FAQs and Tips for Colorado Pools

What is Shotcrete?

Shotcrete is a mix of sand, pea gravel, cement and water, shot in place to create your pool shell using compressed air. Sometimes referred to as pneumatically applied concrete, shotcrete gives us the ability to create free formed swimming pools, spas and water features.

How is a Shotcrete pool built?

A shotcrete pool or spa is custom built and very durable. After designing your pool, we excavate the site based on the soil conditions. Normally gravel is spread in the excavated area. Reinforcing rebar, tie wires, blocks and other forms are laid in place to further form the swimming pool, spa or water feature. Plumbing for the main drain, skimmers, returns and any other pipes are set, as well as electric conduit and lights are all roughed in.

The shotcrete is shot into place and troweled to a semi-smooth finish. Around the rim of the pool, coping is put into place. This can be precast concrete of various colors, flagstone, tile or poured concrete. The tile of your choice is then installed to the water line, and often to the sides, bottom and more. Mosaics and accent tiles are then installed. When your swimming pool is ready to complete we will wash the shotcrete shell and add the plaster finish or upgraded finish such as all tile or color quartz of your choice. Your swimming pool will then be ready to fill with water and heated.

What does a swimming pool cost?

Pool costs vary. Cost depends on the location, condition of soil, size and complexity of features. Contact us to talk about your pool, your budget and how we can put it all together for you.

What does it take to maintain a pool?

With today's conveniences, owning a swimming pool and spa is easier than owning a car! Chemical testing and maintenance, cleaning and preprogrammed filtration and heating can all be automated if you choose to include these options during the construction phase. Automatic pool cleaners and various sanitation devices, along with an automatic cover make your swimming pool a pleasure to maintain.

Is a pool a good investment for the equity of my home?

Your pool will set your home apart from others in the mind of a potential buyer. A pool adds equity to the value of your home and quality to your home life. It is hard to put a price on that value.

Should I remodel or upgrade my pool?

Remodeling your old swimming pool will make a dramatic difference in the overall look, as well as reducing the maintenance and energy costs to maintain you pool.

What is an Infinity Pool?

An infinity edge is a pool or spa with one or more sides having a "negative edge," meaning that it is even with the waters level in the pool. Water spills over the edge into a catch basin below, where it is pumped back into the pool or spa. The effect is absolutely breathtaking!

Should I add a spa to my pool?

A spa adds a new dimension to your outdoor relaxation. The warm water is comforting for adults and children alike and a spa is also a great way to add water features such as waterfalls and fiber optics.

What are some of the options that are available to add to my pool?

The “Green” technology of today has made owning a swimming pool a true pleasure. When you add innovative water treatment systems, automatic cleaning systems, remote controls and automatic pool covers you’re gaining more time for you and your family. Fiber optics, waterfalls, spas, water jets and tile or glass mosaics are just a few of the features that you could request to make your swimming pool uniquely your own.

Working with Aquality FAQ

How does your process work from start to finish?

We start with a couple of meetings to understand your goals, preferences, and budget. After that, we provide a ROM (Rough Order of Magnitude) estimate, which is a realistic budget range based on your project.

If everything aligns, we move into design development, where we create 3D renderings, layouts, and detailed plans. Once finalized, we move into a construction contract and schedule your project.

What is a ROM estimate?

A ROM (Rough Order of Magnitude) estimate is an accurate preliminary budget that breaks down costs for the pool, spa, and optional upgrades.

It’s not the final contract, but it’s designed to:

  • Give you a realistic price range 
  • Help you make informed decisions early 
  • Avoid wasting time if expectations don’t align 

Do I have to pay for design? 

Design development is typically around $1,200, but that cost is waived if we build your pool. 

If you decide not to move forward or use another builder after design work is completed, the fee would apply.

How long does the whole process take?

  • Design & permitting: Typically a few weeks (permits ~3–9 weeks) 
  • Construction: About 6 months minimum 

Projects can take longer depending on:

  • Other construction (home, outdoor living, landscaping) 
  • Material selections 
  • Decision timelines 

What determines when my project can start?

Your spot in the schedule is secured after the construction contract is signed.

The faster decisions are made during design, the sooner we can lock in your timeline.

Design & Layout

What size pool should I expect?

Pool size depends heavily on:

  • Yard space and setbacks 
  • Layout of your home and outdoor living areas 

In many cases:

  • A typical range is around 15’ x 32’ to 20’ x 40’ 
  • Smaller or larger pools are possible depending on the property 

 

What depth should we choose?

Most modern pools are:

  • 3.5’ to 5’ deep (great for general use) 

Other options include:

  • Volleyball-style pools (shallow ends, slightly deeper center) 
  • Deeper pools (less common unless needed for specific uses) 

 

Do we need a deep end or diving board?

