FAQ
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions by our customers
1. What is guinite? How is it used to build pools?
A specialty form of concrete, gunite is a mix of sand, cement, and water. To build a gunite pool, crews apply it pneumatically, which means it is shot at high velocity through a high-pressure hose. The flexible, lasting material covers a network of steel bars, forming a thick, reinforced, rock-hard pool shell.
Gunite is similar to shotcrete. It is also called a “dry mix” because, unlike shotcrete, it arrives at the job site in dry form before water is added to make the material wet.
2. What will cause delays?
Our schedule can completely change depending on the weather. As an exterior construction company, all our work is performed outside, and a single bad week of weather can significantly delay your project more than you might expect. There are some scopes of work we can’t perform until the hard is dry. We are at the mercy of the supplier, and the majority of the delays are completely out of our control.
3. Are there any unexpected costs?
One cost that can be added to your project is sod. This is something you do not have to add, but may want. It is almost impossible to quote sod on the front end because depending on how wet the yard is when we dig determines how much yard is messed up.
4. A Pool is a major investment. Are there any warranties?
Yes. The Limited Warranty covers any defects in material or workmanship under normal use during the Warranty Period. During the Warranty Period, Pinnacle Exterior Construction will repair or replace, at no charge, products or parts of a product that prove defective because of improper installation or workmanship, under normal use and maintenance.
4. What does it mean to have a lifetime structural warranty?
A state-licensed contractor in the state of Louisiana has to provide a lifetime structural/ gunite warranty to the original home owner. What does that mean for you, the homeowner? Well, it means if your shell develops a structural crack, the contractor is responsible for fixing it. A structural crack is a touchy subject. Some can be fixed more easily than others. In some cases, the only way to fix it is to break out the whole pool and rebuild the whole job.
5. What if I have a small or difficult yard to work with?
You will be surprised at how a small backyard can have the most innovative design. Good builders can design an enjoyable backyard no matter the size.
6. How long will it take to build my pool?
Keep in mind that excavation does not begin the same day you sign your contract. With normal backyard conditions and weather that allows for the construction to proceed, we usually need six to eight weeks from excavation to complete a typical residential gunite pool.
7. Do we have to be home during the construction of our pool?
There will only be a few times when you must be home during construction: The day(s) the electrician and gas people are there. You will also need to water down the gunite structure 2 times a day for 7 days, as well as be there to turn the water off after the pool is filled to the mid-tile line.
8. How much time will I spend maintaining my swimming pool?
With today’s innovative technology and equipment, owning a pool is easy. Most owners choose some sort of automation to operate their pool, which can be set on a consistent cleaning schedule. You can estimate spending 15 minutes per week on minimal pool maintenance. An alternative is to have our maintenance department schedule a weekly cleaning, so all you have to do is spend your time relaxing.
9. What is a “sports pool”?
Unlike a traditional pool with a shallow end that transitions to a 6-foot deep end, a sports pool has two shallow ends and a slightly deeper section in the middle.
Typical configurations have depths of roughly 3’-6” – 5’-6” – 3’-6”. These dimensions make it easier to stand in the water and engage in various activities like volleyball.
10. How much will I be spending on pool chemicals?
The cost of chemicals can vary. A few hundred dollars a year is about the average. The best way to keep your costs low is by keeping up with maintenance on a weekly basis. By letting your pool go, you’ll end up spending more money trying to fix issues.
11. Do you offer financing?
We do not directly offer financing, but we are partnered with a couple of companies! Lyons Financial and HFS. Check out our financing options here.
12. Who handles getting the building permits for the pool?
Pinnacle will handle getting the correct permits for you. This typically takes anywhere from 5 days to 3 weeks. It all depends on the time of year and the scope of work.
13. Is there an option that regulates pool temperature?
We offer a heater/chiller combo. This appliance allows you to regulate the temperature of your pool rather than just heating it. While this appliance does take longer to completely heat your pool, this isn’t what the primary design was for. This appliance allows you to keep the water cooler in the summer and warmer during the fall months.