These are some of the questions we hear most from our customers.    If you don't find the answers to your concerns, just call us and ask. Click HERE for links to other sites with even more information.

1. How long will it take to complete our pool?
   On average, our completion time from excavation to "pool school" is 4 to 5 weeks. Factors such as weather, inspections, and scope of the project will at times cause this to vary but generally this is a realistic time frame.
2. What size steel rebar do you use?
   This is determined by the soil conditions in your area. The majority of our pools are built using a 3/8" rebar set on 8" centers but there are areas that require using a larger rebar in conjunction with steel I-beam piers. This is rare and only applies to 3 or 4 areas in the metroplex.
3. What is your structural warranty?
   D/FW Sterling Pools offers a lifetime structural warranty that is transferable. When choosing a pool builder please keep in mind that the warranties offered are only as good as the company offering them. Too many good people in our area have found out the hard way just how true this is. If a company is out of business in 2 years the term "lifetime" doesn't mean very much. It is important to check references and refer to the better business bureau. This is the most important part of your information gathering.
4. What brand of equipment do you use?
   We use Pentair Whisperflo pumps, Pentair D.E. and cartridge filters, Polaris pool cleaners, Raypak heaters, Intermatic time clocks and the Rainbow chlorinator. These products have been chosen for their dependability, outstanding warranties and a proven track record of customer service.
5. Is there a difference between channel drains and area drains in the pool deck?
   The answer to this question is definitely yes. A true area drain system allows the builder to tie into existing gutter downspouts, keeps water away from foundations and patios and directs the captured water for optimum drainage. Channel drains are placed between the house and the pools deck. This type of drain does not have the flexibility of area drains regarding the capturing and directing of water nor does it have the durability or longevity of an area drain system. D/FW Sterling Pools only uses true area drain systems in their pool decks.
6. What is pool plaster?
   The plaster is applied over the gunite shell for 2 reasons. First, this seals the pool shell and creates a watertight structure. Secondly, plaster is a cosmetic component which gives the pool water color and clarity. The majority of pools you see have a white plaster finish which give the pool that crystal blue water although black plaster pools are beginning to increase in popularity. These are sometimes referred to as "lagoon" pools because of their deep blue color. Swimming pools will need to be replastered every 12 - 15 years.
7. Are there any alternatives to standard plaster?
   Yes, there are 2 alternatives that D/FW Sterling endorses. The first of these is "ultra plus". "ultra plus" is a premium pool finish that incorporates special reactive particles and modifiers to increase the resistance to stains and etching. An improved blend of particle sizes delivers a smoother finish than standard plaster. "ultra plus" is warranted for 7 years. The second alternative is "Crystal Stones". "Crystal stones" is an extremely durable and attractive aggregate pool finish. This product incorporates natural pebble aggregates in a variety of colors. The use of aggregate stones makes this product not only appealing to the eye but also virtually indestructible and easy to maintain. "Crystal Stones" warrants its product for the life of your pool. Replastering is a thing of the past with a "crystal stones" pool!
8. Do you recommend the salt system for chlorinating your pool?
   The jury's still out on the salt systems. D/FW Sterling Pools offers the "Aquarite" salt system to customers that, through researching the product, have decided it's right for them. D/FW Sterling Pools takes the position that viable products need time to prove themselves in the marketplace. We have seen too many products in the alternative sanitation arena fail to deliver on their claims so we are somewhat cautious when it comes to actually endorsing them. A good place to start researching this product is www.poolforum.com. This site provides good unbiased message boards from actual pool owners who are currently using the salt systems.
9. What is the best filter for my pool?
   The best filter in terms of ease of use as well as particle size filtered is the diatomaceous earth or d.e. filter. In some areas of the metroplex we do recommend using a cartridge filter due to city backwash requirements that make the d.e. filter less efficient to use. The key to low maintenance filters, regardless of the type, is correct filter size. Smaller filters mean more maintenance and unnecessary wear and replacement of internal parts. D/FW Sterling Pools determines the filter size needed based on the gallon capacity of the pool and the size of the swimming pool pump for optimum performance and longevity.
10. What type of pool cleaner do you recommend?
    D/FW Sterling Pools uses the Polaris 280 model. The model 280 is the newest design available from Polaris. It features a larger opening for debris to pass through, gear drive system and separate booster pump. Polaris pool cleaners have the most extensive network of warranty repair stations and parts distributors available. The design and dependability of the Polaris line of pool cleaners has made it the industry leader in automatic pool cleaners. Polaris warrants their cleaners for a period of 3 years.
11. What about the computer systems we keep hearing about?
    Computer systems for your pool are purely a matter of personal preference. In essence, the indoor controllers main function is to manipulate the valves on your pool and monitor temperature. When considering whether or not to add this feature to your pool it is important to know that all of the functions provided by the computer system can be done manually with very little effort. D/FW Sterling Pools makes it a point to demonstrate the pros and cons of computer systems so that you are able to make an informed decision before purchasing this costly feature.
12. On pools with spas, what heater do you use?
    D/FW Sterling Pools uses the Raypak RP2100 digital heater exclusively. Raypak heaters feature dual thermostat digital controls, "capron" resin headers to prevent corrosion and metal stains, and microprocessor technology for continuous system monitoring. These features coupled with a 5-year warranty make the Raypak heater our choice for our customers pools.