Coming Soon to a Town Near You!!

Coming Soon to a Town Near You!!

So far this spring, Expert Pool Builders has installed pools in the following cities:

• Vernon Hills
• Plainfield
• Minooka
• Elmwood Park
• Elgin

Why should you wait to purchase a pool until it's too late to take advantage of the summer?

Benefits of ordering now:

• The sooner you order the sooner you can have your pool installed!
• As the summer heats up so does our installation schedule! Order now to ensure a fast turn-around!

Come visit our upcoming installations in:

• Channahon
• Lemont
• Glenview
• Lagrange
• Bolingbrook
• Northbrook
• Yorkville
• Bartlett
• Elmhurst
• Wilmette

You are always welcome to stop by and visit us during any part of the installation process. If you have any interest in visiting one of our upcoming installation locations, please email us at greg@expertpoolbuilders.com or call 312-515-4172 for up- to- date installation information!

Backyard Pools!

Backyard Pools

For children there is nothing quite like heading out to the backyard pool on a hot day and impressing friends and family members with a series of cannonballs, jack-knifes, and can openers. The joy derived from a pool is not limited to kids, though. Pools provide a great source of exercise for those looking to drop a few pounds, and they are perfect for anyone who wants to spend a little time in the sun during peak tanning hours.

In most Southern states like North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Texas concrete pools dominate backyards. People do not have to worry about cracks forming due to long, cold winters. However, in places like Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, Kentucky, Missouri, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin concrete pools generally are not strong enough to make it through the cold weather changes. Anyone who wants a backyard pool that is going to last in the harsh weather can really only rely on fiberglass pools that are built to flex with the ground movement.

Benefits of Backyard Fiberglass Pools

At Expert Pools, we are aware of the fact that not every fiberglass pool or spa is exactly the same. That is why we employ the latest technology and use only the finest materials in our designs. We have developed a distinctive fiberglass composite that features a ceramic layer between the vinyl ester and polyester resin layers. This ceramic interior makes the pool stronger and it waterproofs the pool's finish.

Technology is not the only thing that separates us from other fiberglass pool distributors. We are the number-one ranked builder of in-ground pools in the area, our work has been featured on the hit TV show Extreme Home Makeover, and our stock of one-piece fiberglass pools is unmatched. We are also willing to take the time to see that a customer gets exactly what he is looking for when purchasing a pool. For instance, if you can't visualize what a pool will look like in your backyard, we can stop by with a full-sized, fabric template that will give you a better picture. We also offer three dimensional design for no additional charge.

Covering All Your Bases

Covering All Bases

Industry veterans offer tips for ensuring a perfect automatic-cover installation.

Installing automatic pool covers requires a team effort, with the builder and subcontractors playing important roles.

“The pool cover installer should make sure they’re coordinating with whoever is building the pool,” says Mark Sheinman, president of Pennco Automatic Pool Covers in Havertown, Pa. “You need to make sure everyone’s on the same page.”

Here, specialists explain how all parties can contribute to a long-lasting automatic cover.

BUILDERS:

• Make everything square and follow the specifications.

The most important part of the automatic-cover installation rests in the pool builder’s hands. Unfortunately, it’s also where most mistakes are made.

“Most covers will work well for the first couple years, but after that, you’ll start to see issues if the pool is out of square or not constructed correctly,” Sheinman says. “The customer starts having little problems like, ‘It was out of alignment today,’ or, ‘It didn’t close evenly.’ You just won’t have consistency in operation.”

For the cover to glide smoothly through narrow tracks, several elements must be precisely aligned. To make this happen, builders need only to take a little extra time to make sure the pool is level, plumb and square — and built to the planned specifications.

And remember: No improvising on the job. If the pool plans need to change, coordinate with the cover installer so everyone is up to speed.

• Set up proper drainage.

Even the newest hydraulic cover systems and waterproof motors are not meant to sit submerged in water, but that’s exactly what will happen if the cover mechanism box floods out due to rain, pool overflow or ground water.

Some cover installers prefer when pool builders drain the cover box to daylight, with the pipes gradually sloping until they empty out to daylight at a lower level. This usually requires a gradual slope in the yard, but on flat sites, the pool sometimes can be slightly raised to create enough of an elevation differential.

