An Update on Supply Chain Issues

n Update on Supply Chain Issues

From 2020 to 2021, our world experienced unprecedented events that contributed to supply shortages in our industry and beyond. Factories had to shut down due to the Covid pandemic, which produced a real shortage of the materials needed to build your pools.

The Texas Freeze damaged hundreds of thousands of pool equipment sets in our customer’s backyards. Because of that, we needed hundreds of thousands of replacement sets, but most manufacturers of the equipment needed are located in Texas and were also damaged during the Freeze. That meant petroleum-based products like pipes and valves weren’t being manufactured.

Lastly, due to various factors related to the pandemic, we’ve been experiencing a labor shortage like never before. Not only are there not enough materials to go around, but the available materials that have been shipped into ports around the nation, there wasn’t enough labor to unload them.

Together, these events created an extremely challenging environment that we’ve been learning to navigate on the fly.

So what does this mean for you? 

Your pool is probably taking longer than normal to build. We know that the faster we can install your pool, the happier you will be at Premier Pools. And we want nothing more than to keep you happy. We didn’t become the number one pool builder in the nation by shirking customer service. 

Unfortunately, due to the supply chain issues and the lack of materials, we are simply unable to operate at the speed we’re used to at this time. 

As the world’s largest installer of swimming pools, we have access to resources, distribution, suppliers, and manufacturers no one else has. We are trying our best to use those resources and connections to keep your pool coming along.

We ask for your patience as we navigate through these uncharted waters. Our lines of communication are open–if you’re frustrated, let us know. We expect a hundred percent transparency from our franchises in keeping you informed of all new developments as we move forward with the construction process.

Please know that we are working around the clock as hard as possible to keep projects moving forward and are as committed today as we were in 1988. We hope to work through this process together in the coming months and get your pool finished so your family can enjoy it for years to come.

We thank you for your patience, and we will continue to serve you however we can during this time. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local Premier Pools and Spas.

 

An Update on the Fiberglass Shortage

n Update on the Fiberglass Shortage

The pool industry has recently experienced unprecedented demand. We’ve also experienced slowed production of fiberglass pools due to the worldwide resin shortage.

This hasn’t just affected the pool industry. It has affected the boating industry, the automotive industry, and multiple consumer goods industries worldwide. Most of American’s resin comes out of Texas. One of the big issues which caused this was the Texas Freeze.

Earlier this year, the Texas Freeze wiped out a majority of the resin capacity for the United States. And it will take a long time to recover from that loss. This loss has also affected the ability of our vendor, Latham Pools, to build their fiberglass pool shells.

PPAS, along with Latham, the largest manufacturer of fiberglass pools, has left no stone unturned to complete your swimming pool as soon as possible. We’ve been looking into every supply option to increase their resin stocks so we can produce swimming pools faster and bring you your backyard dream quicker.

Latham has also been working on increasing capacity at their eight facilities around the country to allow us to get shells quicker and bring them to you faster.

The Good News

We estimate about eight more weeks of what we would call inconsistent resin delivery. After that eight weeks, we should start to see faster supply, and we can start guaranteeing delivery times again. 

While we can’t guarantee a delivery date at the moment, we promise Premier pools will be the first pools produced as soon resin levels are back to normal. We encourage you to stay in constant contact with your franchise, and they will give you as much up-to-date information as they know.

Premier Pools & Spas thanks you for your patience, and we apologize for the setbacks you’ve experienced because of this shortage. We promise we will get you that backyard experience as soon as possible.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.calistogapool.org/?p=157

The Durability of 3 Popular Inground Pool Types

The Durability of 3 Popular Inground Pool Types

 

Hey Pool Fans, today we’re comparing the durability of the three most popular inground pool types.

Table of Contents:

Vinyl Inground PoolsFiberglass Inground PoolsGunite Inground Pools

Below, we’ll compare each of them and help you figure out which inground pool is best for your backyard. Let’s get our feet wet!


