The little things that make an installation shine

by Sally Bouorm | August 1, 2012 11:37 am

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By Barry Justus

‘The devil is in the details’ is a familiar phrase to most. It generally refers to the idea that whatever one does should be done thoroughly—details are important. Failing to pay close attention to the details in the watershaping industry can dramatically affect a builder’s bottom line, reputation and the finished project. From the first interaction with a potential client to site cleanup and project commissioning, the details will ultimately determine the end result.

Initial meeting

Whether meeting in a corporate boardroom or at the client’s kitchen table surrounded by dogs and children, there is only one chance to make an excellent first impression. The following steps can help make this happen:

• Qualify the prospect;
• Confirm the meeting;
• Arrive on time;
• Come prepared to present (e.g. bring a laptop, marketing materials, samples and have thorough knowledge of the material);
• Dress appropriately;
• Never say anything inappropriate about the competition, discuss the benefits they will receive (from your company) instead;
• Educate the client about the company, its reputation and the design and construction process; and
• Leave professional marketing material (a good impression), and arrange to follow-up via e-mail, phone or site visit.

What goes into a design?

Every project needs an accurate, scaled design. Placing zero value on pool construction experience speaks volumes; therefore, it is highly recommended to charge an appropriate fee for skill set, market conditions and project complexity. Unfortunately, it is common practice not to charge for designs in the water shaping industry.

A detailed site survey, site photographs, knowledge of local building codes, easements, soil conditions and a thorough understanding of the client’s overall budget and project goals will help to ensure a successful design. Depending on its complexity, assistance from a landscape architect, engineer and detail designer may also be required.

The level of detail and professionalism of the finished design will often be reflected in the project’s overall budget. Small-scale projects should also include accurate scaled drawings, not only to ensure proper appraisal, but to provide the client with a feel for the design. More costly, advanced designs usually incorporate cross sections, 3-D presentations, photo realism, computer-aided design (CAD) and hand-drawn renderings, video presentations, sample boards and even scaled models. Planting and drainage plans as well as schematics for irrigation, lighting, engineering and hydraulics are also vital to a project’s success.

Tips for design presentation

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Always arrange for the significant players (i.e. husband and wife) to be available for the presentation. Try not to meet with just one. For residential projects, avoid presenting in the client’s corporate boardroom (i.e. at their place of work rather than their home)—it often becomes all business and no emotion. A high-quality pool design can be presented with large-scale professionally-printed drawings, while presentations using CAD, combined with 3-D animation, can be used to provide the client with a better understanding of what the design entails. For these presentations, be sure to use only high-quality materials, along with visual aids such as tablets, presentation books containing professional photographs, video screens, hand-drawn renderings and sample boards.

During the presentation it is important to listen to the client. Sit back, relax, ask questions, and avoid lecturing. Leave the client with professional copies of the design, including a digital version with 3-D applications (assuming they paid for the design). Be professional; answer questions with enthusiasm, knowledge and honesty. If the answer to a question is not known, say so.

EQUIPMENT PAD DETAILS

[3] The equipment pad is an often neglected area of swimming pool design. High-profile projects are sometimes marred by incredibly inept mechanical pad installations, which become a nightmare for service professionals. However, by putting together a detailed plan, using computer-aided design (CAD) and 3-D renderings, it allows plumbers to install a professional, mechanically correct equipment pad where everything is neat, plumb, square and labelled. The plan should include details for the following equipment pad elements: • electrical panels; • automation equipment; • irrigation system; • gas lines; • lighting panels; • drainage; • exhaust vents; • equipment room doors/windows; • bonding lugs; • sump wells; and • mechanical equipment.When working on indoor pool projects, this situation is often exasperated. Builders are often left with very little space as none of the mechanical equipment is detailed on the plan. Space for indoor pool equipment rooms are assigned on a premium basis. It should be kept in mind, however, a highly detailed mechanical room design not only looks professional and makes service a breeze, but is also easier to construct.

