Frequently Asked Questions
New Construction
How Do I Know What Type of Pool Would Be Suitable in My Backyard?
Cowtown Pools is dedicated to ensuring that your dream pool matches the aesthetic and flow of your outdoor space. We sit down with homeowners and discuss the specifics of what they want out of their pool. Then, we measure your backyard to determine the best type, size, and shape of pool to meet your needs. Finally, we put together a plan of action for your pool and present it, giving you time to tweak the design until it matches your vision.
How Long Does It Take to Build a Swimming Pool?
A variety of factors contribute to a pool project timeline. These include things such as weather, the condition of your yard’s soil, local building inspections, material availability, workforce availability, and the complexity of your pool build. However, the standard timeline, assuming everything runs smoothly, is about six to eight weeks for a gunite pool.
How Do Soil Conditions Affect the Pool Building Process?
Soil is subject to moisture changes from inclement weather. Pool builders cannot operate in wet soil due to the increased risk of machinery getting stuck and the excavation site caving in.
The type of soil in your area dictates the way it responds to moisture. For example, clay soil holds moisture better than sandy soil, making it less likely to collapse on the excavation site during heavy rains. However, it also takes longer for the moisture to completely dry out, leading to longer delays.
What Are the Most Popular Pool Shapes?
Gunite pools can be built in any size and shape, depending on the wants and needs of the homeowner. Some of the most popular shapes are as follows:
• Geometric Shapes
• Rectangular
• Figure 8 Pools
• Free-form pools
Ready to Build Your Dream Pool?
Cowtown Pools is proud to support the homeowners of the DFW Metroplex and beyond in building the swimming pool of their dreams. Whether you are looking for a free-form pool that has a built-in waterfall slide or a lap pool with an attached spa to relax after your workout, we have the solutions for you. Contact our team today for more information on our services or to schedule a consultation!
Remodel
How Do I Know When I Need to Replaster My Pool?
There are several signs that can indicate you need to replaster your pool, but these are the most common:
• It is harder to keep algae from growing into the pits of the plaster.
• The plaster is heavily stained.
• You can start to see the pool shell from the thinning plaster.
• The plaster is popping up in places.
• The pool’s surface is rough and scratches the skin, bathing suits, or pool cleaner equipment.
How Long Will a Pool Remodel Take?
This solely depends on the type and amount of work you need/want done on your pool. If you are looking only for a resurfacing job, it can take anywhere between three and five days to have your pool up and running. Larger projects, like a full remodel or redoing the pool plumbing, will add significantly more time to your remodel. However, our team will go over the timeline of your pool renovation project. You will never be left in the dark about where your pool renovation project is in the process.
Can I Get My Pool Renovated in the Winter?
Yes! The fall and winter are the best time to invest in either a pool renovation or pool remodeling project as this tends to be the slower season for pool builders and can keep timelines lower. On top of that, you won’t have to worry about missing a single day of pool time during the summer.
The only thing you will want to anticipate, though, is that severe weather, such as extreme dips in temperature or snowstorms (which, even though are rare, can still occur in Texas), may delay the project.
What Are Some Pool Renovation Projects I Should Consider?
One of the best parts about a pool renovation is that you can update your pool to include some of the newest innovations in pool care and aesthetics. Besides the obvious choices of updating tile, coping, plaster, and deck, you could include but are not limited to the following:
• Pool Automation: Control the different aspects of your pool such as a pool heater or your pool pump from your smartphone to help make maintenance easier.
• Pool Lighting: Update your older pool lights to LEDs to help cut down on costs and keep your pool safer.
• Add on a Spa: Give you and your swimmers a comfortable place to unwind after a long day or a nice place to hang out while you watch the kids play.
• Pool Water Features: Such as a grotto with in-pool seating and a waterfall, or scuppers to increase water circulation and add an extra visual effect.
Bring Your Pool to the Next Level
If you are ready to renovate your pool and elevate both its technology and aesthetics, you can be assured that your dedicated pool specialists at Cowtown Pools can help! We work hard to bring you the pool of your dreams. Contact our team today for more information on our pool renovations!
Weekly Service and Repairs
How Often Do I Need to Clean My Pool Filter?
Manufacturers recommend that DE filters be taken apart and cleaned twice a year. Cartridge filters must be changed 4 times a year, while sand filter media replacements are 2-3 years in between. Sand cannot be cleaned and reused.
These are only recommendations, and additional cleanings in between scheduled cleaning services depend highly on bather load and backwashing cycles for DE and sand filters. Increased frequencies in cleaning also depend on contaminants that are introduced to the pool water that is being filtered, which include tanning oils and sun blocks, oil-based fence stain over sprays, waste and organic matter, soil and yard wash in, etc.
How Can I Tell If My Pool Has a Leak?
It's simple. Put pool water in a bucket and place it in the pool. You want the water level of the bucket and the pool to be the same. After one week, if the water level in the pool is lower than the water level in the bucket, you might have a leak. This is a relatively reliable method since the condensation behavior is the same in both tanks.
What Does Weekly Cleaning and Chemical Service Include?
During each Weekly Pool Maintenance visit, we scoop leaves and debris from the surface of the pool, vacuum the bottom of the pool for sediment, brush the walls of the pool and steps of the spa, spot check all equipment for wear and tear, and test and assess chemistry. An electronic door hanger will be emailed after each visit, providing a full report of services provided.
Does a Swimming Pool Need to Be Serviced Year-Round?
Yes, correctly maintaining your pool throughout the year will reduce the amount of staining. Pumps and other equipment should also be properly maintained to prolong their life. Regular maintenance will save you money in the long run.
