LET’S BEGIN WITH YOUR BACKGROUND. WHEN DID YOU START SELLING POOLS IN TENNESSEE?
I began selling pools in Tennessee in 2012, after starting out in Arizona with another company. When the opportunity arose to come here, we were excited for the change. We love this part of the country. The climate and values remind me of Kansas City,
where I grew up, so settling in Franklin was a perfect fit.
HOW LONG DOES IT NORMALLY TAKE TO BUILD A POOL?
The pool process takes approximately four to six months, start to finish.
SO THIS IS ACTUALLY THE PERFECT TIME TO GET STARTED IF YOU WANT TO HAVE A POOL IN PLACE BY SUMMER?
Yes, the timeline varies for each project based on its complexity. A standard pool may take slightly less time, while a feature-rich design with elements like fire bowls and waterfalls will require additional time. There are also hardscape features, like fire pits,
outdoor kitchens, or other custom features commonly requested, on top of the regulatory hurdles to navigate and materials to secure. All of this factors into the overall timeframe.
COULD YOU WALK ME THROUGH THE POOL BUILDING PROCESS?
The very first thing we will do is meet at your home. I want to get a sense of your style, and what will fit best in your yard. This will help me understand some of the finishings to recommend. We will also get a sense of how big of a space you need and discuss what you want in terms of shape. The pool style is largely determined by what style of home a person has. For example, if you live in a fairly modern house, the pool will likely have straight lines. There should be a seamless transition from inside to outside the house.
We then walk the clients through the process and discuss the budget. We take all of this information and use it to draft a design and a proposal.
WHO DRAFTS THE POOL DESIGN?
I personally do the design and prepare the contract. I will make a proposal based on the space, desired style and budget. Once the homeowner approves the design and signs the contract, we send the design to an engineer to help formulate a construction plan
and begin the permitting process.
IS A PERMIT REQUIRED FOR EVERY PROJECT?
Yes, and any contractor that tries to cut corners or skirt the regulations should be completely avoided. One of my favorite quotes is, “How you do anything, is how you do everything.” If they cut corners with licenses and permits, you can be sure they will cut
corners in construction on your pool.
WHAT TAKES LONGER, THE DESIGN AND THE REGULATORY PROCESS OR ACTUALLY BUILDING THE POOL?
Building the pool. Permitting averages about 30 days. Excavation, forming, plumbing and the rebar (reinforcing steel) takes about two weeks, if we don’t hit rock. If we do hit rock, we need to determine what kind of rock it is and how much further we need to dig.
We never use dynamite. We come across this a lot so we’re used to it.
The next step is “shooting” the pool shell. We use shotcrete, a special type of cement mix, to form the shell. We then prepare the surrounding areas and get everything to grade. We start backfilling around the pool and working on finishings like tile, and hardscape structures like walls, columns, fire pits, and outdoor kitchens. The deck and flat work come next. After all of this is in place, we prepare the interior finish. We use PebbleSheen for an elegant look and durability. Lastly, we fill the pool with water and start up the system.
WHAT SETS YOUR POOLS APART FROM OTHER POOLS?
We engineer our pools and go beyond the engineer specs to give it extra strength. We have never had issues with any of our pool shells and I believe it is because we over-engineer. We also get the plumbing right. This is one area where homeowners often face the most challenges. When plumbing isn’t done right, it can lead to significant issues that are difficult and costly to resolve.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE DESIGN?
Choosing a favorite is tough. It often comes down to the great connections I build with homeowners, and I’m grateful to have many of those. I believe that any homeowner building a pool should have a relationship with their pool builder. Long after the pool has
been built, they might have questions. Of course, I also have a soft spot for challenging designs. There’s a real sense of accomplishment in bringing a complex project to life.
HAVE YOU EVER SAID NO TO A PROJECT?
Yes. Over time, I’ve discovered when a client has a personality that isn’t compatible with mine, it might not work, and that’s OK. There needs to be a partnership to build a quality pool.
WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON DESIGN REQUESTED?
Straight lines and geometric shapes are popular right now. The pool and spa combination has been the design most often requested here in Tennessee. I believe that’s because of the incredible spring and fall weather, which is perfect for relaxing in a heated spa.
WHAT IS YOUR BUSIEST SEASON?
I’m busy all the time, but spring is the most demanding. We are working to meet deadlines so the pools are ready for swim season.
HOW MANY PROJECTS ARE TYPICALLY UNDERWAY AT ONE TIME FOR YOU?
It really depends on the complexity of each project. I make sure not to take on so many that I’m unable to give my best to the projects. The best approach for clients is to get in line early so we can start their pool as soon as possible.
WHAT DO YOU SEE ON THE HORIZON FOR POOLS?
I believe the future of pools lies more in features and advanced automation than in structural changes. Today’s automation technology already makes pool operation remarkably convenient, but I see emerging possibilities like geofencing, where pool
lights could activate automatically as you arrive home. I also expect a rise in audio-visual trends, including requests for underwater speakers, as people look to create a more immersive pool experience.
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