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Financing…. Sometimes it can be such a four letter word. We receive so many calls and for a lot of people it can be such a confusing topic. Believe me…. Secured, unsecured, lines of credit, home loans…. They can all make your head swim!!! (No pun intended)
Most of the calls that we receive are one simple question…. How can I know if I qualify? How much can I get? I want my fiberglass swimming pool now!
There are so many contributing factors that sometimes we all just want someone to break it down into some easy steps. Now first and foremost, I will tell you that I am by no means a financing expert, nor do I play one on TV…. I am just someone that receives a lot of these calls and has these questions as well.
Recently I spoke to Larry Collins with HFS financial and asked for some simple steps that homeowners (like myself) can use a guideline to get started. The following items are things that are quick and easy to start getting an idea.
First, know your credit scores! All of us have seen the commercials, but you really should have a look at your credit to see what is there. Many times you can receive free copies of these from the agencies or lending institutions. This way you will know whether you fall into the 620+ secured category, the 675+ unsecured category or there are items that need to be addressed before you even apply!
Secondly, do you know your debt to income ratio? This is very simple to discover. Simply write down all of your monthly reoccurring expenses (I.e.
mortgage, car payment, etc.) in one column. Then in the other column take your income after taxes and divide by 12. Divide your monthly income by your monthly expenses. Lenders will want you to be under about 40-45%.
Third, make sure to just know your overall credit history. All lending institutions will look at this as well. For example…. Someone can have a great score but if there was a recent bankruptcy this could effect decision.
Adversely someone could have a lower credit score that could have been the result of medical bills, job loss, etc. and this will be just as influential!
Fourth, know the equity in your home. You know what you owe….. do you know what it is worth? If you are considering this then go ahead and get an appraisal. They are good for five years in most areas, so even if you are considering for future improvements, it is good to know now!
Finally…… Pick up the phone and call! If you are still not sure whether you will qualify or not, there are quite a few where you can prequalify for free. For more information feel free to visit www.hfsfinancial.netor call Larry Collins at 800-254-9560 ext 3. Financing doesn’t need to be followed up with a bar of soap….. it can be simple and easy.
Please note that Leisure Fiberglass Pools is not a financing company. Rates, qualifying standards, loan amounts and ratios can vary per area and institution. We hope that this information is helpful and can offer some insight.
Most importantly we want to hear from you. Are there topics that you want to know more about? We are happy to assist or provide you with anything that we can. Thank you again for your time and interest. We look forward to speaking with you soon!
From start up to design winners…. The team at Pools Now have shown that their dedication to customers is far above and beyond expectations at every turn. Leisure Pools is proud to call Pools Now a preferred partner for the Del Rio Texas area!
We wanted to take a moment to highlight an extraordinary builder and show off a little of their work! More importantly we wanted you to know more about them and their relationship with Leisure Pools.
The team at Pools Now joined the Leisure family in March of 2010. They actually come from outside the fiberglass poolindustry and often say that they didn’t realize quite “what they were getting themselves into”!
 When entering the marketplace, research was done on as many manufacturer’s as possible. They researched others as you would…. making a personal purchase for your own home.
Without including any names, the experience had results of no contact, poor education opportunities, lack of product quality and terrible installation experiences.
Unfortunately this is something that we hear way too often!!
![clip_image002[4]](http://www.leisurepoolsusa.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/Dealer-Spotlight-Pools-Now_12942/clip_image0024_thumb.jpg) When they finally made their match with Leisure Pools, they said that the quality of product, support, extensive training, etc. was everything that they had been looking for!
During their first year in business, they experienced the same learning curves as many but with fervor to attack in a way we had never before seen. They reviewed their first year and put forth an effort to increase all items of quality and education in the years to come.
What were some of the items that Leisure offered and Pools Now decided to take advantage of?
· Sales training courses
· Installation workshops
· Internet and website development
· Networking and learning from others
The team at Pools Now has always been dedicated to offering the highest quality product and services that are available. It is not hard to see why their business and reputations are exceeding their original opportunities! We are proud to have Pools Now as a member of the team and would invite you to learn more about them. Please visit them at www.poolsnow.net.
To the team at Pools Now…. We thank you for your business
and look forward to growing with you now and into the future!
In Part 1 of this article we discussed why a Leisure Fiberglass Pool is more expensive than a gunite pool. In Part 2 we will now discuss why it cost much less to own a Leisure Fiberglass Pool over time.
There are many reasons why a Leisure Fiberglass Pool cost much less overtime than a gunite so we will break them down into sections.