Or our entire bodies!

Vinyl Inground Pools

Not just for Grandpa’s record collection anymore, vinyl is a slick-looking, affordable option. It’s also the quickest to install—about four weeks from purchase to pool party. 

Vinyl’s texture is very smooth and non-porous, so you don’t have to worry about algae build-up or similar maintenance issues. However, the vinyl liners can puncture if you’re too rough with them. 

We install the vinyl liner over a metal or concrete perimeter wall, and we can customize the shape to an extent. While most vinyl pools are rectangular, it is possible to customize their shape, size, and depth.

While a vinyl pool is significantly cheaper than fiberglass or concrete, they deteriorate quickly and are easier to damage. For instance, a severe storm could toss a table umbrella into your pool and pop goes the liner. 

Barring any projectile-inducing storms, you’ll need to replace your vinyl liner every five to nine years, which will run you about $4K or more.

Durability Factor 5/10

A well-maintained liner needs to be replaced every 10 to 15 years.Easy to keep clean, but pool chemicals do wear out liner faster.Longevity lessens with increased roughness.

Fiberglass Inground Pools

Fiberglass pools require the least maintenance. Similar to vinyl, fiberglass is non-porous so you won’t have to deal with algae blooms. Plus, you’ll never need to resurface them or replace the liner. 

That’s because fiberglass pools are single-piece shells made in a factory. However, many shell designs come with built-in features like raised spas and tanning shelves. They’re delivered to your house at the time of installation, so installation time depends on the factory.

Fiberglass pools are constructed from glass threads woven into fabric then hardened with a special polyester resin and smoothed out with weather-resistant gel. Boats and planes are also made from this, so you know fiberglass can party.

A well-maintained fiberglass pool will last you over 25 years. In fact, some fiberglass pools installed in the 60s and 70s are still holding up today.

Durability Factor 8/10

A properly kept fiberglass shell lasts for 20 to 30 yearsEasy to keep cleanPrefabricated—makes it hard to add features down the road

Gunite Pools

If you’ve ever swum in a pool, chances are it was concrete—what we call gunite or shotcrete. Gunite is a type of concrete we spray through an industrial-strength mega-hose with a high-pressure nozzle.

Many yards out there can’t fit a pre-made fiberglass pool, or they aren’t suitable for a vinyl pool. If you’re familiar with our work on the hit DIY show Pool Kings and you want your own masterpiece in your backyard, then we’re talking gunite, pal.

You want an infinity waterfall? Done. How about a tanning shelf with a built-in spa above your rock waterfall? No problem. What’s that? You want a water slide, a lazy river, and your own private island in the middle of your pool? BAM!

The Durability of the 3 Most Popular Inground Pool Types

Concrete will get you all of that. Plus, it will last you the rest of your life and beyond. When humans perish, gunite pools shall inherit the earth.

There are a couple of downsides compared to fiberglass. A plaster finish will last 7 to 15 years until it needs to be refinished, depending on how well you maintain it. However, a pebble-based finish can last a lifetime. Both interior finishes can be rough on your feet if you spend a lot of time in your pool.

With maintenance, concrete is also prone to algae buildup. However, Premier’s state-of-the-art equipment combined with regular service will keep your pool pristine all year long.

Durability Factor 10/10

Lasts foreverEasy to add on features in the future

The Wrap-Up

Vinyl is the cheapest at first, but eventually, the costs will surpass fiberglass. Fiberglass is slightly more expensive but lasts for decades. For max customization and longest lifespan, go with gunite.

Either of these pools will look beautiful, especially when you have the best pool builder in the nation doing the install. Premier will work with you to ensure you have the perfect pool for your backyard and your budget.

Seeing is believing—check out our brochure and contact us for a free estimate.

can dogs swim in pools
Without this pool, this dog would get injured.

