Western Pool & Spa Show

Sorry I’ve been away from the blog recently. I’ve had a lot going on in my life and this has slipped some.

I’ve scored an invitation to attend the “industry only” Western Pool & Spa Show this weekend in Long Beach, CA. I’ve been told that it is the best one here in the southwest. Here in North America the pool industry seems to roll out their new products during the winter (January through March), which makes sense since the swim season is just about to get going. I am planning to come back with lots of topics for pool owners to add to this blog.

Industry Design Awards

Each year AQUA magazine has its Choice Awards Competition, where for a fee (typically less than $100) the builder/supplier submits an entry for review and voting by the magazine readers. Remember this is a professional/trade magazine, so it may not represent the pool/spa buying public.

Pool & Spa News also has their Masters of Design awards, which have a similar entry program.

Western Pool & Spa Show also has Design Awards presented each year.

While many of the award winners are expensive pools (at least by my standards), I think it always makes sense to look at everything out there to help you in determining what you like as you discuss options and costs with the pool designer/builder.

Remember these are industry/professional/trade magazines/organizations, so it may not represent the pool/spa buying public.

Architect and structural engineering

Patrick Marr provided architectural and structural design for my home addition/remodel, which may never be covered much on this blog. Also, Pat was a consultant on our pool/yard project and assisted in the selection of the Landscape Architect we used. Being both an architect and engineer, Pat is uniquely positioned to assist his clients in conceptual design, construction documents, and the practicality of construction by truly understanding the structure.

While located in Santa Barbara, CA, USA (805-898-2096), Pat utilized modern technology to communicate with us in Orange County, CA (about 130 miles northwest of Orange County through stereotypical LA traffic). Face-to-face meetings were used when needed but many times a “picture” and simple phone call kept our project moving along on-track.

Pat did not provide the structural engineering for our pool since the pool builder had a relationship already established with his own engineer that specialized in swimming pool design. However, I would have trusted him to provide the engineering or point us in the right direction if his help had been needed.

Arizona Pool Design

Swimming Pool Phoenix is the blog for Arizona Pool Design. There is a wealth of information for the pool builder, soon to be pool owner, and pool owner. Currently this site is getting a new post almost daily (many are pulled directly from other sources). During a quick review, a few items appeared to be misleading (e.g., Three Must Have Chemicals for Your Pool, October 31) so use common sense when using any of the information.

Build Your Own Pool

How I Build My Own Swimming Pool was created by a guy in Arizona that decided to save money by building his own pool. There appears to be some good information here. While I do not know that I would have come to all of the same conclusions that he did, he has done a good job of documenting his thought process.

Do not think this is a “how to” site for doing all of the work. It is intended for the owner/builder. There is a good section about “why to” or “why not” be an owner/builder, in general he does a good job of covering the basics; however, I disagree with his conclusion about getting subcontractors in the Sunbelt. It is my opinion that it is possible to get subcontractors willing to work for owner/builders when the construction market is slower (possibly now); however, during the construction craze of the last few years very few good subcontractors are willing to work for owner/builders so you will most likely be picking from the subcontractors that are on the B or C lists.

There is a “paid” section to this site that I have not visited but it appears to have more detailed information for those that are serious about being your own contractor. Let me know your thoughts if you have visited this area of the website.