(630) 845-1145 | info@signaturepoolschicago.com
So you’ve decided to get an in ground pool. Great! Now the fun part begins: Picking all the fun stuff to go with your pool. Slides, water falls, fountains, and jets are just some of the options available with your pool. But before any of that gets picked out, consider the location of pool equipment needed to circulate, filter, and sanitize the water. Many homeowners have a set vision in mind. They can already see where the pool is going long before considering the limitations of their property and municipal codes. Here are several things to consider when deciding where to place your pool equipment. Keep in mind that a basic equipment pad requires an area of approximatly 4′ x 8′ to accommodate a pump, filter, and heater.
1. Take a look at your Plat of Survey
The plat of survey is a document showing the exact location of your home, property lines, building setback lines, utility easements, flood plains, or any other special feature unique to your property. In general, you cannot install your pool equipment beyond any of these setback lines. If you’re currently in the research phase of buying a new pool it is essential that you have a copy of your plat of survey to give to your sales representative.
2. City, Village, or County Building Codes
As a general rule your pool equipment must be a minimum of 10’ from the water’s edge of the pool. If you’re installing a heater with your pool (98% of our clients in Illinois do) you need to consider the distance between any windows and the exhaust vent on the heater. Most municipalities require a 4’ minimum distance between the pool heater exhaust vent and any windows or window wells on the home. For any other specific codes regarding pool equipment location you can contact your sales representative or your local governing municipality.
3. Association Requirements
These days many home owners associations have specific requirements as to the location of the pool equipment. For instance, some associations won’t allow it on the side of your house. Other associations want to make sure it is a certain number of feet off of your property line. If you’re currently in the research phase of buying a new pool we highly recommend getting a copy of any association requirements prior to meeting with any sales representative.
4. Ease of Access
Make sure the equipment will be located in a place with easy access as well. If you purchase a remote with your pool you won’t be spending as much time at your equipment pad, but you will still want it to be in a reasonable place for maintenance and service. If possible we recommend keeping your equipment within the fenced area of the pool. This too will make it much easier to access your pool equipment. If it’s not possible for the equipment to be installed within the fence area we highly recommend adding a gate close to the pool equipment.
5. Think About Noise
When you are deciding where to place the pool equipment, keep in mind the noise factor! Even with new variable speed pumps or 2 speed pumps the pump noise can be a nuisance if you’re equipment is too close your pool or any entertaining area around you pool. If possible you also want to avoid installing the pool equipment right outside of a bedroom or any room of the house that is often used.
I know this information seems a bit overwhelming- but here’s the good news: Signature Pools and Spas has installed over 400 swimming pools in the Midwest and we are familiar with what works and what doesn’t…in all types of backyards! We are also familiar with local code requirements and municipal regulations and can help you determine the best location for your swimming pool and equipment. If you have questions or would like further information about pool locations, please feel free to contact Signature Pools and Spas at 630.845.1145
Once you make the decision to have a fiberglass swimming pool built one of the most important decisions you will make is the type of patio you build around the pool. This decision is so important because it will affect the overall aesthetics and feeling of your backyard for years to come.
The goal of this article and video is to show you some of the most popular choices in decking material that new pool owners have to choose from. This will help you be prepared when you meet with one of our design experts as you may already have a general idea of the type of patio you’d like built with your pool.
Many different types of materials are used for swimming pool patios. The most common patio materials for fiberglass pools include standard concrete, sundeck, stamped concrete, brick pavers, and natural stone. Many times a combination of two of the different materials can be used together to create a beautiful backyard retreat.
So if you’re currently researching for a new swimming pool we encourage you to take a few minutes and watch the video below. As we said before the patio material you choose will greatly affect the overall aesthetics of your pool area as well as the price of your fiberglass swimming pool project.
If you have an additional questions or would like to schedule a consultation with our sales and design team call us at 630.845.1145 or visit us at: www.signaturepoolschicago.com
Today we would like to take a moment to explain the advantages and disadvantages of building a swimming pool at various times of the year in Illinois. Many customers are concerned about schedules, length of construction, and backyard disruption when deciding when to build a fiberglass pool.
Spring: Just as the snow and wind lifts from the midwest, many people consider installing an inground pool before the hot weather forces them back into air conditioned houses- or worse yet, the public swimming pool…surrounded by hundreds of fellow water-seekers sitting too close, and screaming childeren all around. This is a great time to start construction of an inground fiberglass swimming pool because it insures that you will be able to take full advantage of the warm summer weather. Signature Pools’ schedule is not typically booked for the entire year in spring, so you will be able to get a spot for installation before it really heats up. The disadvantage to starting a project in ths springtime is that the ground tends to be a bit softer. This means that the digging of the pool is a bit easier but more messy. Our crews are as careful as possible when excavating and preparing your yard for the pool, but expect some tire ruts and mud through the construction access area.
Summer: The summer months in the midwest remind us all to jump into a pool, splash around with friends, and soak in the sun. Since the summer heat can seem unbearable at times, it’s the most likely time for customers to call us and say “I want a pool….yesterday! Seriously, when can you start?!?” We hear it all the time and understand completely. The advantage to building at this time of the year is that the need is immediate. People most appreciate their pool when they realize they can’t live without it! The only disadvantage to this season is scheduling. Obviously Signature Pools is most busy through the summer months, so it can be a difficult time to get your own pool built right away. Also keep in mind that buiding permits for your pool project can take up to 2-4 weeks with the village and may delay the start of construction. These permits are typically included in the purchase of your pool but MUST be obtained by our office before we can begin construction.
