If you are stumped as you search through the various options concerning swimming pools, you are not alone. There are several homeowners who struggle to find the perfect swimming pool shape, size and materials that will best suit their backyard. There are many important things to consider when thinking about what type of pool would work best for your situation.

If you live in Missouri, there are several things you should think about and one is Missouri pool instalation. Without having to comb through the yellow pages to try and find the right contractor, first check around your neighborhood and see if anyone has a swimming pool you admire. You might try asking them who they retained for building the pool and checking out that particular contractor.

Another good way to find someone for Missouri pool installation is to check out the local building department for referrals and contacts. Make sure you ask any potential contractor about experience and what type of work they have performed. Checking with past references is another good way to find a reputable contractor for your swimming pool project.

Make your any contractor you choose for your Missouri pool installation has a business card that includes a physical address, phone number and contractor license number. You can take this information and contact the attorney general or Better Business Bureau in Missouri to make sure the contractor has no complaints or negative customer feedback to be concerned about.

Once you have selected your contractor, you should ask to see the actual license which is awarded by the state or local county. Ask for additional identification if you feel the need, any reputable contractor will gladly comply and provide you with any information you need. Make sure the license you are presented with is valid and current, by law, the license number should be displayed on the contractors vehicle, business card and contact.

Do not use a contractor who asks you to obtain permits, you are responsible for code violations if you pull permits for an unlicensed contractor. You could also be prosecuted and fined for doing business in an unlicensed capacity. Do not use a contractor who tells you that a permit is not necessary for major repairs and never use a contractor who does not have valid liability and workers compensation insurance, a worker can personally sue you if hurt on the job or on your property.

Ask any and all questions you need to ask and check around and become educated about the requirements needed for finding a reputable contractor. Taking the necessary steps now will take the headache out of having a quality swimming pool installed that you and your family will enjoy for many years to come.

If you’ve decided to have an inground pool built into your backyard, or if you just bought a home with an inground pool as part of the property, you’ve got some choices to make. One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make now is whether you’ll choose a salt-water pool or a traditional chlorinated pool.

Salt-water pools are becoming more and more popular nowadays as more people are discovering the potential dangers as well as inconveniences associated with traditional chlorine and chlorinated pools.

However, keep in mind that salt-water pools are not actually free of chlorine, despite what its name suggests and the fact that it is generally used as an alternative to chlorine pools. Salt-water pools use chlorine generators (which are actually not new pieces of pool equipment, but they do continue to improve over time). By using a “salt chlorinator,” not only are you able to chlorinate your pool without the harmful effects of regular chlorine—such as red, burning eyes and itchy, irritated skin—but it requires much less hassle to operate and maintain.

So what do chlorine generators actually do, and how do they work? Chlorine generators essentially do what the name implies: generate chlorine! But why wouldn’t you just stick with chlorine pools? The reason is simple: most chlorine generators are specifically designed to produce chlorine for your pool on a continual basis while the pool is pumping, which means that you don’t have to buy and store chlorine, and handle it on a regular basis when cleaning the pool. This is not only more convenient, but is also safer, and even more effective than traditional methods of using chlorine in swimming pools because the residual, continuous chlorine pumped through a generator helps prevent the growth of algae without you needing to do any extra work.

How do chlorine generators work? Through electrolysis, the non-chlorinated, salt water that passes through the generator makes chlorine, which is turned into hypochlorous acid, which in turn sanitizes the pool and kills the algae and other potentially junk in your swimming pool.

However, it’s important to understand that while many consumers love salt-water pools and chlorine generators, these systems do require proper care and maintenance even though you don’t need to handle the chlorine yourself. For example, in order for the chlorine generator to operate to its maximum capacity and keep generating chlorine effectively and continuously (and thus, keep your pool clean), the generator’s cell must be cleaned and maintained, and kept free of mineral deposits such as calcium. In addition, your swimming pool’s pH balance must be maintained, because the overall effectiveness of the generator hinges on your pool’s water conditions and balance.

When choosing a chlorine generator for your salt-water pool, consider a unit that requires 3,500 parts per million (ppm) or less in order to function, since humans reportedly have a “salt taste threshold” of about 3,500 ppm. Some chlorine generators require up to 6,000 ppm, which may be hard to handle and make your pool unpleasant to swim in. However, there are other considerations to keep in mind with respect to choosing the right chlorine generator for your pool, so take your time in this important decision.

So, you’ve finally made the big decision and opted to have an in-ground pool built into your backyard rather than having an above-ground pool installed. If you have the extra time and money, in-ground pools are fantastic as a permanent home improvement and for long-term investment, adding value to your home and property. They’re also usually larger, more esthetically pleasing, and more fun!

However, your decision-making is far from over. There are, in fact, several different types of in-ground pools (and we’re not just talking size, shape, or pattern here) from which you’ll need to choose just one. The four main or basic types of in-ground pools are: vinyl-lined pools, fiberglass pools, concrete pools, and gunite pools. Understanding the differences and pros and cons of each type of in-ground pool is essential for learning how to choose the right one for you and your family.

Vinyl Lined Pools

First, let’s look at vinyl-lined pools. Vinyl-lined pools are normally considered the simplest type of in-ground pool. They are structurally very similar to above-ground pools (above-ground pools usually have blue vinyl liners), and take about a week to three weeks for a contractor or company to construct. Vinyl-lined pools suit colder climates almost perfectly, seeing as all you need to do come winter time is drain the pool and then cover it. Another pro for vinyl-lined in-ground pools is that they are generally cheaper than the other types, due to their simple construction. However, you may find that they are less durable and not quite as sturdy than other types of in-ground pools, and ongoing maintenance or repairs may be required. Also, keep in mind the liner must be replaced every 10 years.

Fiberglass Pools

If you opt for a fiberglass pool, the “shell” is constructed first (the ground dug out, plumbing laid, and sand poured in), and then the fully-completed pool (which will typically be built in a factory and not in your yard) will arrive, resembling something like a very large bathtub. Fiberglass pools take about two weeks for completion. They are generally the most expensive type of in-ground pool you can find, but on the flip side, they are incredibly durable and shock-absorbent, and also don’t require much maintenance or chemicals for the pool water.

Concrete Pools

If durability is your thing, you may want to go stronger than fiberglass and opt for a concrete in-ground pool, probably the strongest type of pool you can get. One pro in addition to its strength that many pool owners love is that it’s customizable—it can be custom-made to fit your backyard and you could even paint it or decorate it however you like. However, concrete pools are difficult to construct, and take quite a long time as the process is quite complicated and time-consuming.

Gunite Pools

Gunite pools are very similar to concrete pools insofar as their durability, strength, time-consuming process, and customization is concerned. However, gunite pools are built using the “gunite method,” which is slightly different than how concrete pools are constructed. Gunite and concrete pools alike both take many weeks to complete—normally about 12. However, their durability and customizable nature, as well as the fact that they are less expensive than fiberglass pools and are also known to withstand very hot temperatures, make them popular choices.

Whether you choose a vinyl-lined, fiberglass, concrete, or gunite pool depends on your needs, situation, budget, time frame, and what you’re ultimately looking for in a pool.

Once you’ve made a decision to get an inground pool, start off your project with a bang and save $50!