Carefree Pools along with industry partners ‘pay it forward’

Prepping the deck

Once the pool’s coping was completed, the base was prepped for the concrete deck. While this was being completed, the filter system was installed in the shed, the lights were hooked up, a salt chlorine generator was connected and the circulation system was started.

With the concrete deck poured and control joints cut to prevent cracking, the final stages of the project were within sight. This meant completing the fence to comply with municipal codes and install the interlocking concrete paver (ICP) patio. To make the backyard child safe, ornamental iron fencing was installed to separate the pool area from the rest of the property, while keeping an accessible play area for the homeowner’s children.

Finally, a 3- x 7-m (10- x 23-ft) elevated deck was installed off of the back of the house to provide an additional entertainment and dining area that overlooks the pool environment. This controlled area ensures access to the pool cannot be gained by the kids, unless supervised.

The Final Word

“I’ve been in the pool industry for more than 40 years and have seen dealers come and go, poor workmanship, and installations gone awry, but what happened to this family was wrong on all accounts,” says Kelly. “It struck a nerve and I felt, for the betterment of the pool industry, we, together with the Independent Pool Group (IPG), could right the wrongs experienced by this family—pay it forward, so to speak.

“We are in the pool business as a profession providing technical expertise in the design, build, and service of the backyard oasis.”

After the homeowner’s taxing experience of broken promises, appointment no shows, early morning and late night texts and e-mails, the final result of this project was above and beyond what the family expected. Although the end never seemed near, thanks to everyone who lent a helping hand on the project, the family was not only able to swim in their new pool by August, but was also able to breathe a sigh of relief knowing it was installed properly and would provide them years of enjoyment and relaxation.

Editor’s note: This project was completed with the generous participation of the following companies who donated either their time or products: A & J Urethane Insulation,
All Season Fencing, Brampton Brick, Cleardeck Systems Ltd., Fresh Crete, Hayward Pool Products Canada, Hinspergers Poly Industries (HPI), Home Hardware (Brockville, Ont.), Independent Pool Group (IPG), Northeastern Swimming Pool Distributors, Nuvo Iron Fencing, Sani Marc Inc., San Juan Pools & Spas Canada Inc., and the construction and service staff of Carefree Pools Ltd. Their contributions are gratefully acknowledged; without their assistance, this pool could not have been installed.