I feel like I’m channeling The Who here.  Actually I just noticed that I haven’t really talked about our company and who we are.   I think perhaps a bit of a bio/resume is overdue. 

Premier Fiberglass, Inc. is an Austin based company servicing the State of Texas (and beyond) specializing in waterproofing by fiberglassing. Since bringing the process to Austin in 1998, we have had an outstanding track record. We offer a permanent solution for sealing almost any surface, enabling you to spend less time and money maintaining your property and more time enjoying the benefits.

We are members of the CFA – Now the American Composites Manufacturers Association, the Austin Chamber of Commerce, the Austin chapter of the Better Business Bureau, the Austin Apartment Association, the South West Car Wash Association, the Southeastern Car Wash Association and the Texas Hotel & Motel Association. In addition, we support both the Austin and San Antonio Chapters of the Independent Pool and Spa Service Association. We are certified with the State of Texas as a HUB contractor, the City of Austin as a WBE contractor and the City of San Antonio as a WBE contractor through the SCTRCA.

We offer services to the industrial, commercial, and residential communities. With our on-site seven step spray application process, We use wither our specially produced MEKP formula or our BPO formula which offers a cobalt-free product for swimming pools to eliminate “black spots,” common with fiberglass materials of the past. Fiberglass, by curing becomes a smooth, dense, non-porous lining material. Fiberglass can eliminate cracks, leaks, algae, staining, rough surfaces and high chemical usage while it deflects dirt and grime.

We work with wave pools, gunite/plaster pools, concrete pools, pre-fabricated fiberglass units, spas, slides, tanks, ponds, newly constructed car washes, both self-service and automatic as Well as car wash renovation projects. We line acid tanks, waste water holding tanks and all flooring surfaces. We also make resurfacing decks, patios, driveways and sports courts economical, slip resistant, cooler than concrete, durable, mildew resistant and easy to maintain with our special epoxy, acrylic and urethane concrete coatings.

Our technicians are certified through the CFA-ACMA, unlike other companies that employ general labor. Our drivers are all commercially trained for hazardous materials, setting the bar for excellence in safety standards. Our crews are pride driven and have immense experience in the composite industry as Well as with Premier Fiberglass, Inc. which allows us to boast the best product available.

We warrant and guarantee our materials and labor to ensure you get both the best product and piece of mind you deserve when choosing us. We look forward to continuing our progress to include you on our future list of referral clients!

Premier Fiberglass, Inc. added swimming pool installations and service to its resume in the winter of 2002 after an overwhelming market begged for a quality product backed by impeccable service. After painstaking research, we’ve found and distribute only the best swimming pools available. We opened our first public showroom in early 2004 at 7919 Highway 71 in Oakhill, Texas. We are proudly helping homeowners make a vacation destination out of their backyard.

So there you go.  Premier Fiberglass in a nutshell.  We look forward to serving your pool needs.

Did you notice your pool looking a little … worn and tired this summer?  Are you thinking your pool and backyard could use a little refreshing or a new look?  

We’re nearing the end of the swimming season so now is the perfect time look into getting that work done.  Get a true jump on next season and have your pool all ready to go before next spring.  We here at Premier Fiberglass understand that no one wants a worn looking pool, but that sometimes it’s hard to think about the next swimming season at the end of September.  However, I really want to encourage you to call us before the spring if you need work done.  We want you to have a usable pool next spring just as much as you do, but if you wait until the last minute (like April) you run the risk of scheduling delays.  Now is the time to start this process.  Last spring we started scheduling 8 to 10 weeks out by the start of May. 

The fall and winter is the perfect time to have us out to work on your pool!  Most likely you don’t really plan to use your pool after October, so renovations won’t cut into your swimming fun time.  And even if scheduling becomes tight, odds are highly in your favor that come April and May your pool will done and ready for your family and friends to enjoy.

As always, we are happy to provide free estimates for resurfacing.  Visit our website or call us at 512-282-3322 to get in touch with a designer.

