FAQs
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Basic considerations for building
I’ve been thinking about building a pool or spa. What are the basic considerations?
POOL: City ordinances or subdivision covenants affect placement in relation to neighboring properties. We’ll help you determine the best size and location for your circumstances. Utility lines and trees may need to be cleared from the excavation site, and you’ll want to assess your electrical service for handling additional pool equipment. Our construction equipment will require access to the site that may affect neighboring properties. Security measures are also required, usually via locked fencing or automatic cover. It’s a good idea to contact your homeowners insurance agent for any additional requirements or changes to your policy. For the finished product, you will also want to consider lighting and landscaping.
SPA: Select your location and determine what type of environment will surround it, such as wood or concrete decking, overhead structure or home remodel or addition. You may need to add electrical service or upgrade it to accommodate the spa. If you are installing an indoor spa, or a very large outdoor spa that might require use of neighboring property, identify a path for delivery.
Investment in lifestyle
Any thoughts on persuading my spouse to agree?
It boils down to how you want to live. Pools and spas bring significant value to your lifestyle in the way of family fun, parties, romance, exercise, stress relief, home beauty and a feeling of luxury. They are most definitely cheaper than buying and maintaining a cottage, they can be equivalent to a boat and related expenses and they beat out the price of a luxury car, considering your pool or spa will last longer and provide more enjoyment. With your own personal pool or spa, you don’t have to plan a weekend to use it, you don’t have to drive to it, and, within reason, you don’t have to base its use on the weather. You can jump in whenever you want.
Types of pools
What’s the practical difference between types of pool structures?
Cost, aesthetics, design options, maintenance concerns and compatibility with Wisconsin’s climate all play a role in the type of structure you’ll want. Click here for a chart outlining the differences among above-ground, concrete, fiberglass shell and steel-walled/vinyl-lined pools.
Shape, size, depth options
Do Farwell’s pools and spas have restrictions on shape, size and depth?
POOL: Steel walls can be arranged to achieve most any shape, size or depth.
SPA: Our Dynasty line offers a wide range of sizes for traditional spas seating up to six adults, while our swim spas range from 12 feet to nearly 18 feet long.
Hot tubs vs. spas
What is the difference between a hot tub and a spa?
In practical terms, not a thing. Hot tub is the original label, but the addition of massaging jets and a social preference for pampering have ushered in the new term, spa, which is used in most promotional references. It is perfectly acceptable to call them hot tubs, even with all of today’s added luxuries in them. Swim spas, on the other hand, serve a different purpose and should be called swim spas.
Building time
How long does it take to install a pool or spa?
POOL: Plan for 7 to 10 business days of good weather to excavate, install walls, pour concrete, install vinyl liner and add water.
SPA: After wiring is prepared (the customer’s responsibility), spas can be installed and running in the same day.
Water usage
How will a pool or spa affect my water bill?
POOL: Each new season requires only enough new water to refresh the pool. Water is lost through use and the lowering of the water level upon winter closing. The pool is never drained completely.
SPA: Spas use anywhere from 130 to 2,000 gallons and must be replaced on a regular basis.
Chemical systems vs. salt generators
What’s the difference between traditional chemical systems and salt generator systems?
First, it’s important to understand that both systems work with chlorine. The chemical system adds chlorine to the water while the salt system generates chlorine naturally. Just as salt produces soft water in your home, salt is softer on your skin, hair, eyes and swimsuit fabric while in the pool. What’s more, when chlorine breaks down into its components of sodium and chloride, a salt system regenerates chlorine on its own, saving time and money. Many people have a long-standing confidence in chemical chlorine, however. No matter which system Farwell builds for you, it is important to keep the pH levels balanced to avoid corrosion and scaling on filters and metal fixtures.
Pool covers
What do I need to know about pool covers?
- Solar covers keep heat and evaporated water from escaping an unused pool or spa during the swimming season. A reel is used to move the cover over the pool.
- Winter covers prevent leaves, dirt and debris from entering the pool over the winter months, reducing the amount of chemicals and cleaning required in the spring, at pool opening.
- Safety covers are custom-fit to your pool to prevent accidental submersion of people and pets. Our safety covers feature a strap-and-anchor system that allows for easy installation and removal.
- Automatic covers act as solar, winter and safety and covers all in one. In some cases, automatic covers, used diligently, negate the insurance requirement for locked fencing to enclose the pool.
Seasonal pool openings and closings
When I should I plan to open and close my pool?
Having a personal heated pool may extend your summer vacation by at least two months, weather permitting. While outdoor public pools are usually open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, you can be swimming comfortably in your back yard from mid-April into early October. The earlier you open your pool for the season, the better control you’ll have over water quality. Want to schedule now? Use our online form!
Maintenance considerations
What are the maintenance considerations for a Farwell pool?
Regardless of the type of pool or chlorination system you choose, you should plan about an hour or less each week for care of your pool, or Farwell can provide this service for a fee. Each week, routine maintenance includes checking water quality, adding necessary chemicals, vacuuming the pool and cleaning the filters and pumps. Seasonal maintenance includes opening/closing the pool per specifications and paying attention to any long-term concerns such as the condition of mechanicals and the vinyl liner, which is replaced every 12 to 15 years, on average.
Quality
How does Farwell define quality in pool building?
Because we’ve been building pools for 40 years, we know what works well and what doesn’t. In every pool we design, we go the extra mile to assure easy maintenance, lower operating costs and durability for the long life of your pool. For example, while other builders cut corners, we insist on the best:
- galvanized steel because it’s the toughest
- clean sand backfill for good drainage and frost protection
- two main drains to promote water circulation, decreasing the need to vacuum
- skimmers and return lines in two separate locations for the best circulation of clean filtered water
- premium concrete decking reinforced with steel rods
In addition, we use commercial pool standards to ensure that your equipment is sized right for you. Even though these stringent standards are not mandated for backyard pools, we aim to meet or exceed them. We won’t “up sell” you on equipment that simply results in higher energy bills and inefficient system operation.
Spa portability
If I move, can I take my spa with me?
Usually yes, but it depends on how the spa is integrated into the home. Removing it might require repairs and negotiations with the buyer of your home.
Property values
If I move, how does a pool or spa affect my home’s resale value?
Spas and in-ground pools, along with their environments, add to your home’s beauty and value. According to an article in Pool and Spa News, a National Association of Realtors study shows that property values rise 8% to 15% with these amenities and that, increasingly, adults and families are looking for homes with pools. In the event you are selling your home, you or potential buyers might like to schedule a pool inspection to assess the condition of your pool or take advantage of free estimates on upgrades and makeovers.