Cheap pools costly in the end

Press, 16 September 1976, Page 10

Cheap pools costly in the end

Building a swimming pool is not like pouring a path or patio. Your pool will be set below ground, hold many tons of water and involve an expenditure that warrants the best possible job. Correcting a pool failure is expensive, if at all possible. If you choose a reputable builder, you have the assurance that the pool will be properly constructed, based on sound engineering principles, and that if any problems arise, the builder will stand by his job.

Ask the builder to show you at least four or five pools and to show you proof that the pool design has been checked and approved by a- registered structural engineer. Notice the design layout and the position of the filter equipment. Make sure that the builder has the necessary work force to complete the job. Be shy of one or two man operations. Concrete is the best and the most popular construction material for swimming pools. It forms a much stronger pool shell than all other materials.

Its workability, strength, permanence and proven performance over many years make it ideal for below ground installations that must be structurally sound. Concrete for pools must be reinforced to help resist the pressure of soil and water.

Poured concrete pools have formed walls and a slab floor. A variety of shapes can be built and pools can now be poured in one shell, eliminating all construction joints.

The. newest technique developed in solid concrete below-ground construction is the use of prefabricated steel moulds which form the shape of the pool.

- Its chief attraction is its quick installation (most pools can be installed in seven days) and reduced maintenance. Also there is no plastering to the walls.

which could cause trouble after a. number of years. Check to see if the builder is a limited liability company. If sb, make sure that the company has the paid up capital sufficient to back up any guarantees. If you have an experienced reputable builder you have the assurance that the pool will be properly constructed and that any” problems which may arise will be resolved by the builder. Beware of misleading advertising. Make sure that you have a written quotation clearly listing the cost of all items. Do not accept an “all in’’ quote but insist on a breakdown. Make sure that the quote includes free service checks on the operation of

the filtration plant and water treatment for six months and 12 months for the pool. There are no safe shortcuts in an effort to economise. An ill-advised saving in material or in the use of unskilled labour can result in a major failure of the structural shell. Do not put a deposit down and do not pay for any part of the work until you are satisfied that all is well. (Recently in Christchurch, a person claiming to be an experienced person in pool building constructed three pool shells, obtained two-thirds payment and disappeared, leaving unhappy clients with incomplete, leaking pools.). Check the following points when having a pool built:

Is your company a limited liability company? What is the paid up capital? What guarantees are given? Is there a structural design certificate? How many years experience at pool building has the company had? How many pools has the company constructed?

How many men does the company employ? Are there any delays in the supply of equipment or other materials? Does the builder require a deposit to be paid? What qualifications does the builder have? Is the builder a member of the New Zealand Master Builders’ Federation? Will the builder provide a complete specification for the pool and filtration? Does the builder have the ability to carry out water analysis and does he have formal water treatment, training? Does the builder have adequate facilities for the

repair of the mechanical equipment? Will the builder show you four or five pools that he has completed? Do not view only new pools. Inspect pools that have been in use for a number of years to see if they are wearing well. Beware of a low initial pool price. Too often this is a thin disguise for high priced extras and other pool equipment.