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Frequently Asked Questions

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New Pool design questions

How long will my new pool take to build?

Every pool is custom designed to be your dream! The more unique the features the longer the project can take but the average is 2-3 weeks from the time we start until YOUR FIRST POOL PARTY!

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What should my budget be?

The average project in the last few years has ranged between $70,000 – $100, 000. Our specialty is making YOUR pool just for YOU so many projects are less and some are more.

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When can you start?

We have 5 pool crews building dreams every day there is no snow. The sooner you click here to book your appointment with a design expert the quicker we can get you swimming :D.

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What are the features I should add to my pool that I will really appreciate later?

The top things all relate to saving time and money. Your design team expert will walk you though each item of pool care as part of the design process but the most requested items are salt water pools, pumps that can be custom programmed for energy effeciency and unique stairs entrances to the pool for accessibility.

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Pool Renovation Questions

What is the process to see what my back yard dream can be?

It is easier than you think!  Simply below to book an appointment with our in house design team.  You will come into the showroom and discuss ideas, options and innovations.  After this first meeting we will then book a time with you for a site visit to your home to look at the existing pool and get a lay of the land for making your backyard renovation dreams come true.  Then, we take all this great information and make a 3D design for you so you can see the plans come together.  You will be able to see water features, patio area and even a night time view of your new paradise. Shortly after that meeting the renovation can begin and you will be enjoying a cold beverage on a flamingo floatie before you know it.

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When is the best time of year to start this process

Today sounds like a great day if you are up for it.  In all seriousness, by reading this you are already making some great decisions on renovating your pool and yard to be just what you want them to be.  The scope of every project is different but the sooner you click here and reach out to us to sooner we can get you the information to make the staycation of your dreams.  Most folks like to get started in spring of the same year the project will be done however that tends to create unnecessary pressure on yourself to make design decisions, get products customized and your spot in the schedule secure.  The wonderful news is that we renovate pools and create amazing spaces March through October so there is lots of time to pick the perfect time for you!

What is a 3D drawing entail?

A 3D design allows you to explore your new backyard in rich detail.  We’ll let you walk or even fly through your future outdoor living space. We can show you the personalized features of your landscape design. We will even transition from day to night, listening to lush sounds of your future water feature. You can imagine enjoying your space as never before.  This allows you a completely clear understanding of your project in extraordinary detail.

What are steel steps and how do they look?

One of the most impactful changes you can make to your existing pool is to add walk in steps.  For many years this meant a plastic style step on the outer side of the pool.  This design is dated as well as the functional challenge of needing larger summer and winter covers.  A steel step goes on the inside of your shallow end and is covered by the pool vinyl liner.  It is a clean, contemporary and shocking functional design feature.  Some families like to have a rounded step in a corner or really make your pool a luxury lounge area by having the run across the length of the shallow end.  Simply sit on a step, beverage in hand, at your choice of water depth and see how pleasurable pool life can be.

Can I change my pool shape?

Definitely!  Is your rectangular pool ready to be a natural shaped lake?  Maybe that 20 by 40 foot pool that was great when your kids were teenagers is asking you to be a 12 foot width so you can do laps and put a hot tub at one end to work out those stiff neck muscles.  When you are ready to give new life to your pool and your outdoor living room now is the time to turn your wish list into a come true list.  A pool’s original shape was likely dictated by the technology and trends of the time so a great way to update your backyard is this update of your pool and landscape.  Your sofa and television likely look very different today than they did 20 years ago – your outdoor living room deserves the same modernization.

Is there anything better than a solar cover? They are such a pain!