So we’ve talked about pool covers before, as far as types and cost but is there a benefit to having one over not?  The answer to that is yes.  Aside from the obvious safety benefit of a locking cover there are other perks to using a pool cover that may effect your bottom line, and may make the investment in a pool cover worth it. 

Cleanliness

Obviously, keeping a cover on your pool keeps it cleaner.  If your pool is clean and free from debris you spend less time cleaning it and less energy (both personally and from the utility company) cleaning it.  A clean pool doesn’t run through filters as frequently and requires fewer chemicals, both of which can be costly.  A “closed” pool also required less running time to maintain than a pool that’s open to the elements.  Also, a covered pool is much more attractive than a swampy body of water with all kinds of gunk in it. 

Efficiency

Do you heat your pool mechanically?  Running that heater has a cost, and the surface area of that uncovered pool is a gigantic heat-sink.  Increase the efficiency of your heater by keeping that heat in the water and out of the air with a cover.  If you don’t heat your pool mechanically, you can extend the seasonal use of your pool into fall by keeping the water warmer  longer with a cover as well.  Don’t care about keeping the water warm?  You may still want to invest in a cover to help prevent evaporation and splash-out caused by winds and reduce the cost incurred by having to refill the pool to operating levels frequently.

Safety

I know I’ve mentioned this already, but if none of the other reasons are enough to tip the scales in favor of investing in a cover for your pool, this might be it.  Locking safety covers and baby nets are almost a must if you have adventurous (or fearless)  small children.  Covers can make that “attractive nuisance” a little less attractive to curious little ones and can slow their access to the water to give you extra time to get to them before the worst happens.

All in all, a cover is a good investment for your pool, whether you choose to get one for efficiency’s sake or for safety purposes.

So you own a pool and have discovered that the maintenance is just a little more time-consuming than you were anticipating.  Hiring a pool service company might just be the way to go for you.  What should you look for in a good “pool guy?”  There are some earmarks of a wise pool tech that you may pick up on if you know what to look for.

Most experienced pool techs will probably provide you with a service agreement.  This document can simply outline what they, as the service tech, and you, as the pool owner, are responsible for as far as maintenance is concerned.  Is it the job of the pool tech to service a heater that isn’t working properly?  Are they just there to check and adjust the chemicals?  What about physically cleaning the pool?

When you call out a service company for a bid, don’t be surprised if you see the tech drawing your pool or taking pictures of it.  A good pool tech will document any pre-existing damage.  Both for your benefit and theirs.  Along those lines, you might expect that tech to alert you to any dangerous conditions around your pool, including equipment that’s not installed properly, broken gates and fencing, broken drain covers, etc.  If the service tech includes a clause in the contract requiring these items to be repaired, don’t be insulted.  Your pool tech wants your pool to be as safe as it can be.

As a pool owner, I would also hope to see my pool tech maintain a chemical log.  At its simplest, the log need only contain the chemical readings on the given service dates and also any adjustments or additions to the chemicals that the tech makes.  Maintaining a log can help you, and your tech see if there is anything going on overall in the pool that would indicate a problem.  These logs can also contain notice of necessary maintenance and any other comments or suggestions that your tech may make for your pool.

Remember, your pool tech is your ally in keeping that pool beautiful and letting you enjoy it more than you maintain it.

When we do renovations and pool resurfacing and repairs we need to drain the pool in question.  Not always to completely empty, but sometimes it’s a substantial amount.  And many times we ask the homeowners to start the draining process ahead of time so our crew can start to work quickly.  If you are ever in a position when you need to discharge water from your pool, even if for a standard filter backwash, there are some things to think about and address. 

The first thing to know where are you sending your water.  Can you drain into the sanitary sewer or can you just release the water onto the ground.  There may be regulations, prohibitions or guidelines pertaining to pool discharge water in your area.  Many of these regulations focus on the chemical content of the water and its potential ecological impact, but there may be some pertaining to the path of the discharged water as well. 

After you have addressed any governing regulations, you can take steps to make the water expelled from the pool more “eco-friendly.”  Terry Arko and SeaKlear Pool & Spa Products, via Aqua Magazine, recommend evaluating the water and then following a few steps to ensure that the discharged water has as small of an ecological impact as possible.

