Are your warranties spelled out in writing?
Yes- All in One Pools, Inc. shall warrant your pool to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from date the pool is plastered. Any Hayward equipment such as pumps, filters, control panels, and heaters includes a three year warranty. All in One Pools, Inc. further warrants the concrete pool shell to be structurally sound for the period that the pool is owned by the original owners. Our one year warranty also includes tile, interior finish, automatic pool cleaner, chlorinator, skimmer, pool piping, fittings and valves, pool light (except bulbs), transformer, step ladder, handrails, grab rails, and such additional equipment as we may install at the time of construction of the pool. Our obligation is limited to correcting any defects in materials, labor or workmanship at our expense. Most items of equipment installed by us have longer warranty periods that are offered directly by the manufacturer.
What are the major exclusions in your warranties?
Our warranty only applies to the pool, deck, equipment and accessories that are included in the sales agreement. We will not be responsible for any damage occurring to the pool or its accessories resulting from the process of installation and/or presence of decks, walks or other items that were installed by others, nor shall we be responsible for normal wear, settlement cracks hairline cracks, discoloration, staining, rust corrosion, oxidation, patio cracks or deck cracks as all of the foregoing are commonly due to factors beyond our control. We will not be responsible for damage caused to the pool from being emptied or partially emptied.
Is All in One Pools licensed and insured?
We are a State Certified commercial and residential pool contractor #CPC057130. We carry Worker’s Compensation insurance as required by Florida law and maintain general liability and automobile coverage of $5,000,000.
Which aspects of the project am I responsible for?
The homeowner is responsible for navigating the approval process of their homeowner’s association, termite treatment, sod replacement, moving or repair of irrigation, providing gas hookup if installing a gas heater, and filling of the pool.
Which duties are the responsibilities of All In One Pools?
We are responsible for all permitting, calling in of inspections, scheduling crews, verifying all measurements, clean up of job site, repair any concrete damage done to sidewalks or driveways, pool startup, and pool school instruction.
Mechanical Issues and Aesthetic Options
What size pool pump is best?
Your pump configuration (number and size of pumps) will be determined by the various types of water features installed on your pool and the water flow necessary for them to operate properly. As a general rule, we try not to use pumps larger than 2 horsepower due to noise vibration and energy consumption issues.
What options are available for my pools?
All in One Pools offers a virtually unlimited selection of options that will enhance the beauty and function of your custom pool. Design options include various kids of interior finishes; tile upgrades; beach entries; built in benches; waterfalls (rock or sheer descent); slides a wide variety of decking materials – such as acrylic, brick paver and flagstone; and solar and fiber optic lighting. Maintenance products include automatic water levelers, water treatment systems and in-floor cleaning systems.
What are the differences between a heat pump, a gas heater, and solar heating?
A heat pump runs on electricity and operates by removing heat from the air and using it to heat the pool or spa water. A gas heater runs on propane of natural gas. Gas heaters generally provide much more rapid heating of a pool or spa but are more costly to operate than a heat pump. If your intentions are to heat the pool for long durations then heat pump. Solar heating is effective at raising the pool water temperature 10 degrees or more in all except the coolest months.
What are automated pool controls?
These systems permit the operation and control of your pool, spa, water features, lights and pool heating systems from a control panel inside your home or via the use of a remote control device.
Construction-related Issues
Who is responsible for repairing the concrete sidewalks and driveways that may be broken?
The heavy equipment used in the construction of swimming pools normally breaks concrete. We repair the small section of sidewalk that we access through during construction. We only access over a driveway at the homeowners direction with the understanding that they are responsible for any damage that occurs.
Who is responsible for damage to my neighbor’s property?
The only time that we access thru a neighbors property is if we have a signed access agreement. In this case the homeowner is responsible for repairing the neighbor’s property.
Will any of my underground utility lines be affected by construction?
We will notify the underground line location service of our dig plans several days before the scheduled excavation date. The service is responsible for marking the location of underground utility lines. If lines are not located where marked or are left unmarked by the locator service, they may be broken when the pool is excavated.
What happens if the excavator hits rock or unusual soil conditions?