An ‘automatic cover’ is a true innovation in covering a pool – especially here in Manitoba.  You can keep dirt and debris out of the pool while reducing operational costs and wear-and-tear on your pool filtration system. This specialized cover will cut down on your pool maintenance by simply keeping your pool covered because it completely seals the pool from wind, rain and dirt. This multitasking pool cover is all you need to extend your swimming season by retaining unfathomable amounts of heat.  Instead of bothering with multiple covers that are cumbersome, bulky, inconvenient, or unsafe, simply use a Cover-Pools pool cover for ultimate pool protection. Additionally, by reducing evaporation, your pool cover conserves water and reduces the use of chemicals, saving you up to 70% on operating costs. With the heat kept in, and dirt and debris kept out, your pool equipment will also last much longer. Automatic pool covers not only keep your pool cleaner, they reduce maintenance costs.

What are the top 3 things I can do to make my old backyard look modern?

“The first thing that puts a date on your pool is the coping style – that ugly white stuff around the top of the pool that holds the liner in. Much like a harvest gold toilet this white elephant is no longer how a modern pool looks. A smooth and seamless transition from concrete decking to the pool is the most effective way to give your pool a facelift. The second item to really take your pool into the 2020’s is a water feature that makes your backyard sound as great as it looks. In modern life we are all getting more and more aware of the excess noise in our lives – from traffic to the neighbour’s air conditioner. The sound of running water is scientifically proven to lower blood pressure and reduce stress. Combine that we the aesthetic and water features are a powerful tool in updating your landscape.
Finally there is the layout and landscape selections for surrounding your pool. When your pool was first built it is likely there is just a 3 or 4 foot apron of concrete around the perimeter. Our lifestyles have changed significantly to allow us more enjoyment of hardscaping for entertaining, lounging and maybe an outdoor kitchen. Maybe the softscape selections currently in your yard cause pool care challenges like pollen, petals and seeds. When redesigning your modern space much for focus and attention are placed on the big picture for ease of care and maximum bursts of colour and fragrance all summer long”

How do I add a hot tub?

Adding a hot tub to your pool area is one of the best ways to add weeks or even months to your enjoyment of your backyard. Some folks want to attach it to the pool itself and have one stellar feature to use spring, summer and fall. This is a wonderful option for families to have some people soaking and some swimming and everyone still together enjoying the moment all together. Others choose to add a separate hot tub within splashing distance of the pool to allow your own private Thermea style experience. You can keep the hot tub as a feature of your lifestyle 12 months a year. Snowflakes on your nose, stars in the sky and chin deep in steaming relaxation – Manitoba was made for hot tubbing!

What is my budget?

At your first meeting with Aqua-Tech’s backyard design team we will be able to help give you the budget range for your backyard renovation goals. As we get to know each other through the design process the budget numbers will get more and more specific as your dreams come into sharper focus. The average project in the last few years has ranged between $20,000 – $50, 000. Our specialty is making YOUR pool just for YOU so many projects are less and some are more.

Pool Liner Replacement Questions

What time of year is best to change my pool liner?

Great question! Most people like to change their pool liner in the spring as it effects the pool usage least….or so they think! The best time for your pool structure is to replace the pool liner in the heat of the summer when the ground conditions are dry and stable. The process is pretty fast and we can easily accommodate this when your family is at the cottage for a couple days. Other than that, an autumn liner replacement works great for many folks. The great news is that we change pool liners April into October so there is lots of time to get you and your family swimming

How long does a pool liner change take?

There is a lot of steps that go into changing your pool liner. What most people find surprising is that more than half of them occur before we even start to drain the water from your pool. What we find on average is that from the day the existing pool is drained until the day you are able to swim again is about 7 days.

How long does a pool liner last?

We all know the guy or of the guy that has had his pool liner 35 years right? It’s the same guy with the 60-year-old beer fridge in the garage. The most honest answer on this really has to include information about how the liner has been cared for as well as its overall sun-exposure. 7-10 years would be the average that we see when an inground pool liner requires replacement. That date can though be shorter or longer based on how well the water chemistry has been maintained over the years – the single largest factor to how long your vinyl pool liner will last.

How do I know that you need a new pool liner?