Has the pool water been sanitized properly or recently?

If the answer is no, or your pool looks like a swamp, then you should super chlorinate it to deal with the bacteria, algae and other organic matter that may be calling your pool home.  These are things that most likely should NOT be making their way to the local waterways.  If you need to super chlorinate, try to get the chlorine up to 30ppm and hold it there for 12 hours.  That should kill most bacteria and protozoa that might be present. 

It may be a good idea to leave this step to a professional if you find that it’s necessary.

Of course if you can drain into the sanitary sewer this won’t be necessary as the water will be treated at the water treatment plant before being released.

How high are your chlorine levels?

If you performed the previous step, the answer will be “pretty high.”  Or even if you are just on the ball with keeping the water sanitized you will most likely need to de-chlorinate the water before releasing it.  The best way (and lest expensive way) to do this is to let the water sit for several days before draining so the chlorine can naturally dissipate.  This does not mean to let it turn into a swamp again.  If you can’t wait, you can de-chlorinate using sodium thiosulfate.

Take care of the phosphates.

Phosphates are the prime culprit in waterway pollution and are responsible for many algae outbreaks in streams, lakes and rivers.  Phosphate readings should be at least 200ppb before you send that water on its way.

Filter that water.

The last thing to do before actually draining the pool is to treat it with a natural-based clarified that is oil-free and non-synthetic and filter it for at least 24 hours. 

Draining the pool.

Now you can drain the pool.  Be aware of hydrostatic pressure.  This is pressure from possible groundwater in the soil surrounding the pool that will push up against the shell of the pool.  The pool should, hopefully, have a hydrostatic release valve that will help relive the pressure and prevent damage to the pool.

As always, please exercise care when using chemicals and check with your local pool service tech when in doubt about the chemistry of your pool and the use of chemicals (especially large amounts of them).

We’ve been trying to squeeze as much summer fun at the pool into this week as possible since many schools in the Austin area start on Monday.  And much like my kids getting that last bit of fun in, you can still get some great deals on items for your pool.

If you’ve been considering an automatic pool cleaner now might be the time to move on  purchasing one.  Pentair is offering to double their regular reward of $50 to $100 if you purchase a Kreepy Krauly Classic, SandShark, Great White, Platinum, or Legend cleaner before September 3, 2012.

If you are an Austin Energy customer you could save some money too.  As a part of their on-going rebate program, customers who have a qualifying variable-speed pump installed on a new or existing in-ground pool are eligible for a $300 rebate.  For all the information on the rebate, including a list of qualifying equipment and participating installers, please visit the Austin Energy Rebate Program page.

If you are thinking a pool renovation or resurface is in your future don’t wait until the last minute.  We here at Premier Fiberglass know it’s sometimes hard to think about the next swimming season when you’ve just made preparations to close your pool for the off-season but that off-season is the best time to have us out to work on your pool.  And the sooner you contact us, the sooner we can be out getting the work done.  We look forward to hearing from you.

1. “My yard will be ruined forever and it will take too long.”
   An accurate understanding of the building process will help you develop realistic expectations for the completion of your pool. Many fiberglass pools are completed in just a few weeks. But obviously, unforeseen factors such as the weather or permit delays can affect the building process. A good contractor will communicate any changes in the project schedule to you as soon as possible.
2. “My utility bills will significantly go up if I own a pool.”
   Utility bills vary depending on where you live, who your provider is, the size of your pool and how often you run your equipment, but average estimates show that utility bills are increased under $100 each month. But that’s nothing compared to money spent on entertainment, vacations, trips, etc. Contact our professional consultantfor quote.
3. “Pools require constant repair.”
   Proper cleaning and maintenance is very critical to the life of the pool which in turn will prevent the need for unscheduled refurbishing. A fiberglass pool may not require major restorative services or repairs for between 10-12 years.  View video of Bead Blasting  to see how easy it is to maintain your pools appearance.
4. “Pools detract from the appeal of a home in the real estate market instead of adding to it.”
   Not true. Banks and other financial lenders often look favorably upon swimming pool financing, considering it a “home improvement” that will increase both the current and resale value of the home.
5. “I can’t afford a pool.”
   Owning a pool is probably a lot easier than you think. There are many reasonably priced options for putting a pool in your backyard. The type of pool, materials, accessories, and landscaping you choose will influence the cost of the project. You should also remember that your pool will help reduce other expenses, such as the cost of vacations away from home, membership dues to community pools and other recreational activities.

