WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW!
We will be implementing a service charge for travel to your home to evaluate and fix any pool/repair issue. This fee is now $50 PLUS the cost of repair. This helps us cover fuel, travel time, time at the job, insurance and other incidentals. Liner change measurements are $250. In the past we have absorbed all of that cost but it is becoming too much if we are to continue the excellent service we provide.
Thanks for your support and understanding.
Once you have selected and paid for your pool the order will be submitted and the sale is final. No returns will be accepted so please make sure you have made a complete decision before purchasing. We do not stock any items and purchase from a series of vendors/distributors. Delivery to your home should take between 7 to 10 business days depending on when the distributor processes the order and in stock items. Some wait times have been may be longer. Please make sure that you, the homeowner, contact your town regarding permits, electrical requirements and total cost BEFORE purchasing any above ground pool. Buying a swimming pool is a very enjoyable event but the decision should not be rushed and should be an educated decision. Emerald aka http://emeraldpoolworks.com encourages you to take your time and WILL NOT be held responsible for purchasers failure to find out and follow proper code enforcement and applicable laws in regards to the above ground pool, electrical, excavation or installation and the respective costs involved.
THE PROCESS
There are 4 phases to the process: purchase of the pool, delivery of the purchased pool, excavation and installation. All phases may occur on separate days so please plan accordingly.
You may chose your installer so you may purchase your pool without installation. However, Emerald will recommend using a professional installer to ensure a safe, sturdy and level pool. We at Emerald use Andrew Kilker/Todd Brew exclusively, depending on location (Southern Tier NY, Eastern and Northern PA). We also recommend the excavator Andrew Kilker for pool site preparation, professional installation crew and service for your above ground pool selected from this site. Emerald does not employ these craftsmen directly but works closely with them to ensure a quality job and that you the homeowner are happy. We all have been working closely together for over 20 years and are close friends.
TRAVEL
Additional travel fees may be required and charged in other locations if applicable. A site survey ($50- higher if further away than Windsor NY area) at your house will provide you, the purchaser, all the information you require to make an informed decision EXCEPT electrical work. This fee is paid at the time of the survey. You, the purchaser, are required to contact your own licensed electrician to ensure proper code is followed. Code enforcement will check on the Swimming pool to make sure it passes once the swimming pool is completed. As far as travel for our recommended excavator and installer, please inquire as to where our installer and excavator agrees to go or if any additional travel charges apply. The required site survey will answer any of those questions. ALL pool packages on this site include the price for installation. Excavation for the swimming pool site area in your yard is not included in the package pricing. The site survey will allow us to price out the excavation before giving you a total guaranteed price for everything except electrical work.
Warranties and Permits
All of our above ground pools or pool packages and liners have a factory warranty. If you are planning on purchasing an above ground pool or package, please check with your town regarding permits that are required. You, the homeowner(s), are the sole person(s) responsible for getting any permit for the pool. The installer CAN NOT install a pool without a permit. The installer also has a limited time specific guarantee on all of the work performed on your new pool and will provide that to you. We do not pull permits.
EXCAVATION
The excavation is the first step in the construction process and calling for utility markings is required. Its $700 for the first 12 inches. $30 per inch over 1 foot to level. If you sink a pool in the ground it will be $4000. All excavated earth will be left on your property unless arrangements are made prior to excavation for a fee. Once the utilities have been marked, the excavation can start given the right ground conditions. The excavator requires a relatively dry yard to create the flat pool site. Too much water in a yard may prevent the excavation from starting due to potential damage to the yard from entering, exiting the property and to and from the drop area. Excavating normally takes less than a couple of hours to complete and may be scheduled up to a week ahead of the installation. On rare occasions the same day excavation and installation is completed. The chosen spot is a “rough cut” for the pool placement. Further Landscaping is required after the pool is installed and is the responsibility of the homeowner to finish as they chose. Emerald can recommend a landscaper if you so desire. All excavations are bigger than what the size of the pool requires. For example: a 30 foot round pool will require a minimum of 36 foot circle. This is to ensure that the pool passes all town code requirements, it allows the installers room to work and it gives you the opportunity to decorate around the pool as you wish. If you have any other excavation requirements, the excavator will work with you if applicable and provide pricing. For example if you would like a site prepared for a shed or patio or vegetation removal, the excavator may be able to assist you for a fee. Emerald can not remove any excavated earth from your property so please have a spot picked out in close proximity to the pool site (usually within 30 feet).