“We find that if a pool liner has been well maintained knowing when the liner should be replaced is much like when you decide in your home that you decide you want a new car, new couch or a new look in the family room. So, fashion, look and feel usually lead the way with “the when of things”. If you are just plain getting tired of the look and would like something new, it is never a bad time. From an expiry date perspective, you want to replace the liner before it goes into distress. If you procrastinate too long your investment of repair always increases. Look for fading and discolouration as signs the liner trending to the end of life.

What colour liner should I pick?

The most difficult pre-repair decision is ‘what look’ you want your pool liner to have. Is your outdoor room trying to reflect fun or zen or tropical? There are so many patterns and colours that the choices can seem overwhelming. For many years we had colour swatches to inspire the decision, but they were not the easiest wat to give you the true representation of the pool water colour you would have when they were installed into your pool. Our design team now have a tool called the Latham Liner Visualizer that can make this job not just easier but fun! Imagine seeing your living room painted in a new colour without ever having to pick up a brush – that is what we can now do with your swimming pool. From a tropical ocean, to jump-into-me-blue to the relaxing hues of nature – the colour selection process is easy and exciting!

What can I do to make my new pool liner last longer?

There are 3 things that deteriorate a new pool liner: sun, dirt and chemistry. Let’s discuss them each one at a time. The most impacting thing on the pool liner is the UV rays cooking it. Therefore keeping your pool covered in winter is ideal. We don’t want to wish the sun away – it is why we love our pools. Great news is there is a protective UV coating on your new Latham pool liner. The second is dirt. A modern pool liner is designed to be ‘self-cleaning’. No need to use chemical cleaners – just a soft splash off at the water line every couple of days to remove dirt and oils is all you need to keep the water line clean and looking new for years. Lastly is the pool chemistry. Ph is important – more than most folks give it credit for. There are all sorts of amazing innovations in chemical care that you may not be aware of – LET’S TALK about it!p> Let’s Talk now!

Are all pool liners the same?

Just like the ingredients in food and the way the ingredients are produced can be dramatically different (fast food vs home cooked, organic vs genetically modified) liner composition and construction varies tremendously. The joining of pieces of vinyl is arguably the most important aspect of the building of the liner. Our UltraSeam technology is “the strongest seam you will never see”.

Are there any unforeseen things that can come up during a liner replacement?

There sure can be! Most of what is required to be looked at (and worked on) when replacing a vinyl liner is hidden by the vinyl so there will always be unknowns. That’s why having at least a 1-hour conversation pool side with an experienced set of eyes will help you understand what extras may be in play. Depending on the pool there are 10-15 items that should be discussed as potential extra costs or work that may need done.

Does it matter if my pool has been leaking?

“A pre-existing leak is generally something that manifests somewhere (either in floor erosion, steel condition or ground instability). This is the primary reason pool owners should be proactive and replace the vinyl prior to tears or holes and as soon as they discover that they have a leak. Ensuring that you replace the pool liner before it can damage the structure is the best way to keep the cost of the pool liner change to a minimum.

Saftey Cover Questions

What exactly is a safety cover?

Primarily a Safety Cover is a form fitted structural covering designed to protect your pool. They are generally used as a winter cover to safeguard against the same wastes as a traditional winter cover, but more so in difficult weather conditions. When leaves and limbs are blowing around, a safety cover can protect your swimming pool from catching all that debris and stress from a harsh environment.

Is it used only in winter?

The primary job of a safety cover is to secure the pool from wind and ice and snow in the winter months. That being said, there are certainly times in the spring, summer or autumn that this protection and security also come in handy. For example, if you are traveling for an extended period of time and want to ensure that if branches fall off trees in a thunderstorm that the pool is secure. Possibly when all the apple blossom petals are falling off your neighbours’ tree and the skimmer basket plugs every 20 minutes a safety cover can help you sleep better at night.

How long do they last

The longest life of any winter cover is a safety cover. The main cause of traditional winter cover failure is snow and temperature change related. When using a Latham safety cover, we remove this challenge because of the materials used in manufacturing. There is custom heavy-duty hardware with interlocked and double-overlapped seams. Manitoba winters don’t hold a candle to a built to last box stitched safety cover. Additionally, ice won’t move and cut these covers during a freeze-thaw cycle as water just drains right though.

