RIVERMIST POOLS & SPAS FAQ'S SECTION
We have compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions about RiverMist Pools & Spas. Please click on the questions below to review their corresponding answer. If you would like to set up a FREE In-Home Design Consultation, please call us at (972) 775-1444.
1How do I get a pool estimate?
2What areas do you service?
Proudly Serving Ellis County, Southern Dallas & Tarrant Counties, Navarro County, & Johnson County. Including Arlington, Burleson, Cedar Hill, Crowley, DeSoto, Duncanville, Ennis, Godley, Grandview, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, Midlothian, Ovilla, Red Oak, Waxahachie, & Venus
3How much does a pool cost?
Pools can range in cost. Click here to learn more about our costs with certainty.
4Do you offer financing?
Yes, we offer multiple lenders with different programs. Please click here to see all of our preferred lenders.
5How long does it take to build a pool?
The actual construction process will range from 45 - 60 days depending on the complexity of the job. Most pools are completed within 45 days from the time the pool is dug. Permitting can take anywhere from 2 - 4 weeks depending on the permitting authority. If you are planning to obtain a home improvement loan, you should allow for 3 - 6 weeks for the loan application, approval, closing, and funding process.
6What types of payments do you accept?
We accept cash, personal checks, cashier checks, and electronic transfers. We will accept accept credit card payments but a processing fee will be applied.
7Can you build the pool while my new home is still under construction?
Maybe. A number of factors determine whether or not this is possible. Do you have an interim construction loan or is the property in your name? If yes, it is likely that you can build the pool with your new home construction. If no, you will need to check with your home builder. Home builders may be reluctant, if the pool is not part of their construction contract due to the added insurance risk. Even with the consent of your home builder, there is risk you should consider. If for any reason, you end up not closing on the home, you will likely forfeit all money paid toward the construction of the pool. When constructing a pool with a new home, pool construction will typically begin once the exterior of the home is completed.
8Do you build Salt Water pools?
Yes. Please be advised that salt systems are not ideal for pools with large amounts of natural stone work. Salt water pools will perform better when used with precast type finish materials. The corrosive nature of salt make it advisable to keep all copings and features sealed. Combine salt with the Paramount Ultra UV and Clear O3 Ozone system for the most premier water sanitation system available to the residential market.
9How do I know if my yard is big enough for a pool?
First, you should find and review the survey of your property. A copy of your survey is usually included with your closing papers. Look to see if there are any utility or drainage easements in the yard. Second, you can measure your yard. If there are easements, no part of the pool or permanent deck can encroach the easement area. If there are no easements, then typical setbacks are 3' off of the property line and 1' for every 1' of pool depth away from the home foundation. Let's say you have a small yard that is 20' from the house to the property line with no easements. And, let's say you want a pool to be 5' depth. Your pool would need to be positioned 5' off the home foundation and 3' off the property line (20 - 5 - 3 = 12) leaving the potential for a 12' wide pool. Waxahachie residents should be advised that the City of Waxahachie is now requiring a 1:1 ratio for both the home foundation and the property line. The easiest thing to do is to contact us and schedule one of our design consultants to come perform a site inspection.
10Are you able to build a pool if there is limited access to the backyard?
It is possible to build a pool in almost any yard; however, the more restrictive the access will increase the cost of construction. Excavation is the critical point of determining access and cost. For a standard excavation, a 10' wide clear path is required to the dig site. This will allow us to bring in our largest track hoe and dump trucks. If you are measuring from the side of a house to a fence or other barrier, you must keep in mind the eve of the house. As a part of the pool construction process, we will remove and replace 2 fence panels. In some cases, we may be able to gain access for our largest track hoe but not the dump trucks. This situation would necessitate extra fees to pay for a bobcat to shuttle the dirt from the dig site to a suitable place to load the trucks. If the access route is less than 10' but at least 6' in width (5'8" to be exact), we will have to use a smaller (mini) excavator along with the bobcat to shuttle out the dirt. If the access is only 4' in width, we will be required to use the smallest excavator and shuttle.
11I have a wide area for access but I have an A/C unit in the way, can the A/C unit be moved?
A/C units can be moved and then reconnected for the purposes of excavation. This should be a last resort as it is expensive and, in most cases it will void your warranty (if applicable).
12There is no way to access my backyard without encroaching on my neighbors’ yard, is it still possible for you to build my pool?
Yes, we have an ACCESS AGREEMENT form that you and your neighbor should review. If your neighbor is agreeable, and signs the access agreement form, we will be able to proceed with the dig. In some cases, it may even result in removal of neighboring fence panels. Please note, if an access agreement is required, we will not schedule to dig your pool until we have a copy of the signed agreement.
13I have an electrical transformer in my back yard with power lines running through my yard to my electric meter. Is it still possible to build a pool?
Yes. We will have a utility line locate performed to pinpoint the exact location of the power line. It may be possible to design and position your pool without interfering with the power line. If not, the power line will need to be moved prior to digging the pool. Cost for relocating a power line largely depends on the length of the run. Our experience is that moving a power line will range in cost from $1,200 - $2,000+. We will assist you in obtaining the bid price from Oncor (or your electric provider). NOTE: If you have an electrical transformer in your backyard, it is advisable to let us know that when you contact us to arrange the site visit. This way, we can have a line locate done prior to the site visit. This will allow us to provide you with more accurate information as it pertains to pool location and design.
14I have trees that may be in area where the pool is to be constructed. How close can trees be to the pool? If needed, can the trees be removed?
From a structural standpoint, trees can remain close in proximity to the pool (probably want a minimum distance of 5' depending on type of tree). Yes, we will remove and haul off trees for a fee. You can likely save money if you can manage to cut down and remove the tree and allow our excavator to remove the stump. If you choose to remove tree yourself, please ensure the tree is removed prior to the dig date. Two main considerations for trees close in proximity to the pool area are shade and droppings. Unless you plan to have a heated pool, it is desirable for the pool to have direct sunlight several hours each day. Otherwise, pool water may be uncomfortably cool for much of your swim season. We would also strongly encourage either a pool cover or in-floor cleaning system. Trees close in proximity can add significant amount of maintenance effort and time.
15I have a sprinkler system in my yard, do you repair all damages that may be caused during the pool construction?
We do offer an irrigation reroute as an option for you to include as part of your contract price. The standard irrigation reroute will do several things: 1. It will redirect and retrofit up to 2 zones around your newly constructed pool. 2. It will repair heads, valve boxes, and wiring that were damaged as a direct result of construction. 3. Include a pool auto fill, with a float switch, that will automatically maintain your pool water level. NOTE: Please keep in mind that in most cases, irrigation systems are not repaired until construction of the pool is complete. This means your entire irrigation system will be inoperable during the time of construction.
16Upon completion of the pool, what should I expect my yard to look like around the pool and the construction access route?
Our standard scope of work ends once we have back-filled and graded the area in the immediate area of the pool to properly drain away from the pool. We will back-fill any "ruts" and/or "tracks" that occurred during the construction process. Re sod is not included under the standard scope of work but can be included as an additional contract item.
17Do you offer landscape packages?
Yes, we offer a variety of landscape packages including tropical, southwest, and xeriscape themed packages.
18Do you build fences?
Yes, we can provide solutions for pool safety fencing, wood privacy fences, and wrought iron fences.
19If you bring equipment on my driveway that causes cracks and/or damages, will you repair my driveway?
We will only access your driveway for equipment access with the home owner's permission. If the home owner grants permission, the home owner assumes all risks of cracks and damages caused as a result of normal construction.
20Will workers be present every day until completion?