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 In
ground pools are also a large expense, but on the bright side, a
pool can also add a great deal of resale value to your property,
making it justifiable as an investment over a splurge.
But, putting in a pool is a large undertaking and one that most
homeowners know they are not equipped to do as a DIY project.
There are many steps involved in getting a pool installed, and in
this case the best plan of action would be to talk to people who
have made their living for more than forty years installing in
ground pools.
Rick and Sue Whiteman are the owners of P & W Pools and Spas in
Lincoln, and their son Nathan is a franchised Premier Pools
representative in Lincoln and Aurora.
In 1981, Rick Whiteman was working for a pool company
in Lincoln and was in a relationship with his future wife Sue. When
the company he was working for closed its doors, Rick found himself
unemployed. His future father-in-law, Andy Petermeyer made him and
interesting offer. If Rick would roof Petermeyer’s house, then
Petermeyer would help Rick and Sue open their own pool business in
Lincoln. Thus, in October 1981, P & W Pools and Spas opened its
doors and in April of the following year, the Whiteman’s were
married.
Through the years the couple have run the successful business and
raised a family. With their sons growing up in the business, it is
not a surprise that their son Bradley works for the company as an
installer, truck driver and excavator. Their middle son Nathan works
closely with his parents as the representative and salesperson for
Premier Pools and Spas.
Combined the two businesses offer an all-inclusive pool sales and
service program that includes design of the pool, advising on what
is going to work in your yard, getting all the permits needed to
install the pool, conducting land surveys on the install site to
determine needs for retaining walls, and other topographic
adjustments that will be needed to assure your pool has a long and
happy life.
After the pool is installed, the services continue,
from doing water testing to determine the health of the water in
your pool to recommending and selling necessary chemicals.
Whiteman says that as time goes by, P & W has evolved into more of
an installation and service business while Premier Pools does more
of the sales and engineering/design for in ground pools.
When asked about the investment involved in an in-ground pool,
Whiteman said that determining even a ballpark figure for a pool
would be nearly impossible. He explained that every home owner is
going to want different designs and features, and the cost of the
pool will go along with what the homeowner wants and can afford.
Generally speaking, Whiteman said there are three types of in ground
pools. Base prices will be influenced by the constitution of the
pool. Vinyl/steel wall pools can have the least costly base price.
Pools with fiberglass shells are higher end than vinyl and more or
less a ‘middle of the road’ construction and priced accordingly. The
gunite/concrete pools are the top of the line and will be more
costly from the start.
Asked why a homeowner would choose an in ground pool over an above
ground pool, Whiteman said that in ground pools, especially those
that have an auto-cover system where the owner simply pushes a
button and the protective pool cover slides across the top, are
easier to maintain.
The in ground pools also add more re-sale value to
the home. Whiteman said it wasn’t all that long ago that one of
their customers reached out to share that they had sold their home
and got a very good price, thanks in no small part to the pool P & W
had installed.
In ground pools, when properly cared for have a longer life span
than any kind of above ground pool.
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And an in ground pool can be the starting point for
creating backyard paradise that will be a point of relaxation, a
great draw for bringing family together of all ages, and a wonderful
entertaining spot for parties or intimate gatherings with close
friends.
But, before that pool goes in, there is a great deal that needs to
be done. First, buyers should be aware of what local codes pertain
to swimming pools. For example, in Lincoln a pool must be fenced in.
This is also a common rule for insurance carriers.
While Premier and P & W can help advise you on local codes, you
should check with your insurance company and see if they have any
rules that might be more stringent than what local municipalities or
the county have. Also, did you know that there are codes for those
in the country as well. The Whiteman’s can advise owners on permits
needed and codes that must be adhered to, and will apply for all
necessary permits on behalf of the owner and at the owner’s expense.
The location of the pool like any other in ground or
under ground construction should be checked for underground wiring,
water lines, sewer or any other obstructions in the lawn.
Before the excavation starts there also needs to be surveying of the
land to determine elevation. High spots and low spots in the lawn
will have a definite impact on the pool if not addressed properly.
The Whiteman’s will assist with this process and will then make
recommendations in the design of the pool for additional structures
such as retaining walls.
Whiteman said that pools can be simple or complex, depending on the
needs and desires of the customer. A pool can be anything from a
small and simple dip pool to a full-sized deep-water diving pool.
There are also options for in pool hot tubs and other luxurious
details.
And after the pool is installed, there are innumerable opportunities
to enhance the space with patio areas that can include casual
seating and lounging spaces or eating spaces complete with outdoor
kitchens. And, if those outdoor kitchens are part of the must have
list, be sure to let the Whiteman’s take a stab at getting you what
you want. There is one outdoor kitchen set up in their showroom
today that will be impressive to anyone who loves to do it all
outside with the convenience of an indoor kitchen.
Pools can be a lot of fun, and they can be a lot of
money. Just to whet your appetite, here are some videos of just how
far one can go with an in-ground pool.
Best Backyard
Swimming Pool Design Ideas, Small Pool Landscape Ideas - YouTube
Beautiful
Swimming Pool Landscaping Design Ideas - YouTube
The MOST EPIC
Pools In Family Homes! | Ultimate Pools | HGTV - YouTube
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