What colours are available?

Our mesh safety covers are available in 2 different mesh thicknesses. We offer Green, Blue, Gray and Tan in each option. When your pool is not in use if you want the look of a lush lawn, green is the popular choice. For those looking for the pool to sill reflect a tranquil blue oasis then we recommend going that route. For folks who that the cover to blend in with your gray or tan concrete decking these choices certainly fit the aesthetic.

Can a safety cover be installed on any pool?

If you have an inground pool a safety cover is available in 99% of situations. Each safety covers we offer is customer designed to fit any size or shape of pool precisely…including any special feature like raised walls, diving boards, stairs and rails. Our specialty is offering the right advice the first time, so we highly recommend an on site visit with one of the safety cover technical experts. To book this visit, just click here.

How is my pool opening & closing different with a safety cover?

One of the most labour-intensive things about owning a pool is re-opening after winter. Hauling out bag upon bag of decomposed leaves and trying to find a way to remove hundreds of litres of melted snow water off of a traditional cover is a cold and dirty job that most people are looking to avoid. A safety cover removes both these challenges from pool opening. Many folks also find these covers much easier to remove, clean and store than traditional winter covers. Combine these perks with the design feature of a safety cover blocking sunlight from the pool water so you can save money on chemicals and have cleaner water to start the season and you pool opening will be a pleasure instead of a pain. It also makes choosing to winterize the pool before the leaves drop in and contaminate your pristine water a very easy decision each autumn.

Can a safety cover withstand Manitoba weather?

Yes, yes and YES! A safety cover is the only winter pool cover type designed with a long winter of snow and cold in mind. Heavy-duty stainless-steel single-coil springs, with D-Rings for ease of installation and adjustment are specific to Manitoba. They also have a lower profile – so covers lay flat and fit tight — whatever the shape of the pool in whatever the windy winter day. Additionally, a cover is only as strong as its seams. All of our safety cover seams are interlocked and double overlapped. This seam is the heart of the safety difference. Place your hands over top of one another – how strong is that? Now hook your fingers together and place someone else’s hands above and below your own – this is how our safety cover seams are done.

What are some differences between safety cover types that I need to know before I buy?

One vital feature is the weight of the mesh. Another key to that is how much shade they offer – the higher the shade the less sunlight will get through the cover when it is on the pool so the less your chemicals costs will be – a high shade cover is almost 100% guaranteed to prevent an algae bloom! Ensuring your cover has specialized hardware for your climate as well as abrasion resistance to prevent wear in the wind are vital. Lastly, is the material composition – make sure the safety cover you are investing in has thread that is resistant to UV rays and chemicals.

Bathroom Renovation Questions

What should I realistically be looking at for establishing a budget for a complete Bathroom Renovation?

This number will depend on a variety of factors of course but an average 5’ x 8’ Bathroom will typically be in the $23,000 to $25,000 depending on the design and product selection.

How many subcontractors are going to be working in my house throughout this renovation?

With an Aqua-Tech Bathroom renovation, the work is all completed by our highly trained Installers. The only sub trade we have on site is our Electrician and that is strictly for Insurance purposes.

Can you provide references if I required them?

It would be our pleasure to provide you with a number of Bathroom Renovation clients as a reference! They’ve all had some previous experiences with trades and had the same questions and concerns you’re probably concerned about.

How long does the process take from start to finish?

The length of a Bathroom Renovation will depend on the size and detail of the project, but on average a standard 5’ x 8’ Bathroom would be about a 4 week process from start to finish.

Is your Company Insured?

Rest assured knowing that Aqua-Tech carries a full liability Insurance and worker compensation as well!

What times do they start and finish each day?

Each morning the crews pick up building materials or required products and are at you home from 8:45am until 4:30pm daily!

Pool Projects
Bath Projects