1. Chemical Usage- A Leisure Fiberglass Pools smooth surface does not let algae attach to it like the rough surface of a gunite pool. So in a fiberglass pool you can maintain a lower chlorine residual than a gunite pool. This being the case a gunite pool owner has to run their pump longer, maintain a higher chlorine residual and shock the pool more often to keep algae from growing.
Subsequently the more chlorine you add to your pool the more you affect the PH of the pool. And the more you affect the PH the more chemicals it takes to adjust the PH. The additional chemical cost and time to maintain could add up to as much as $100-$150 per month.
2. If for some reason you did not take care of your pool as you should have and have an algae bloom, with a fiberglass pool is not that big of a deal. Usually one bag of shock and brush the walls and floor and the next day the algae is dead and can be vacuumed out.
If this happens to a gunite pool the results can be drastic. The plaster surface of a gunite pool is porous and rough so algae can get deep into it. Once the algae is imbedded into the plaster it can be extremely hard or impossible to get out. Hopefully several shock treatments and vigorous brushing of the walls will get rid of it. If not the last option is acid washing.
Acid washing a pool is no small task. It requires draining all of the water out of the pool and manually brushing a toxic mixture of muratic acid and water. Gunite pools usually require an acid washing every two to four years to maintain that new look and remove all of the imbedded algae. Acid washings can cost anywhere from $1,500-$4,000.
3. The gel coat surface on your new Leisure Fiberglass Pool is designed to last many years and never need to be acid washed as does a gunite pool.
The plaster on a gunite pool has to be refinished overtime. Several factors dictate how long a plaster finish will last such as acid washing, water chemistry, etc. Every time you acid wash a gunite pool you etch away some of the plaster to remove the algae and grime. This is basically taking the finish off of the pool. At some point the finish needs to be re plastered. Typically re plastering needs to be done somewhere between 7-10 years. Re plastering a pool is not cheap and can cost anywhere from $3,000-$7,000 dollars.
So using the figures from above let’s take a look at the cost of ownership over a 10 year period between a Leisure Fiberglass Pool and a gunite pool.
Wow that is almost $22,000 difference in just the first 10 years alone. So you have to ask yourself, can I afford the cost of a New Leisure Pool or is the question how can I not afford a New Leisure Pool.
Part 1
The answer is yes and no. The yes part is if you only look at the initial cost of a pool. The no part is if you look at the cost of owning a pool for a period of time.
In Part 1 we will discuss the yes, why a fiberglass pool is more expensive than a gunite pool.
To understand the cost difference between a fiberglass pool and a gunite pool we have to know how & where each pool is made.
Leisure Fiberglass Pools are manufactured in a controlled environment. Any quality product that is manufactured is done so in a controlled environment. Having to start and/or stop a manufacturing process due to elements, rain, wind, etc. ultimately determines the quality of the finished product.
All gunite pools are constructed in the back yard, in the elements. The construction timeline for a gunite pool is anywhere from 6-12 weeks possibly longer depending upon the builder. During this lengthy amount of time a number of different weather elements are likely to be encountered.
The average pool cost as much as a luxury vehicle. Can you imagine if a luxury vehicle was manufactured outside?
The Structure of a Leisure Fiberglass Pool.
The structural layer of a Leisure Pool is made up of two parts. The first is the vinyl ester resin which is a chemical resistant resin. The next layer is an isophthalic polyester resin. These resins are used to produce high quality parts for things like commercial aircraft (Boeing Airbus) high end car parts, etc. Both of these resins produce amazing strength, up to 21,000 psi versus concrete usually 3,000 to 5,000 psi.
The manufacturing process of the fiberglass pool is always performed in a controlled environment. Temperature and humidity levels are monitored and maintained to ensure consistent quality each and every time. Special high tech spray guns are used to deliver consistent material measuring down to the millimeter.
The Structure of a Gunite Pool.
The structure of a gunite pool is made of either shot-crete or gunite. Both are basically concrete at about 4,000 psi (A Leisure Pool up to 21,000 psi). The only advantage of using concrete would be that you could make any shape you wanted to. The disadvantages are numerous. The biggest disadvantage is anytime you see concrete (Sidewalks, roads, etc.) it does not take long to find a crack in it. Concrete cracks all the time no matter how thick and/or reinforced.
When a concrete pool is “shot” there are several laborers applying the material using their own judgment as to how thick, smooth, etc. it should be. It is also applied in the elements with no control over temperature, humidity or wind which all have extreme control over the outcome of the final product.
The finish of a Leisure Fiberglass Pool.