STUMP GRINDING IS NOT RECOMMENDED AND IS RARELY EFFECTIVE SO TOTAL REMOVAL OF ANY STUMPS IN THE POOL AREA IS REQUIRED. The homeowner is responsible for removing all ledge rock, boulders, tree stumps, roots, etc from the intended pool area prior to excavation. If the excavator encounters these situations, Additional charges to remove will be assessed. Examples are pictured below.
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Person In Charge of the Pool project at your home
We also understand that everyone has to work and scheduling may be an issue, but keep in mind that we are working for you, so accommodations must made for the excavation and installation of the pool. The person in charge of the “project” must be home to ensure no confusion is made on both sides. We also have a contract that will explain responsibilities. Once work begins the person who oversees the beginning of the project has final say of the whole project. This is not negotiable. This prevents another person, who was not privy to the original direction of the project, interjecting at a later date AFTER the pool has been completed and insists on partial or complete changes. This will not happen. This is also to reduce confusion and we appreciate your understanding so if you want to be “in charge”, make sure you are available.
Requirements
Fencing must be removed in advance for any excavation. The excavator does not remove or reinstall any fencing. If extenuating circumstances arise the excavator may assist the homeowner in fence removal but a charge may apply. A 6 foot opening is required and a spot to place the excavated earth in close proximity to the pool (within 30 feet or so) is also required. Any distances further than that may result in a charge to move the excavated earth to that spot. The site survey will answer any of those concerns. Vinyl, wood or chain link fencing may require a professional to remove and re-install, so please make sure that is looked into prior to scheduling the excavation or installation of the pool. Unless you are having water trucked in, a hose and water supply is required to fill the pool. We do not recommend using your well to fill an above ground pool as it may burn out the pump if left on continuously. Electricity is needed for the installation in close proximity to the pool area. Sand is required as a base for the pool liner and protects it against the rough ground. The sand may be purchased through us for a fee but may be less expensive if the homeowner has it delivered. Washed masonry sand is preferred. Patio blocks are required for each upright and are included and supplied by Emerald’s preferred Installer.
Water- Water is required for your new pool. Emerald does not supply water but can help connect you with a water delivery company, if you are on a well. Water can be delivered already treated for pools. We use H20 to GO mainly. There are other water companies so call around to compare price. If you are on city water, we expect to use your hose and prices are what the city would charge you. In some instances a permit may be issued by your city or town to fill the pool. It may be cheaper but this is becoming more rare. We will cut in the pool when the water is up high enough. This will most likely be on a different day than the install. Please be aware.
Electrical Work
An electrician is required for any above ground pool and be aware Emerald or their recommended craftsmen unless qualified CAN NOT perform or be responsible any electrical work including bonding. Please check with your town as far as permit requirements for your electrician and pool. Emerald does not install or build pool ladders or steps to gain access to the pool. Any ladder or entry point must be built by the homeowner and is solely the responsibility of the homeowner (please see pool safety). The pool filter and motor must be grounded please check with your electrician what that entails. The pool filter and motor is mounted on a plastic base and is set on top of the ground near the pool. If you would like the installer to place this base on anything other than the ground please ask and supply the installer with the materials such as stone or block. We do have some blue stone for sale upon request. Please ask for availability and cost.
Installation
Installation of the pool by our recommended installer is guaranteed and can take from a couple hours to almost 6 hours depending on the size you purchased. The swimming pool liner will be “cut in” meaning once the pool is filled to the required height, you and your family may swim in the pool. The excavator or Installer does not back fill up against the side of the pool. If you would like to do this we would recommend waiting 6 months to allow the pool to “settle in” and even then only a couple inches up the wall to avoid voiding the pools warranty. The installer will also explain how your filter works and the pool filter manual will be provided to you.
The installer will require sand for the base of the pool. Washed masonry sand is preferred and is delivered usually by dump tuck by the ton or yard. For example, a 24 foot round pool would require 4.5 tons of sand or about 3 yards. Depending on access to the pool area, please have the sand placed within 50 feet of the pool area but not in the excavated pool site. Please have the sand placed on a tarp to prevent grass from getting into the sand. The installer has to move this pile to the pool site by wheelbarrow and shovel. If there is no access, as close to the pool area is preferred. Depending on how far the sand is away from the pool site, a $100 service charge to move the pile may be charged by the installer which is not included in the pool package price. 
The site survey will also answer any questions regarding sand placement and pricing if applicable.
Concerns or Issues
If you have any issues regarding your new pool, please DO NOT PANIC. We will take care of the issue for you as soon as possible. You must contact us as soon as you notice it so we can address it. Failure to notify us may result in potential issues that may void any warranties so we encourage you to communicate with us in a civil manner. “Acting like a 2 year old” will not rectify the situation any sooner or make us move any faster. We understand that any problem that could arise may be frustrating but if at all possible we will make very effort to remedy any situation within reason and in a timely manner. We appreciate your patience and decorum.