When purchasing an in-ground swimming pool there are some accessories such as heaters, security covers, and automatic vacuums that can be added or changed over time.  You do not have that flexibility with an in-ground pool light.  It’s a one- shot deal.  Let’s take a moment to compare led pool lights and fiber optic pool lights, the two most popular products on the market today to find which in-ground pool light could work better for you.

First we need to identify the similarities and differences of each in-ground pool light.  Led pool lights and fiber optic pool lights both have the same objective:  to illuminate the pool and provide a variety of colors to enhance the atmosphere.  But that’s about all the two in-ground pool lights have in common as they use two entirely different methods to illuminate the pool water.  Led pool lights are designed so the actual light bulb is submersed in the water and contained in a niche, or housing, which is installed in the pool shell.  The light bulb is sealed so no water or electricity can get in or out and the cord travels from the bulb to a switch where the light is operated.  Fiber optic pool lights are designed so the bulb is located in a dry box located on top of the pool patio.  The light from the bulb travels through fiber optic cable from the box to a special fitting installed in the pool wall where the cable ends.  The light is emitted from the end of the cable and illuminates the pool.  With a basic understanding of how each in-ground pool light works, let’s compare led pool lights and fiber optic pool lights.  We’ll look at 5 different categories to see the advantages and disadvantages of each type of in-ground pool light.

# 1:  Level of difficulty changing the light bulb

Led pool lights: Many people have the misconception that you need to lower the water level to change the bulb of an in-ground pool light.  Not true!  The sealed housing that contains the bulb is removed from the light niche in the pool wall and then brought above water level where the bulb is changed.  The entire process is simple and takes 15-30 minutes.

Fiber optic pool lights:  Because the bulb of fiber optic pool lights is located in a dry box on patio level, the bulb is very easy to access and can be changed in less than 5 minutes.

Advantage:  Fiber optic pool lights

#2:  Initial and lifetime cost

Led pool lights:  Initial cost is typically $400-$900. The only component of the system that will need periodic replacement will be the bulb which ranges anywhere from $200-$400 depending on the unit.  Bulbs will typically last 7-15 years in led pool lights.

Fiber optic pool lights: The initial cost is typically $900-1500 on new construction.  Because this system is above water level a fan is needed to cool the bulb.  An electric motor is also used to rotate the color wheel that causes the light to change colors.  These components do fail over time and will need to be replaced.  The bulbs of fiber optic pool lights will typically last 3-7 years at a replacement cost of $200-$300.

Advantage:  Led pool lights

#3:  Brightness

Led pool lights:  A full size led pool light will illuminate a large residential pool very well.  Smaller led pool lights like the PAL 2000, which we use, will require 2 lights on a pool 15×34 or bigger to illuminate the entire pool.  Lights are usually installed at opposite ends of the in-ground pool to illuminate the pool as evenly as possible.

Fiber optic pool lights:  They work well in principle, but based on my experience they simply don’t illuminate the pool well; even when there are two fiber optic cables.  When two cables are used, they both come from the same illuminator to eliminate the need for a second expensive illuminator box.  Placing lights on opposite ends of the pool means purchasing two entire light kits, which doubles the cost.  We found that one PAL 2000 light (which is a small light) illuminated a 16×38 pool better than two fiber optic pool lights placed on the same end of the pool.

Advantage:  Led pool lights

# 4:  Size and location of lighting components

Led pool lights:  The components are a standard light switch and transformer (if low voltage) located at the pool equipment or more convenient location, and the light which is installed at the pool.  The transformer is mounted on a post or wall along with the switch and can be as close at 10′ from the pool or as far as 50-100 feet from the pool.  Many lights come with limited cord length.  The PAL 2000, for example, comes with 69′ of cord.

