Swimming Pool Permitting in Georgia

Obtaining a building permit for a swimming pool used to be a simple chore, but we are finding the jurisdictions are enforcing very strict regulations, therefore, making the contractors and homeowners gather a great deal of information prior to obtaining a building permit.  Hilltop Pools and Spas, Inc. is well versed in the county and city jurisdictions here in Georgia.. 

We are here to provide insight and helpful tools to make the permitting process somewhat easier. 

1.      Make Sure You Give Yourself Enough Time: 

Most customers have a “completion date” in mind for their swimming pool.  Depending on what county or city you live in will determine how long the permitting process will take.  We have seen about 1 week to 6 months to obtain a permit.  Unfortunately, we are unable to give exact quotes/times on the permitting process because each jurisdiction is different.  If you would like to be swimming by the spring/early summer, we recommend signing the contract as soon as possible so we can obtain the permit and begin construction.

2.      Is Your Home on Sewer or Septic Tank?:

Septic Tank: If your home is on septic tank, we will have to obtain a copy of the septic drawing from the Environmental Health Department in your jurisdiction to determine where your tank and septic lines are located.  Most jurisdictions require a swimming pool to be 20 – 30 feet off of the septic tank/lines with a reserve area in your yard if the system were to fail.  If the septic system is in your backyard and you do not have enough room, we have a company we can recommend to move the lines.  We have many customers that must alter their system to build a swimming pool.  Once we determine the pool location, confirm your yard meets code and you decide to build a swimming pool, we have to obtain approval from the Environmental Health Department before we can submit to the Building Department.  This process usually takes about 1-3 weeks (+/-) as each jurisdiction is different.  We simply draw your pool design on the septic drawing we obtained from the county. 

Sewer:  If your home is on sewer, then in all counties (with the exception of Dekalb County), we can go straight to the building department with your design.

3.      Do You Have a Survey or Plat of Your Property?

A survey or plat is very important to swimming pool construction planning.  We are sure to explain this when a customer first inquires with our company.  Before you have a salesperson come to your home, you NEED to obtain a copy of your survey or plat and have this document ready for the appointment.  If you do not have a copy of the document, you can obtain one from your local Tax Assessors Office.

Why are these documents so important?

A plat or survey with the pool design drawn is what we submit to the Building Department to obtain the building permit.  We have to include set backs from your house and all property lines. 

Most surveys and/or plats also show us if you have any environmental issues in your yard.  Most recently, we have seen sanitary sewer lines, 100 year flood plains, 50 year flood plains, drainage easements, etc.  These would be considered environmental issues and more information must be provided if you have one of these items in your yard.  If you have one of these situations and you have provided us with a plat, you will most likely have to obtain an “as built” survey of your property with the environmental area staked off and noted on the survey.  Every situation is different and we try to be as clear as possible once we hear what the jurisdiction requires.  The worst case scenario would be a variance hearing. 

 “As Built Survey”

Some jurisdictions require an “as built” survey to build a pool.  We use this term quite a bit.   An as built survey is a drawing done of your property that contains all structures (your house, your driveway, sheds, garages, etc.).  Once the survey is done, we add the proposed pool to the survey to determine your impervious coverage.  This survey must contain a legal description.

Some jurisdictions that require an “as built survey” are Rockdale County, Dekalb County, City of Decatur, City of Alpharetta, City of Atlanta, City of Johns Creek, Fulton County and many more.

“Pre-Construction Inspections”

Many jurisdictions here in Georgia are requiring pre-construction meetings with inspectors.  The pre-construction meeting is mostly used to lay the pool out and to verify the pool location.  Some cities even require us to have a land disturbance meeting where the inspector tells us where to install silt fence and tree protect.  Each meeting is different as we navigate through the different county and city regulations. 

Regardless of the permitting issues that your particular home may incur, rest assured that Hilltop Pools has the experience and the professional staff to assist you every step of the way.

Call us to begin your swimming pool project today!

770-471-3889

The Staff of Hilltop Pools and Spas, Inc.

We Will Always Remember

Eleven years ago our lives were turned upside down and humanity witnessed the resolve and compassion of true American Heroes. Hilltop Pools & Spas, Inc. would like to honor these heroes today.  We are so thankful for the many acts of selfless service to others.   It takes a special individual to run toward danger knowing your action may require you to make the ultimate sacrifice. 

To the thousands of people who lost their lives on this day, we pray you have found peace in the arms of God.  To the First Responders, Firefighters, Police, Transit Workers and everyone else who acted heroically we “thank you”.  Also, we should all take a moment to remember the family members of those lost on September 11th.  Remember to live each day to the fullest never taking a moment for granted. 

Today is a day of Remembrance.  

 "Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength; they will fly up on wings like eagles; they will run and not be tired; they will walk and not be weary"

Isaiah 40:31

What Type of Finish Should I Select for My New Concrete Swimming Pool?

We receive many questions about the different types of concrete pool finishes.  This blog entry will provide information on the different types of pool finishes.