“Then there’s very little to no chance that the mechanism enclosure could flood or clog up,” Sheinman says. “It’s the least expensive method, and extremely effective.”

On sites that won’t accommodate this scheme, there are other options. Some like to send the drainage to the sewer. Before doing this, make sure it is permitted by local code.

Another possibility is to dig a dry well with crushed stone on the bottom. However, be aware that dry wells probably will require some maintenance. For instance, when the soil doesn’t drain properly, it can get backed up and flood out the mechanism enclosure.

Some builders don’t like to tie this system in with the deck or backwash plumbing. If the other systems back up, they say, gravity will send water right into the lower-sitting cover box.

As with pools, larger pipe is generally better when plumbing a drain. Sheinman prefers 4-inch plumbing, so that leaves and other debris can move more freely. Three inches is just adequate, he says. If you go with 2-inch plumbing, though, the drain may have to be snaked more often than the homeowner likes.

In addition, use sweep 90s rather than hard corners — these make it easier to get a sewer snake through for unclogging.

Drains can be placed throughout the box, as you would on a deck. However, many
installers recommend placing them on the ends of the mechanism enclosure, so they’re more accessible to service techs for cleaning.

• Make stone lids service-friendly.

Builders often choose to integrate their cover boxes with the deck by covering them with stone or a cementitious material.

That’s forward-thinking in terms of design. But consider how this will affect service down the road. A single technician can only lift so much, which is why Nikk White recommends breaking the lid up into sections that max out at 50 pounds.

“If it weighs 75 pounds and you have to drag it off and pinch your fingers, [service techs] are going to ignore it and not do it,” says the service manager of Cascade Pools in Lake Oswego, Ore.

If possible, he may use hollow artificial rock to make for a lighter product.

When using a natural, flat material such as flagstone, keep the joints between the sections separated — do not grout them together.

“You have to break the grout to get the lid off,” White says. “Some masons say, ‘It’s silicone.’ But you still have to cut it, and then it’s going to look like heck. It’d be better not to put anything in there in the beginning.”

• Provide proper support for deck-mounted installations.

These applications — where tracks are placed on the deck to cover a freeform pool — will only work on a stable surface. Otherwise, the deck won’t properly hold the tracks.

Pavers that sit directly under the tracks or other cover components should not simply be installed on a sand bed.

“It’s important to either set the pavers in concrete, or have concrete between them to lock them into place,” Sheinman says. “When you do, you have a good, permanent foundation that’s not going to move over time. Otherwise, you’re going to have problems long-term with the installation.”

Source: Rebecca Robledo- Pool and Spa News | 3.27.2009

Shop Early and Swim Early

Shop Early/ Swim Early

When can I expect to have my new swimming pool installed?

Many homeowners believe that the winter months are too early to start thinking about planning for and purchasing an in-ground pool. But what many people do not realize is that it takes time to both select a pool style as well as have that pool shell built and delivered. And, with the normal “rush” that occurs each spring when the weather breaks, it can take even that much longer to have your project completed.  Also, did you know that it can take 3-4 months to obtain a building permit in some municipalities in Illinois and other Midwestern states? 

As you can see, it is never too early to start designing and contracting your new in-ground pool!  The sooner you shop, the sooner you can swim!

Installing A Fiberglass Pool

Fiberglass Swimming Pool Installation

Anyone who has had a concrete swimming pool built in their backyard knows that the process can take months. Fences are ripped down, yards are torn apart, and foundations are laid and re-laid. By the time the job is complete, one swimming season has passed and it is months until the weather turns warm again.

A fiberglass pool can be installed within a few weeks. Once the backyard has been surveyed, the pool layout is marked. As soon as the installation begins, the hole will typically be dug in one day. When the hole is ready, the pool is set, and then it is filled with water. Electrical and plumbing equipment is then put into place, and then a concrete foundation is poured around the pool. If all of the prep work has been done, the actual installation should be fast and incident-free. Most jobs are completed within a few weeks not months, allowing you and your family to enjoy you new pool in  no time at all!

Ringing in the New Year!

