Frequently asked questions:

Q:  What sort of swimming pools do you build ?

A:   We are able to build whatever type of swimming pool that the customer requires us to,

       subject to any legal construction requirements, from the installation of the larger above

       ground type pool kit, to fully tiled, inground and indoor projects. We also work with liner

       swimming pools, panel pools and Monoblock, one-piece fibreglass swimming pools.

Q:  Do you offer a swimming pool and spa maintenance service ?

A:   Yes, we have many local swimming pools and spas that we maintain regularly within a

      30 mile radius of our base at Wychbold. We offer a weekly, fortnightly or monthly service

      plus a "holiday visit" one off service - please contact us if you require any further details.

Q:     We've just moved into a house that has a swimming pool that is looking a bit shabby

         - can we do anything to improve it's appearance ?

A:    Yes, there are lots of ways that a swimming pool could be improved. We start off with a

        site visit to examine your pool in its' current state and to discuss your requirements with

        you and to give you some ideas of what could be achieved. We then send you a written

        quotation detailing the project. We are able to provide solutions such as tiling, decorative

        rendering, swimming pool liners and on-site lining as well as new coping stones and

        swimming pool surrounds. If required, we will supply and fit new swimming pool plant and 

        filtration equipment to make the running of your pool easier and more efficient.

Q:      My swimming pool water has gone green, what should I do ?

A:    Green swimming pool water is generally due to Algae growth caused by lack of or

        incorrect chemical treatment. Start off by testing your pool water with a good quality

        test kit or test strip - this should be carried out regularly, to check the current chemical

        balances of the pool water. Apply your chosen (or recommended) chemicals in the

        quantities that are stated on the chemical container and in an amount appropriate to

        the volume of pool water that you have. Use the instructions for "shock treatment" to

        solve a green water or algae problem.  Make sure that your filtration is running correctly

        and that your filter has been backwashed or cleaned if it is a cartridge filter.

        Alternatively, bring a sample of your swimming pool water into our shop in a clean

       container and we will test it for you. Pool and spa water testing and advice is a free

       service that we offer to our customers when they are purchasing goods in our store.

Q:      How can we heat our swimming pool ?

A:    There are lots of different ways to heat a swimming pool, including using oil,gas,

        electricity, heat pumps, solar heating or a heat exchanger utilising the heat from

        your existing house boiler if it is correctly sized. For more details please get in

        touch with us.

Q:      Do I need to put a cover on my pool in the summer ?

A:    Yes, if you want to heat your swimming pool, then it is essential to put a cover

        on to it to prevent heat loss and evaporation from the pool water surface.

        A good quality solar, or heat retention cover is vital to maintain your pool water

        temperature while keeping your pool heating bills to a sensible level. Good

        quality solar covers will add heat to the pool water as well as retaining it,

        automatic, slatted type covers give excellent heat retention - the type with

        solar slats will also add heat, other specialist types of automatic and manual

        covers can be used as safety covers.

Q:      Why does my Chlorine seem to be used up faster in the summer and why do

          I need to test my pool more often when in the warm weather ?

A:    Chlorine is used up by heat, light and bodies going into the water, so the

        warmer the weather and the more sunlight that there is, and obviously

        the more that the pool is then used and enjoyed,then the faster

        your chlorine will be used up and so you will need to test the pool water

        more frequently.

Q:     How long should it take me every week to look after my home swimming pool ?

A:   If you are using appropriate, good quality equipment and have a regular

       pool water testing and maintenance regime, it should take you no

       longer than around 1 1/2 hours a week to maintain the average

       domestic swimming pool. Of course, if you have an automatic cleaner,

       cover and automatic chemical dosing on your pool this time can be cut

       down drastically.

Q:     We don't want to use chlorine in our swimming pool water - is there

          anything else we can use to keep it safe and clean ?

A:    Yes, there are lots of different products that you can use these

        days including Bromine, Bayroklar ( an oxygen system), and

        various automatic systems including ozone, ionic purifiers, and

        non chlorine chemical dosing systems.

Q:      Do I need to get planning permission to build a swimming pool in my

          back garden ?

A:    As a general rule, most outdoor swimming pools do not require

        planning consent unless you live in a listed building or a

        property with restrictions on it, however it would be sensible 

        to check with your local authority before you start building as

        different areas have varying regulations. 

Q:     I've just bought a new solar cover for my swimming pool but I'm not

         sure which way up it goes, can you help ?

A:   Yes, solar covers should always be fitted with the bubble side

       downwards so that there is an insulation gap between the

       surface of the water and the air, this is what will keep your

       swimming pool water warm.

Q:     How often should the sand in my filter be changed ?

A:    The media (sand) in a domestic filter should be changed approx

        every 5 years to ensure effective filtration, although it can be

        cleaned with chemicals in this time to prolong it's efficency. It

        can also now be replaced with a crushed, treated glass media

        which does not need to be changed so frequently.

Q:      How do I work out how many gallons of water there are in my

          swimming pool.

A:    To calculate the gallonage in your swimming pool use the

        following calculation.

        Rectangular Pool: Multiply the length in ft x the width in ft

        x the average depth in ft x 6.25 = gallons.

        Round Pool: Multiply the length in ft x length in ft x

        the average depth x 4.89 = gallons.