Fiber optic pool lights:  The dry box, or illuminator, is about 1′x1′ in size and must be located within 10′-12′ of the pool unless custom length fiber optic cable is purchased at approx $40/ft.  This does present a design challenge if the light is wanted on an end of the pool with a significant amount of patio.

Advantage:  Led pool lights

#5:  Safety

Led pool lights:  Despite what some people may think, modern submerged pool lights are safe.  Tens of thousands are installed every year without incident.  Many led pool lights are low voltage.  Instead of having a 110 volt fixture, a transformer converts to 12 volts which is about the same as a car charger.

Fiber optic pool lights: Have literally no electricity in the water.  All of the mechanicals are located in the illuminator box at patio level.

Advantage:  Push

(If there were any legitimate concern for safety, first of all we would not sell the product, and second, it would never make it to market.)

Conclusion:

Which in-ground pool light is better?  After having installed literally hundreds of both types of in-ground pool lights we have come to the conclusion that even though fiber optic pool lights have their advantages, led pool lights are the way to go.  They are more cost effective initially and long term, there is no cumbersome illuminator box to deal with, and they illuminate the water more effectively .  Before switching to led pool lights we would periodically receive complaints from our customers that the fiber optic pool lights did not light the water as well as was hoped.  Since switching to led pool lights several years ago, we have had nothing but positive feedback.

I’ve decided that buying a pool is a lot like buying a car.  If you go in knowing what you want in your car, what you want to pay, and very knowledgeable about it you can walk away with a new car you are satisfied with, and without buyers remorse.   Purchasing a pool works the same way.  Don’t know where to start?  Here’s a list of five things you know know before you start to collect quotes on your project.

1. Know You Want a Swimming Pool (all parties involved)

I know, you probably think this sounds silly but trust me it’s not. In fact, knowing that you do or do not want a swimming pool in your back yard is the key to your ability in making sound and rash decisions on what will be a pretty expensive project.

2. Know What’s MOST Important to You about the Pool

Low maintenance? Aesthetics? Customization? Warranty? Designability? Play Area? Water Feature Etc, Etc? These are just a few common goals pool shoppers normally have when considering what they want their pool to be. This is why every pool shopper should consider what’s important to them about their pool and then rate these in order before they meet with the pool installer. Trust me when I say that by doing this your ability to focus on the right pool with the right options will be enhanced drastically.

3. Know What’s MOST Important to You about the Pool Installer

Are you looking for turn-key? Are you solely focused on lowest price? How much do quality and workmanship come into play regarding your decision? These are incredibly important questions that every pool shopper should answer before they meet with a pool guy. In fact, I believe the question of price is maybe the most important question a shopper will ever ask themselves. This is because if a consumer is solely price-motivated then they likely don’t even need to have a bunch of pool guys come to their home for estimates. And to be honest, I’ve had pool shoppers tell me their biggest concern was getting the lowest price to which I responded we probably weren’t the company for them. I say this because it is impossible to be the lowest priced guy and give the best workmanship and quality. So please consider these questions as you shop for your swimming pool. Write down your priorities and let these priorities be your compass as you seek to find the best pool installer for you and your family.

4. Know Your True Budget

Times are very different than they were just a few years ago. Today, it’s much more difficult to get loans for items like swimming pools because property values have gone down, meaning equity lines and second mortgages can be very tough to come by. Take the time to get your financing in order before you actually start getting pool quotes. I know for many this might seem like putting the cart before the horse but in reality the exact opposite is true.  I strongly suggest to homeowners to seek out your financing resources before you sit down with the pool guy. I can assure you that if you do this neither your, nor their, time will be wasted.

