FAQs

CONSTRUCTION FAQS

How long does construction take?
Construction time will vary based on the size of your project, as well as any special features being added to your design. Typically the construction of your pool will take between 8-12 weeks.
How long does it take to obtain permits?
This process depends on what city or county you live in. For example, the City of Tulsa can take up to four weeks, and Wagoner County takes about 10 minutes.
I have a party planned. Will my pool be finished by then?
At Sierra Pools and Spas, your happiness is our No. 1 priority. We strive to be the best of the best and calculate exactly when we will be finished with your project with weather and delays in mind with our On-Time Guarantee. God gives us beautiful rain in the state of Oklahoma that we cannot control nor predict and sometimes weather that is too cold to cooperate with pool construction. Rain and pool construction do not mix. Weather below 40 degrees Fahrenheit obstructs concrete, solvent welding and other parts of pool construction. The reality is weather is unpredictable and cannot be controlled. Please do not plan any special events until the pool is finished. Please be mindful of this paragraph before you plan any parties.
What if I have a sprinkler system?
You will need to turn off your system during excavation. If your sprinkler lines runs in the area where Sierra Pools has excavated, you will want to call your sprinkler company and have them cap off any heads that are located in that area. This way you can still use your irrigation system. If you don’t know of any irrigation companies, we can refer you to some reliable companies.
Do you offer tree removal services?
Yes.
What if the area of my property where I want the pool to be installed is sloped?
Sierra Pools will assess your yard at your free in-home consultation. Based on what we see, Sierra Pools will create a general design to account for the slope in your yard. In certain cases, a retaining wall or channel drain may be necessary. This will be better determined when we shoot elevations to form your pool, and all options will require your approval, as the customer, before moving forward.
Who is responsible for connecting utilities such as electric, water and/or gas?
It is your responsibility to have a licensed electrician to run electricity to your equipment pad. It is also your responsibility to have a licensed plumber run a gas line (only if you have a pool heater) to the equipment pad and a water line to the autofill on your pool. Sierra Pools has electricians and plumbers who work closely with us that know exactly what you need. Let us know if you would like to use our contacts, and we will get them scheduled for you.
Do you locate electrical lines or utility lines?
A few days before excavation of your pool begins, Sierra Pools will call Okie Locate to locate any lines before we begin digging. The only lines we cannot locate are irrigation and septic lines. You will need to make us aware of any personal lines before we dig. Our crews are careful when they dig, but if any of these lines are damaged, Sierra Pools is not responsible for repairs.
What happens to my yard during construction?
There will be a point of access to get to your yard to install your pool. The sod at the access point, and any area we have to drive over with equipment, will get torn up. Sierra Pools will regrade your yard once construction is complete.
How will you get access to my yard?
Sierra Pools can take down your fence to gain access to your yard. If you have a decorative or metal fence, you can call your fencing company to take it down. Sierra Pools will put up safety net where the access point is in your fence. You will need to call a fencing company to replace the fence once construction is complete.
What happens to the dirt that is excavated for my pool?
The dirt that is removed at excavation is hauled off or used for re-grading areas around the pool. Let us know if you want a huge pile of dirt left behind. Your kids will think you’re awesome.
What if there are large rocks in the soil where my pool is being dug?
As Sierra Pools excavate your yard to build your pool, we may come upon large rocks that may not be able to be excavated with our standard equipment. If this is the case, we will consult with you to discuss the cost of excavating the rock and what your options are. You, as the buyer, will be responsible to pay any additional cost of excavation of the rock. We will not move forward until we have received your approval.
It has been a few days and I haven’t seen anybody in my backyard. Where is everybody?
After the steel work is completed, there are rebar and bonding inspections that need to be approved from the city or county before we move forward. There are also inspections for deck bonding as well. This usually takes one day, but sometimes it can take multiple days depending on the situation. Also, if we are moving on to a new stage of construction, the next crew may be out a day or so when the previous crew finished.
The gunite crew left a hole in the bottom of my pool.
What you essentially have at this stage is a giant boat! Actually, during WW1, the U.S.A. constructed boats out of concrete. If that hole wasn’t there and the water table pressure became significant, your pool would float. We call the holes “weep holes” in the pool industry. Don’t worry — the weep holes will be filled with plaster at a later stage.
When can the pool be filled with water?
The plaster crew will begin filling the pool with water as soon as they are finished with your interior finish. It may take several days to fill up. DO NOT turn off the water until the water level is in the middle of your water line tile. Turning off the water can result in a scum line. This is not pleasing to the eye. It is your responsibility to monitor the water level while it is filling.
What happens after my pool is full of water?
The interior finish is very soft at this point. It will take the next 30 days for your interior finish to fully cure. For the next 30 days, it is your responsibility to brush every part of the interior finish twice a day to ensure no dirt, debris or plaster dust settles on the pools walls and floors for an unpleasant touch. Sierra Pools and Spas will be monitoring your pH balance for the next two weeks.
How long do I have to wait to swim after my pool is full of water? How long do I have to wait to turn on my heater?
After the pool’s interior finish is installed, we immediately begin filling up your pool with water. Depending on the size of your pool, it may take several days to fill it with water. Sierra Pools and Spas recommends waiting at least seven days after your pool is full of water for pH water balancing. If you have a heater, wait 21 days before turning on your heater to allow your interior finish to completely cure.
How long until the salt is added?
If your pool is a saltwater pool, we will brush in the salt 14 days after the pool is full of water. In the meantime, we will sanitize your water with chlorine tablets.

