Blog

With over 22 year of industry experience, our Service Manager, Joel Fitzgerals, has seen alot!  This week, he's sharing information on Pool Filtration.  Customer Question - "Which pool filter is best to use?" Answer - When it comes to filters for your pool and spa, there are a few options but basically 3 main choices. Which one to choose? Well, let me define them for you. This list will not be a “best to worst” list as different environments are suited for different filters, but I will lis

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Our Service Manager, Joel Fitzgerald has been with the The Pool Man for 18 years, most of which he spent as our "Boots on the Ground" filling the role of Senior Service Technician.  With over 22 years industry experience, he's seen alot, and been asked a lot...so what better source to answer some FAQs online to help folks out?  This week, we're going to talk about regularly scheduled maintenance for your pool equipment. Customer Question – “ Is there anything I need to do with my pool equipme

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Our Service Manager, Joel Fitzgerald has been with the The Pool Man for 18 years, most of which he spent as our "Boots on the Ground" filling the role of Senior Service Technician.  With over 22 years industry experience, he's seen alot, and been asked a lot...so what better source to answer some FAQs online to help folks out?  This week, we're going to talk about how any why air bubbles get into your pool system, and what to do to fix it. Customer Question –  “My pump has a lot of air in

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The Importance of Brushing - Major Component to the Battle Against Algae! Your pool is your oasis and provides a special place to make memories, relax after work, exercise, or just cool off after some yardwork.  Unfortunately, your oasis does require maintenance and don’t let anyone convince you otherwise!  Water chemistry and debris removal are the usual maintenance focal points.  The importance of proper water chemistry cannot be overstated and directly affects the clarity of your water and

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Our Service Manager, Joel Fitzgerald has been with the The Pool Man for 18 years, most of which he spent as our "Boots on the Ground" filling the role of Senior Service Technician.  With over 22 years industry experience, he's seen alot, and been asked a lot...so what better source to answer some FAQs online to help folks out?  This week, we're going to talk about algae.  Do Phosphates cause algae in pools? Customer Question – “ I was told that my algae issues are due to there being phosphate

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Our Service Manager, Joel Fitzgerald has been with the The Pool Man for 18 years, most of which he spent as our "Boots on the Ground" filling the role of Senior Service Technician.  With over 22 years industry experience, he's seen alot, and been asked a lot...so what better source to answer some FAQs online to help folks out?  This week, we're going to talk about salt water pools, and what to do when your salt cell is in need of service. Customer Question – “ Why is my salt cell saying I nee

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We’ve spent some time educating potential clients on different types of pool builders that are out there, and we’ve told you how reputable pool builders price projects.  We’ve also given you some “red flags” to look out for when interviewing pool builders, but what we haven’t done yet is tell you about the “good guys”. Choosing the right pool builder in Houston is one of the most important steps when planning your personal oasis.  A swimming pool is a major investment, and the builder you sel

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When it comes to pool renovations, homeowners are often excited to see their backyard oasis transformed with fresh materials, upgraded features, and modern equipment. But like any remodeling project, pool renovations can sometimes reveal hidden surprises beneath the surface. At The Pool Man, we believe in being upfront about these possibilities so you know exactly what to expect if the unexpected comes up. Common Surprises During Pool Renovations Broken Plumbing Lines & Skimmers

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TOP 10 BENEFITS OF POOL REMODELING Remodeling an outdated or damaged pool can breathe new life into your backyard and provide a stunning outdoor living space for you and your family to enjoy for years to come. From aesthetic updates to functional improvements, here are the top 10 benefits of investing in a pool renovation project: Increase Home Value and Curb Appeal Improve Safety and Accessibility Enhance Energy Efficiency Update to Current Design Trends Expand E

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We’re proud to announce a milestone that celebrates our dedication to excellence, craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction. We have been honored with the Silver Award in the Freeform category at the 2025 Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) International Awards of Excellence! This prestigious award is a testament to our team’s passion for creating custom pools that are not only beautiful but built to the highest standards. Each year, the PHTA receives hundreds of submissions showcasing the best

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The days of a rectangle or kidney shaped pool with 3-step entries and a ladder exit in the deep end are long gone.  Welcome to the world of Custom Pool Design and Building, where you can add as few or as many features to your pool as you want!  From waterfalls to vanishing edges, and bubblers to custom concrete water bowls, if you can dream it, it can be built! In our 40+ years of experience, we've seen and built more pool features than we can even recall.  Here are just a few options there a

