Shopping For An Inground Pool? Here Is A Starter Checklist . . .
As one of the inground sales specialists here at Eastgate Pools & Spas I have found myself in a lot of backyards checking the lay of the land to see if we can install an inground pool. Most people are exploring the option for the first time and I thought maybe I would offer a few pointers to consider before you do too much homework.
- What does the city, county, or homeowner’s association say? There are specific setback requirements in most areas, fencing requirements, and other rules of thumb unique to just about every county, city, and township. Familiarizing yourself with these details will give you a better picture of just what is possible in your yard.
- So just how do we get to that backyard? In order for us to get everything in and out to complete an installation project we need at least 10 feet of level pathway. That clearance will cover all equipment. If can only get the backhoe in that is okay, but we will still need 8 feet for that. The other thing to consider is that full size loads of gravel and concrete are too heavy to cross a driveway, so it is best to have an alternate path.
- Nearly every yard can accommodate a pool, but yards with dramatic slopes can require retaining structures to ensure the pool stays right where it was put. I can assure you that if we advise such structures the long-term integrity of the pool is our primary concern.
- Don’t forget about utilities. Please be aware of overhead and underground power lines, gas lines, easements for sewer lines, septic tanks, and leech lines. All of these can be factors that can impact where the pool can go, and also influence the actual size possible. Most of the details can be found on your housing plot plan or through your state’s call before you dig hotline.
These are just a few things to consider before beginning the pool process. While you are at it take a look around our website and the Legacy Edition Pools website. I’m always happy to take a look at any yard and answer any questions you might have, but checking some of these details beforehand can save you some valuable time.
Water Test Center Under New Management
For those of you who don’t know yet, Chet the water test manager here has decided to retire and has since moved out of the area. Rest easy however as we are still doing professional water tests and will be more than happy to give our expert diagnostic help. With the vast amount of experience we have here we are still fully equipped to meet your every water test need. Remember to stop in during the spring and get your water chemistry balanced early in the year to allow for a hassle free pool season.
Vinyl Liner Versus Fiberglass
Here at Eastgate Pools & Spas we have been installing the Legacy Edition by Imperial Pools as our only option for an inground swimming pool since 1981. With over 3000 pools installed and no warranty claims on a pool wall we just don’t see any reason to mess with a good thing. That said we have an increasing number of potential customers that are looking at one-piece fiberglass pools vs. our vinyl-lined pool product. I just thought I would offer a quick insight into why we continue to offer the product we do, and why we have opted to stay out of the fiberglass market.
To put it simply, we don’t offer fiberglass pools because this just isn’t the right part of the country. If you travel to Florida, California, or any other state with a high sand content to the soil you will certainly see more fiberglass than vinyl pools. Well the opposite is true here in the Midwest because the heavy clay content of our soil, and the freeze/thaw climate make it the more appropriate and safer choice. The bottom of our pools have a solid yet porous base, which will allow in the worst conditions for water to “float” the liner. This defense mechanism ensures the pool structure is unharmed. With a fiberglass pool a similar situation would likely result in cracking or heaving of the pool out of the ground. Keep in mind, these are rare occurrences, but that is why we have chosen to stay with a proven commodity for this region. Each of these product options has advantages, but in our neck of the woods we believe in the benefits of the vinyl-lined pool. Over 3000 success stories can’t be wrong.
Hello. My name is Drew Chandler, and I am the Inground Pool Coordinator for Eastgate Pools. When you purchase an inground pool, I will be your primary contact throughout the construction process, which means that you will benefit from both my experience and expertise in pool construction, so anytime you have a question or concern, I am the person who can address it. My primary concern is the structural integrity of your pool, and this quite literally begins with a good foundation. I will therefore meet with you prior to starting your job to review the process, learn your wishes and assess the specific requirements of your yard. Once underway, you will see me frequently on your project and may rely on me to schedule and coordinate all of Eastgate Pools’ crews and materials. Upon completion, I will meet with you to review the operation and maintenance of your new pool, and afterwards should questions arise, I am happy to assist. I understand that an inground pool is one of the largest purchases you are likely to make, and I hope you’ll consider me your partner in the endeavor to make sure it is a successful one.
Think Spring
I know Spring is right around the corner. At least I keep telling
myself this every time the Weather Channel mentions the chance of more
snow.
