PRE-CONSTRUCTION
CONSIDERATIONS
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.
Our intention in listing the above is to provide you
with a checklist of items that are sometimes overlooked
when a pool renovation is contemplated. Your Adams area
manager will be happy to discuss further with you any
pool upgrades you may be considering.
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.
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Pools 2008 | www.adamspools.com 