Not necessarily. Many homeowners skip deep ends unless they specifically want:

  • A diving board (requires more depth) 
  • Deep-water activities 

 

Should we include a sun shelf?

That’s personal preference.

Some homeowners love them, but others skip them to:

  • Maximize swim space 
  • Keep the pool more functional for activities 

 

What are the options for steps and seating?

You can customize:

  • Corner steps 
  • Full-width steps 
  • Benches for seating 

Longer steps can double as seating without taking up too much swim space.

Spa Options

Should the spa be raised or flush with the pool?

Both are options:

Raised spa:

  • Easier to sit on and enter 
  • Acts like additional seating 

Flush (same level as or inside the pool):

  • Lower cost 
  • Cleaner, more seamless look 
  • Can share equipment with the pool (cost savings) 

 

Can the spa share equipment with the pool?

Yes, if designed correctly.

This can save tens of thousands of dollars by:

  • Using one system instead of two 
  • Simplifying maintenance and operation 

 

Do we need a separate cover for the spa?

It depends on the layout:

  • Some designs share a cover system 
  • Others require separate covers 

This is worked out during design based on functionality and layout.

Materials & Finishes

What are the main pool finish options?

The interior finish is typically plaster, with four main color options:

  • White 
  • Gray 
  • Black 
  • Blue 

Each affects how the water looks depending on sunlight, surroundings, and depth.

 

Does the water color stay the same?

No, water color changes based on:

  • Sunlight 
  • Time of day 
  • Surrounding colors (trees, sky, materials) 

 

Do we need tile in the pool?

Yes. Every pool includes a waterline tile band to:

  • Prevent buildup from oils and debris 
  • Make cleaning easier 

Full tile interiors are optional but significantly more expensive.

Water Quality & Maintenance

How is the pool sanitized?

All pools include sanitation automation and chemical control systems that:

  • Test water continuously for 2 factors of water chemistry
  • Adjust those two chemicals automatically 
  • Keep water balanced at all times 

 

Will the pool still use chlorine?

Yes, all pools use chlorine, including saltwater systems.

However, automation keeps levels:

  • Lower 
  • More consistent 
  • More comfortable for swimmers 

 

What are the low-chlorine options?

  • UV system (~$2K): reduces chlorine needs by ~15% 
  • Ultra-low chlorine (~$20K–$30K): minimizes chlorine to very low levels 

 

Is saltwater better?

Saltwater can feel better on skin, but:

  • Still uses chlorine 
  • Can wear down equipment faster over time 

Both systems have pros and cons, which are reviewed during design.

 

Can I manage the pool from my phone?

Yes. You’ll have full control through an app to:

  • Adjust temperature 
  • Turn on spa mode 
  • Control lights and features 
  • Monitor water chemistry 

Your builder/maintenance team can also access it remotely for support.

Cleaning & Upkeep

How is the pool cleaned?

Two main options:

In-floor cleaning system:

  • Built-in system that runs automatically 
  • Keeps pool clean daily 
  • Higher upfront cost (~$15K–$18K) 

Robot cleaner:

  • Lower cost 
  • Requires manual setup and maintenance 

 

Do you recommend a maintenance service?

Yes. The system is designed to work best with professional maintenance to:

  • Calibrate equipment 
  • Maintain water balance 
  • Make proactive repairs 

Year-Round Use

(Important Difference)

Do you winterize pools?

No, these pools are not designed to be shut down for winter.

Winterizing can:

  • Damage plaster and tile 
  • Void manufacturer warranties 

 

Can the pool be used year-round?

Yes, and that’s the intent.

Optional insulation can:

  • Reduce heat loss in winter 
  • Improve efficiency 

Cost Factors & Variables

What can significantly affect the cost?

Major variables include:

  • Soil conditions (can add significant cost if poor) 
  • Spa design and features 
  • Finishes and materials 
  • Cleaning systems 
  • Insulation 
  • Layout complexity 

 

Why is the soil report important?

Soil conditions determine how the pool is built:

  • Standard build vs. structural support (like piers) 

In some cases, poor soil can add substantial cost.
(Exact pricing depends on engineering requirements.)

 

Working With Us

What makes our company different?

  • Hands-on involvement from start to finish 
  • Focus on quality over quantity 
  • Strong communication throughout the project 
  • Integrated construction + maintenance approach 

 

What happens after construction?

You transition to our dedicated maintenance team that:

  • Keeps your system running properly 
  • Maintains water quality 
  • Handles ongoing service needs 

 

Still Deciding?

What should we do when comparing pool builders?

It’s recommended to:

  • Ask for references 
  • Verify experience 
  • Conduct a legal/background check on contractors 

Tips for Swimming Pool Maintenance

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