 

The Pool Finishing Process: What You Need To Know

Filling Up Your Pool

Here at Premier Pools, we want to see you enjoying your pool as soon as possible. 

But there are a few steps you’ll need to complete during the pool finishing process so that your pool finish looks great for many summers to come. We’ll cover those steps below.

Before Filling Up Your Pool

Before fill-up begins, contact your water district and let them know you’re filling up a pool. Otherwise, they might think you have a leak and shut off your water.

Your Pool Finish

The next thing that affects how long the fill-up will take is your pool finish.

A plaster finish will complete in one day. We’ll spray the plaster on, trowel it into a smooth surface, and begin filling up your pool that day.

With an aggregate pool finish like pebble or glass beads, we’ll apply it in a day and let it sit overnight. Then the next day, we’ll acid-wash it, pressure-wash it, and then start filling it up.

What do I need to do during the pool filling process?

Once started, do not stop the water until your pool is full. If you shut off the water, you’ll get a ring around your pool where it stopped. You can slow it to a trickle, but make sure it doesn’t stop until it gets to the middle of the waterline tileFill from the deep end first. If you start from the shallow end, you’ll create streaking on the bottom of your pool, from the shallow end to the deep end. Once your pool is filled, move your hose into your raised spa or any raised features you may have.Let Premier know if you plan on filling your pool with well water. We’ll need to get a water sample to see the calcium and hardness content and know precisely the water quality we’re putting into the swimming pool. We also want to make sure we don’t dry up your well—pulling 20,000 gallons will quickly dry it up.

How long will it take to fill up my pool?

Depending on a couple of factors, it could take anywhere from four hours to four days.

Multiple garden hoses flowing at once will speed things up, but mostly, it depends on how much water you have coming into your house. Lower water pressure means a slower fill. With good water pressure, expect it to take up to a day and a half.

Remember!

Stopping water flow during fill-up will create a ring around your pool, so make sure you call your water district. That way, you’ll avoid interruptions and be working on your tan in no time.

Don’t Forget To Brush Your Pool

Pool brushing is a crucial part of the pool finishing process and will make sure your pool stays looking fresh.

As the plaster cures underwater over the first 30 days, some of the material will make its way to the surface. Brushing your pool finish will keep it from setting into your pool finish.

To do this, you’ll brush the entire surface of your pool several times a day. It would be best if you did this for up to the first week. We’ll give you a brush and pole and instruct you on how to get it done properly and regularly. 

Your Premier Service Technician will tell you what brushing schedule is best for your particular finish.

The Chemical Process

The last part of the pool finishing process is making sure the chemicals in your pool water are balanced. But don’t worry, a Service Technician will take care of your pool water’s total alkalinity, calcium hardness, pH balance, and more.

With a plaster finish, it can take 30 days before you can introduce heat and start balancing your pool water so that it’s safe to start swimming.

With a pebble finish, you can start swimming within a week, but don’t introduce heat for about two weeks.

Your Service Technician will let you know when it’s safe to do your first cannonball.


We recommend one cannonballer at a time.

One Last Important Step

Contact your gas company and tell them you just installed a pool gas heater or other fire features in your backyard. Your Premier pools construction supervisor can tell you how many BTUs your backyard is pulling so you can give that info to the gas company. They’ll make sure you have the correct gas meter to keep your features working correctly.

May Pool of the Month

Premier Pools & Spas Selects May’s Pool of the Month

Rio Grande Valley, TX Pool Builders Construct Timeless Piece

PPAS has selected Premier’s Rio Grande Valley franchise as May 2021’s Pool of the Month winner. This project was submitted by Anna Mandea, the salesperson and co-owner of this Texas office.

Anna and her husband, Alex, have been Premier franchise owners since 2020. They are excited about this recognition and are overjoyed by the success of their entire team. 