Acts of God and Other Unforeseen Events
Emerald, the excavator and the installers are not responsible for damage to the pool once installed or property from acts of God, actions from individuals or unforeseen ground conditions such as falling trees, limbs, root systems, leaves, sap, pollen, dust, sand, rocks or stones, lightning, rodents, insects, larger animals, pets, flooding, high water table, natural springs, wind, ice, snow, hail damage, improper drainage, dry wells, wells, downspouts, septic systems, invisible fencing, trespassing, vandalism, improper chemical treatment and carelessness to name a few. Emerald can most likely repair such damage to your Above Ground Swimming Pool and can provide you with an estimate for repair if needed.
Weather or Delays
Emerald, as much as we would like, can not control the weather. While we make every effort to schedule and install on time, weather does effect our timeline and our schedule for all aspects of the aforementioned. Emerald and their recommended craftsmen reserve the right to postpone any and all work resulting from weather, delays in delivery of products, mechanical breakdown or ground conditions to name a few. These are issues that are generally a rare occasion and we all try to avoid but sometimes are not able too. We appreciate your business and patience. If you have any questions please ask!!
TO SUMMERIZE:
* IF YOU NEED HELP IN ANY ASPECT OF PREPARATION OF THE POOL AREA LET US KNOW. WE MAY BE ABLE TO ASSIST YOU. KEEP IN MIND THERE MIGHT BE A CHARGE DEPENDING ON EXTENT OF PREPARATION NEEDED.
* CUSTOMER MUST OBTAIN ALL PERMITS.
Please inquire prior to purchase as the town will let you know what pool can fit in your yard and what requirements that you need to follow.
* CUSTOMER MUST PROVIDE 6 FOOT WIDE ACCESS TO ENTER THE YARD.
*ALL FENCING MUST BE REMOVED PRIOR TO OUR ARRIVAL – ADDITIONAL COSTS WILL BE CHARGED IF WE HAVE TO REMOVE ANY FENCING. WE WILL NOT REINSTALL ANY FENCE. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR FENCE COMPANY IF YOU HAVE ISSUES REMOVING YOUR OWN FENCE FOR ACCESS.
* WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE TO LAWNS OR LANDSCAPING WHILE ENTERING/LEAVING/EXCAVATING/LEVELING YOUR POOL SITE. THE POOL SITE WILL BE SIGNIFICANTLY BIGGER THEN THE ACTUAL POOL SIZE. This is for code, bonding and potential landscaping by you the homeowner after the pool is installed.
* 811 WILL BE CALLED TO STAKE OUT UTILITIES. THIS MAY TAKE 3 TO 4 DAYS BEFORE WE CAN START WORK. YOU MUST PROVIDE NAME, ADDRESS, LOT AND BLOCK NUMBER, NEAREST CROSS STREET, PHONE NUMBER AND EMAIL FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE TO UNDERGROUND PIPES, SPRINKLERS, DRAINAGE, ELECTRICAL LINES, UTILITY LINES, CABLE, TELEPHONE OR INVISIBLE FENCE TO NAME A FEW. NOT ALL UTILITIES REPORT TO THIS SERVICE SO IF YOU KNOW OF ANYTHING BURIED IN YOUR POOL AREA PLEASE LET US KNOW. DAMAGE TO ANYTHING NOT DISCLOSED OR MARKED IS NOT COVERED BY EMERALD.
* YOU THE CUSTOMER ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CHOOSING THE POOL LOCATION. THE POOL WILL BE PLACED WHERE YOU TELL US TO PUT IT, SO PLEASE BE FOLLOW TOWN CODE WHEN CHOOSING WHERE YOUR POOL IS TO BE PLACED. JUST A SUGGESTION: THE CLOSER TO THE HOUSE YOU HAVE THE POOL THE MORE YOU WILL TEND TO USE IT
* EXCAVATION/LEVELING is $700 for the first 12″ of leveling OF OF POOL SITE DOES NOT INCLUDE REMOVAL OF TREE STUMPS, TREES, BOULDERS, DECKING, SWING SETS, SIDEWALKS, TOYS, ASPHALT OR ANY OTHER OBJECTS THAT WOULD IMPEDE THE EXCAVATION/INSTALLATION PROCESS. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY FOR US WHEN WE ARRIVE. SINKING OF THE POOL IN THE GROUND IS $4000 (assuming ground conditions allow for that).
