POOL & SPA – NEW CONSTRUCTION
Here’s what you need to know before you hire a pool contractor! Atlas Pools, Inc. encourages our customers to make an informed decision in choosing the pool contractor best suited to construct and warranty their backyard project. We recommend that all of our potential clients have the answers to the following simple yet critical questions before signing a contract with any swimming pool contractor:
- Is the Contractor in “Good Standing” with Suppliers and Subcontractors? Upon request, we will be happy to provide current letters of good standing from our major suppliers and subcontractors.
- Will the Contractor provide Releases of Lien? Atlas Pools, Inc. provides a Release of Lien after each progress payment is received during construction. We will also provide lien releases from our subcontractors if requested.
- Does the Contractor have the proper license to build a swimming pool. Is that license in good standing with the Contractor’s State License Board? One of the first steps in investigating a contractor is to check out the pool company’s license. Do they have a C-53 License? Atlas Pools, Inc. has a valid C-53 license. We are a corporation, fully licensed, bonded, insured and we are proud of the fact that we have never had a mark against our license. You can verify our license at: www.cslb.ca.gov/consumers
- Will the Contractor be here next year? Atlas Pools, Inc. has been in business for over 15 years and is a debt-free corporation with no history of bankruptcy, nor any judgments against us.
- Does the Contractor provide referrals? Atlas Pools, Inc. provides our clients with an extensive list of referrals complete with contact information. This information is provided with each proposal. We recommend calling at least three references to check our past work. The majority of our business has been through referrals from satisfied clients and we are proud of our reputation in our community.
- Does the Contractor have Insurance? Atlas Pools, Inc., upon request, will provide a copy of our Certificate of Liability Insurance and Workers Compensation Insurance. We carry a $2,000,000 per occurrence Liability Insurance Policy.
- Is the Contract and Payment Schedule “Fair”? Atlas Pools, Inc. will provide a detailed payment schedule with each project commensurate with progress that complies with all State and Federal Laws concerning payment. A typical payment schedule will reflect 10% down at the time of signing, with payments spread over the remainder of the project, and final payments posted at the time of completion.
New Pool Warranty – We warranty all our own work. We’ve been in business since 1996 and stand behind our work. View our Warranty Certificate Sample for more information.
Here’s What You Can Expect – While every custom pool project is unique, the design and building process generally remains the same. Here’s what to expect after you contact Atlas Pools, Inc. :
- Design – We can refer you to an excellent designer who will gather information about what you want to accomplish. What do you want the space to look like? How will the pool be used? Your yard will be measured and the path of the sun will be noted. They will make sure that you understand all available options. They will incorporate your dreams and your vision into an elegant and functional backyard oasis. Within a short time, your custom design will be completed and ready for review. Using 3D modeling design software, you’ll actually be able to see what your new pool will look like in amazing detail. You’ll also be able to discuss modifications and decide on further options and features, including the best equipment for how you intend to use your pool. These will then be incorporated into the plans.
- Permitting – Obtaining a pool permit is required to begin construction. Permits are governed and issued by the jurisdiction in which you live. We’ll secure an official permit for you.
- Layout & Excavation – The shape and position of your pool will be outlined by our Technician using spray paint. At this point, you can physically see where things will be located in your back yard and you will still be able to make any changes desired. Once approved, this outline will serve as a guide for excavation and you will see your pool begin to quickly take shape.
- Plumbing & Steel – We’ll use high grade schedule 40 PVC piping to plumb your motor, pump, cleaning system and water features. Your new pool will get a skeleton grid of steel that is contoured to the shape of your pool. At this time, your pool will require its first city inspection.
- Electrical – All electrical work for your project is in accordance with National Electrical Code.
- Shotcrete – This is the structural shell of your pool and is a mixture of sand, rock, cement, water with a fibermix additive for extra strength. This advanced formula is shot from a hose onto the steel grid by an experienced shotcrete crew to provide a tough, durable shell.
- Water Features, Boulders & Decking – Waterfalls, sheer descents and boulders will be added in this phase. A minimum of 2-foot wide decking with coping will be formed around the perimeter of your pool. The use of natural and/or manmade rock can have a dramatic effect on your swimming pool design. From natural stone veneers on a raised wall or deck to dramatic boulders flanking a pool or defining a waterfall, the use of rock helps to create the kind of serene and breathtaking atmosphere you’d find in nature .
- For more information on water features
- For more information on boulders, rock features
- For more information on decking
- Miscellaneous Features – Other features such as outdoor living and kitchen/dining areas, built-in barbeques and firepits, fireplaces, custom walls, etc… will be built or installed next.
- Tile – Atlas Pools, Inc. is proud to offer a fantastic variety of pool tiles in various shapes, sizes, textures and colors. Please feel free to visit the design center at our store where you can select from glazed ceramic tiles, glass mosaic tiles (including glow-in-the-dark) and popular stone-look tiles. They will be hand-laid and carefully grouted around the waterline of your pool. We can also place accent tiles on steps, benches and baja shelves for added interest and beauty.
- Deck – It usually takes two weeks to prepare the surface to receive your decking and one week to install. At this time your project will receive another inspection. Pool decking can be done in a variety of materials that will both frame your pool and enhance the beauty of your backyard. There are many choices in materials, textures, colors and patterns. Once formed, we will get your approval of the lay-out and schedule an inspection prior to the decking installation.
- Interior Surfacing – Once your pool passes your city’s building inspection, the surfacing crew will apply the pool interior of your choice – plaster, quartz, pebble tec or glass tile. This is another opportunity to customize your pool by choosing the color.
After installation is completed, we start to fill your pool.
- Equipment – Next we install your pool equipment. We offer various choices in pool equipment from standard to environmentally friendly to complete automation. Your project manager already will have discussed the options with you in the beginning phase of project design based on space, efficiency, and technology. Additional options such as gates, fences, or alarms will be installed and your project will go through another inspection.
- Start Up – Our technician will apply a protective UV coating on all exposed plumbing, finish the installation of your pool’s cleaning system and label all your pool equipment. After balancing the pool’s water chemistry, he will start up your new pool and assure everything is running properly.
- Orientation – Lastly, our orientation specialist will visit your home and instruct you with the operation of your new pool and equipment. Systems may be custom programmed at this time to your specifications.
- Now jump in and enjoy!
Check out our resources page for tips to cut energy costs, keep algae out of your pool water, spot leaks, pool safety and links to our supplier webpages for information on pool tile, equipment, paving…