MAINTENANCE FAQS

What maintenance is required for an in-ground gunite pool?
Regular water testing and chemical balance, as well as skimming and brushing, if necessary, are part of maintaining your pool.
What is the average maintenance cost for an in-ground gunite pool?
Maintenance costs vary greatly depending on size and type (chlorine or salt water) of pool. There are multiple pool service companies in the Tulsa area, and all offer different packages. On average, you can expect to spend $40 per week for weekly cleaning, plus the cost of chemicals.
What are the benefits of an in-floor cleaning system?
An in-floor cleaning system can reduce the amount of maintenance required by you, as far as cleaning the inside of the pool. Heads are plumbed in the bottom of your pool, as well as on any benches or ledges. These heads pop up at different times and spray 360 degrees, pushing dirt and debris toward the main drain. You do not need a robotic vacuum if you have an in-floor cleaning system, and therefore, you do not have hoses in your pool.
How often do I have to replace sand in my filter?
Typically you will need to replace the sand in your sand filter around every 5-7 years. The sharp edges of the sand actually wears out and will not capture the contaminates as thoroughly as it should.
Should I close my pool in the winter?
It is not necessary to close your pool in the winter in Oklahoma. Some people like to keep the pool open and maintained year round, while others like to cover their pool and close it until the next summer season.
Do I need a cover for my pool?
Covers are not necessary, but are nice to have if you will be closing your pool in the winter months.
What cleaning equipment do I need to clean my pool?
At the completion of your pool, Sierra Pools and Spas will provide you with a net, brush, telescopic pole and test kit. These are the tools needed to routinely maintain your pool.
How often do I need to skim my pool?
You should skim your pool when large debris is seen floating in the water. If you have trees around your pool, more skimming may be required. An in-floor cleaning system can cut back on the amount of manual skimming needed.
Do any chemicals have to be added to a saltwater pool?
Yes. To balance the pH levels of your pool, you will need to either add an acid or a base. Also, if the salt level becomes too low, you will need to add pool salt.
What is backwashing?
Backwashing is the act of reversing the flow of water through your sand filter to clean out debris and flush it through your waste line.
How often should I backwash my sand filter?
Generally, you should backwash your filter once a week.
How often should I clean the cartridges in my cartridge filter?
It is recommended to clean your cartridges when the PSI rises 8-10 lbs. higher than the starting pressure of a clean filter.
How often will I have to re-plaster my pool?
There are many variables that can affect the longevity of your plaster. Water conditions will greatly affect the life of plaster. A well-maintained pool’s plaster will last around 10-15 years. A Pebble Tec finish can last up to 30 years!
How much does it cost to re-plaster my pool?
The cost of re-plastering your pool will depend on the size of your pool and what type of finish you desire.

BUYING FAQS

How much does a pool cost?

The cost of your custom in-ground gunite pool is going to depend on multiple factors, including size, depth, decking and additional features. An average size of a 32’ x 16’ gunite pool with 300 square feet of decking will start at around the mid $50ks.

How much is a rock waterfall feature?
Waterfall features add beautiful aesthetics to your pool. These features weigh tons–literally. Construction of a proper water feature can result in having an 18” to 30” thick footing. That is a lot of concrete that some may not think about when constructing a water feature. Water features can start around $4,000 for small features up to $40,000 plus for something more complex. The sky is the limit when it comes to water features. Or should we say the earth is?
How much is an in-floor cleaning system?
The price of an in-floor cleaning system will depend on the size of your pool. The systems have a multi-port valve that cycles through zones that are plumbed in the bottom of your pools floor, steps, benches and even spas. The heads that are plumbed on the bottom of the pool floors can range from anywhere of 20-50 heads. These systems can be anywhere from $5,000 – $10,000, depending on the size of your project.
How much does a spa cost?
It depends on what kind of spa you would like. If you want a raised spa, typically 10 – 18”, additional material is needed to face the sides of the spa, whether that be tile or stone. It also depends on the type of spillway you want, such as a flagstone spillway or an extravagant rock step down spillway. A spa added to your pool construction can add $12k-$20k depending on what kind of spa your heart desires. Also, a heater is going to be needed which adds to the cost as well.
How do I pay you for my pool?

All that is required to get started on your pool project is a $500 deposit. This deposit allows us to finalize any design changes and get a contract written. The rest of the payment schedule is as follows: 25% at signing of contract, 25% at excavation, 25% at gunite, 25% at deck set-up, and 5% at interior finish.

Will my property tax go up?
You should check with the assessor’s office to figure out how much your property tax will go up, but generally yes, your property tax will increase. The amount of increase will vary based on your tax district and other factors.
Will my homeowner’s insurance go up?
Every insurance company and policy is different, so we recommend you call your insurance company.
Will a pool increase my property value?
This will vary depending on multiple factors. According to Dave Ramsey, a pool could boost your home’s value by about 7 percent if conditions are right. These conditions are:

  1. You live in a higher-end neighborhood where most of your neighbors have pools.
  2. You live in a warmer climate.
  3. The pool doesn’t take up your entire yard—there’s still room for a swing set and a garden.
  4. The style of the pool fits with your home and neighborhood, and it’s well maintained.
  5. You can attract a buyer who wants a pool in their new home.

Overall, a pool is an investment in your lifestyle more than anything. A pool can add to your family’s overall enjoyment and relaxation, and you can’t put a price tag on that!

Do you offer financing?
We offer 0 percent down, 100 percent financing through our partner, HFS Financial. We are also partnered with Lightstream to offer you an alternative financing option. All financing information can be found on our website at www.sierrapoolsandspas.com.