A new Leisure Pool is manufactured with Aquaguard© gel coat which is the finest in the world. The gel coat is what gives your Leisure Pool its stunning color and satin smooth finish. The Aquaguard © gel coat is produced in a controlled facility and is applied to the swimming pool mold by highly trained technicians using high tech spray guns. The outcome is consistent each & every time.
The finish of a Gunite Pool.
The plaster finish on a gunite pool is applied by several labors and mixed either in hoppers or buckets on site. Quality is controlled by each individual plasterer. Every plasterer has their own style and technique which usually produces very different results. The plaster finish is usually rough to the touch and has to be re-surfaced approximately every 5-7 years.
After Playing Volleyball in a Gunite Pool for 1 Hour
As you can see the differences between the manufacturing of a Leisure Pool and gunite pool are night and day. The Leisure Fiberglass pool is made through a very calculated process in a controlled environment. A gunite pool is made by sight and feel in your backyard in the elements. These two processes produce very different results!!!
We wanted to wish you the very best this holiday season.
We thank you for taking the time to inquire about our company and products this year. Leisure Pools prides itself on not only  offering the best quality and service available but also the dedication to always improve! To do this, we need to hear from you!
The following is a link to an on line survey….. http://www.leisurepoolsusa.com/Survey-Leisure-Pools.htm
We would consider it a great holiday treat if you would take a moment and complete. This way we can not only learn more about your experience with Leisure, the dealer in your area, but also learn how we can improve for our current and future customers.
We thank you again for your time and interest in Leisure Pools may your holiday be full of family and cheer. We hope that one day a Leisure Pool would be the best present under the tree!
 I know…. You are thinking…. Diving boards have expiration dates? How could that be? Well, it has more to do with decisions you make not only for today but also the changes in your family and use for the future!
Most of our initial calls from homeowners are for the largest unit that will fit in the yard and the deepest available. Why? Because the kids will want to dive! Now, for those that have their heart set on this……please know that we would never talk you out of it or not want you to have what you desire. But there may be a few things to consider…. Food for thought!
I would tell you that with kids and a pool, even if they are divers there is normally a lot more cannon balls, retrieving from the bottom and games that are played rather than simple diving. Talk to friends and neighbors…. Observe others at play and I bet you will see the same trend!
Also, be sure to know where you and others will spend the most time in the pool….. That’s right, the shallow end! I don’t know about you, but treading water for hours is not my idea of a good time. If I want to socialize by the side or simply relax, it is always in shallow water. If floating is your preference, then the depth doesn’t matter!
Finally, remember that those divers grow up! Even if they dive like crazy now….. Eventually they will want to lounge or socialize with the rest of us. And what do we do when they are gone? We receive more and more calls from those that “purchased for the family” that now may not want such a large body of have to take care of!
The backyard enjoyment that you get with a swimming pool is comparable to none. We want to make sure that this happens not only now but well into the future! Make sure to check back with us for more “food for thought” discussions about purchasing decisions. More importantly, we want to hear from you! If there is something you would like to see or know, please don’t hesitate to let us know.
Part Two : What Does It Mean To Me?
One of the biggest concerns for the life of your pool is of course what you are going to stare at every day…. The interior! One of the big alternative tests Leisure Pools had to pass was the exposure to ultra UV done via a Carbon Arc test. Basically, pool samples are exposed to welding rods in a chamber for 1500 hours continuously (62 days). When completed the surface must not show any UV effects. It equates to around 30 years UV exposure and the fact that our pools passed speaks volumes about the quality and integrity of Leisure Pools.
More importantly, did you know that this “standard of construction” is not required across the country? Did you know that the ICC approval is always subject to inspection and renewal? You have to build the best and then you have to keep it that way. Leisure is proud to say that we build in one facility and to a certain level of quality. With that in mind, every pool is built the same way to ensure that we are always meeting the guidelines expected by us.
Those manufacturer’s with multiple facilities (and some with ICC approval on the West Coast where required) may not follow this same rule of thumb. If it not being built somewhere where this is mandatory, how do you know that it is being built the same way?
**PS….. There are no vinyl builders or gunite builders that can pass this test!**
We all want to know that we are making the best investment in the best product that will serve our families interests for the long haul. This is why we would certainly recommend you research, ask questions and most importantly…… See if the manufacturer you are looking at purchasing has been willing to let an independent third party rate and approve their product. If not, then there may be “different proof in the pudding down the road”…. And that is not always a good thing.
Most importantly, we want to hear from you! We are always here to discuss what you see and what you would like to know more about. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
Part One : What is it?
