Depending
on the scope, an in ground pool project may take from 1
½ - 6 weeks. Generally speaking, our pool and landscape
projects normally take an average of 4 weeks. Above ground
pools take 2-3 days from start to finish.
2)
What are your thoughts on salt water chlorine generation
systems?
This
method of pool chlorination is very effective and requires
little maintenance. We recommend it to all our clients,
especially new installs as the cost savings over time are
substantial and swimming is much more enjoyable. Salt levels
in the pool are very low; 3000 - 6000ppm as compared to
the ocean at 36,000ppm. We exclusively use the system built
by Watermaid; the Australian company that pioneered the
use of salt water chlorination for residential swimming
pools. For more information beyond the scope of this website
please go to www.watermaid.ca.
3)
If you are building my pool do I have to deal with the other
contractors or will you do that for me
We are
a full-service pool and landscape design and construction
company and we keep all of our work in-house. Our clients
will deal directly with the owner, Shaun McDonald, on a
daily basis and he will co-ordinate all sub-trades throughout
the project. This ensures on-time completion along with
a high level of quality control.
4)
Once you have started my project, do you stay on site until
it is complete?
We run
only one job at a time so we can concentrate our full resources
to the completion of your project. Inclement weather is
the only reason we would leave your site once we start.
5)
What is your warranty on workmanship and installation?
Every
Avoca Pools & Landscape Inc. project comes with a standard
3 year fully-transferable warranty. An optional full, 5
year warranty is also available.
6)
Do you offer financing?
No;
we recommend talking to your own bank about this as the
interest rates on a personal line of credit will likely
be cheaper than what we would be able to offer you.
7)
I'm not sure about interlocking brick as I've seen installations
with ants and weeds coming up through the brick. What do
you do to minimize this problem?
All
of our interlocking brick is swept in with polymeric sand;
this sand contains a chemical that is activated by water
and makes the sand extremely hard but flexible at the same
time. This makes it very difficult for ants and weeds to
get a foothold between the bricks. Older installations did
not have the benefit of the use of this sand as it was not
available then. If you are getting quotes for this type
of work make sure that this is included in the price. We
also offer a refurbishment service whereby we will pressure
wash your existing brick, which will remove all the old
sand, then sweep it in with polymeric sand; bringing a new
lease of life to your driveway, walkway and patio areas.
8)
What is Ipe and what are the advantages of building a deck
using it?
Ipe
is a beautiful dark-red Brazilian hardwood that complements
any deck. It is ideal for this as it resists decay, insects
and fungal attack, stands up very well to abrasion and wear,
and is naturally fire-resistant. It is extremely hard and
will last a lot longer than all other materials on the market,
as well as giving a high-end look to your deck or patio
project for a not so high-end price.
9)
Can I incorporate shade sails into my pool or landscape
design?
This
is the ideal time to think about the installation of a shade
sail as it is easier, less inconvenient and more cost-effective
to install anchor points while other construction work is
underway. Designers from Avoca Shade Systems will work with
you to provide you with the shade coverage you need.
10)
What areas do you work in?
Our
pool and landscape construction services cover Port Perry,
Uxbridge, Lindsay, Peterborough and all of the City of Kawartha
Lakes and Durham Region. We also work in the Aurora/Newmarket
and Bowmanville/Courtice areas.
Shade
sail installations by Avoca Shade Systems (www.avocashadesystems.com)
are more widespread, running from Ottawa and Montreal, through
to the GTA and down as far as Niagara Falls.
11)
What insurance coverage do you carry? Should I ask to see
proof of coverage before you work at my home or business?
We carry
$ 2,000,000 Liability Insurance and all of our workers are
covered by WSIB. You should always ask any contractor to
see proof of coverage; if they do not have it, as the client,
you may be held liable for any incidents that may occur.
We will provide you with copies of our coverage for you
to hold in your files while we are working at your place
and also for future reference.
12)
Do you provide a written quote?
Yes.
Every job we quote will be followed up by a written and
signed document that sets out the scope of the work as well
as provisions for any extras that may occur. The price given
on the quote is the final price you pay unless extra charges
are incurred; these will be discussed and agreed upon at
the time. We do not believe in giving our clients an unwelcome
surprise in the form of a larger bill at the completion
of the project.
13) How much maintenance is required for a pool?
Maintaining
your pool is not a large job, taking an average of about
1 hr per week of your time. By using an automatic pool cleaner
along with salt water chlorination this can be reduced even
further, allowing you more time to enjoy your investment.
14)
Do I need a permit to build my pool?
Yes.
The type of permits needed depend on the requirements of
the individual region's bylaw department. We will take care
of this for our clients if they wish; otherwise it is a
mere formality in most cases.
