Saving up for a fiberglass pool..it's all I want

As a blogger and a casual browser of the internet (I like to think of it as my hobby), I come across things from time to time. Things that I want.

Truth be told, these images and daydreaming epiphanies come to me at night, almost every night. They come to me while I am wide awake, yet trying to sleep. It's usually the web browsing that keeps me awake, but I like to label it "insomnia",  mainly because it sounds more responsible. I will tell you that typically by morning, the fleeting thoughts and dreams from the night before pass. It's much like a drunk who becomes sober, I realize that what I was thinking and doing was ridiculous. The embarrassment of my intense thoughts usually wake me up by the time I am in the shower getting ready for work. Ludicrous thoughts like "did you really think you were going to make ALL your own jewelry and become so good at it, you could sell it?".  yea, i did that.

But something happened recently that is blog worthy. I awoke and "sobered up" from my Pinterest hangover and could not shake the feeling. This thought, let's call it an "urge", did not pass the morning after and it was not ridiculous.

Here it is:
I want a Fiberglass Pool for Christmas.
Sure, the comical and overtired side of me creeps in from time to time. For example, I would lay in bed thinking about how one would wrap such a gift...do they make bows that big?

So, there it is- my Christmas List 2014

Things I want:

Fiberglass Pool

How did I get here? Well, I will tell you, it was a long journey.  The end result was this page Fiberglass Pool Designs and that link has been safely bookmarked on my iphone. I would like to think I am not alone in this, so should anyone else like to join me- please share your favorite model. Please, by all means, feed the beast that is my imagination.

I have spent countless hours browsing through the dimensions of these fiberglass constructed little gems. Which one was best for me, or for my family? Would it be the Cancun or the Angelfish model? How much do fiberglass pools cost anyway? Where will I put it and what am I going to do with the landscaping?

Christmas is 2 days away. I don't think I am getting it this year. But every year I have a feeling my list will say the same thing. 'Fiberglass Pool'
Until.... I get it.


confession over.

Hardscaping Paths and Walkways

North Jersey Hardscaping 

Creating a hardscaping design around the pool or as a walkways can be one of the smartest decisions you can make in NJ. Because of the seasons that we experience here in NJ, it is important to implement a landscaping design that can stand up to the various changes in temperature. 

Browse through some of these hardscape layouts and pathways to get some creative juices flowing. 

Concrete Pavers- Around the Pool and Driveway

It seems that concrete pavers are among the most popular choices when it comes to walkways leading to the pool and also driveways. When it comes to using them as pool surrounds, they have been proven to be stronger and longer lasting alternatives to concrete poured areas. The biggest advantage to these little gems is that the majority of them come with warranties, something I was unaware of when first beginning my search.

Deciding on placement of your pavered patio or driveway is not the biggest issue, however. It seems that color choices and patterns are the hardest to choose from because there are so many. Choosing from a wide variety of unique styles in not painful though, it is actually quite fun.

take a look at some of these interesting patterns (and there are plenty more where these came from):

The very first thing that has to be done in preparation for pavers is to remove and excavate any and all grass and sifted or loose soil. The ground should feel hard when you walk on it. If there is any movement under your feet, it is not done yet.

The first step in installing concrete pavers is to excavate the grass and loose soil. You want to set the driveway over solid ground. Compacted sand and a base for the pavers is often placed over the surface to create a solid foundation. When installed properly, these can last a lifetime and still look and feel like new.

Contacting a professional is often the best solution for many homeowners, as this is not a very easy "do it yourself" type of job. I live in North Jersey and one of the best examples of good workmanship I have seen was with this company. If you are not in my area, make sure that you get estimates and ask for job sites to view before "booking the service". 

How Concrete Pools are Made: DIY Inground Pool Installation

The method to having a concrete swimming pool constructed in your home is not always cut and dry and easily explained.
This brief blog will give you the basic overview of how the construction process takes place. We are in the North Jersey (NJ) area, so if you are from another region, be sure to check with your local professional about the best times of year to have these installed and constructed.