This month’s pool, built in McAllen, Texas, is a gunite/shotcrete classic with clean and stunning custom features that provide a complete backyard transformation. The 15’ x 37’ pool includes a calming waterfall and a sunken patio with a wood-burning fire pit, making it a homeowner’s personal retreat. 

The pool has a Laguna interior finish and features beautiful designs such as blue tile and ivory travertine. 

Anna said this project was challenging, as problems and last-minute changes emerged during the process. The pool had to be shifted after a request from the homeowner, which caused the excavation line to cut close to the house.

After consulting with code officials, all parties were able to agree that the pool did not compromise its surrounding area. The Rio Grande Valley team was able to make the unforeseen circumstances of the project work and did so with the customer in mind. 

Their team worked endlessly to provide the homeowners with their dream backyard and were pleased with how well the project turned out. Their favorite part was seeing how much their work transformed the yard and the impact it made. 

Anna is proud of the accomplishments her team made, especially with being so new to the swimming pool industry. She valued their role in this life-changing opportunity not only for the homeowners but for themselves.

Pool of the Month winners receive the opportunity to have a donation made out to their favorite charity on behalf of PPAS. Anna and Alex picked Engineers Without Borders International (EWB-I) as their charity as it is very dear to their hearts. Before becoming a franchisee, Alex had always wanted to be an engineer in Romania, building bridges and roads. EWB-I sends engineers to areas where a bridge can make all the difference in a child’s life. According to Anna, the addition of a bridge could make attending school a possibility for a village. With the work of this charity, communities can get the help they need to survive and improve their lives, fulfilling the Mandea family’s wish to help make a difference.

Premier franchisees are encouraged to submit their backyard projects for a chance to be featured. 

April Pool of the Month

Premier Pools & Spas Names April’s Pool of the Month

Swimming Pool Builders in Souderton, PA Triumph

 

Premier Pools & Spas (PPAS), the nation’s largest pool builder, strives to acknowledge and praise the work of its franchises. To show our appreciation, we select a “Pool of the Month” recipient among our franchisees. We are proud of our franchises and are always finding ways to highlight the work and achievements they make with our company.

Premier Souderton, our Pennsylvania location, has been chosen as April 2021’s Pool of the Month. This project was submitted by Jeff McGalliard, the builder behind this stunning pool.

Jeff and his family have been a part of the Premier family since 2012. The McGalliards have been in the pool business for over 50 years and are Pool of the Month veterans.

This gunite/shotcrete swimming pool, built in Harleysville, Pennsylvania, has eye-catching water features such as sheer descents, a raised beam, and a lion fountain that complement and add to the beauty of this backyard paradise.

April Pool of the Month 7

The design and structure of the pool provide a luxurious and lush finish to this Northeastern backyard. With a size of 20’ x 40’, this pool provides enough space for both relaxation and play.

Jeff encountered challenges along the way, listing grade changes as the greatest. He and his team had to work with a 15 feet elevation change that was from the top of the project to the pool. A part of this challenge included having to incorporate roughly 15 steps from the top of the driveway to the pool.

Despite the challenges, he was able to carry out the requests of the homeowners and give them the backyard of their dreams.

Jeff’s favorite part of the job was seeing the reaction of the homeowners, who were left satisfied and pleased with his work.

April Pool of the Month 8

As a bonus, each Pool of the Month winner receives the opportunity to have a donation made out to their favorite charity on behalf of PPAS. The McGalliards picked the American Heart Association (AHA) as their charity as it hits close to home. AHA was chosen as a tribute to Jeff’s late father, making it a charity that holds a special place in their hearts.

Want to be featured next? Submit your best backyard project for a chance to be named Premier’s Pool of the Month!

Premier Pool Service Expands to Austin Southwest

Premier’s New Pool Service Franchise—Austin Southwest, Texas

Premier Pool Service franchise is thrilled to announce Paul and Lisa Janacek as the owners of the new pool service location in Austin Southwest, TX.


Paul and Lisa Janacek.

