In Ground Pool FAQs - Nationwide Pool Builders

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FAQs

Concrete Pools
One of the great advantages of building a concrete pool is the shapes and sizes are limitless. We can design pools that are custom-built to fit your lifestyle—from larger styles to smaller styles and everything in between.
Yes. The custom design options for your concrete pool are endless. Features include swim-up bars, vanishing edges, raised spas, tanning ledges, bench seating, cozy corners and much more. If you have a vision for your backyard oasis, our expert design consultants can make it come to life.
Yes. A concrete pool is built with an engineered plan using a network of reinforced steel rods, called rebar. This holds the shape of the pool and helps maintain its strength. Once the concrete is applied, the rebar is embedded into the new shell. Finally, a waterproof interior finish application is added for durability.
There are many options for the interior color of a concrete pool. Everything from varying shades of blue and green, to black or an iridescent pearl finish. These interior options are not only designed to look good, but are also easy to maintain.
Fiberglass Pools
As long as your fiberglass pool remains full of water, it will NEVER pop out of the ground.
Although concrete sounds like it might be stronger, and some people have tried to perpetuate the myth that "fiberglass is 17 times stronger," the truth is that they're both equally strong.
Homeowners may save some money each month on their Fiberglass Pool maintenance versus other types of pools because of their smooth algae-resistant surface. Fiberglass pools are typically smaller and hold fewer gallons of water, as well.
One advantage is that algae will not grow on the surfaces like that of a vinyl pool. The surface is also gentler on your feet and hands.
Absolutely! Salt water swimming pools have become increasingly popular. A fiberglass pools surface is impervious to some of the normal chemical imbalances a backyard pool might experience and salt water chlorination will not harm the surface in any way.
Trilogy fiberglass pools come with a lifetime structural warranty.
Our exclusive Solid Surface finish can be repaired easily and the repairs are just as strong as the original. Also, most repairs are of a cosmetic nature and not of a structural nature. These repairs can often be performed underwater.
We are limited by our molds; however Trilogy’s exclusive Fusion line allows for a multitude of options and configurations which you should discuss with your Design Consultant. You can see the wide variety of fiberglass pool configuration options available here.
Our exclusive solidsurface pool and spa finishes provide stunning visual texture with a smooth and maintenance-free surface. Besides white gel-coat, we offer 6 exclusive different-colored Solid Surface finishes in our fiberglass pools, which you can see here.
Anthony & Sylvan Pools has more exclusive options than any other builder. Options include LED lighting, cascades, perimeter tile, steps, seats and skimmers, inlayed mosaics, inlayed tile on steps and seats, and the Fusion line of Spa and Tanning ledges with built-in bubblers.
The pool must meet specific guidelines, and we do have a fiberglass model which exceeds the guidelines, so be sure to ask your Design Consultant or click here to see the Genesis Diving Pool.
One of the easiest facelifts that a homeowner can do is to replace the perimeter tile and or add brick or stone coping. This can easily be done by one of our trained professionals. Please contact one of our Design Consultants to discuss your options further.
Yes. Not only do our fiberglass pools use less chemicals and energy to run, but they also never need to have a liner replaced, resulting in less waste in our landfills.
Pool Cost
Most of these “fantastic deals” are nothing more than bait-and-switch to get you to call. Or they use low quality equipment and materials and cut corners on workmanship to achieve these low prices. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.When looking to build your in-ground pool, you need to ensure that you’re comparing apples to apples. All the estimates should include the same equipment, same volume of water and the same features and accessories. You don't want to be surprised by hidden costs when you purchase your pool. Most importantly, pay attention to who’s going to do the work!Remember that your new pool should be built to last a lifetime.Working with a reputable pool builder who guarantees their craftsmanship is the key. Anthony & Sylvan Pools stands behind our work 100%. Our standards are above "industry standards," regardless of the price of your pool. With over 75 years in business and more than 370,000 pools under our belt, we will make sure you understand what you are getting and build your pool to your exacting specifications.Your Anthony & Sylvan design consultant will help you determine a budget and secure financing that works for you. We will design your swimming pool to fit within the financial parameters you set, and we will give you quality and beauty you can depend on.