It seems that there is a need to explain things in a basic way, because nowadays everything is so "technical" and overwhelming. Today's message is all about custom inground swimming pool construction.

All custom pools are constructed on-site, versus fiberglass pools that are fabricated in a warehouse and brought in. Because these types of pools are engineered and installed on location, it allows for truly CUSTOM specifications. The average swimming pool takes approximately two months (7-8 weeks) to build. The process includes (but limited to) the following steps:

Steps to Build a Concrete Pool

1. Meet with homeowners to determine design and engineering plan
2. Materials for the form are delivered to the site
3. Hole is dug by professional excavators
4. Form is established and steel framework is installed
5. The shell is poured (concrete)
6. Plumbing and backfill is completed
7. Electrical work is done by a qualified electrician
8. The waterlines are tilled 
9. Step treads
10. Header is completed on the edge of the pool (bull-nose)
11. Extras are implemented, such as water features 
12. Equipment for the filtration system is delivered
13. The shell is completed inspected and cleaned 
14. Finish is applied to the inside of the
15. Water is added
16. Appropriate chemicals are introduced to the water
17. Client instruction and handover

To find a qualified swimming pool installer in NJ, click here

How Much Do Fiberglass Pools Cost? 4 Basic Tips To Detemine

It's funny that when you ask a direct question such as "How much do fiberglass pools cost in NJ?", you get a blank stare or a "well that depends" as an answer.

The truth of the matter is that is DOES depend.. but on what? After doing my own research and looking into this, what would seem, simple question- I have come up with the answers. I can only that my answers help you, as the research helped me.

Step 1: The very first thing that you need to do is communicate to a pool manufacturer or distributor exactly what you want. Oh, you do not know what you want? Well, let's start here:

• What are you using the pool for? (kids, entertainment, occasional enjoyment, etc) 
• How big will it be?
• Do you want a diving board? (important because of depth)
• Do you need it to be wide enough pool for the kids to shoot some hoops or a to create a custom water slide? 
• Will it FIT in your backyard?

These are basic questions, just as if you were getting dressed. You would not go to a store and say "how much for an outfit?" The clerk would ask: where are you going? What will you be doing? Who will you be seeing? You have to come equipped with answers before you can choose the right selection of clothes, right? Ok, move on...I think you got it.

So, back to pools..Ask YOURSELF before coming to a pool company for a price quote. Do not worry if you do not know the answer to all of these questions. I have discovered one of the best sites to actually browse through designs, shapes and sizes of pools, and it might help you too. 
Just click here  and you will be directed to a page that shows you widths, lengths and depths of fiberglass pools. 

Step 2: Research and choose a reputable pool manufacturer. Trust me, this step matters. I ended up using Dolphin Industries (the site above) because of not only their customer service, but they used high quality materials and resins. I believe that you get what you pay for and I was not looking to pay for a cheaply constructed shell. Naturally the prices of pools do depend on the quality of materials used, but I think the best rule of thumb is using the average of 950-1200 per square foot. The fall is sometimes the best time to shop because I have found that these companies are not as busy and also are willing to vie for your business.

Step 3: Imagine the pool is installed right now. Now picture what your yard will look like. Many people forget to incorporate concrete, decking, landscaping and walkways into the budget. Let me tell you from experience, at a bare minimum, you HAVE to have something around the pool. I too fell into the "next year we can do" trap and within 2 weeks, we had a company coming to pour a nice concrete patio around the pool. Now, I can not tell you how much this sort if thing will cost because we all have different ideas of landscaping and hardscaping, but consider that when coming up with your budget.

Step 4: Check with the local authorities and see what sort of ordinances your town has. What I am generally referring to is the fencing around the yard. In our case, we were forced to pull down one side of the yard and install a taller fence because the ordinance dictated that ours was too low. This was not really a big deal because honestly it needed to go anyway, but for you, it needs to be considered. 

I have many recommendations, but this is my pick for the Fiberglass Pool: http://www.dolphinindustriesnj.com/
I am just a regular person, just like you, looking for honest answers...so I thought perhaps I could help you with my research. I will be posting more of my experienced tips as I find the time!
Wishing you the best of luck !