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
For information on transforming your own backyard please contact us at 630.845.1145 or 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