Over the past months we have talked about pool safety, how to keep your pool clean including the benefits of salt systems over traditional chlorine systems as well as the latest applications and equipment to make caring for your pool quick and easy.  We have discussed the pros and cons of concrete versus vinyl liner pools and posted a video about the Hilltop family.

  This week we are covering the different types of surfaces that can be applied to concrete pools.  Surface applications on pools have come a long way since the first pool in Mohenjo-Daro (the “Great Bath”) built in the 3^rd millennium.  That pool was lined with brick and covered with a tar-based sealant.  Today the pool owner has a variety of interior products to choose from.

For years the concrete shell of a swimming pool was covered with a standard white plaster.  But first let’s get a better understanding of what plaster is made from.  The National Plasterers Council defines plaster in their Seventh Edition Technical Manual as:

1.      A combination of cement, aggregate, and water, with or without other admixtures that when mixed thoroughly, placed properly and finished accordingly, form a desired decorative aesthetic that is maintainable and a watertight finish applied over the shell of the swimming pool. 

2.      A mixture consisting essentially of a cementitious material or materials, fine aggregate and water that forms a plastic mass.  When applied to a surface the mixture adheres to it and subsequently hardens.

Beyond classic white plaster is colored plaster; the coloring is achieved by mixing the plaster with additives called pigments to create various colors.  Something to consider when choosing colored plaster is that the characteristics of the hand troweled plaster will be more pronounced.  Keep in mind that some colors may tend to fade in time.  Also, despite that fact that you may see more color unevenness, streaks, check crack or crazing, these are not considered defects in the pool surface.

To create more interesting pools, surface applicators added quartz sand to the mixture.  Quartz is rock formed from cooling magna or molten rock.  The quartz is mixed with marble sand and pozzolans and polymers that help strengthen the mixture.  Quartz is a harder, skid resistant, textured surface.  Priced slightly higher than white/colored plaster, quartz offers a more durable surface.

Many people prefer a more natural looking pool, to achieve this plasterers use a product that has been infused with small pebbles.  These pebbles are mined all over the world and come in several sizes ranging from 1/2cm to 1/8cm and a variety of colors.  Pricing on a pebble finish is based on the size of the pebbles, the smaller the pebble the higher the price.  Also, certain pebbles are more difficult to find (bright blues, reds, blacks), so a darker color pebble will also increase the price.  Many client's are selecting the pebble application because of the longer warranties.

After shooting the plaster, mixed with the pebbles, the applicators then hand trowel the surface working it into a smooth finish.  As they apply pressure the tiny pebbles are compacted and pushed into the plaster mix.  At first the pebbles are not visible; this is because as they are troweling the mix, the water in the mixture is coming to the surface.  The water appears to be a milky color.  This is called the cream.   Once the walls are sufficiently worked they are rinsed with clear water and the pebbles become more visible. 

There’s one additional step in this application to bring out the brilliance of the pebble finish.  The day following the application, a diluted solution of Muriatic Acid is washed over the entire surface which brings out the natural color of the pebbles.   You can begin filling your swimming pool with water.

The photo below show how the pebbles appear in a pool with water.  The one below, with the umbrella sleeve almost appears to be a sandy beach.

 Another choice that homeowners have is something offered by Pebble Technology, Inc.  Bead Crete® is a product where solid, static; glass spheres have been mixed with the plaster to create a 3-dimensional effect.    The beads look great in natural and artificial light as the beads reflect  light  adding a shimmering effect to the water as if bringing it to life.  This is one way to get a little sparkle into your pool.

Because these pebble finishes are skid resistant, some people do not like they way they feel when sitting in a spa.  Wet Edge Technologies® has a solution for that.   They have developed a process where they use one product in the pool and then Primera Stone in the spa.  Primera Stone still gives the natural look that homeowners desire but it has been polished to a smooth finish.

Regardless of the type of finish you select for your concrete pool, remember that to keep your pool looking great and working properly it is VERY important for you to maintain proper water chemistry.   Check out our prior blogs for more information about water chemistry by clicking: http://hilltoppools.blogspot.com/2012/05/balancing-guidlines.html.

Have a Great Monday!

The Staff of Hilltop Pools and Spas, Inc.



Our Feature from Home and Style TV!

Hilltop Pools and Spas, Inc. was featured on Home and Style TV over the weekend.  Enjoy!

iPod, iPhone, iPad….iPool?

Every day there seems to be a new application popping up to make our lives a bit more fun or in some cases, a little easier.  In this case, the arduous task of taking care of our swimming pool now has a new application.  This application can be run from our PC, iPod, iPhone or even our iPad. 

For a while we have been able to purchase automated chemical management systems for our residential swimming pools.  These systems are similar to the ones that are used in commercial pools, hotels, housing complexes and even water parks.  They are programmable chemical feeders that will automatically dispense chemicals into to the pool to help keep it clean, clear and safe to use. 