I’ve decided to “think Spring” and start planning on what new patio
furniture will replace what I have now.
I will start seeing many of the new styles and colors coming to the
floor within the next couple of weeks. Just in case I don’t see the
one that is just right for me, I also have the option of choosing
from several outstanding manufacturers. Each of them have several
styles and lots of different fabric selections and best of all I will
have plenty of time to order and have my new furniture at my home in
time for the warmer weather.
My children also are really excited about my new purchase because
they will inherit my 10 year old Telescope furniture It is still in
great condition after all that time. Turns out it is a win-win
situation.
Feel The Heat!
I don’t know what my problem is, but I can’t seem to ever get warm in the wintertime. Long johns, three pairs of socks, gloves, scarves, fleece jackets, coats…you name it, I probably wear it…and I’m probably still cold. I really with that we had a policy here at work that allowed me to use some of our products while I’m working. I’m surrounded by things that could warm me up during the cold winter months…or chilly fall and spring days…or cool summer nights. What can I say, I must have poor circulation. Our spas always look so enticing. Not only would the warm water keep the chill off, but the various jets would give me a nice therapeutic massage. Man, that sounds perfect right about now. Or if I didn’t want to get wet, I could warm up and detoxify in one of our infrared saunas. A nice gentle warming would give me a lot more energy. Maybe I want to warm up and look a little better too. I could lay in one of our tanning beds for a few minutes to warm up AND get a little summer glow. I’m already sick of having pasty white legs. Those all sound great to me. Sometimes, though, I want to stay bundled up, but also have some extra heat in the room I’m in. That is when our Eden Pure Quartz room heater comes into play. I can actually use this one while I’m working too! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stood by it to get some warmth after or front door slides open and introduces a new puff of cold air. This heater is great on your energy bill, and the thermostat does a great job regulating the heat in the room. Just ask the guys in the service department here. Their office in the warehouse stays nice and toasty because of this heater (and the boss man doesn’t mind what it does to the electric bill…if he even notices at all).
Come to think of it…maybe I’ll buy some of these products for my own home. Okay, time to go do some jumping jacks to get my blood moving!
The Great Showroom Switch
It’s getting to be that time of year again. 2010 Casual Furniture is starting arrive, and space is limited. With that being said this is a fantastic time of year for those of you that are looking for game tables, poker tables, bars, or billiard tables. There is a premium on space which translates to great savings demo items. I know there are people out there that may look down on demos because they may have a blemish on the surface. Myself personally I am not one of those people, having 2 children I fully realize that if there is not a blemish on it now there will be one soon after it arrives at my house. I encourage those of you that may be looking for these items, and as most of us are wanting to get them for a steal of a price to stop in. Keep in mind these are demos and once they are gone they are gone.
Eastgate Alumni
Recently, I reflected in a blog how 2009 marked my 25th year with Eastgate Pools & Spas. Over these years, I have had quite a few co-workers. Don’t get me wrong, at Eastgate we have a very large core of employees with lots of years of service, but in these 25 years we have had lots of young people that have used Eastgate Pools as a learning and earning tool on their way to other careers. Just a quick search of my mind and I can think of a chiropractor, a lawyer, a pharmacist, a couple of engineers, a couple of accountants, a teacher, a couple of nurses to be, and more that have made Eastgate Pools a part of their growing up. Like any good relationship, Eastgate has given to these young people from the surrounding community, but has also reaped many benefits in return. What a pleasure it is when these young people return to visit with us and reminisce about the time they spent in the pool business. All of this just proves once again how important local businesses are to a community and how important the community is to a local business.
It Almost Here
Don’t look at the thermometer, or the weather forecast, but check out the calender. The Groundhog says that spring 6 weeks away, and now is the time to plan for spring projects. One question that we hear quite a bit referring to spas is questions about the deck, and how strong it has to be to support a spa. Standard 2″x8″ joists set at 16″ on center is generally acceptable for most spas. Make sure to check with the salesperson that the spa you are looking at is a fully framed system. With a fully framed spa the weight is distributed evenly throughout the entire footprint of the spa, much like a waterbed frame. If however this is not the case and the spa is not fully framed there will need to be special accommodations made to carry the weight of the spa, as the bulk of the weight will be located in the footwell area of the spa. Make sure to check with a spa salesperson prior to construction of a deck, or running electric as different manufacturers have different wiring requirements. It is much better, and less expensive, to have the information in front of you prior to construction as opposed to having to undo and redo what has been done.