Details in design

Excellence in design will sell the project and demonstrate the company’s expertise, commitment to detail and professionalism. A poorly designed project, combined with a low-end presentation, will drive the client to the competition. As mentioned previously, there are several site considerations (e.g. sun patterns, shade, tree cover, etc.) along with environmental concerns (e.g. prevailing winds, microclimates, etc.), which all factor into the basic design. However, some design considerations are in response to specific client concerns, existing architectural features, and particular requests.

Considering safety

For clients who are extremely concerned about the safety aspect of installing a body of water adjacent to their home, it becomes important to discuss various safety and precautionary details as well. For instance, safety covers, full-fence enclosures, alarms, and video monitoring are integral to the finished design.

Vantage points from the home’s interior and exterior also become critical for families with young children. One of the benefits of using a 3-D design program is it allows the client to view the yard from all angles, preventing or minimizing blind spots.

Co-ordinating the design

The home’s architecture will often dictate initial design considerations. Therefore, the traditional freeform pool with a waterfall comprising a pile of rocks will never suit a modern, contemporary-styled home.

Identifying the style of architecture will aid in creating the initial design concept as its style should flow from the home’s interior to the exterior yard. A detail designer will be extremely helpful during this phase of the design. They will assist with colour and tile selection, planter locations, and co-ordinating design elements. A competent detail designer can make a large impact on how the finished project looks and feels, and are well worth the client’s time and financial commitment.

Provide guidance

The client’s initial perception and wish list are often dictated by the projects of their neighbours, friends or even relatives. In this case, the designer/builder’s job is to guide the client in the appropriate direction, while still making sure the design appeals to their desires and needs. This design stage can prove to be a difficult balancing act, trying to accommodate all of the existing parameters while still giving the client an original, well-planned, top-notch project.

Pool interior details: An endless debate

Every detail of a pool’s interior should be fully planned, documented and agreed upon before construction begins. This often neglected area of design (e.g. pool depth and profile) is critical to final esthetics and overall client enjoyment. For instance, a shallow pool is often the best choice as they contain less water, use less energy, and are less costly to build. Installing a shallow pool will also avoid impacting high water table levels during the construction process.

Important steps to include

Details for design and placement of steps, benches and swim outs are critical to the safety, enjoyment and esthetics of the water-shape project. Give clients the option of amphitheatre seating, full length steps, shallow lounging areas, swim outs, multiple steps, and bar stools.

All aspects of design for these types of features should be fully planned with CAD-based design software for a cost-effective installation.

Incorporating pool fittings

The positioning of returns, suctions, lights, skimmers, steps, and benches all affect the end users enjoyment and overall esthetics. A well-designed mechanical system will not only detail the flow rates and pipe sizes, but also the exact location of the interior pool fittings. Skimmer positioning is often decided by prevailing winds, but a combination of well-placed returns and visual esthetics should be taken into account during the design process.

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Suction return location is primarily determined by safety concerns and local building codes. They can also be completely eliminated by employing the use of a perimeter overflow or vanishing edge treatment with a surge tank. On the other hand, return fittings can be positioned low in the pool to increase circulation, prevent thermoclines (i.e. thin distinct layers of water where temperature change occurs more rapidly with depth than it does in the layers above or below), and help keep the pool floor clean.

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In-floor cleaning jets are excellent for keeping the pool tidy and increasing water circulation; however, purists will insist fittings in the pool interior should be kept to a minimum. Interior fittings should also be disguised as much as possible; the simplest way to do this is using coloured polyvinyl chloride (PVC) fittings. Finally, skimmers and main drain lids can be tiled to match the pool interior.

Whether powder coated, eliminated, buried, replaced, hidden or disguised, many builders go to extreme lengths to detail pool fittings.

Hiding pool fittings continues on the pool exterior as well. Skimmer lids can always be made to blend in with the surroundings. Natural stone replacement or poured-in-place concrete lids can also be used to replace standard PVC lids.

Integrating light features

Lighting effects, locations and zones need to be accurately detailed. Using multiple, smaller size light-emitting diode (LED) lights, spread over a number of zones, will give the client complete control for nighttime enjoyment. A 3-D design program allows designers/builders to plan the exact placement of lighting features to enhance the overall dramatic effect.

