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If you’ve stumbled upon this article that means you’ve been researching pools. Exciting! As you’ve been able to see, there are multiple different options for pools, designs, equipment, and chemicals… pool coping is no exception! There is a lot to consider when looking at pool coping: aesthetics, durability, longevity, slip-resistance, etc. You may be surprised…

As summer fades and the vibrant colors of autumn take over, it’s time to shift your focus from splashing in the pool to properly closing it down for the season. Fall maintenance is essential to ensure your pool remains in good condition and ready for next summer. Here are the top five fall maintenance tips…

I have been asked this question several times, in one form or another, by new pool owners. Will a UV ozone system replace the need for chlorine? Is using a UV ozone system better than using traditional chlorine? Does having a UV ozone system mean I won’t have to shock my pool anymore? To be…

As we come to the end of the 2024 swim season in the midwest, we want to reflect on some of the awesome fiberglass pool designs we’ve seen this year. If you’re someone who gets to swimming year-round, I envy you. For those of us who have to wait 5-6 months to swim in our…

When it comes to swimming pools, most people would opt to wait until the pool is crystal clear before swimming. I don’t blame them. You’d be shocked at how many contaminants and harmful pathogens can enter a pool, causing it to cloud up, turn green, or worse, affect swimmers. Chlorine is the most popular type…

An inground swimming pool is one of the most luxurious and exciting investments you can make. Sure, a swimming pool is expensive, but that doesn’t mean it’s a perfect product. Over time, the color of your shirt can fade. So can the color of your car. Pools are no different. We want to be as…

Vinyl liner pools have gained popularity as a cost-effective and customizable option for residential swimming pools. While these pools offer several advantages, they are not without their share of challenges. When purchasing a vinyl liner swimming pool, you should be aware of the potential problems associated with vinyl liner pools to make informed decisions and…

As the crisp air of fall settles in and the leaves start to turn, it’s the perfect time to transform your backyard into the perfect spot. With the right touches, you can extend the enjoyment of your outdoor space well into the cooler months. From cozy fireside gatherings to heated poolside movie nights and festive…

In recent years, cold water immersion has gained significant popularity as a wellness practice, and for good reasons. At Royal Pools and G2 Outdoor Designs, we recognize the growing trend and offer Cold Plunge tubs to cater to the needs of those seeking a refreshing dip into the world of cold-water therapy. Let’s explore some…

So you’ve narrowed your inground pool choices to fiberglass and vinyl liners. Concrete pools are super expensive, we get it. You may be super enticed by fiberglass pools. They’re the newest pool type and have tons of features and benefits… but that price. It always comes down to price, right?  Here at Royal Pools and…

Your backyard would look really nice with a pool in it, wouldn’t it? It would look even better with a slide, retaining wall, and an outdoor kitchen too. Tons of homeowners these days are dreaming about having a beautiful backyard space to create memories in, and if you are one of these people, you may…

Designing a backyard oasis is a dream for many homeowners, and the process is filled with a multitude of difficult decisions. One being: which type of patio should I go with? Paver patios are one of the most popular types of patios on the market, second to concrete. Pavers offer a classic look that is…

Stamped concrete, also known as decorative concrete, has become a popular choice for creating unique and visually appealing surfaces. This versatile material allows for a wide range of design options, imitating the look of various natural materials such as brick, slate, flagstone, stone, cobblestone, tile, or even wood. In this article, we’ll dive into the…

With fall right around the corner, we at Royal Pools and G2 Outdoor Designs would like to address the elephant in the industry, there are a LOT of pool builders. In Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland, we have seen a microcosm of continuous growth in our industry. We can confirm that there are at least 15…

To the untrained eye, concrete cracking and failure would appear to be the same exact thing. You’d be forgiven for thinking this, concrete cracking can absolutely indicate concrete failure, but more often than not, cracking in concrete happens naturally. We here at Royal Pools and G2 Outdoor Designs believe in transparency above all else, with…

If you’ve owned a swimming pool before, you know the importance of water maintenance. Vacuuming and skimming your pool regularly is a simple process, but if you have a larger pool or one prone to debris buildup, finding the time to clean your pool can be difficult. Robotic pool cleaners can solve this problem. What…

When it comes to enhancing your outdoor spaces, the choice between concrete and pavers is a significant decision. Each option comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages, impacting factors such as cost, design flexibility, and maintenance requirements. In this article, we will explore the top three pros and cons of concrete versus pavers…

Whether you are thinking about purchasing a swimming pool with a vinyl liner, or maybe you already have one, you have most likely heard at one time or another that the liner will eventually need to be replaced. We are here to educate you on the brutal facts about owning a vinyl liner swimming pool…

In the realm of hardscaping, a notable trend gaining traction is the hybrid use of concrete and pavers for your driveway, pathway or patio. This innovative approach combines the durability and cost-conscious side of concrete with the aesthetic versatility of pavers, offering homeowners and landscapers a blend of cost effectiveness and style in outdoor design….