Paul and Lisa Janacek are amongst those ready for Premier’s life-changing opportunities. After hearing only positive things about the company, Paul knew this was an opportunity he and Lisa could not pass up. Paul brings a whopping 30 years of experience to Premier, as he has held multiple roles in the utility and gas industry. Lisa has eight years of experience operating a boutique booking agency and has owned a small catering company with Paul. He started working full-time with pools this year and is excited to explore the industry more with his wife by his side.

Paul is excited for this new chapter as he believes it will be a chance to utilize his technical and personal skills. He is optimistic about providing service that will set them apart from others.

“I hope to build a company that will provide a premium type [of] service, far exceeding the level of satisfaction many pool owners seem to have,” Paul said. “I hope to have each customer talk positively about the service we provide.”

Both he and Lisa are confident in their ability to bring and receive success with Premier and are excited to grow this business together.  The couple has three sons and eight grandchildren and enjoys spending time outdoors and with their family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premier Pool Service Expands Into Fort Worth

Premier’s New Pool Service Franchise in Fort Worth, Texas


Ryan, Kelsea, and their son Maverick.

Premier Pool Service franchise is proud to announce Ryan Stiles as the owner of the new pool service location in Fort Worth, TX.

Ryan may be new to the Premier family, but he is no stranger to the pool industry. With an impressive ten years of experience, he knows his way around a pool. Ryan has done it all, from managing a six-person team to cleaning a route of over 60 pools. After seeing the potential Premier holds, he decided it was an investment worth making.

Ryan is looking forward to building relationships within the company, whether it’s with other franchise owners or pool builders. With Ryan’s good-natured approach to service, he is sure to be a great fit at Premier. 

“I’m very personable with each customer,” Ryan said. “Even if they don’t sign up for service, I offer them my number to reach out if they have any questions.”

Ryan is excited for this new journey, not only with Premier but in Texas. He moved to the state three months ago with his fiancé, Kelsea, and their son Maverick. 

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.calistogapool.org/?p=146

How to Properly Water Your Gunite Pool’s Shell

Gunite Swimming Pools—How to Properly Water Your Gunite Pool’s Shell

Cleaning, maintenance, and inspections—the responsibilities that come with owning a pool.

Each type of pool requires its own routine of upkeep, and the routine for gunite pools is one every owner of a concrete pool should be aware of.

Watering Gunite

An essential step in caring for your concrete pool is to saturate the bond beam.

What does this mean?

To avoid your shell from drying out too quickly, you must wet the concrete frequently. It is important you focus not only on the bond beam but also on the steps and cabos. These are the thickest parts so they will need some TLC.

Pro Tip: Remove the nozzle or sprayer of your hose to soak and saturate the beam as much as possible. It will not only make your job easier, but more effective too!

When spraying, be mindful of your surroundings and watch where you step. It is recommended you spray from inside the pool. Failure to do so could result in serious injury.

For the remainder of the pool, we suggest first spraying from the shallow end of your pool and working your way to the deep end. The water will naturally cover more ground as it flows. Watering the raised walls will also prove to be beneficial.

The color of the concrete will be an indicator of what is left to cover so be on the lookout. This is helpful for saturating all areas of your pool’s shell.

Sorry, your browser doesn’t support embedded videos.

Maintaining Your Gunite Shell

While watering is an important component, it is how much and for how long that counts the most. Not enough watering throughout the day will leave a negative impact on your pool’s shell.

It is recommended you water 3-5 times daily for about a week. Your concrete pool will thank you!

Gunite Pool Will Look the Best When Cared for

A normal part of the process is the development of holes and other imperfections. They are shrinkage cracks on the top layer of the gunite so don’t worry if you start to notice them.

Please note that the slower your concrete cures, the stronger it will be.

If you see a formation of a puddle in your pool or spa, don’t fret as it is perfectly normal. It indicates you have been watering and that the pool is holding water.

