How Much Does a Fiberglass Pool Cost?

The purchase of a swimming pool is much like the purchase of a vehicle or even a home. With so many options available, price ranges can vary drastically. Just as a car can start around 20k with just a basic package, it can quickly cost over 40k once a shopper adds such items as power windows, CD player, all-leather interior, chrome finishes, extended cab, 4-wheel drive, 4 doors versus two, upgraded wheels, dual exhaust, spray-on bedliner, built-in GPS system, etc, etc. Considering that the average American sells or trades-in their vehicle within the first five years of purchase, why do so many people elect to get so many upgrades? The answer is because most people understand the importance of getting what they want the first time so as to not have any regrets down the road.

These same principles typically apply to most inground swimming pool shoppers. Understanding that they are going to have to see their pool everyday for as long as they live in their home, as well as the fact that picking the right pool with the right options the first time is critical as to ensure maximum enjoyment with minimum maintenance, most shoppers elect to get the pool that will make them happiest in the long-run. Unfortunately, some people only focus on the initial price of the pool with the only goal of finding the "cheapest" contractor, therefore sacrificing low-maintenance, quality, warranty, and aesthetics, which inevitably leads to regret, especially considering that unlike a vehicle, a swimming pool cannot be traded in if one is dissatisfied.

Now that you hopefully understand the vehicle analogy, I will list some of the most common "add-ons" found in the purchase of a swimming pool:

■Perimeter/waterline tile
■Colored pool surface finishes
■Fiber optic lighting/low voltage lighting
■Extra concrete decking
■Decorative concrete decking (stamped concrete, spray deck, colored broom finish, pavers etc.)
■Sliding boards
■Salt chlorine generators
■Safety covers
■Automatic covers
■Diving boards
■Handrails and ladders
■Water features
■Heaters
■Automatic vacuums
■Inground and above ground hot tubs
■Raised bond beams
■Retaining Walls

As you can see, there are many options available. We thoroughly explain each option in order to educate the homeowner on the option's benefits as to identify its overall importance to the success of the project.

When an inquiry is made as to how much our pools cost, extent of installation is also a key factor. What I mean by this is that as a company, we have four different packages we offer our customers. Unlike most pool companies, we will do as much or as little as our customers would have us do. This flexibility leads to less stress and more savings for the customer. The packages are as follows, with their corresponding price ranges:

1. Self Install: This package includes the pool shell, shipped to the homeowner's house, with all of the pool's equipment (ie. filter system, plumbing, etc). With a self-install, the homeowner is responsible for all labor involved with the project, including: excavation, setting of pool, backfilling, adding water, concrete prepping and forming, final grading, electrical, fencing, permits, etc, etc. Although the concept of installing a fiberglass pool is not very complex, it does require quite a bit of attention to detail and there is a small margin for error. I recommend self-installs to homeowners who are very skilled with excavation and construction knowledge, and have the needed equipment to facilitate the process. The average person spends between $12,000-$30,000 on a self install, based on the size of the pool and the options that come with it.

2. Pool Less Concrete Decking: This package includes pool shell, shipping, pool equipment, excavation, setting of pool, backfill, filling pool with water, installation and pool permit. The homeowner is responsible for concrete forming and prepping, final grading, cleaning of pool, electrical, and fencing. The price of this package typically ranges from $20,000-$45,000, again depending on the size and options.

3. Pool w/Concrete: Package #3 includes everything mentioned in #2, but it also includes the concrete decking, pool cleaning, and final grading. Most homeowners will spend on average $28,000-$50,000 for package #3.

4. Turn-Key: Understanding that many homeowners would rather just deal with one company instead of many, we offer our clients true 'turn-key' pool installations. In this package, all that is found in package #3, as well as electrical, are included. Most customers will spend $30,000 - $60,000 for a turn-key project.

As you can probably see, the price ranges vary quite a bit, just as they should considering everyone has different tastes, wants, and budgets when it comes to building a swimming pool.