*WE DO NOT BACK FILL ANY MATERIAL AGAINST THE NEW POOL EXCEPT IN THE GROUND POOLS. THE CUSTOMER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY BACK FILL. WE WOULD SUGGEST LEAVING THE POOL AS IS FOR AT LEAST A YEAR IN CASE A REPAIR IS REQUIRED.
* CUSTOMER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL ELECTRICAL OR HIRING OF THE ELECTRICIAN. YOU ARE TO PROVIDE ELECTRIC AND BONDING NEEDED FOR INSTALLATION AND ELECTRIC FOR THE POOL ONCE COMPLETED. YOU WILL NEED AN ELECTRICIAN FOR YOUR PERMIT AND THAT INFORMATION IS PROVIDED TO YOU FROM THE TOWN.
* WE DO NOT REMOVE OR SPREAD ANY EXCESS DIRT OR SOD. THIS IS PILED UP TO THE SIDE WHEN EXCAVATING. YOU THE CUSTOMER MUST DECIDE WHERE ANY EXCESS DIRT THAT COMES UP FROM LEVELING SITE WILL BE PILED IN YOUR YARD. A CHARGE WILL APPLY IF THE AREA YOU WOULD LIKE THE MATERIAL TO GO IS OVER 30 FOOT AWAY FROM THE POOL.
* CUSTOMER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR REMOVING ANY PLANTS, SHRUBS, STONE, BRICK OR RETAINING WALL THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO KEEP PRIOR TO OUR ARRIVAL.
* CUSTOMER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DISPOSAL OF ANY BOXES OR PACKAGING OR ANY LINER MATERIAL. WE WILL PILE TO THE SIDE AND CUT THE LINER INTO MANAGEABLE PIECES TO MAKE FOR EASIER DISPOSAL. WE MAY BE ABLE TO REMOVE THE OLD POOL FOR A SMALL CHARGE.
* YOUR YARD MUST BE DRY AND RELATIVELY READY FOR EXCAVATION OR INSTALLATION. WE DO NOT CONTROL THE WEATHER OR YOUR DRAINAGE BUT WE WILL MAKE EVERY ATTEMPT TO LEVEL/INSTALL YOU POOL IN A TIMELY MANNER. YOU MAY NEED TO PUT DRAINAGE IN TO MAKE SURE YOUR YARD DRIES OUT.
* CUSTOMER MUST PROVIDE ALL WATER TO FILL POOL. WE DO NOT PAY FOR OR PROVIDE WATER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE UP TO AND INCLUDING REPAIRS/SEAM SEPARATIONS. WE ALSO DO NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO PUMP WATER INTO A BLADDER TO PUMP BACK INTO THE POOL AFTER REPAIR IS COMPLETED. IF WATER IS REQUIRED WE CAN SUGGEST WATER DELIVERY COMPANIES TO ASSIST AT YOUUR COST.
*FACTORY WARRANTIES ON ALL PRODUCTS AND WARRANTY ON INSTALLATION FOR 45 DAYS. SEAM SEPARATIONS AND MANUFACTURER DEFECT WOULD PRESENT ITSELF DURING THIS TIME. EMERALD DOES NOT COVER DAMAGE TO ANY LINER DUE TO HOMEOWNER/FAMILY USE, MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT, PETS, ACTS OF GOD OR ANY OTHER UNDUE STRESS PLACED ON A LINER UNDER NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. IF THERE IS A SEAM SEPARATION, WE WILL HELP WARRANTY THE ITEM. WHILE THE LINER WOULD BE REPLACED FOR FREE, INSTALLATION WOULD BE PROVIDED AT A REDUCED COST. THIS IS NOT FREE. IT IS NOT OUR FAULT IF THE SEAM SEPARATION OCCURED BUT WE CERTAINLY UNDERSTAND THE FRUSTRATION YOU WOULD BE EXPERIENCING AND WILL HELP TO GET THE POOL BACK TO FUNCTIONING CONDITION AT A REDUCED RATE.
* PAYMENT FOR THE POOL AND PACKAGE DUE PRIOR TO ORDERING. INSTALLATION COST REQUIRED PRIOR TO INSTALLATION. A CONTRACT WILL BE SIGNED BY BOTH THE SELLER AND PURCHASER WHICH OUTLINES RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES.
* ALL ESTIMATES AND SERVICE CALLS WILL BE CHARGED A $50.00 FEE PLUS ANY COST OF REPAIR. NO CREDIT TOWARDS ANY REPAIR.
WE THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ THIS AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO HELPING YOU.