Why Buy From Expert Pools?

Family owned & operated for over 20 years- The national failure rate for new swimming pool businesses is 83 % within 2 years!!!  Why risk your warranty and service on the second biggest investment you will make in your lifetime?

Pools and spas on display – Come in to one of our showrooms and see the pool of your dreams before you buy it. We are proud of what we sell and dare you to compare it to what the competition has to offer. If they can’t show you their products how will you know what to expect? They may be using your deposit to purchase the pool. Many times you are stuck with the one that gets shipped- even if it gets damaged during transportation.

Big volume dealer- Our large buying power ensures you will get the best products at the cheapest price. Small pool dealers don’t get the same price advantages and therefore usually cut costs on other areas such as backfill and pool equipment to stay competitive.

Indoor display models full of water- Bring your suit and try it before you buy it. See just how nice a new fiberglass pool can look.

Thousands of local references- Why be the Guinea Pig? Wouldn’t you rather buy a pool from a pool builder who has done thousands of pools? Don’t let someone else make you their learning curve. You only get one chance when building a pool. Don’t trust picture books- many salespeople will show you work that they did not do themselves- ask for addresses.

Watch an installation in progress- There is absolutely no better way to get an understanding of what can be expected than visiting a jobsite. We always have several projects that can be viewed in various stages of construction.

In -house machinery used to load and rig pools- We are not forced to rush getting a pool onto our trailer because we are paying for someone to sit in a crane and wait for us. We have our own crane which allows us to load the pool at the correct pace, check the pool for blemishes and install the white goods correctly. Small pool builders often try and get their sub contracted crane company out the door as quickly as possible to save money. You know what happens when someone who is under staffed in the first place tries to rush. A lot of details get overlooked.

Indoor warehouse to prep the pool- All of our pools are plumbed and inspected in an indoor warehouse for consistent quality. A pool being plumbed in the rain, snow & cold weather has a much higher failure rate. Glue and silicone must be done correctly or you will have leakage issues in the future.

In- house service and repairs- When you have a problem with your pool you can count on one of our highly trained staff to fix the problem. Many small pool builders do not have the proper staff to fix your pool and therefore call in an outsider. A lot of these outside service companies try to up sell you items you don’t need and tell you that the part you need fixed is not covered under the warranty.

22,000 square foot parts department- When you need that special part chances are that we will have it in stock. Can you imagine having a problem just minutes before a huge party you have been planning for months and not be able to use the pool? Don’t take that chance. Our parts department is open 7 days a week in the Summer with many of the parts you need.

Free water testing- Keep your pool in tip top shape 7 days a week with the help of our friendly staff. We have the latest technology to make your experience of pool water chemistry a breeze. Just simply bring in a 20 ounce sample of your water and we will provide you with a computerized print out of how to properly balance the water. This is a free service for lifetime if you purchase a pool from us.

Manufacturer support- We have worked hard to establish many long term relationships with our pool and equipment manufacturers to ensure you will have a pleasant experience. The orders are normally shipped must faster and the products are made to our high standards. This can only happen when you are a large volume buyer like us.

After the sale training- We give each of our customer’s comprehensive on- site training about how to properly care for your new pool. We also have periodic refresher courses to help you retain what you have learned.

Leisure Fiberglass Pools
The Superior Pool

 

Leisure in-ground fiberglass pools offer a durable, low-maintenance alternative to concrete pools.  

Fiberglass designs tend to cost 10 to 12 percent more than those constructed from concrete or other materials, but they can actually save people money in the long run because far less will be spent on repairs and upkeep. In fact, at Expert Pools we offer lifetime warranties for the structure of our Expert line, and twenty-year conditional warranties on any cosmetic finishes. We also have several different financing options that make it easier for a person to handle the cost of a pool.

There are several fiberglass pool installers that serve customers in Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, Kentucky, Missouri, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin but we feel our products are superior to those offered by other distributors. Expert Fiberglass Pools designs have 78 percent more flexural strength and 17 percent more tensile strength, and they are 33 percent thicker than the average fiberglass model. Our pools and spas are also on the cutting edge of technology, utilizing a unique closed beam coping that allows them to withstand the harsh weather across the country.