We all know how important it is to have a suitable swimming environment for our bathers and now this process is simpler.  For example, let’s use the Pentair IntelliChem™ as an example.  This system has a sensing device that will test the water for pH and ORP (Oxidation-Reduction Potential). ORP monitors the effectiveness of the sanitizer. The level of sanitizer in the pool must be maintained in order to keep bathers comfortable. At the same time the pH level of the water needs to be maintained to make sure the sanitizer is working effectively.  You do not want any of the chemicals to damage the equipment or build up scale on the interior of the pool, and you can see how difficult this may be for someone to properly maintain their pool water.  Automation to the rescue!

Okay, to put this in the simplest terms, after the water passes though the filter, it is directed to the flow cell where the pH and the ORP are tested. The IntelliChem system is already programmed with the ideal chemical readings that the swimming pool should meet.  The system, by way of an algorithm (a mathematical equation) determines if your pool water is in balance.  (For more information on this algorithm search the internet for Langelier Saturation Index.) Based on the final reading, the system knows whether your pool needs to add any chemicals.  The needed chemicals are then added by the automatic chemical feeder. 

If the pH registers high, muriatic acid will be added and if the chlorine is out of whack it will also be adjusted.  If you are running a salt system the Pentair IntelliChlor® will calculate the adjustments needed to keep the pool water properly sanitized.

The great part about this is now there are applications that you can install on your PC, iPod, iPhone or even your iPad to monitor your pool from anywhere.  Some of these applications even allow you to control your heater, lights and other devices in your backyard oasis.

Be sure to ask one of our Design Consultants how you can get a free iPad for your new swimming pool.  :-)

Happy Monday!

By:  Sharon Davidson

Hilltop Pools and Spas, Inc. 



Chlorine or Salt Swimming Pool?

What do I do now?

Now that you have decided to purchase a swimming pool for the family, you need to decide if you want to use a saline system or chlorination.

For years chlorine was used to keep pool water clean, clear and safe for swimmers.  However, bathers had to deal with the smell, the bleached out swim suits, handling toxic chemicals and occasional green hair.  Indoor pools also experienced poor air quality as chemical smells permeated the enclosed space.

Salt systems are gaining more recognition due to the overall cost savings and the trend toward more eco-friendly lifestyles. They still use a chlorinator to treat the pool water; they do this by a process called electrolysis.  A device called a chlorine generator (salt cell) is installed on the pool’s filtration system.

A small electric current breaks down the water into its basic elements (H₂O) Hydrogen and Oxygen as it passes through the salt cell. The salt mixing with the elements produces Hypochlorous Acid (Chlorine - Cl).  In the end the Acid is converted back into salt. Which means it is not necessary to continually add salt. Most pools only need to add salt a couple of times a year.

Wondering if your pool will be as salty as the ocean?  No, the US Department of Interior website states that the salinity of ocean water is about 35,000 parts per million (ppm) and the level of your pool is between 2500 and 4000 ppm.  You won’t even taste salt till the level reaches about 5000 ppm and human tears are about 9000 ppm.  Many swimmers, especially those with sensitive skin, prefer the feel of a salt system on their skin and hair.  

Salt is salt, is salt; except when it comes to your pool.  The type of salt used in your pool is important to keep any stains from occurring.  Basically, all salt (Sodium Chloride – NaCl) is the same chemical element, but where the salt is obtained and how it is produced can be important.  Salt deposits from underground mines, saline ponds that are left to dry out in the sun and salt that is mechanically evaporated can contain impurities or contaminants such as Manganese, iron and copper. These impurities can cause staining in a pool.   

Another way to determine the purity of the salt is to look at the shape, the more irregular the shape of the salt crystals the greater chance that there are impurities that could be trapped in the salt crystals themselves.   It is a good idea to check with your salt supplier to find out where and how the salt was made. Most suppliers should be able to provide a product specification sheet that will list the level of stain causing minerals.  Be sure to never use salt intended for water conditioning equipment or rock salt as they contain additives and impurities that you do not want in your swimming pool. 

When starting up a brand new plastered pool, be sure to wait 28 days before adding salt.  This will give the plaster time to cure. For more information on plaster pools check out www.npconline.org.

Maintaining your salt pool is similar to your chlorine pool with the one exception that you do not have to add chemicals as often.  As stated before you only need to top off the salt in the salt cell once or twice a year.   Monthly you will want to turn off the pool, remove the salt cell and clean it with a solution of 1 part muriatic acid and 2 parts water.  Brushing the cell will help to keep calcium deposits from clogging up the water flow. 

There are many reasons to purchase a salt system with your new pool.  Not only do they give you a healthier swimming experience and safer maintenance (no toxic chemicals to deal with) but they are easier to maintain and fit into the eco friendly lifestyle of today.  So when you are obtaining your quote for your new pool be sure to investigate the addition of a salt system.

New Concrete and Vinyl Liner Swimming Pool Specials

Please check out our current specials.  :-)  We are very excited to launch the new Pentair products.

These specials are the best of the season, and will expire on June 31st, 2012.

Concrete Swimming Pool Specials:

Vinyl Liner Swimming Pool Specials:

Happy Tuesday!

Your Friends at Hilltop Pools and Spas, Inc.