As a homeowner, you are always given the new “hot term” or “marketing pitch” of why something is better. We understand that everyone can have a claim to fame and frankly it can be overwhelming sometimes to sort the fact from the fiction.
This is why we wanted to talk about a subject that truly puts the “proof in the pudding”. This is something that you can refer to, is not exclusive to us and more importantly is something that you should ask for! What is this, you may ask???? It is your manufacturer’s ICC approval certificate!
But what in the world is ICC and why is it important? ICC is the International Code Council. For those that would like the definition straight from ICC Evaluation Services, Inc….
“The main purpose of ICC-ES evaluation reports is to assist those enforcing model codes to determine whether a given subject complies with those codes. An evaluation report is not to be construed as representing a judgment about aesthetics or any other attributes not specifically addressed in the report, nor as an endorsement or recommendation for use of the subject of the report. Approval for use of the subject of the report is the prerogative and responsibility of the Code Official; ICC-ES does not intend to assume, nor can ICC-ES assume, that prerogative and responsibility.”
For those of us that would like it in layman’s terms…..
We have put our product to the highest possible endurance tests and passed!
Passing some of the toughest tests in the marketplace and they have met all of the standards without being “grandfathered” in as some of our other competitors were in the past. In 2007, after three and a half years in the application process, Leisure Pools was granted International Code Council (ICC) approval. “This is a major milestone for our company” says CEO Ashley Gill. Leisure Pools was the first company to pass the ICC’s new acceptance criteria AC274 and comply with the entire alternative testing requirements for new entrants. “We were told that it would be extremely difficult to pass but persistence has paid off” says Gill.
At Leisure, we often get calls and questions on a multitude of items. For this reason, we want to make sure to forward some easy reference pool tips for your review. Here are some quick reference items for review!
Leaks are often a common question, mostly in the summer but can often be an area of concern! The majority of the time the pool is not leaking….it is normal evaporation. Simply because we know you should never rule out leaks, the easiest thing to do is rule out evaporation first.
The best way to do this is to perform the “Bucket Test”. The bucket test is very simple, accurate and can be performed with only a 5 gallon bucket and some tape.
Step 1
Put a piece of tape on the waterline of the pool. You can use any kind of tape but I prefer to use painters tape or electrical tape. These tapes do not leave a sticky residue like duct tape will.
Step 2
Get a bucket and fill it up with water about ¾” of the way to the top. Mark the water line in the bucket with tape the same as you did on the pool.
Step 3
Place the bucket on the top step of your pool. Wait 24 hours and measure the decrease of the two levels. If they are the same the pool is not leaking and it is normal evaporation. If the pool level dropped further than the bucket level more than likely you have a leak. If it rains during the 24 hour period repeat the test.
If you have determined that you have a leak the first thing to do is check the obvious places the pool may be leaking. Check around the pools pump and filter. Depending upon the type of filter you have you may have a backwash line. Check the area where the backwash line discharges for water.
If all of the obvious places show no signs of leaks we always suggest calling a professional. Professional leak detection companies can usually pinpoint the leak to within a few inches even under the decking. Some of these companies can even give you a quote on the spot to fix the leak.
We hope that this is something that will prove useful to you in your pool care. If there is something specific you want to learn more about, tips that you have, make sure to let us know! We want to hear from you!
As we know, a lot of manufacturers out there like to promote that they are the “voice” for their industry. Everyone always has the “best” of what’s around. At Leisure, we always strive to give you the best possible quality coupled with the most up to date style! This is why we let our builders be your voice and in turn the voice for our company and moving forward.
In a time of acquisitions and corporate boards obtaining market share through the purchase of competition, we at Leisure have taken a different approach. Isn’t it something to consider when a company believes enough in its product to stand behind one name?
 How does saying go…. A rose by any other name…..?
In all seriousness, this is why we want to tell you what we are doing as a company!
Recently, Leisure Pools flew some of the best and biggest builders from across the country to meet at our New Braunfels facility. Why you ask? Because they are our direct line to you! They meet with the most, build the best, and drive a large amount of our business.
As a consumer, this is always something to consider…. Does the company you are considering really listen to you? We want to make sure that our end consumer is always our first priority.
So what did we resolve at our managers meeting and what can you expect to see in the future? More information about us…. Mold inspectors, ICC certification and why you should ask for it, blogs, contact, new shapes and sizes for the 2012 season! These are just to name a few.
Most importantly, we always want you to know that we are here for anything that you may need….. We want to be the best because we have EARNED your business. So if there are things that you would like to know….. We would love to chat! |
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