Building Q&A

1. Do you offer free estimates?

Yes, we offer complimentary design consultations. You can schedule one whenever you are ready to start talking about your project. You do not necessarily have to be ready to begin construction right away. To schedule a consultation, simply contact us.

2. What does your standard package include?

Since we build custom pools, there really is no "standard." For illustration purposes only, our classic pool is 3 feet to 5 feet in depth, with a 72-foot perimeter and 250 square foot surface area, and 300 square feet of paver decking. This pool would include a Hayward Pool Pump, Hayward 150 sq.ft. cartridge filter,Intermatic Time Clock, and a ParaGlo LED Blue Light and much more.

3. What is the average size of a pool?

There's no need to base your design on an average, but 28 feet by 14 feet is common.

4. What is your average build time?

The time it takes to build your pool depends on a lot of factors. The complexity of your design, time of year, and other variables will all determine how long it takes to build your pool. Barring any interruption from Mother Nature, the average pool build takes 8 to 12 weeks from the completion of excavation.

5. How noisy is construction? During what hours can I expect the crew to be at my house?

There are many phases to swimming pool construction, but only a couple of them are particularly noisy, namely excavation. Most of the work is not noisy. The crew generally will work during daylight hours but will respect any restrictions requested by you as the homeowner and/or your neighborhood. These restrictions should be disclosed prior to construction in order to make sure the timeline is accurate.

6. What happens to my driveway and yard during the pool construction process?

Prior to construction beginning, your landscape will be assessed to determine the best way for the crew to access the building site. Some of the equipment used is heavy machinery. As such, if you have lots of fencing, pavers, etc., there may be a need to temporarily remove or a risk of damage in the process. If such a risk exists, you will be informed of it prior to construction. Certain phases, such as plumbing, will require trenching, so your yard may not look pristine during those few days.

7. Do you pull permits for me?

Yes. Nautilus Pools will secure the permit for both the pool and screen enclosure if applicable.

8. How long does it take to get a permit?

Depending on your jurisdiction, it may take 5 days or 4 weeks. In general, expect it to take 3 to 6 weeks.

9. What is the difference between a gas heater and a heat pump?

A gas heater uses natural gas or propane to heat the water. It is faster, can heat to hotter temps, and can heat water under a variety of outdoor conditions. However, a gas heater is costly to operate. Heat pumps are electric, making them much more efficient and economical. However, heat pumps cannot operate during certain circumstances, such as extreme cold, as the heat pump uses the ambient temperature to heat. The heat pump also takes longer to increase the water temperature.

10. Do you teach me how to use my pool and controllers?

Each new pool customer gets an orientation from our in-house technician. Depending upon the complexity of the pool, orientations generally last one hour. Beyond that, our in-house service coordinators are available by phone or contact form to answer any questions. Manuals are also given to homeowners for reference.

11. Does building a pool increase the value of my home?

A pool will increase the value of your home, but it is not a direct transfer of value (a $35,000 pool will not usually increase your home's value by $35,000). The value of adding a pool should be measured in the years of enjoyment it will bring to your family, in addition to the monetary value and marketability it brings to your property.