Fall: As the leaves change and a breeze rolls in from the north, many people are not thinking about swimming…but what about a hot tub? The fall season is a great time to relax in your very own therapeutic spa or hot tub. Signature Pools offers a variety of inground spas that are perfect for relaxing evenings. Swimming Pools are also built in this time, as people would like construction to be completed before the winter months, and the pool ready to jump in right away in the spring. Disadvantages to this time of year depend on the weather. Signature Pools can actually install fiberglass pools year-round, but the fall months present a few challanges; heavy rains, freezing tempatures, and bitter cold may get in the way of construction schedules. But for the most part fall is the perfect time to install a fiberglass swimming pool. Our work load is not as hectic and you’re probably not desperate for us to finish the project in time for a Thanksgiving dinner pool-side.
Winter: Believe it or not, winter is the time when potential customers should be doing the most research and contacting pool builders for information and pricing. Because the winter will slow construction for a few months, our staff has the opportuninty to design and consult with customers without the pressure of a 1-2 week deadline. Building permits are most easily obtained in the winter months because villages are not as busy with other construction projects. Having many decisions and choices made over the winter makes the construction process go much smoother (and quicker) once the weather clears. The only disadvantage to the winter is that the weather prevents us from pouring the concrete patio area around your pool. Once the warmer temperatures come back (usually in the early spring) we are able to complete this step and finish the project.
If you have further questions about the design, scheduling, and installation of inground fiberglass swimming pools, please feel free to contact us at 630.845.1145 or visit us on the web at: www.signaturepoolschicago.com
At least once a year, Signature Pools is approached by a homeowner asking to have their old, damaged pool replaced. In some cases our clients are simply tired of the maintenance and upkeep of a vinyl or concrete pool; other pools are completely un-useable and eyesores in their backyard. In either case, we are happy to consult with these customers, evaluate the condition of their existing swimming pool equipment, and design a plan to transform the backyard into a family oasis and gathering place.
The project below, located in Addison IL, started with an old, damaged vinyl liner swimming pool. The homeowners wished they could have a place for the entire family to enjoy, and called in Signature Pools and Spas to re-design and construct the space. Take a look at some of the before and after pictures below, or click here for a photo series of the entire transformation!
This is what the existing vinyl liner pool looked like when we showed up. You can see the wrinkles in the vinyl and how the walls are collapsing into the pool. Also notice how dirty the liner gets over time. No amount of scrubbing will bring back the original color to the surface. This pool is completely useless in its present state.
Once the old vinyl pool is removed, workers prepare the excivated site, remove any more necessary dirt, and set the sand base for the fiberglass pool. Great care is taken to make sure this base is constructed to exacting standards.
The fiberglass pool shell is carefully set into place on the sand base and immediately filled with water. Sand and stone is then backfilled around the outside of the pool. Later, concrete forms will be placed around the pool to form the pool deck and secure the pool into place.
Once concrete is poured the forms are removed from the edges. Here you can see the fresh concrete right after it is poured. Only a few more days and this project is complete.
Final touches are added to the swimming pool area. In this picture you can see the completed backyard transformation, including a water slide, textured concrete around the pool, and a large brick paver patio.
If you would like your own backyard transformation, feel free to give us a call at 630.845.1145 or visit us on the web at: www.signaturepoolschicago.com
Today’s featured fiberglass swimming pool is a wonderful example of a backyard that has been transformed into a beautiful family retreat. The homeowner’s own design was incorporated into the layout and placement of each element. Every family member was considered in the design and there’s something special for everyone.
The inground swimming pool itself incorporates color changing lighting, giving the entire backyard a resort feel as the pool water changes colors. Other features include an upper patio area with built-in fire pit, (perfect for roasting marshmallows at night), a large outdoor seating room with a wrap-around couch, audio system, and flat screen TV. Adjacent to the lounge area is an outdoor bar for the adults to grab a refreshing beverage after swimming.
By working closely with the homeowners on the design of this space, Signature Pools and Spas was able to create not only a beautiful swimming pool area, but a backyard where the entire family can enjoy many different features that work together- providing the ultimate backyard retreat!
Take a look here at a previous post that shows the Before/3D Design/After pictures from this project.
If you have any questions about this project, or would like to share your own ideas about your perfect backyard swimming pool, please feel free to contact us at 630.845.1145 or on the web at: www.signaturepoolschicago.com
Take a look at this short photo series from Signature Pools and Spas of Illinois, building a beautiful backyard retreat- including an in ground fiberglass swimming pool!
The first picture is a pre-construction photo of the existing backyard. From there we are able to take measurments of the property and use the plat of survey to duplicate a 3D model of the house and yard. Then, elements such as the fiberglass pool, fire pit, even lawn chairs are added into the design. Working closely with the client, the design professional is able to achieve the exact look desired by the homeowner.
The second picture is a finalized computer rendering of the project. After many changes and tweeks to the original plan, this design is settled on before construction begins.
The end result is the final picture in the series. This is the actual finished product after construction and installation of the pool, along with all the landscape elements.
Contact Signature Pools and let’s dream the impossible into reality in your backyard too!
Yes, it’s been a long winter. It’s almost the middle of March and only in the 30′s, but we’re all certain that spring is just around the corner- which means so is the start of construction for Signature Pools and Spas clients. Our planned start date is just a week away!
Looking towards this spring, Todd Emmerson, sales manager, notes that we have a record number of pre-sales for the 2008 season. This means that there’s a limited number of spots available if you would like to take full advantage of the hot summer ahead- in your own Signature Pool.
In other news, Signature Pools is excited about the heavy machinery just purchased. With a new six wheeler dump truck and crane, Signature Pools is prepared to excavate and set even more fiberglass pools in Illinois this year. Having this equipment owned and operated by our company is part of providing our clients with the best, most reliable, and most competitive services in the industry.
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