The excavator will contract your project superintendent and we will make a determination of any additional expense is required to build the pool in accordance with the approved plans. Once we have advised you of any additional costs you will incur, you have the option of paying the additional cost, changing the design of your pool to decrease the depth or shape or, at your direction, discontinuing the excavation and refilling the hole dug.
Will you repair my sprinklers and landscaping?
No. You must arrange for the repair or replacement of these items after construction is completed.
Homeowner Property Requirements
What are the setback and easement requirements?
Setback requirements are rules adopted by each municipality regulating minimum distance that structures such as pools, decks or houses must be from the edge of your property. The setback requirements adopted by the city or county governing construction in your area will be a major factor in determining how your pool or spa will be laid out on your property. Easement rights are rights of access across your property, typically for electric, telephone or other utility lines. There are a variety of rules and regulations regarding your ability to build or locate permanent structures in an easement.
If my yard is sloped, do I need a retaining wall?
There are many things to consider in pool design that effect slope and the need for a retaining wall. Our design team is skilled at determining what type of soil retention (if any) is necessary for your particular yard and design.
Are there any legal or safety requirements we need to comply with?
Yes. You will need to insure that your yard and pool area are adequately safeguarded with a code-compliant fence or other barrier preventing access to the pool from the backyard. You also will need code-compliant door and window alarms or a safety barrier to prevent access to the pool from inside your house.
Factors That Can Cause Delay
What factors can cause delays in the completion of my pool?
- Change orders or delays
- Inclement weather (including the time necessary for the site to dry out after rain)
- Unforeseen delays in obtaining the required inspections of the work from your municipal building department
- Limitations on site access and hours of work by you, a homeowner’s association or municipality
- Unforeseen site conditions encountered upon excavation of your pool, including much, excessive rock, unstable soil conditions, uncharted underground utilities or plumbing lines
- Our inability to obtain necessary equipment or supplies due to manufacturing or distribution issues
- The inability of other contractors employed by you to complete certain portions of the work (such as baby barrier or other safety devices, custom deck, screen enclosure, electrical service upgrades or rock waterfall work) in a timely manner and obtain all required inspections
- Delays in the work resulting from your failure to make payments as scheduled in your contract agreement
- Changes made by you in the scope of work after construction begins that require different materials than those originally specified and ordered, or that require revisions to the plan and re-approval of the plans by your local building department
Do you subcontract any portion of the work?
We typically subcontract the excavation, steel erection, gunite, tile installation and electrical hookup phases.
Do your subcontractors clean up the debris resulting from construction?
Construction debris is typically piled neatly on site and removed two or three time during the course of construction. Your project superintendent will monitor the site and call for a cleanup periodically.
What time do your crews start work in the morning?
Crews typically begin work at approximately 7:30 a.m. Depending on the type of work being performed; crews may arrive at your site any time during the day.
Will my project superintendent be in contact with me on a regular basis? Will I get a phone number to contact him?
Yes. Your project superintendent will contact you periodically to discuss job progress. You will be provided with a phone number for your use in contacting your project superintendent as well as the name, contact phone number and e-mail address for our construction manager.
Will I see people working on the pool every day?
No, because work is performed and scheduled in phases to coincide with all required building department inspections. Even though no one may be physically on site, there is work taking place -- inspectors are being called, materials ordered and future work scheduled.
Are start up chemicals included in the cost of the pool?
Yes, The chemicals needed for the initial startup are included in the cost of the pool. You must arrange to buy any additional chemicals needed for the on going maintenance of your pool.
Will I be instructed in the operation of my pool equipment?
Yes. Immediately after the plaster is installed in your pool, a service company will provide you with a detailed orientation explaining how to operate the pool equipment and maintain the pool.
How do I maintain my pool after it is completed?
It is important that you maintain a proper balance of chemicals in the water to protect the pool finish and equipment from potential damage. Your pool will require periodic brushing and vacuuming to maintain its appearance. We suggest you consult a qualified pool service company or pool supply center for assistance with the specific maintenance issues and requirements regarding your pool. These companies sell all the necessary items and can test water. They are typically very skilled at advising new pool owners.