An Anthony & Sylvan design consultant will give you a good understanding of all costs associated with building and owning an in-ground pool. They will also help you understand how the cost will be affected by the materials, water features, equipment and overall size of the pool area.Standard pricing will also vary based on ease of access, municipal requirements, backyard topography, possible demolition needs prior to building the pool and local permit costs. Much of the initial expense will be based on what is called the "hardscape". Hardscape is what is placed around the pool. The size and materials used in decks, patios, waterfalls, gazebos, planter walls and many other features can be simple or sensational. You have the greatest influence on the total budget based on the design of your hardscape.
The cost of a pool is determined by more than the size and shape of the pool. Some builders will cut corners on various aspects of the pool. Compromising on workmanship, quality of materials, design, underground strength, ease of maintenance, warranties, and service are easy places to lower your price—while lowering the quality of your investment at the same time! Be sure to get as much information as possible about how the pool will be built and exactly what equipment is being recommended. Also remember that Anthony & Sylvan never submits low estimates with the intent to increase prices during construction. Anthony & Sylvan estimates incorporate the highest quality materials, craftsmanship, design and customer service.
Anthony & Sylvan’s average estimates show utility bills range between $20 - $40 per month, depending on the area of the country where you live. Check with your local Anthony & Sylvan Design Consultant for more accurate figures.
Yard Size
Anthony & Sylvan can construct pools in all sizes and shapes to fit your yard or area. You will be surprised at how a limited backyard can inspire the most innovative pool design. Call us for a design consultation before giving up on that small yard or hillside location. Best of all, our in-ground pool and spa designs and estimates are free, and we’ll show you exactly what your new pool and/or spa will look like.
Advantages of Pool Ownership
Yes! The memories created by family and friends will stay with you for life. Just think of the improvement of your mental and physical well being by providing both stress relief and the perfect exercise solution. Even just sitting by your pool takes the stress away! And don’t forget the increase in property value. Having a pool is one of the most rewarding investments that you will ever make! After having owned their new Anthony & Sylvan Pool for the first summer, many of our customers remark how they should have “taken the plunge” sooner!
Yes it does, especially an Anthony & Sylvan pool. And the better you take care of the pool, and the more you decorate the pool area with landscaping and accessories, the closer you will get to 100%. It is not uncommon to see real estate ads for the sale of a home that has an Anthony & Sylvan Pool mentioned by name. So even realtors recognize the value behind the brand.
Choosing a Pool Company
This is probably the most important decision you will have to make during your pool purchase and building experience. Referrals can be the most valuable source of information. Ask for a list of customers that you can call and ask about their experience. If they had any problems, did the company take care of them?Check the contractors licensing information and insurance information. If the company is not licensed, there is not much sense in going any further. Ask if the company has changed names or ownership? Have they gone out of business and reopened under another name? How long has the company been in business?If possible, go and see some of the work that the builder has done in your area, and don’t limit it to installations that occurred this year, or last. Go see the work they did five or ten years ago.Make sure that they are a member of the APSP (Association of Pool and Spa Professionals), and of course, always check with the Better Business Bureau to ensure that any complaints filed were favorably resolved.
Because Anthony & Sylvan is one of the largest pool builders in America and has a huge reputation to uphold. With over 75 years of pool building under our belt, we know everything there is to know about building pools and spas. Our company spans 16 major markets and handles everything from the design to maintenance, as we have built over 370,000 pools with a total commitment to quality and value.
Swimming Pool Installation
From the day of the dig it should take about 4 - 8 weeks for a concrete pool and 14 days for a fiberglass one, depending on the size and complexity of the project and, of course, the weather. Remember though, from the day you sign the contract for your pool other things have to happen before the pool can be dug. Things like financing (if applicable), approval from your homeowners association, marking and finding utilities and pipes, and permits from the city or county. Permits can sometimes delay the start of the pool building process.Because each situation is different, it’s impossible to give a hard and fast time frame example. However, when the time comes, your Anthony & Sylvan Design Consultant will give you a time-frame specific to your pool and we will commit to do everything possible to reach our deadlines. We will advise you of any potential delays as soon as they occur and can advise you on how best to proceed based on the municiple codes in your area. What pool style/type is best for me?
