FAQs

How long does it take to build a pool?

There are many variables that affect the timeframe for building a pool.  The construction time for most of our jobs after we acquire the construction permit is five to six months.

Will a pool fit in my backyard?

A pool size can be customized to fit almost all backyard spaces. The beauty of in-ground gunite swimming pools and spas is that there are no rules regarding shape or size.

I live on a hillside, can I still build a pool?

Generally yes however soil conditions and additional structural concerns will come into play.  Costs can increase when engineering requires additional sitework.

What about permits? What do they cost and how long do they take to get?

We take care of the permit process for you.  The cost depends on where you live and the scope of the work.  Generally, you can expect to spend between $5,500 and $8,000 for your building permit.  At the present time, most municipalities and counties are taking 3 – 6 months from submittal to acquisition.

Do shallow pools costs less than deeper ones? What about shape?

The short answer is yes.  A smaller shallow pool requires less material than a large pool so there are reduced costs but the savings isn’t necessarily commensurate with the size of the pool.

What is the best time of year to build a new pool?

We are fortunate in the Bay Area to be able to do swimming pool construction year round however much of our work is water sensitive so rain and mud will prolong the process.

Should I build my pool before or after I complete building my new home?

Building the pool in during the construction of the home typically works well. There are no drawbacks to building both at the same time.

Do you offer financing on your pools?

Yes we do and we also take all major credit cards. We also offer financing through LendKey. Talk to your designer for more information.

Are there warranties offered on pools?

We offer the most comprehensive warranty in the swimming pool industry. The structural warranty is a lifetime warranty and as long as you own your Royal Pool, we will guarantee it will hold water.

How much will the new pool affect my utility bills?

Depending on the size of the pool and the amount of usage, your yearly utility cost for pool filtration and heat will increase approximately $1,000 to $2,000

Do I need to have chlorine in my pool?

Yes, you still need a tiny bit of residual chlorine for effective pool sanitization. Our four-component sanitizing system including Ozone and Ultra Violet technology, Pool Rx (Ionization) and an inline chlorinator for purifying swimming pool water greatly reduces the amount of chlorine necessary for healthy water. The tiny bit of chlorine, about 0.3 ppm will be more than adequate to keep your pool nice and clear and healthy.

Can you use solar power to heat my pool?

Absolutely. In our opinion, all swimming pools should use solar heating.

Can I add a diving board or a slide?

Absolutely. We also install diving rocks and custom rock slides.  In addition, Royal Pools will make sure that the pool depth, length and width are to code to safely incorporate these different features.

Will I need a fence around my pool?

Yes and your perimeter yard fence may suffice or you can install a baby barrier type safety fence that can be removed if desired.  Another option is an automatic pool cover that opens and closes with the turn of a key.  You will also need audible alarms on all doors leading into the pool area.

Do you build saltwater pools?

Yes we do but we feel we have a much better and healthier method of water sanitization.  We utilize a simple four-component system including Ozone and Ultraviolet technology, Pool Rx (Ionization) and an inline chlorinator to dispense very small amounts of chlorine to purify the swimming pool water.

I’m told my pool might need engineering. What does this mean?

Our goal is to make sure your new pool structure is built to withstand the soil conditions at your home.  Things like topography, soil types (clay vs sandy) or moisture content can create forces that might affect your new pool.  By utilizing the services of structural engineers, we can ensure that your new pool structure is built to last.  Your designer will be able to go over this in greater detail.

Can we build a pool during a drought?

Yes you can.  Swimming pools are often thought of a water wasters but nothing could be further from the truth.  The only thing that uses less water than a covered swimming pool over a given area is concrete or dirt.  To get all the facts, we encourage you to visit www.letspooltogether.com.

There are a lot of interior finish options, where can I find more information on each product?

Each product has specific features and your designer will go over the different surface options in greater detail.  In addition to the traditional surfaces, we also offer an all-tile surface interior for the ultimate in indulgence.  Please go to our Partners page to find links to the different surface options we offer.

My new pool is full of water, how soon can we swim?

It varies by surface material.  Generally, we ask that you wait until the water is initially balanced.  Some materials allow the water to balance more quickly so you can swim sooner. 

When can I turn on my heater?

Your heater can be turned on after the pool water is balanced.  If it is turned on before the water is balanced, it can cause a precipitate to form inside the heat exchanger reducing the efficiency of the heater.

What is Gunite?

Gunite is a type of concrete used in many applications, including swimming pools, tunnels, bridges, etc.  It is a blend of dry cement and aggregate pneumatically pumped through a hose with water added at the nozzle.

What is Shotcrete?

Shotcrete refers to an application process where concrete is projected at high velocity onto vertical surfaces.

What is Coping?

The masonry product at the top edge or perimeter of the pool, approximately 12 in wide.  It is typically some type of rock or pre-cast stone.  You can see more about coping at Golden State Cast Stone or check our partners page for links to more masonry options

Do you remodel or repair pools?

Our parent company, Adams Pools Solutions takes care of remodeling and repairs.  We would be happy to put you in touch with a designer from our remodel division.

What kind of filtration equipment do you use?

We use state-of-the-art pool equipment manufactured by Hayward and Jandy.  We are committed to making sure your pool has the latest automated and energy efficient filtration equipment available today.

The line between Royal Pools and Adams Pool Solutions is unclear to me, who is building my pool?

Your contract is with Royal Pools.  Royal Pools is the new swimming pool construction division of Adams Pool Solutions and exists as a separate entity although we have found that sharing resources improves efficiency.

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