We’ve put together a collection of frequently asked questions about pools from installation, renovation, liner replacements and general pool maintenance and care.
Future pool owners seem curious about the construction process of the walls and floor including options for their pool surface such as colour and style of liners. They want to understand water flow and water circulation and are very curious about costs. Both future and current pool owners need to have a good idea about how to maintain the components and related equipment as well as monitor the pool water level and Ph levels. This keeps their pool in great shape to enjoy all summer long.
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The cost to install a pool can vary greatly depending on the size and type of pool you choose, your choice of materials and equipment, plus any extra features you wish to include. Then you need to consider the ongoing maintenance costs of owning a pool. We break these down in our blog article How Much Does it Cost to Build a New Pool to help you get a better idea of what to expect when it comes to putting in a pool.
In preparation for getting a quote, you must determine several important things. We’ve put together a list of 20 questions to ask yourself when preparing to build a pool. It will help provide necessary details to your installer and guide you through the decision-making process.
A basic 12’x24′ inground pool with a simple single speed pump, sand filter and chlorinator will start around $45 000.00 plus HST.
Read More about our pool installation services here.
On-ground pool construction depends on installation costs and additional costs required. The average onground pool starts at around $28,000. If you need to build a deck around the pool, the cost will be comparable to an inground pool with 3 feet of concrete.
Read More about our pool installation services here.
We do not sell above-ground pools but we do install them. A rule of thumb for installation costs is usually $100 per foot. So an 18′ round would cost $1800 plus HST to install. A 12×24 oval would be $2400 plus HST.
Read More about our pool installation services here.
An inground pool is completely sunken below ground level and customized to fit your space. You typically surround an inground pool with a concrete or stone patio. In contrast, an above-ground pool is completely above ground level. You can add a ladder or raised deck with stairs required to enter and exit the pool.
For a hybrid solution, you can consider an on-ground pool which offers the customization of an in-ground but is not as expensive as it’s not as deep and is only partially sunken.
On-ground, or semi-inground, pools are only halfway in the ground. The pool walls are partially exposed and typically only partially bordered by a wooden deck. They offer a more cost-effective alternative to inground pools. They provide the same benefits but are no more than 6 feet deep. Onground pools still use a concrete or sand base and are more affordable to install. And you still have options for shape and size including traditional round and oval or even modern geometric shapes if you prefer.
Typically, the most expensive parts of building a pool include the steel kit, liner and equipment. Basic installation costs include excavation of the site where you plan to build the pool, the frame and shell of the pool, the liner, the pump and filter system, heaters, lighting, accessories, and of course the water to fill it. You must consider the labour, equipment, and material costs required for all of these elements as well as additional accessories like stairs and ladders, covers, etc. Finally, you should incorporate the cost of a pool deck or concrete in your budget too.
Read more about installation costs in our blog article, blog article How Much Does it Cost to Build a New Pool
The length of time required to install a new pool will vary depending on the depth of the project. A basic pool with 3′ of concrete should only take 2-3 weeks. Of course this will depend on the weather too.
We can’t install a pool when the ground is frozen but we typically being installing pools around the beginning of April until the snow flies.
The cost of a pool liner will vary greatly depending on the size of the pool, the pattern chosen and if any repairs are needed. Generally speaking a inground pool liner will range from $5000-$12000 installed.
We try our best to complete a pool liner replacement during weekdays so we don’t interrupt weekend swimming. However, weather is out of our control and may delay the timing. It can not be too hot or raining to properly install a pool liner.
Pool liners can be replaced anytime during the season. As we strive to have the actual work of the liner replacement done between a Monday and Friday the homeowner will experience minimum disruption to the swimming season.
A pool liner can last between 5 – 15 years depending on usage and maintenance. The first sign you may need to replace your liner is a decrease in water levels. If your pool water is constantly lowering, there may be a tear in the liner.
Fading, discolouration, and wrinkling are all signs that your pool liner has aged and nearing the end of its life. If a worn-out liner causes scratches and cuts on swimmers’ feet, you should replace the liner for safety reasons.
Leaks in pools can be either in the liner, gaskets for plumbing or underground. A leak in your pool liner leads to water waste and can weaken the structure of the pool creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Check the water level regularly for noticeable drops. Look for signs of dampness or soil erosion around your pool. Another trick is to drop some food colouring or dye into the water at different points and observe. If the dye disappears at a particular spot, it might indicate the location of a leak. Cracknell Pools & Backyards can help a homeowner determine where the leak is happening.
The best way to test for leaks is with a pressure test. We pressurize your pool lines to determine if there is a leak in the plumbing. Pressure tests start at $350 plus HST. We offer free leak testing with pool liner replacements.