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Now that you've determined WHY you want a pool and what it will be mainly used for, it's time to figure out the best style that suits you!  This is probably the first real fork in the road on the path to your Perfect Pool. In the simplest terms, pool styles can be separated into two major categories known as “geometric” and “free-form/natural.” Of course, there are exceptions and nuances to this, but let’s start with the definition of the basics. GEOMETRIC POOLS: A “geometric” pool provide

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Planning your pool project is an exciting endeavor that requires thoughtful consideration and careful preparation. If you’re dreaming of a serene personal oasis or a lively hub for family fun and entertainment, the key to a successful pool project lies in meticulous planning. From selecting the perfect design and choosing the right materials, to understanding maintenance needs and considering safety features, each step plays a crucial role in bringing your vision to life. What is your primary

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Last month we focused on different types of builders and things to be aware of, this month we're going to focus on the more fun aspects of pool building - planning and design! Unleashing your creativity can transform your backyard into a captivating oasis with a few innovative ideas. Start by searching websites such as HOUZZ and Pinterest to collect photos of any pools that you like (and maybe even some that you DON'T like). This is the easiest and most fun you'll have until the day you final

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Identifying “less-than-reputable” builders and some of their “less-than-reputable” practices has been our goal these past few weeks as we help educate you on how to choose the right builder.  Today we’re going to talk about the Good Guys – those reputable builders who’ve been in business for years and have great reviews and portfolios, and who can provide customer references, certificates of insurance and warrantees for their work.  Builders who are able to provide these things won’t be the chea

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In this week’s post, we’re going to continue down the path of educating you about different pool builders, ultimately helping you to make the right decision for the major investment you’re about to make into your family’s happiness and wellbeing. All too often contractors of the not-so-reputable variety will cut corners to cut costs, so they can underbid other contractors and win contracts.  Many times these shortcuts lead to problems later on down the road for the pool owners.  Some issues c

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Now that we’ve identified the different types of pool builders out there, we want to give you some warning signs to watch out or when interviewing the company you’re considering to hire for your project. Red Flags of Potentially Bad Builders Lack of Proper Licensing and Insurance Unlicensed: A builder without a valid license may not meet industry standards. No insurance: Lack of liability and workers’ compensation insurance can leave you liable for accidents.

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During what we call in the industry “The Covid Years”, pool materials supply plummeted while the demand for new pool builds skyrocketed.  As a result, there were a lot of start-up builders running new companies out of their home garages that popped up seemingly overnight.  We’re not saying that all of these builders are (or were) bad.  Some could have worked for larger companies building pools for years before they decided to branch out on their own.  In fact, even some of our very own superinte

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Last week we discussed how long it takes to build a pool, and this week we're going to dive into what all building a pool entails and how long it takes to complete each individual milestone. Layout: The initial phase where your pool is marked on the ground according to the precise specifications of the site plan.    Excavation: Special attention is paid to proper depth transitions, while excess soil is either hauled away or redistributed around the property. Generally completed in

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Having been in business since 1981, you can imagine that we've been asked a lot of questions over the years.  The top question was answered in our blog posted a few weeks ago: "How Much Does a New Pool Cost?"  Today, we'll address the #2 question that we always get: How long does it take to build a pool? Again, there is no clear-cut answer to this question. Generally, a new gunite pool construction project takes anywhere from six to ten weeks to complete, from the day of excavation unt

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These days, the array of options available for enhancing your pool and backyard area can be overwhelming. With so many choices, it’s easy for homeowners to feel a bit bewildered. To simplify things, we’ve compiled a glossary that covers a wide range of features and products available for enhancing residential pools and backyard areas. This guide aims to make you a quick expert in a swimming pool and outdoor living features, so let’s dive in and explore how you can transform your backyard into a

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Looking for inspiring pool design ideas in Houston? As your local pool design and construction experts, we're sharing the latest trends and innovations that are making waves in custom pool design. Modern Pool Design Trends Taking Over Houston Smart Integration Today's pools aren't just about swimming—they're about seamless technological integration: Automated cleaning and maintenance systems Smart temperature controls LED lighting with mo

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Understanding the factors influencing the cost of a swimming pool and why quotes can vary significantlybetween seemingly similar projects is crucial for homeowners looking to invest in pool construction. Theprice levels of local pool builders varies depending on many factors such as geographic location, type ofpool, materials used, and desired features. Generally, basic inground vinyl-liner pools range from $25,000 to$45,000, fiberglass pools from $35,000 to $65,000, and concrete pools from $50,

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