Valentine’s Day
I was sitting at home the other evening wondering what a woman might like for Valentines Day, and I came up with a few ideas. Since I am a very thrifty person my thoughts drifted to some items here in the store. If you have a hot tub at home your wife or girlfriend would most definitely enjoy some of our wonderful spa scents. You could also pick up a decorative wine bottle holder that you could place her favorite vintage of wine. If you don’t have a color changing light in your hot tub you could always add one on and it would only a few minutes to install. Throw in some flowers and a little Marvin Gaye and I can almost guarantee your Valentines Day will be one that both of you will remember for years to come.
- Thomas
UGH Get Off Of Me!
This is what your spa cover is saying after the last round of snow and ice. The beauty of a spa cover is that it is a great insulator, and like the failed McDLT sandwich it keeps the hot side hot and the cold side cold. The problem with this is that it allows snow to build up on the cover, and by the snow building the weight also builds. At my house I only got about 4 inches of snow, but also a 1/4″ of ice first. The weight of the ice and wet snow puts a tremendous strain on the spa cover, and can cause serious damage. I wish that I didn’t have to write this, but we do live in Cincinnati and volatile weather is a fact of life. Long and short is this any snowfall, especially wet snow, puts weight on a cover and can cause damage and there is only one way to prevent damage-Remove the snow as soon as you are able.
Congradulations To The New Orleans Saints
There have been few teams in NFL history that have been so proficient at losing football games as the Saints, and what they have accomplished is beyond hope for many of their fans. I will say I was not rooting for the Saints or the Colts for that matter, but the magnitude of their win does hit close to home. I was holding out until the very last second of the game that the NFL might break in, stop the broadcast, and say that every team except one who made the playoffs would be disqualified due to rules violations. It obviously didn’t happen but I always hold out hope that my team, the Bengals, would have won by default due to the dirty play of the rest of the teams in the league. When they speak of losing teams of the last twenty years the Bengals always seem to pop up in the discussion. I know how the Saints fans felt as far as never knowing the taste of ultimate victory but I would never speak ill of the team or wear a bag over my head with Aints written across the front. I know it is not the best recipe for success to blindly support your team without voicing opinions when things are going poorly, but I always hold out like the Saints fans that we are going to win it next year. That being said, I will see all of the other Bengal fans in Dallas next year when we bring the trophy home to Cincinnati. – Thomas
Thomas
Superbowl And Commercials Go Hand-in-hand
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As I was sitting with friends and family watching the Colts blow a 10 point lead and laughing at some (not all) of the commercials, I started to think about Eastgate Pools and Spas commercials. Did you know we advertise with Channel 12, WKRC?? We run anywhere from 30 second ads to 60 second ads. Keep your eye open the next time you watch a program on local 12 because you may want to take advantage of the great deals we have on Game Tables, Pool Tables, Bars and more. You might even be lucky to have Max (the guy on TV), wait on you!! Keeps your eyes and ears open and you might find a deal you can’t pass up.
Tim
Come See Us At The Northern Kentucky Home & Remodeling Showcase!
February 5-7 at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington Kentucky. Our resident in-ground expert, Craig Weaver, will be there to discuss new pool construction. He will also be happy to help you with any questions you might have about an existing pool or spa.
Northern Kentucky has always been a great market for Eastgate Pools & Spas and we are thrilled to set up house for a weekend at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center.
Craig has six FREE entry tickets for the first three couples to stop in at the store and ask for them. (Limit 2 free tickets per couple). First come-first serve.
Liner Rehangs
Never to early to start thinking about putting a new Inground Liner in. We are taking deposits for next year. Why not get a jump on everyone else and get that early install date you were looking for. Maybe you were putting it off because you were trying to get one more year out of the patched liner or it is faded so much that you do not recognize the color anymore. Let Eastgate Pools and Spas bring your pool back to life. You will love the NEW look it gives your pool. Stop in to see our great selection of liners and while you are looking we can give you a quote as well. We are you Liner Replacement experts!! – Service