I’ve been thinking about building a pool. What are the basic considerations? City/Town/Village ordinances affect placement in relation to lot line setbacks. We’ll help you determine the best size and location for your circumstances. Utility lines will need to be marked to see if they are clear of the area you would like to build. Check your survey to see if there are utility or drainage easements on your property. If you do not have a survey map, check with your City/Town or Village for that information. Trees or other obstacles will 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. It’s a good idea to check your home owners insurance to inquire if there are any changes needed to your policy. For the finished product, you will also want to consider lighting and landscaping. Farwell Pools staff can help you with all the above requirements.
Should I invest in building a pool? It boils down to how you want to live. Pools can 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. With your own personal pool, 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 enjoy it whenever you want.
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. A chart outlining the differences among above-ground, concrete, fiberglass shell, polymer/vinyl-lined, and steel-walled/vinyl-lined pools will be coming soon!
Do Farwell’s pools have restrictions on shape, size and depth? Steel and polymer walls can be arranged to achieve most any shape, size or depth. In our Northern climate, rectangular pools are popular for the ease of covering a pool when not in use. This is true whether electing for an automatic cover or a solar blanket with reel. Having an uncovered swimming pool is like going back 25 years in time to when pools were expensive to heat and required lots of cleaning. Visit the Farwell Pools store to get the facts about how modern day pool modifications will decrease the amount of time needed to maintain your pool and what modern techniques are used to increase energy efficiency.
How long does it take to install a pool? Plan for 10 business days of good weather to excavate, install walls, pour concrete, install vinyl liner and add water. Longer build times will be required if retaining walls or other landscape features are wanted.
How will a pool affect my water bill? Each new season requires only enough new water to refresh the pool. During the season, small amounts of water are lost through splash out, backwash, evaporation if left uncovered, and the lowering of the water level upon winter closing. A vinyl-lined pool is never drained completely when winterizing the pool.
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 feeds chlorine product into 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, it can be reused to make more chlorine as needed. A salt system regenerates chlorine on its own, saving time and money. 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.
What do I need to know about pool covers? Solar Covers keep the heat in and prevent evaporated water from escaping an unused pool or spa during the swimming season. A reel is used to move the cover over the pool to make operating of the cover easier. Tarp or Solid 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. However, this cover is more difficult to cover or remove from the pool. Safety Mesh 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. Standard Mesh will allow some silt, fine dirt, and some light through. The Smart Mesh, on the other hand, will filter out fine particles and prevent light from coming through. 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. For a closer look at these four types covers, please click here.
When 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 often 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!
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, adjusting necessary chemicals, vacuuming the pool and checking 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.
How does Farwell define quality in pool building? Because we’ve been building pools for nearly 50 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: Polymer structural pool walls. NOTE: Not all Polymer walls have the same quality/durability. Latham Polymer has been in use for over 25 years in North America’s toughest climate. Clean Sand or Gravel Backfill for good drainage and frost protection. Two Main Drains to promote water circulation, decreasing the need to vacuum, and safety. Skimmers and Return Lines in Two Separate Locations for the best circulation of clean filtered water and 2″ plumbing throughout circulation system for premium performance. 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 specify equipment to provide the most efficient operation to save the most money on your monthly energy bill.
If I move, how does a pool affect my home’s resale value? 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. Please use our Contact Us Form to schedule an inspection or estimate now!
If you have any questions that were not answered here, email us!