Fiberglass pools are extremely durable and simple to care for

The smooth surface of a fiberglass pool eliminates the need for acid baths or extensive scrubbing. You’ll need fewer chemicals to keep the water in balance. The water also circulates faster, saving money in electric bills and chemical costs over the lifetime of your pool.

Fiberglass pools are gentle on your skin

Raw fingers and toes from rough surfaces and snagged swimsuits are a thing of the past. Built-in seating creates a comfortable place to unwind at the end of the day. Fiberglass pools are constructed in a controlled environment, free of imperfections. And, the finish on your pool will last without added expense down the line.

Peace of mind

Longest Warranty of any pool type. No matter what activities are going on in the pool, you can remain worry free. The durability of the fiberglass pool is unsurpassed. Each properly installed fiberglass pool shell comes with a lifetime manufacturer warranty.

Gunite Pools are durable and unlimited in size and shape

Gunite is highly versatile, so it can be molded into just about any size and shape. It is very durable, so swimming pools made from it are built to last. There are many types and colors of finishes available so your pool will coordinate beautifully with the rest of you outdoor living area.

No matter what look and feel you are going for, we can design the pool that is just right for you.

Maintenance and efficiency of your gunite pool

Gunite pools typically require refinishing after 8 to 10 years. This can be somewhat expensive, but is not a process that you have to endure often. The time investment in keeping you pool clean will be more than with the fiberglass pool, but less than the vinyl liner. Chemical usage will run a little more with gunite than with a fiberglass.

Fiberglass pools are by far the least expensive pools to own, as far as maintenance costs.

10 Year cost of ownership:

Fiberglass Pools —————– $4,200 Permanent Pool, low time requirements for cleaning, low electric use

Gunite Pools ———- $16,500 Permanent Pool, high time requirements for cleaning, high electric use

Fiberglass swimming pools are hands down the longest lasting, least maintenance and least expensive long term ownership of any pool type. The pool shells typically have a lifetime warranty, and finishes have unparalleled longevity. They require less scrubbing, less electricity, and less chemical to keep them clear and your water healthy. No matter the type of soil you have or what your pool is being used for, fiberglass is just the most durable pool you can own.

Gunite pools are a labor intensive pool type. They require emptying and acid washing periodically, take more time and chemicals to keep them clean, and require re-finishing at about the 8 to 12 year point. A proper re-finishing will typically run from $6,000 to $9,000. Many people just have them painted, rather than being re-finished properly. We see a lot of pool painters who give their customers unrealistic expectations of how long the painted finish will last. A good rule of thumb is that once you have a pool painted, you can expect to repaint every three to four years.

As July and August approach, it is normal for the water to heat up into the 90’s. There are a couple of ways to cool the water back down. If you have a waterfall or fountain, you can run your pump at night in the cooler night air. This will allow the water spilling over the fall or fountain to be aerated in the cooler air and bring down the temperature of the entire pool.

Another way is to have a chiller installed. We like the Glacier brand chillers and have seen significant cooling with them. Within 24 hours of turning the unit on, you will see 10 to 18 degrees difference.

For easy to understand instructions on how to maintain your inground pool, download our Vacuum/Backwash Guide by Clicking Here

Powdered or liquid chlorine have been the sanitizers of choice for most pool owners for decades. The us of a salt system has become very popular over the last few years. The salt system actually creates chlorine, but in a much less toxic form. The biggest benefits are:

1.  It will keep the chlorine level of the pool at a constant level, not allowing contaminants to build up when chlorine levels are low
2. Your pool will not burn your eyes after a day of swimming
3. A salt pool will not fade bathing suits and alter hair color like a chlorine pool.

The use of a salt system to help keep pool water healthy and swimmable is a very effective and efficient way to go.

You can! However, there are some things to consider. First of all, if you have slate or layered rock coping around the pool, fountain or the pool deck itself; stay away from salt. Over time, the salt can erode the slate. Many people ask about the saltwater killing their grass and plants as well. Remember that the salt content of the water is very low (not at all like swimming in the gulf). We have not seen much problem with plants and grass, but there are some plants that have no salt tolerance. If you have questions about your landscaping, a lot of information is available through a simple Google search or calling your landscaper.

Saltwater can also be tough on some metals that you may have around the pool (fencing, furniture, etc…). Otherwise, saltwater is an effective way to keep your water sanitized, save money on chemicals, not burn the kids eyes after a day of swimming, and lower your maintenance time.

A pool heater is a great way to be able to enjoy your swimming pool all year long. Depending on the climate of where you live, there are several option to the most effective heating systems. The main types of heaters are gas, electric and solar. In the cooler North Louisiana winter climate we operate in, gas is the most effective and efficient way to heat your pool. Electric heaters and solar work well in warmer areas where you want to extend the swimming season.

To address expense, lets take a scenario: I live in Louisiana in December and the outside temperature is 45 degrees. The water temperature is in the low 50’s and I am throwing a Friday evening pool party. Answer: you would need to crank the heater up about 18 hours before the party with a gas heater. You could expect a bill for keeping the pool warm on party weekend for about $50.00.

Though chlorine levels are important to keeping the pool clear and healthy, algae can still form and become a problem. There are several products available that will kill and prevent further algae bloom, most of which should be available at your local pool store.

The magic three levels that you need to keep on track are: alkalinity, ph and sanitizer (chlorine) level. Our store offers free water testing to anyone bringing in a sample. You can also purchase a self tester that is easy and accurate. Keeping these levels right, will help keep your pool beautiful.

Dolphin Pools is the only Fiberglass pool builder in Ouachita Parish that performs all of the work ourselves. Our local competitors use subcontractors to perform the various parts of the project. By making the decision to build with Dolphin, you can be assured that you are getting the highest level of quality assurance, and your project will not be at the mercy of time schedule of several subcontractors. When we start your job, you will see the same faces each day through completion. We are fully licensed and insured, and carry workmen’s comp insurance.

Spanning from Shreveport to Ruston, Monroe to Vicksburg, and Eldorado to Crossett, Dolphin pools offers new pool installation throughout North Louisiana and South Arkansas

Our City and surrounding area coverage includes:

Ruston, Monroe, Bossier, Shreveport, West Monroe, Minden, Benton, Haughton, Columbia, Delhi, Eldorado, Farmerville, Grayson, Jena, Lake Providence, Bastrop, Oak Grove, Rayville, Calhoun, St. Joe, Winnsboro, Arcadia, Vidalia, Jonesboro, Chatham, Olla, Tullos, Newelton, Homer, Haynesville, ElDorado, Crossett, Junction City, Spearsville, Strong, Huttig

Our Parish coverage includes:

Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Caldwell, East and West Carroll, Claiborne, Franklin, Jackson, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Union and Webster.