Q. How do I begin the process?
A. When you make the initial call to
our office we will ask a few questions about
the type of pool you are thinking about,
what features you are looking for in a pool
and how you think you will use it. Then we
set up an appointment with you to come look
at your site. On this first visit we will be
taking measurements, checking utilities,
looking at the grade and taking photographs
of your yard. It is always best if all
parties wanting input on the overall design
be present at this first meeting. This
ensures we don't come back with something
one or the other does not like. At the end
of this first meeting, we will set a time
for our second meeting to show you our
design. Then we will go back to our office
and design a plan that will incorporate
those features you desire.
Q.
What happens next?
A. Our second meeting is normally at
our office so we can show you the different
options on tiles, equipment, plaster,
decking, lighting etc. We will go over all
the features, look at the design, and
discuss construction timing, access to the
yard and what can be expected during the
construction.
Q.
How do we pay for the pool?
A. We invoice you as work progresses and
are paid by a draw schedule that is
agreeable to both parties. Our payments
vary, and depending on the size of the
project it may be as few as 4 payments or as
many as 15 payments. Our final payment is
always paid at completion.
Q.
Will your company build our pool or does it
sub-contract the work to others? Does it
matter?
A. We do most of our pool
construction ourselves, (see
personnel page)
as we have the skill, knowledge, employees,
trucks, equipment & tools. It is safe to say
no other company in Tulsa will do as many
phases on your pool using their own
employees. We feel it is important to do the
work ourselves so we have better control of
the quality and timing of construction. Many
times contractors who sub out their work try
to do too much and end up using whoever is
not busy. This can be a problem, as you may
end up with the 3rd or 4th subcontractor on
their list.
Q. What are the different phases of
constructing a swimming pool?
A. Although it varies from job to
job, here is a list for a standard pool:
Pre-grade/demolition, form pool, excavate
pool & haul dirt, install plumbing, install
gravel, install rebar for shell, shoot
gunite, place tile, install coping, grade
for deck, set-up deck, pour deck, set
equipment, hook-up electrical and gas to
equipment, prep for plaster, plaster pool,
fill pool, start up pool and lastly, add
chemicals.
Q.
When will my pool be completed?
A. Depending on weather conditions, a
standard pool takes 6-8 weeks, an elaborate
pool can take up to a year or longer. Many
of the delays of construction can be
accredited to inclement weather.
Q.
How does Atlantis Pools & Spas Inc. get most
of their work?
A. A large part of our work is through
referrals from previous customers and the
rest is through yellow pages, yard signs,
our website, and people seeing our company
trucks.
Q.
How large a company is Atlantis Pools & Spas
Inc.?
A. Being a large company is
not our main focus. We are only looking for a few select projects. Most of our competitors if asked want to build as many pools as possible. We on the other hand want to build between 30 to 35
pools a year. We are always in demand due to our knowledge of specialized pool construction.
Q. What can I expect the investment to
be to build an Atlantis Pool?
A. Our pools range from around the
mid-thirty thousand range for a simple pool,
to hundreds of thousands for an elaborate
pool with extensive landscaping, water
features, stone decks, computer controls,
etc.
Q.
How many years has Atlantis Pools been in
business? Why does it matter?
A. Our company was founded in April of
1981, making 2013 our 32nd year! Many
people don't realize most companies (around
50%) never make it to their 5th anniversary.
Since we founded our company we have seen at
least 40 Tulsa pool companies go out of
business. Unfortunately customers usually
find out too late, when the pool builder is
in the middle of building their pool! We get
at least three calls a year to come finish
other companies' work. Please don't let this
happen to you.
Q.
What about a warranty on my pool investment?
A. Nothing will be more important to you
after your pool is complete than a warranty
from a company that will take care of any
problems that may arise. We have been and
will continue to be the best at taking care
of our customers warranty problems. Our
warranties are the best from the pool
structure to the equipment. If you remember
only one thing, remember that a warranty is
only as good as the company offering it!
Q. Why do I have such a wide
variance in my pool bids on similar size
pools?
A. The price of a pool includes
more than just size and shape. Other factors
many contractors do not include account for
the difference- such as quality of
materials, craftsmanship, warranties,
customer service, insurance, and time needed
to build. Some of our competitors do not
have an office, trucks, equipment,
employees, or insurance--which makes it
cheaper to operate but also easier for them
to vanish. If you can't afford to do it
right how will you afford to fix it?
Q. How can I
research the different pool builders and
pick the best one?
A. The best thing you can do is visit
their place of business, see for yourself
whether or not they have an office,
warehouse, supplies, etc. Go visit a few of
their job sites, talk to some of their past
customers, and check their rating with the
Better Business Bureau.
Q. Every
pool builder in town says they are the best,
how do I determine the truth?
A. It is quite simple, we are the only
pool builder from Oklahoma to receive
International Awards of Excellence as well
as Regional Awards for Design over the last
five years. We are the only builder in
Oklahoma to have a Certified Building
Professional on staff, and the only builder
that continually sends its staff to Regional
and International shows for classes on
advanced technical seminars. We are also the
only builder in business for 29 years
without any lawsuits. And one more important
thing is to look at our
portfolio
vs. our competitors; all pools shown here
were built by Atlantis Pools.
Q. I have heard a lot about
in-floor cleaning systems, do they work?
Does your company install them?
A. In-floor cleaners are the most
logical way to build a pool, although the
initial pool cost will be higher due to an
increase in plumbing pipe and labor cost, it
will usually pay for itself (the in-floor
system) in three years or less. The cost
savings is due to the fact that when your
heater comes on, it returns the water from
the bottom of the pool instead of the side,
therefore being a more efficient way to heat
the pool. Another benefit is that the
chemicals are dispersed more evenly
throughout the pool. This saves on chemicals
because the return water comes back through
more openings (usually 20+ vs. 3 to 5). Also
due to the fact that the pool water turns
over more efficiently you run the pool pump
less hours per day therefore saving on
electricity also.
Q. Some of the pool builders we have
talked to said they will match their
competitors price, does Atlantis do this?
A. We have seen this time and again and
it is impossible to do. Pool builders who do this often do not know what their actual costs are, let alone what ours are. We have a better process to price our pools, by which we use a spread sheet and go over it with our customers, so they can see exactly where their money is going. We also build our pools to a higher standard, when you contract with Atlantis Pools you are getting the best of everything- from construction materials to
equipment to warranties. We can't build all the pools in Tulsa and some of the people that do buy pools from our competitors believe "a pool is a pool". We can assure you that
just isn't the case. Construction costs vary
greatly, and if the price looks too good to
be true, it probably is.
Q.
Do we need to have a plan for our pool?
A. No, we will design a plan to fit your
needs, this service is included with the
purchase of your pool.
Q.
When is the best time to start the process
of researching for a pool?
A. We work year round, but typically
3 to 4 months before you want to swim.
Q.
Who oversees the project when it is started?
A. Every project is overseen by John Oliver. He is your contact
person from start to finish!
Q.
How can I get started on a design for my
outdoor living environment?
A. You can call us at 918-641-1100,
email us at
sales@bestpoolguys.com
,
visit our showroom at 9300 E. Broken
Arrow Expressway, Suite D, Tulsa, Ok. 74145
or fill out our contact info on our
contact page
and we will contact you! |