Pool Party Ideas

If you’re searching for an idea for a summer night out, look no further than your backyard for the following pool party ideas:

A colorful Hawaiian luau
A laid-back beach party
An exciting movie night
A festive birthday party

Hawaiian Luau
Take your guests on an evening getaway to the Aloha State! Guests should don their most colorful Hawaiian print shirts. Make leis at the party or buy ready-made ones to welcome your guests. Decorate with bright, tropical colors, bamboo accents and Hawaiian-themed accessories from your local pool retailer, party supply or craft store. Tiki torches and tropical flowers scattered across tables and the surface of the pool provide the finishing touches for a magical evening. Pineapple chicken or ham would be delicious main dishes, or treat your friends and family to an authentic pig roast. Complement the feast with rice and a wide variety of fruits and vegetables reminiscent of a garden paradise.

Beach Party
Who needs the ocean? You can create a beach barbeque party around your backyard pool. Kick back in flip-flops and swimsuits. Use the children’s sandbox and build a sand castle. Decorate tables with seashells and fish nets. Cover chairs with beach towels. Use plastic pails and shovels, and even Frisbees, to serve hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Float toy sailboats in the pool. Grill hot dogs, hamburgers and corn on the cob and serve classic boardwalk food, like popcorn, snow cones and French fries for your family and friends. Or go all out with a clam bake, oyster roast or lobster feast!

Movie Night
Miss the days of drive-in movies? Have a “float-in”! Purchase some inflatable lounge chairs at your local pool retailer. Move your big-screen television outside, or rent one for the evening. Pick a favorite classic, or give your guests a thrill and screen “Jaws.” “The Little Mermaid” and “Finding Nemo” are great choices for a kids’ party. Set up your own movie theater concession stand and serve popcorn, candy and sodas.

Birthday Party
A swimming pool or hot tub party is a special way to celebrate any child’s birthday. Create whimsical invitations using flip-flop or fish shaped cutouts, or write the party information on beach balls and mail them to guests in oversize envelopes. Activities can be tailored to the interests of the age group. Younger children will enjoy classic pool games like Sharks and Minnows, Marco Polo and cannonball contests. Organize a water-gun battle or provide amenities for a girls’ spa-themed party. As partygoers will surely be active, plan a light menu. Sliced fruit, half-sandwiches, goldfish crackers and boxed juice drinks will allow the kids to play all day.

Have you ever considered Aquacise?

AQUACISE – A vigorous, water-supported exercise class using water resistance to increase cardiovascular endurance, muscle tone and flexibility.

Exercise – Activity that requires physical or mental exertion, especially when performed to develop or maintain fitness

Now imagine being able to enjoy the health and physical benefits of exercise without that physical or mental exertion. With Aquacise, you can do just that. Water aerobics is a convenient and effective way to either get in shape or stay in shape.

Owning a pool affords you the opportunity to work out right in your own backyard. Your excuses to exercise have virtually disappeared!

Water aerobics is a fun and easy workout for people of all ages. It can benefit everyone in your family.

Aquacise is a wonderful pain-free exercise for those with joint and muscle pain. When you Aquacise, you use the water’s natural buoyancy and resistance to help you with an easy and effective workout plan.

Physical benefits of Aquacise:

-You can exercise every muscle and joint in the body at the same time
-Water provides 12 times the resistance of air
-Water aerobics burns calories and improves oxygen intake
-Improves balance and coordination
-Tones every part of your body
-Provides a great cardiovascular workout
-Easy on your joints-- the perfect exercise for anyone with arthritis, joint injuries or weight problems that make other forms of exercise difficult

Health benefits of Aquacise:

-Reduces direct impact on joints
-Improves range of motion
-Improves muscle strength and endurance
-Improves muscle balance and posture
-Improves cardiovascular / respiratory system
-Improves water confidence
-Potential to improve body composition by burning up to 550cals per session
-Reduces demand on the heart due to hydrostatic pressure

5 Reasons to Buy a Swimming Pool in March/April vs. After May 1st

Why is it in YOUR best interests to buy a swimming pool in March or April, as opposed to waiting until after May 1st? Here are 5 simple but honest reasons why it's time to start looking now if you are in the market to potentially buy a pool for your family this season:

1) You'll likely spend more money if you wait. This is as honest as it gets. When demand is high, prices are high. When demand is low, prices are low - that's simply how it works. My point? Take advantage of demand (or lack thereof in this case)!

2) You'll have to wait longer to swim if you wait. It's not unusual for pool companies to get backed up 8-10 weeks after March. So many people base their buying decisions on warm weather that the flood of sales means that instead of the pool company starting your project as soon as the permits are ready, they can't actually start for 45, 60, or more days. This, as you may well imagine, can end up cutting into your swim season.