Cracknell Pools and Backyards takes care of the entire liner replacement for you. All you will need to do is pick out a pattern for your new liner.
The pool will need to be emptied in order to replace a liner. This service is provided by Cracknell Pools and Backyards when doing a liner replacement.
Pressure testing of the lines ensures that there are no leaks underground before you spend all the money on a new liner installation.
If you discover a leak in the pool waterlines, replacement is the best option. Cracknell Pools and Backyards are pool renovation experts. We can replace your waterlines and update the look of your pool at the same time.
Wrinkles in a liner can be caused by many factors; water behind the liner, a poor fitting liner, chemical imbalances and age can all contribute to wrinkles.
As a pool liner ages, it naturally develops wrinkles. Exposure to harsh sunlight can weaken the material. The loss of elasticity can form wrinkles. Fluctuations in temperature contribute to wrinkles as the liner expands and contracts to changes in weather conditions.
Poor installation can lead to unsightly wrinkles if the liner is too loose in some areas and too tight in others. As pool water moves around, it can create friction against the liner causing it ot shift and form wrinkles.
Chemical imbalances can also cause the liner to become discoloured and brittle therefore more prone to wrinkles. It’s important to maintain proper water chemistry and repair signs of wear and tear promptly to preserve your liner and keep it wrinkle-free.
Removing wrinkles will depend on how they got there in the first place. If ground water in an issue that will need to be removed before attempting to remove the wrinkles.
Yes, too much chlorine can damage your pool liner. It is best to keep chlorine levels in the recommended range.
Using a pool brush to dislodge any algae is the best way to clean a liner.
Whether you are building a new pool or need to replace an existing liner, a wide variety of options are available. From vinyl pool liners to fibreglass, there is a range of materials and designs that can meet your needs. Cracknell Pools and Backyards only installs Canadian made liners with virgin Canadian make vinyl.
We look at the different types of pool liners available and what you should consider when choosing the best liner for your pool in our blog article, The Best Liners for Pools.
The Butterfly Effect pattern has been our most popular liner pattern for the last few years. It is a natural flagstone pattern in blues and greys with shimmering jewel reflections.
If you have an existing pool in disrepair, it depends on the current condition of the pool when determining your best course of action. You also need to consider what you want to get out of your pool. We recommend having someone take a look at your pool, investigate your issues, and discuss options for the best solution to achieve your goals. Read more in our blog article, Pool Renovation – Why, When, How?
Pool decks can be concrete (the most popular) patio stones, wood or composite decking.
A poured concrete pool deck takes us on average one day to complete.
The most basic above ground set ups have a ladder from the ground into the pool. However many home owners opt for a raised or multi-level deck around park or all of the pool to expand their enjoyment of their swimming pool.
Skimmer baskets capture leaves, twigs, and debris that end up in your pool. By emptying the basket regularly, you can prevent clogs and ensure the proper flow of water through the filtration system.
Failure to clean the skimmer basket, especially if there is a lot of pollen in the air, leads to clogs which affect the water level and inadequate circulation. This can result in potential damage to your pool equipment and creates an environment that allows algae and bacteria to thrive.
Keeping skimmer baskets clean will ensure your equipment continues to run at peak performance levels.
An incorrect water level can wreak havoc on the pool’s filtration system. If the water is too low, the filtration system can’t function properly. You risk air in the system and burning the pump’s motor out. When water is too high, the skimmer basket can’t catch larger debris and the system runs inefficiently making more work for you.
Maintaining proper water chemistry is critical to the pool’s cleanliness and safety. You will need to regularly test the water’s pH, chlorine levels, and total alkalinity, adjusting as necessary to keep the levels within recommended ranges. You can use test strips or a digital testing device to measure these levels accurately.
To sanitize the pool, chlorine or other chemicals should be added as needed to kill harmful bacteria and prevent algae growth. You will need to follow the instructions carefully and use the correct amount of chemicals to avoid any potential safety hazards.
There are many factors which affect the cost of heating. The general consensus is between $300-$500 per month.
Pool equipment is designed for the harsh weather we have. It is not required to be kept inside. However, many homeowners like to put the equipment in a shed or cabana of some kind to hide it from sight and to make the backyard quieter. The pump and heater do make some noise.
Many people enjoy a backyard pool as a place to relax and cool down after a long work day. Family gatherings and BBQ’s are always a thing when you have an inviting pool in the backyard to enjoy.
Prevention and Care Will Save You Money on Pool Maintenance
If you understand what can happen if you don’t maintain your pool, you will be motivated to take better care. And if you know how to identify possible problems, you are more likely able to find a solution quicker and prevent further damage.