Pool Style/Type
A Design Consultant from Anthony & Sylvan will meet with you to discuss what you want out of your pool. They will ask you how you intend to use your pool and will get an idea of how much area is available for the pool. Is exercise important? Will children use the pool? How many people do you envision will use the pool at the same time? Where will the pool look the best when viewed from the home? We will also create a computer model of your pool so you can see exactly how it will look when completed.A lot of your decisions will depend on the location of the pool, the design of your home and surrounding area, use of the pool and what you want to achieve for your backyard oasis. It’s important to remember that you are not just buying a pool. This is going to be a permanent addition to your home. Some customers want a water park in their backyard, a place where they will entertain, and aplace where children and grandchildren will meet and play. We can help you with these objectives by designing a pool just for you and your backyard.
Shape bears little effect on the final cost of the shell. The total surface area of the water and the perimeter of the pool are the two biggest factors in determining the cost.
Your choices are almost unlimited when it comes to shapes, custom features and design. Our expert design consultants will offer suggestions on the best way to utilize the size and shape of your yard. Wherever your imagination takes you, Anthony & Sylvan can design and build it.
Almost anything you can imagine! Our Anthony & Sylvan team can design and construct a pool that meets your wildest imagination. Technology changes at unbelievable speed in all phases of our lives and swimming pools are no exceptions.We are experts in designing and building all varieties of pools, spas and additional fun features such as waterfalls, rock features, tanning ledges, fountains, and grottos. Innovative water treatment options, fiber optic lighting, spa products, remote controls, automatic cleaning devices and many other options are also available to make your pool ownership easier and more enjoyable.
Pool Financing
It’s fairly easy to get financing. If you’re building a new home, it can be a part of your home loan. With an existing home, you can either take a regular loan for the pool, utilize an equity line of credit or get a second mortgage. In most cases, the interest from these loans will be tax deductible (consult your tax professional).Your new pool will add value to your home and will be a great asset to have. We will assist you in obtaining the financing through our network of finance sources. We can also put you in touch with AMS, one of our national financing resources, which has made the loan application process very easy and they provide special consideration to Anthony & Sylvan customers.
Pool Decking & Planters
We handle every aspect of the pool area except for installing the greenery. We will build the planters, waterfall or water features, and create a beautiful deck to complement the pool. Unlike other pool builders who leave you to ‘finish the pool’ with outside contractors, we do it all.Why do we do this? Because you need to plan in advance to install planters and decking so the weight of the feature can be supported by the underlying soil. If it’s a water feature like a waterfall, it will need to be plumbed into the system. Having other companies digging and adding new outlets and controls after the fact could cause damage to your pool.
Pool Construction Process
We will be with you every step of the way. Your Design Consultant is on task to make sure the pool gets built as ordered. When finished, we will show you how the mechanical end of the pool works. We can either set up a maintenance program for you or instruct you on maintaining the pool yourself.
Our prices are firm. The only way the price would go up or down is if you make changes to the specifications of the quote. For instance, adding a remote control system might be the kind of modification that would affect the cost if added after the fact.
Your Anthony & Sylvan Team will keep you up-to-date on day-to-day progress. There are a few factors that can change the schedule. For example, the weather, changes to the scope of the project, permit delays and similar instances can affect the pool build-out. The time frame can also be sped up by using our easy on-line payment option called iSwim™ that makes it simple and fast to make your payments.
Swimming pools are built in many steps that begin with the design process, encompass several steps of construction, and end with filling the pool with water. Building a concrete pool encompasses the following phases:
  • Design
  • The Site
  • Excavation
  • Reinforced Steel
  • Plumbing
  • Pneumatic Concrete Application
  • Tile & Coping
  • Electrical
  • Decking
  • Interior Finish
  • Getting Started
  • Let’s Go Swimming
The steps involved in building a fiberglass pool would vary slightly. Please discuss the differences with your Design Consultant.
Once a pool is completed and full of water, the startup procedures can take up to one week, but usually less.