3) Your yard will have a chance to heal. Pool construction is messy, to be sure. After final grading is complete, grass will need time to grow. For those families that get their pool installed in the spring, their yard will look much nicer during the summer months than the families that waited longer to make a decision.

4) Less stress. It's funny how stress-free early season installations are. Homeowners aren't worried about swimming yet, so everyone can just relax and enjoy the process for what it is. But once it gets hot outside and the kids are asking every few minutes "Can we swim yet?", and you'll wish you had acted sooner on your swimming pool purchase.

5) You're not so rushed. Who wants to be rushed when it comes to spending 20K - 70K on a swimming pool? I don't know about you, but I like to feel like I've got my wits about me when I'm making such a big decision. By shopping for a pool now, you can make a relaxed and informed decision, and not base your thoughts on silly situations like "which company can start the soonest?"

When you decide that you are ready to start considering options for your new swimming pool, please give us a call or check out our website at www.cabarruspools.com. Whenever you decide to move forward with your backyard dreams, we'll be ready to assist you and have you swimming in your new pool as quickly as possible!

Benefits of Owning a Hot Tub / Spa

Purchasing a hot tub can be one of the most rewarding lifestyle decisions you make. The health benefit considerations alone are reason enough! Purchasing a hot tub is an important investment and should include the features and benefits you are interested in. Using a hot tub for socializing with family and friends, or because of the rejuvenating and naturally rehabilitative qualities of hydrotherapy, are all important considerations. Hot tubs are a great way to promote family fun catered to your specific needs.

Hot tubs are easy to own and operate, come in a variety of shapes, sizes and offer a variety of options, including lighting and aromatherapy. Hot tubs today are used to alleviate stress and aid sleep. The jet-driven force of water enhances circulation, digestion, and skin tone. Medical studies indicate that hot tub therapy may be helpful in treating heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, lower back pain, and sleep disorders. Of course consulting your physician before getting a hot tub is recommended. All over the world, people are tapping into the healing benefits of water in more ways than ever before.

So, to recap: it's enjoyable AND good for your health. How many products is that actually true for?

Some Benefits of Owning a Swimming Pool

Whether you’re looking into pool ownership for the first time, or simply adding onto or enhancing your existing pool, the benefits are plentiful and include:

•Quality family time
•A healthy lifestyle
•Celebrations with friends
•Improving your home’s value
•Refreshing fun

For FAMILY: Are you and your family looking to spend quality time together? A backyard swimming pool will give you this time and so much more. Pools are safe, convenient, affordable, and easier to maintain than you might think. Imagine no travel. No advance planning and reservations. No annual membership dues. There is no better place to celebrate the times of your life than at home.

For HEALTH: Relieve your body of daily stress, strains, aches, and pains! Always consult with your doctor before starting any type of exercise program, but be sure to ask about the benefits of swimming. Aquatic activity is a great way to get or stay in shape.

For FRIENDS: Create your own unique celebration. There’s no better place for a gathering of friends than right there in your own neighborhood. For a party of one or many, enjoy and celebrate life!

For HOME: In most cases, a home is one of the biggest financial investments you’ll make. Your backyard pool adds value and beauty to your home. It’s a smart and secure investment that provides untold returns and valuable memories.

For FUN: Pools invite spontaneous recreation. No more driving to public or private pools. No more searching for things to do with the family. No more sweating it out with the kids during those long, hot summer days of vacation. Jump in and enjoy safe, refreshing fun!

Why Buy a Spa?

Why Buy a Spa?

Spas add another dimension to your back yard experience — another level of excitement, entertainment, and enjoyment. They’re available in a variety of sizes and styles, and can be built as an addition to your poolscape design or independently as a relaxing destination.

The therapeutic benefits of spas are undeniable and recommended by physical therapists and healthcare professionals the world over. The warm water, gentle massage, and adjustable jets can relax muscles, relieve pressure, and release tension. Spas are the ideal place to unwind at the end of a long day, a fun place to gather for girls’ night, and a romantic place to escape with the one you love. A spa can also extend the use you get out of your pool area each year — giving you a hot hideaway when the weather turns cold.

This article was first posted at http://www.swimmingpool.com/why-a-spa.

For further research on the health benefits of spas, here's a great article: http://www.nspf.org/Files/InHealthNW_0308.pdf