By properly caring for and being mindful of your pool’s maintenance needs, your pool is set to be in tip-top shape!

Testing the pH Balance of Your Pool

What You Need to Know About the pH Balance of Your Pool

The ideal pH level that’s safe for swimming is between 7.2 and 7.8, the same range as our body’s pH level.

When your pool’s pH level goes over 7.8, it’s considered alkaline. High pH in the pool is dangerous for swimmers. Chlorine and other sanitizing chemicals won’t be able to do their job, and bacteria will flourish in your pool. The water will also become cloudy, and you’ll see scaling on the sides of your pool.

If your pool’s pH balance dips too low (under 7.0), then your pool will become acidic. This can cause skin irritation and burning eyes if you open them underwater. Water with low pH will also render chlorine and other chemicals ineffective. If you have a vinyl pool, the liner may wrinkle, and any metal in your pool can corrode.

When your water is too alkaline, it can also cause calcium hardness levels to increase, and you may have to get your pool acid-etched more often to keep it looking nice and clean.

What Causes the High pH in Swimming Pools?

Nature

The pH of your pool is going to change naturally, and this is to be expected. When your pool is just sitting there, carbon dioxide in the air will dissolve in the water, forming carbonic acid, lowering the pH. Swimming and splashing will break up that carbon dioxide and cause the pH to rise.

Algae also raise the pH because it consumes carbon dioxide. Left unchecked, algae can push the pH of your pool well over a safe level. But with ongoing maintenance from Premier Pool Service, your pool will never get to this point.

Pool Chemicals

Every type of pool chemical you use on your pool will affect the pH balance. Granulated or liquid chlorine will raise the pH, neutral sanitizers like Bromine have the slightest effect, and acidic cleaners like chlorine gas will lower the pH.

These chemicals are used in a few parts per million, and the change won’t be that drastic. It’s just something to keep in mind when trying to achieve balanced pool water yourself. 

Chasing the perfect pH level can become frustrating if you’re not aware of the specific effect of the sanitizer you use.

Other Factors

A sudden temperature rise can cause the pH level to go up. Whether you warm it up with a pool heater or you experience a heatwave, this could cause it to spike.

One more thing to consider: if your pool has a new pebble or plaster finish, this will raise the pH. You don’t have to worry about this with fiberglass or vinyl.

Staying On Top of The pH Balance of Your Pool

For the chlorine to be most effective in your pool, you’ll want to keep your pool water balanced in the optimum range mentioned above. Here’s how you can stay on top of this.

When you’re in the middle of swim season and using your pool daily, consider testing daily.It’s recommended you test the chlorine twice a week, so if you’re already doing this, add pH testing into the mix.Debris and rainfall after inclement weather can also change the pH, so test after a storm.

The more acidic or alkaline your pool gets, the longer it will take to get the pH right. So heading off these problems will make sure your pool is soft, clean, and safe for you and your family to enjoy all year long.

test the pH balance of your pool

Testing the pH Balance of Your Pool

Testing your pool’s pH and alkalinity level is relatively straightforward using strips and test kits.

Whether you go with dissolvable tablets or test strips, follow the instructions from the water testing kit manufacturer. Also, keep these tips in mind:

You’re looking for an optimal pH range between 7.2 and 7.6.Your total alkalinity should be between 80 ppm and 150 ppm.If your pH level is too high, use a mild acid to bring the alkalinity down.

Moving water will alter your sample, so take it from as closest to the middle of your pool as you can.

Things that can cause an inaccurate reading from your test:

Residual chlorine levelsBromineTaking a sample from near your jets

Leave it to the Pros

Having regular pool service is the best way to keep your pool ready whenever you need it. If any of this sounds too tedious, or you don’t want the hassle, we will gladly test for high pH levels and every other aspect of pool maintenance.

Contact Premier Pool Service today if you want to leave the pH balance of your pool up to professional, keeping your pool soft, safe, and clean all year long.