when climbing out of the pool and such.

My friend has "faux" brick along the edge of her pool. This creates a visual barrier that the kids aren't allowed to cross until we are ready for them to get in the pool. Of course there is a safety fence but when you first walk in it takes a moment to put towels down and get your berrings before everyone jumps in.

I have noticed that homes that have a backyard with "yard" and pool re-sell better than homes with the pool in the middle of the yard. Even if you do not have kids, future buyers might and they prefer a yard with some "play" space.

Good luck!

[KarlaT2]

Just curious - why do all the pictures I see of pools in Phoenix area have fences around them? Is there a city law or something? Can you take them down after city has done final inspection? I used to sell and design pools here in La Quinta/Palm Springs CA area, and no one has fences around like that. Kind of wondered.

[jdumars]

Yes...there are city ordinances that require you to have a fence around the pool. Too many drownings....also liability for some child coming into your backyard without permission.

[chelle73]

Originally Posted by KarlaT2

Just curious - why do all the pictures I see of pools in Phoenix area have fences around them? Is there a city law or something? Can you take them down after city has done final inspection? I used to sell and design pools here in La Quinta/Palm Springs CA area, and no one has fences around like that. Kind of wondered.

Each city/town has their own municipal code.

You either need to have a fence or extra locks on any access to your back yard including garage service door, gate, and all doors leading to the backyard.

Like jdumars said, to keep the kids out because of drownings.