5. Know the General Difference between Vinyl, Concrete, and Fiberglass

I find in general that the internet is much less biased than pool guys when it comes to explaining the pros and cons to different types of pools. Despite the fact that our company only sells and installs fiberglass swimming pools, that doesn’t mean we haven’t told people before that we simply didn’t have a product to fit their needs. Fact is, fiberglass, although it fits the needs of most consumers, isn’t for everyone.  If a homeowner has a distinct idea as to the pros and cons of each type of pool before they receive an estimate, they will be more able to make logical decisions on the type of pool that will fit the needs of their family for years to come. So do your research on the different types of pools and I can assure you it will greatly help you as you go about this pool shopping experience.

So there are 5 things you should know before you receive a quote for your in ground swimming pool. I hope that if you implement these suggestions into your pool buying experience you can be happy with the outcome.

So I covered the typical pool options of gunite and vinyl and how they compared to fiberglass.  But what you are considering something a little more unique than typical gunite?  What if you were considering Pebble Tec?  For those not familiar with Pebble Tec, it’s a finish for a gunite pool that is made of stones and pebbles and is reminiscent of the rocky creek or stream bed.  Let’s look at some of the features shared with fiberglass.

Materials

Fiberglass has a thirty year track record for severe steel and concrete industrial corrosion protection. High-performance resins used for continuous immersion service. It also provides superior long-term performance.

Pebble Tec is a cementitious product-cement based with aggregate. When it was introduced to the pool industry, it masked common problems found with traditional plaster. Pebble Tec currently has no track record for industrial corrosion protection.

Corrosion Resistance

Fiberglass is a composite surface that is very resistant to pool water and chemicals.

The Pebble Tec surface subject is to degradation by pool water.

Structural Strength

Fiberglass boasts superior tensile strength due to its composite material, making it ideal for pools with structural problems.

Pebble Tec does not contribute to the structural strength of the pool. Binders and aggregates are cosmetic only and may crack through when structural conditions change. (Never used for cracked pools).

Black Algae and Rebar Stains

Black algae cannot adhere to fiberglass. Rebar stains cannot bleed through.

A severe black algae infestation develop on Pebble Tec surfaces when plaster matrix disintegrates, and aggregate detaches. Aggregate voids become very rough, and are a haven for black algae. Rebar stains can bleed through.

Life Expectancy

Fiberglass is not subject to water or chemical corrosion. Its longevity exceeds that of cement-based specialty/aggregate plasters.

The plaster binder used in Pebble Tec is eventually compromised by pool water and the surface deteriorates.

Long Term Aesthetics

Fiberglass boasts excellent water clarity and sparkling appearance. Superior aesthetics are present over the life of surface.

As the pebble surface ages, the aesthetic appeal is diminished. Common observations are aggregate loss, mottling, discoloration, scaling and etching.

Roughness

Due to the inert nature of fiberglass, no leachable/extractable material is available to cause roughness. The surface remains smooth. The homogenized composite structure has no material that can separate from the base substance.

The aggregate/plaster composition of Pebble Tec is not inert, and is therefore, subject to corrosion by pool water. As the surface breaks down, roughness increases. Aggregate plasters are not monolithic structures. Therefore, its constituents are subject to separation.

Warranty

The very nature of composite materials of fiberglass implies that a more comprehensive, realistic warranty is offered. The corrosion resistant properties of composite materials enable the applicator to provide a true warranty. In addition, the warranty describes that the material  addresses the technical issues, as previously described. The warranty embraces labor and material coverage, ensures that the pools surface itself remains constant, and that the work is performed to the guidelines provided by technical societies. Namely, NACE, SSPC, and composite industry standards.

The nature of aggregate plasters, like Pebble Tec, signifies that no warranty is offered on the material itself. The material is subject to normal degradation over time, and therefore cannot be guaranteed. However, an application warranty is offered that simply states, that the new material will bond to the existing substrate. There is no warranty other than that. Surface deterioration and aesthetic issues are not covered by any warranty. Aggregate loss from the surface is explained away as normal wear. Contractor skill level varies widely, and therefore inconsistent outcomes are commonplace.

If you are contemplating resurfacing your existing pool and have decided that you’d like to go with fiberglass, give Premier Fiberglass a call or email and we can have a designer discuss your project with you. 

Nod of appreciation to Peter Gibson, Specifying/Corrosion Engineer, for his stellar research.