PRE‑CONSTRUCTION CONSIDERATIONS

Get answers at Adams Pool Specialties. Located in the heart of Sacramento, we remodel swimming pools and spa in the Northern California and Reno areas. Find out how to prepare for remodeling construction, the phases of construction, and how long the pool remodeling process takes.

My old plaster looks terrible. Would I be able to paint or acid wash my pool to make it look better instead of incurring the expense of a resurfacing?

Painting the inner surface of a swimming pool is, at best, a short‑term solution to improve the appearance of a pool. Adams is frequently asked to remodel pools that were painted only a short time previously. Additional charges are often necessary when resurfacing painted pools due to the difficulty in removing multiple layers of paint. Older pools that are acid washed will initially appear bright, but often become very rough to the touch due to the increased porosity in the plaster caused by the acid.

What else should I consider doing to the pool at the same time as it is being resurfaced?

• Upgrade finish such as Pebble Tec or Pebble Sheen: It is far more durable than plaster and aesthetically pleasing.
  
  
• Tile and coping: The time to replace tile and coping is before a new pool finish has been applied.
  
  
• Cantilever decks: You can give your pool a new look by cutting back the cantilever deck and installing rock or brick coping around the edge of the pool.
  
  
• New decks: Consider replacing your decks in conjunction with your pool renovation. If decks and the pool are being remodeled together, this gives us the opportunity to set your new pool coping and tile absolutely level since we are not inheriting existing decks that may or may not be level.
  
  
• Plumbing and electrical under the decks: If decks are being replaced, this would be the time to consider replacement of plumbing and electrical runs. Copper plumbing and galvanized electric runs should be replaced with non‑metallic pipe.
  
  
• Skimmer: Whether or not decks are being replaced, your skimmer should be evaluated for possible replacement. Certain skimmer designs are problematic.
  
  
• Floor cleaning system: Floor systems are sometimes of little value in terms of cleaning the pool. We are able to cover over the cleaning heads and install a "sweep" type pool cleaner that is often more effective.
  
  
• Pool light: A pool light that looks fine in the old pool sometimes no longer looks that good against the new pool finish. We offer upgrade lights with color variation capability. We can also assist in verifying that your light circuitry meets current electric codes. For example, many older installations do not have GFI shock protection.
  
  
• Fittings: Unless otherwise directed we will replace only "standard" type fittings. "Screw‑in" type fittings are replaced only when specified on the contract.
  
  
• Wallsteps: Plastic wallsteps are often in poor condition and should be replaced prior to the pool being refinished.
  
  
• Pool/spa suction: Inlet suction in your pool/spa can be especially hazardous to children. It is important to review how water is returned to the equipment pad and consider "split‑suction" in some cases.
  
  
• Trim tile: Trim tile is eliminated when a pool is refinished. If you wish to replace trim tile on your steps and benches, it must be specified on the contract.
  
  
• Equipment: If decks are being replaced and the electric run travels under the deck area, this may be the time to consider future power requirements at the equipment pad. Adding a pool sweep booster pump, for example, may require power in excess of the power service to the pad.
  
  
• Pool control system: We are able to install a controller that can mount on a wall in your home or we offer portable controller units. You can even control your pool / spa using a phone from any location.
  
  
• Chlorination / cleaner system: We are able to install state of the art chlorine generation and oxidizer systems for your pool eliminating the need for chlorine applications.
  
  

How long will it take to remodel my pool?

The length of time a pool will be under construction for renovation is directly related to the extent of the work we are performing. Pools that are being refinished with plaster or Pebble Tec/Sheen can be operational in ten days or less. Pools that require tile and coping or are being extensively remodeled require additional construction time. Be assured that when a project commences Adams will make every effort to consistently move the job along and complete your project in a timely manner.

May I remodel my pool during the winter?

Remodeling a swimming pool during the winter has a number of advantages. Obviously, pools are generally not used in the winter and your family will not be without the use of the pool during the swim season. Since the pool renovation business is somewhat cyclical, it is also easier to obtain desired scheduling when we are not in the busy season.

Why is Pebble Tec more expensive than plaster?

Pebble Tec and Sheen utilize naturally tumbled pebbles and specifically formulated cement, which is more expensive than standard plaster. Installation with Pebble Tec or Sheen is a process that requires each installer be trained, certified, and subject to continuing education in the field. In the event you choose Pebble Tec or Sheen for your pool you may expect a longer service life and less maintenance required as compared to traditional plaster.

Can Adams handle my entire pool renovation project?

Adams has the capability to manage, both by the utilization of its employees and by the selective use of other contractors, just about every facet of the pool renovation process. We specialize in specific aspects of pool construction and when other areas of expertise are needed we rely on relationships built up over the last fifty years to supply the necessary services. Adams' goal is to establish efficient integration of these services to provide you with a swift and professional pool remodel experience.

Why choose Adams?

Adams is the largest independent pool remodeling company in the western United States, having been in business since 1953. Accordingly, Adams has the resources and the expertise to provide the latest in materials and construction techniques for the upgrade of your pool. Our company is a leader in the ongoing development of pool renovation technology. Adams has over 400 employees and a full service department to meet all of your remodeling needs. We fulfill all licensing and insurance requirements for a construction business, including contractor’s license, contractor's bond, home improvement salesperson licenses, worker's compensation insurance, general liability insurance, and automobile insurance.

THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

Our project has started, but crews do not always arrive first thing in the morning and some days they do not come to the job site at all. Is this normal?

Our crews are trained to perform specific pool remodel functions and it is therefore not unusual for a crew to be scheduled on more than one job per day. Depending on where your pool is relative to the schedule, it is quite normal to see people arrive at mid‑day or even in the late afternoon. Generally, off days are planned to allow material to fully cure before the next phase of construction or to provide schedule spacing in the event more time is needed for phase completion than anticipated.

Are there any phases of construction, which are particularly messy?

While our crews make every attempt to minimize the impact upon the area surrounding your pool, a remodel site can be dusty. We therefore recommend that pool furniture and potted plants be moved away from the pool area while construction is in progress. It is also suggested that windows be kept shut near the pool for the duration of the pool remodel.

Our pool was just prepared for resurfacing. Why is the surface very uneven with large holes and streaks?

It is important that our crew remove all of the old delaminating plaster prior to resurfacing. A rough surface is expected in most pools since not all areas are delaminating. Once the new plaster or Pebble Tec/Sheen has been installed you are not able to see the previously cratered areas.

Should we use the local water supply to refill our newly remodeled pool?

The only alternative to your local water supply is the purchase of water by truck. Water fill by truck is generally cost‑prohibitive and as a result most people utilize either water supplied by their local water district or by a well on site. Special precautions should be taken when using well water or water that is soft. We strongly urge you to consult with your pool service professional or contact our office in this situation.

POST CONSTRUCTION POOL CARE

The crew put a hose into the pool and started filling it with water‑now what?

Filling the swimming pool

When the application of plaster or Pebble Tec/Sheen has been completed, the crew will begin filling the pool with water. Note that the application of Pebble Tec/Sheen is a two‑day process. The average pool takes 24 to 36 hours to fill. Until the pool is completely filled with water it is vulnerable and extra care should be taken as detailed below.

It is important that your swimming pool be filled with water as soon as possible. Do not turn the water off for any reason until the pool is full. If you have a spa, it should be filled with water after the pool has been filled completely. If the water is shut off prematurely, you may have a "bath tub ring" around your pool. Monitor your pool as it is filling so that you can predict at about what time the water should be turned off. It may be necessary to set your alarm. Watch it closely!

Use the pool fill line only after the initial water fill process is complete. Additional hoses may be added once the water depth is three to four feet, but be sure water from the additional hoses does not run across the pool surface. Hoses should be placed into the pool in such a way that they do not touch the pool surface. The outlet of the hose should discharge into the pool of water above the main drain. The water surface will typically be maintained at the mid-tile level. The water level for a Pebble Tec/Sheen pool without tile should be maintained in the middle of the skimmer throat.

Do not walk or allow pets inside the pool. Make sure that gardeners, landscapers, and other maintenance people stay away from the pool area until it is full. Fertilizer and other yard debris in the pool can be very damaging and must be avoided.

If mastic is installed, make sure that pets and people do not touch this flexible joint between the coping and deck for 48 hours. Mastic is very sticky until cured and is difficult to remove from places where it does not belong. There will be sand residue remaining after installation, which can be broomed or hosed off after the 48‑hour curing period.

Pool start‑up

Once your pool is full of water, it will require extra attention. A pool start‑up includes brushing, filtration, and chemical balancing. If you are not comfortable with these procedures, we suggest that you consult with a pool service professional.

The following are additional guidelines to be followed during the start‑up period:

As plaster cures, especially during the first 30 days, it is important to remove plaster dust in a timely manner by brushing and to stabilize water chemistry in the pool. Since chemicals can have a significant impact upon the life of your plaster it is suggested that only persons trained in this area introduce chemicals to the pool. A Pebble Tec/Sheen pool is generally easier to achieve a balance in water chemistry than a pool that has been replastered.

A replastered pool must be brushed at least twice per day until there is no longer visible plaster dust churned up by the brushing. Inadequate brushing may result in the plaster dust becoming permanently affixed to the surface of the pool. Pebble Tec/Sheen pools require limited brushing.

Start the pool equipment once the pool has been filled. Run the filter 18 hours per day for at least a week subsequent to plaster. Make sure that there is main drain suction to filter the dust from suspension in the water. Monitor filter pressure as the filter may need cleaning during this period due to the accumulation of plaster dust. The filter can be set for normal operation with a Pebble Tec/Sheen pool.

Do not swim in the pool until there is no longer evidence of plaster dust in the water and chemicals have been balanced.

Do not use the pool sweep cleaner for at least ten days subsequent to the application of plaster or Pebble Tec/Sheen.

Do not turn on the heater for at least ten days and longer if the pool is not in chemical balance.

On‑going maintenance

Once your newly remodeled pool has been chemically balanced and all plaster dust has been filtered out, you will want to establish a routine maintenance schedule to thoroughly enjoy your pool and protect your investment.

Since Adams does not provide pool maintenance services, once the pool remodel is complete and the pool has started to be filled with water, you can either maintain the pool yourself or contract with a pool service professional. It is very important that the pool chemicals be closely monitored to maintain the proper chlorine, acid, and pH levels. Your heater, solar water heating system, cleaner, and filtering system should also be checked and maintained throughout the year.