There are only a few instances when you will need to be home during construction, such as the day the swimming pool is excavated and the day that the electrician and/or gas technicians arrive. If your presence is required at any other times, such as the final inspection if required, we will do our best to give you as much notice as possible.
Pool Maintenance
With time, even the best care will not prevent a pool from showing signs of age. If you are inclined to make basic repairs, be sure to check your manuals for information that may help you make them correctly. If you don’t think you can do it yourself, you should call an Anthony & Sylvan representative to assist you.If you choose to have Anthony & Sylvan service your pool, you have nothing to do! Our professional technicians will maintain your pool and its equipment on a weekly basis. They will also provide you with an evaluation of how your pool is doing and any possible future maintenance that might be needed.
Regular pool maintenance can take as little as 10 - 20 minutes per week.It’s that easy.With today’s pool technology, maintenance is simpler, safer and more cost-effective than ever before. You can automatically test the water, clean the pool, even heat and cool, and all you have to do is add chemicals if needed and brush the pool once a month during the season.You’ll find you will spend far more time swimming in your pool than monitoring it. Discuss how much or how little maintenance you want to do with your Anthony & Sylvan Design Consultant and they will make recommendations about which equipment choices are right for you. Or, in many locations, you can opt to have us service the pool for you so your maintenance time is zero!If you live in an area where the pool needs to be closed for the winter and opened in the spring, our service technicians can handle that for you as well.
Anthony & Sylvan provides each new pool customer with an interactive CD and printed manual on pool maintenance and safety guidelines. Keeping your pool clean can be made easier by following a regular schedule. If you decide to do it yourself, a good checklist to follow for regular pool care is:Use a leaf skimmer to help in removing floating debris or for picking up objects from the bottom. Clean the strainer baskets in the skimmer basket and pump. Clean the tile and walls; tile is best cleaned with a soft brush and a pool tile cleaner. Use a pool brush to brush the walls and the bottom of the pool. Vacuum the pool at least once a week, or let your automatic pool cleaner do it’s job. Test the water frequently and add chemicals to balance the water, if needed. If water turns cloudy, test for chemical balance. If necessary, backwash and service the filter. Keep the deck clean and clear of debris.
Absolutely. A good automatic pool cleaner will keep your pool free of debris. There will still be the need to brush the pool to release any dirt that might be clinging to the pool walls and floor, but your cleaning time will be significantly reduced.
No. Pools can handle cold temperatures better when partially filled with water as a buffer. A drained pool can also crack or pop out of the ground because of pressure from ground water. Your Anthony & Sylvan Pools representative can give you guidelines to follow if you must drain your pool, or they can come out and handle it for you.
If you close your pool, APSP recommends the following:
  • Get your water balanced properly to prevent stains, scaling and algae growth.
  • Put in an extra dose of sanitizer to help keep the pool clean and algae free.
  • Thoroughly clean and vacuum the pool.
  • Drain below the skimmer inlet lines or in heavy freeze areas, below the return lines and then plug the lines.
  • Close valves on the skimmer.
  • Make sure water does not accumulate and freeze in skimmers.
  • Clean and backwash the filter.
  • Drain all water in the heater, filter, pump and piping system.
  • Remove the pump motor and store in a dry place.
  • Turn off all power to the support equipment and remove fuses or turn the circuit breakers to OFF.
  • If you have a jump board, take it off and store it.
  • Cover the pool and plug all openings.
  • Store chemicals in a cool, dry and secure place away from children and pets.
For other guidelines, you can refer to your Anthony & Sylvan manual.
Treating the Pool
Pools should be disinfected continuously by a chemical which imparts a residual effect. Disinfectants, or sanitizers, destroy living microorganisms and bacteria, keeping the pool water safe. Chlorine is the most common type of disinfectant used in pools, but you don’t have to choose chlorine; there are many pool/spa disinfectants available.
Today there are several alternatives to chlorine. One is ozone – the use of an ozonator can dramatically reduce the use of chlorine in your swimming pool. A salt-chlorine generator is another option. You’ll never have to add chlorine again as the generator makes the chlorine for you, and the water will be balanced to a saline solution and is much easier on the eyes and hair.
Please stop by one of our Anthony & Sylvan Pools Retail locations with a water sample.

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