Understanding colour theory

The interior finish contributes greatly to the overall look of the project. The colour of the pool water is affected by several elements such as lighting, depth, angle of view, interior colour and the environmental surroundings. In fact, a blue pool interior is seldom the perfect design choice. A detailed understanding of colour theory or choosing a competent detail designer will result in a perfect blend of colours, resulting in an outstanding project.

Site preparation particulars

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Site preparation details are also important; therefore, be sure to call for locates, arrange permits, bonds, tree hoarding and site security (e.g. temporary fencing for the project should be considered). In many circumstances, site security should be augmented with 24-hour video surveillance equipment. The fencing keeps the site safe and secure as well as presenting a professional image for the company in addition to limiting potential liability.

Designers/builders should also use silt barriers and steel plates along the access path to the site, in addition to plywood hoarding and/or landscape fabric to protect the client’s home and possessions. It is also a good idea to post professional quality site signs around the area to promote the company.

Finally, a portable toilet and first aid kit should be easily accessible and required posting for permits, emergency contact phone numbers, workers compensation, labour board requirements, and notice of project to government agencies should be on-site.

Keeping the neighbours happy

Sweep the street, keep dust to a minimum and be sure to maintain the site’s cleanliness. It is also important to abide by the local bylaws regarding noise and hours of work. Although designers/builders do not live on the site, the client does, and they have to live with the neighbours long after the project is completed.

The time and effort spent during the design stage, combined with proper site supervision, will pay back quickly on the construction stage by eliminating costly mistakes and dissatisfied clients.

The fine points of construction

A fully engineered design will result in a superior finished product, more profit and a satisfied referral-generating client. The construction process is thoroughly dependent on the details; therefore, an onsite meeting between the architect, landscaper, contractor and sub-contractors, prior to construction, is imperative to ensuring everything runs smoothly and meets everyone’s expectations.

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Attention to details on the day shovels hit the ground will also pay large dividends. Exact excavation depth not only prevents unnecessary material waste and trucking costs, but also speeds up the construction process. The advent of laser-equipped excavators can result in perfect site preparations. A thoroughly detailed plan will also allow utility chases (i.e. trenches) to be excavated efficiently by machine, rather than hand dug at a later date. A fully prepared excavation crew should have water pumps, filter blankets and drainage hoses on hand in case water invades the excavation. Installing a well-constructed, permanent sump well on the first day will also help to keep the project dry, safe and efficient for construction.

Smaller sites will often require just-in-time delivery, as storage space is at a premium. In contrast, larger sites can stock pile gravel, soil, rebar and various other necessary materials and equipment. Project management skills, site organization and safety details will all result in cost savings and a more productive, efficient construction effort. Co-ordination of sub-contractors is an art form; detail oriented planning, including the use of Gantt charts (a bar chart illustrating the start and finish dates of the project’s terminal and summary elements) or scheduling software keeps the project on time and on budget. Detailed design plans will also indicate rebar and plumbing layouts, while concrete placement, waterproofing, drainage, deck supports, utility corridors and automation elements also benefit from detailed planning and scheduling.

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Finally, a detailed plan is also required before handing the project over to the clients. Every project should use a punch-list system (i.e. a list of tasks to be completed to satisfy the terms of the contract) when testing all parameters and correcting any deficiencies.

Managing the client’s expectations at this stage of the project is critical. The more elaborate the project, the more difficult and time consuming the start-up process becomes. Pumps and heaters will fail, automation will have to be tuned up—there will be problems. Looking after the details and addressing problems quickly will give the client confidence in the company’s abilities and professionalism.

A professionally designed, planned and constructed project will result in satisfied clients who will be happy to pay the designer/builder and provide the company with well-deserved referrals—the best way to acquire new business.

 

 

Barry Justus is the founder and president of Poolscape Inc. He designs and lectures internationally, is a member of the Society of Watershape Designers and is a faculty instructor with Genesis 3 Design Group. Justus can be reached via e-mail at barry@poolscape.com[10] or by visiting www.poolscape.com[11].

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