midwestpoolsmichigan

Oh Boy- another misinformed pool specialist. Please read the details for yourself. www.vikingpools.net/warranty.htm P.S.- please post a copy of the Hawaiian Warranty- I can't seem to find it anywhere online.

As an inground pool builder for over 20 years in Michigan, we have done an extensive amount of research on the various brands of fiberglass swimming pools available to sell. Our climate here is very harsh and pools that work well in mild climates are not always suitable for our weather. The Viking pools offer closed beam copings and a ceramic core for added strength against the freeze/ thaw cycles. It is also very important to use a perforated backfill such as peastone to ensure that water does not puddle around the outside of your pool shell. As with any pool the key to longevity is placing the pool shell on a stable base with adequate water diversion. Any fiberglass pool shell can and will work if properly installed.

Paver adhesive that is weather resistant( outdoor). Also be sure to clean the surface with a degreaser.

Before you apply paint over any surface it is important to be sure to etch the surface enough so that the paint will bond. It is very similar in theory to applying paint to an older boat. As for the blistering, you should be sure and grind the blister out completely and then apply a bonding agent over the affected area.

Viking Fiberglass Pools are allowed to be installed as much as 18" out of the ground.

Does your pool have a convenience(safety) ledge? If so, it is much harder for any automatic pool vacuum to reach the top of the wall. Be sure however that your dolphin cleaner is properly setup. There are methods of adjustment in the owners manual that will make the cleaner more buoyant which helps it climb better.

Would it be normal for a car manufacturer to say it is normal for the buyer to clean up a brand new car? You paid for a new pool not a used one.

There are several good filtration equipment manufacturers on the market. Often times it is better to buy from a company such as Pentair Pool Products or Hayward pool Products because they have been in the pool business for several years and will continue to be. Nothing is worse than buying equipment from a company that can't provide parts and service in the future. Both of these companies have complete lines of pumps, filters, heaters, cleaners, chlorine dispensers, ozone generators and even maintenance kits. Don't waste too much money on alternative sanitizers because fiberglass pools are very easy to treat with stabilized chlorine tablets. You may also choose to wait and purchase an automatic vacuum until you see just how easy fiberglass is to take care of. The sidewalls are non-porous and very easy to wipe clean. Be sure to use an automatic timer on your pump because the pool only needs to run for 6-8 hours per day. Good luck with your new pool.

Go to the following website for more information www.midwestpools.com

Viking Fiberglass Pools have been using in-floor cleaning systems on their pools for several years now. Check out this link www.vikingpools.net/features.htm Click on "vantage system"

How old is your existing stamped concrete patio? If it isn't too old or faded it may still be possible to match the pattern and color. Be sure to add plenty of non-skid to the seal coat however as you are probably already aware that stamped concrete can become very slippery when wet. If it is impossible to match perfectly then I would recommend a contrasting color. Use the following link and then click on "lap pools" then click on "panama" pool for a great example. Good luck. http://www.vikingpools.net/designs.htm

We do it all the time. We do need to do a site inspection however to determine the proper size crane needed.

Please click on the following link for Vikings warranty. http://www.vikingpools.net/warranty.htm

If the pool was correctly installed, there will be an access cover on the deep end of the pool near the skimmer that will allow you to drop a 7" diameter sump pump in. These size pumps generally hook up to a standard garden hose. If it was installed correctly it will be at least 12" deeper than the deepest point of the pool. Plug the pump in and continue to run the pump until it has stopped. Be sure to leave the pump on while the pool is empty. If there is not any groundwater under the pool shell it will not pop out. If the pool builder did not install a sump crock system you will have to install a well point.

Fencing the entire backyard is much more desirable asthetically and for the convenience of day to day operation. There are ways to protect your children such as Power safety covers, door alarms, gate alarms, pool alarms, etc. without damaging the ambience that everyone desires with a residential pool. You certainly don't want to feel like you are walking into a hotel pool. I know it may not be a concern now, or so you plan, but when you decide to sell your home a pool that creates a private backyard paradise helps resale value immensely. Just watch a program like House Hunters and see for yourself.

Seems kind of funny that a Hawaiian representative would say that when their warranty on their gelcoat is 1 year and Vikings is 7 years.

Your cracks are merely cosmetic and will not affect the structural integrity in any way.

It's nice to read posts like yours.

Since kids are prone to splash heavily in the deep end I usually recommend the shallow end for placement. Also keep in mind which end will be most visible from your sitting area.

This post reminds me of my grandparents arguing over which brand of house paint to use in their kitchen. Sure the quality of paint that they choose to use is somewhat important but it is the preparation that is done before the paint is applied that makes all the difference in the world. The same is true in the swimming pool industry. Good preparation and backfill make a world of difference. If you read enough posts you will certainly find one or more negative remarks about every pool manufacturer. More often than not it is the pool installer who is at fault. There are way too many unqualified individuals out there that refer to themselves as pool builders. DO YOUR HOMEWORK- a pool is a one time investment that can not be redone.

Go to www.naturalchemistry.com or call 1-800-753-1233. They are a chemical manufacturer with extensive knowledge about fiberglass pool chemistry. We have used their products with much success. Good luck.

Please send a private e-mail to me with your name and address. We are the largest Viking pool dealer in the Midwest and have never heard anything quite so silly. The crystite coating on a Viking pool is several mills thick and extremely UV resistant. As far as the flakes rusting, I think you probably have a high metal content (iron, copper, magenese, etc.) which can cause surface staining on any type of pool. I look forward to hearing from you soon.