Adding an outdoor shade structure to your backyard is a big commitment with a great payoff. Like pools, when it comes to backyard shade structures, you have multiple options from pavilions and canopies to the topic of this article: gazebos and pergolas.  Gazebos and pergolas are classic additions to any backyard space. What sets the…

Everyone loves chemistry, right? Well, regardless of whether you love chemistry or can’t name a single element on the periodic table, if you want a pool you’re going to have to brush up on your chemistry. If you’re an experienced pool owner, odds are you’ve dealt with low chlorine levels, perhaps even cloudiness or algae…

A common question I’ve been asked since joining the pool industry is: which pool manufacturer is the best? It’s a great question. At Royal Pools and G2 Outdoor Designs, we have been installing fiberglass inground pools for over 24 years. We’ve installed dozens of different pools from our share of a few manufacturers over the…

Purchasing a pool or investing in a new backyard design is a tough decision. You can probably picture exactly what your dream backyard looks like, can’t you? Maybe it’s a long fiberglass pool, surrounded by beautiful stamped concrete, flanked by a pergola and outdoor kitchen area. The toughest part of turning your dream design into…

So you’ve been researching inground swimming pools for some time now and have some pricing questions. “What exactly am I paying for when making this purchase? Is it just the pool? Which type of inground pool costs the most? If I get a fiberglass shell, is it just the shell I am paying for? What…

So you want to get an inground pool? It is undoubtedly a big decision, but a necessary one if turning your backyard into an oasis of summer fun and family memories is your goal. Once you know the price range you will be looking at and what kind of pool you want, the next question…

What do you want out of an inground swimming pool? Maybe it’s a ten-foot deep end? Maybe it’s a built-in spa? Maybe you want a natural-looking pool with a waterfall? Whatever it is your heart may desire, everyone in the market for an inground swimming pool wants one thing: the pool they can afford. Or…

Maintaining pool water chemistry is one thing many pool owners cannot stand. Not everyone was a chemistry whiz in high school, but keeping your water chemistry balanced is simple if you are willing to learn how the chemicals work together. New pool owners may not know how to keep their water clean or how often…

So you’re thinking about purchasing an inground pool and you’ve narrowed down your choice to a fiberglass pool. Solid choice! Did you know that fiberglass pools are the newest type of pool in the industry? Fiberglass pools were created in the 1950s but didn’t gain prominence until the turn of the century when manufacturers started…

If you have an inground pool with a vinyl liner, did you know that changing the liner can give your entire backyard a fresh look? Whether it’s for an upgrade or a cosmetic change, Royal Pools and G2 Outdoor Designs can assist you. In this article, we’ll discuss the factors to consider when thinking about…

If you’re thinking about buying a pool in 2024 or currently have one and just want to make some updates, let us help you with the hottest trends we are seeing this year! Everyone always wants to stay hip to the trends and we are here to make your backyard the fetchest one around. Let’s…

Concrete brick pavers emerge as a favored selection among homeowners aiming to enhance both the allure and utility of their outdoor living areas. With their durability, affordability, and an array of color and design options, these pavers bestow a distinctive charm that often stands unparalleled by other construction materials. However, like any construction material, concrete…

Owning an inground pool can significantly enhance the allure of any home, offering a space for relaxation, exercise, and entertainment. However, maintaining such a pool demands both dedication and financial investment. One pivotal choice that often arises is whether to opt for an automatic pool cover. Automatic pool covers, unlike manually handled covers, operate through…

If you’re looking for the best fiberglass pool, you’re in the right place! Fiberglass pools have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their durability, low maintenance, and quick installation time. With so many manufacturers of fiberglass pools in the market, we know it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.  Today we…

Valparaiso, Indiana is a beautiful city that offers a lot of opportunities for outdoor recreation. One popular activity in the area is swimming, and many residents enjoy having their own inground pool in their backyard. If you’re looking to have an inground pool installed in Valparaiso, there are several companies in the area that specialize…

Pools are a very straightforward product, right? If you have a pool or are considering getting one, you’re more than likely aware that the types of pools are fairly limited. Inground and aboveground pools rule the roost in the pool industry. They always have, and many people think they always will. But every industry needs…

When it comes to inground pool decks, nothing is more common than concrete. Whether you’re going with standard broom-finished concrete or stamped concrete, a concrete pool deck gives you everything you need to support your pool and at the end of the day, they just look good around pools! Of course, that’s not to say…

  So you’ve decided to get an inground pool, wonderful news! Whether this was an idea that you just committed to, or you’ve been thinking about a pool for a while, you’re probably wondering, “Should I get a rectangular or shaped pool?”  We’re here to help you with that. This can be a difficult decision…

While we would love to tell you that owning a pool is all sunshine and rainbows, the truth is that it’s not. Like with any other major investment, there are possible problems that you may encounter and it’s important for you to be aware of these problems before you fully commit to purchasing a pool….

Regardless of the type of pool you choose to purchase, the installation process is pretty extensive. It’s not just dig a hole, build the pool/drop the pool shell, fill in around it, and pour the surrounding deck/patio. There’s so much more that goes into the construction of an inground swimming pool than what is often…

If you’re looking to build an inground pool in Valparaiso, IN, you’re going to want to pay close attention to what we’re about to say in this article! We all know that the look and type of pool is something that is at the top of the list for prospective inground pool owners, but there’s…

Every town has their own requirements and regulations for inground swimming pools, but there are some instances where a town’s requirements don’t apply. Yep, you read that right. For those who live in the unincorporated areas of towns, they will have to follow the requirements put in place by the county those towns are part…

Up next in our inground swimming pool rules and regulations, we’re taking a look at those put in place by the town of Schererville, IN. It’s imperative that both you and your pool builder are aware of every regulation placed upon inground swimming pools by your respective town (or county if you live in an…

So you’re considering a fiberglass pool, but the vinyl liner and gunite pool contractors you met with said, “those bath tubs pop out of the ground…you don’t want one of those!” Now, you are left feeling confused and feeling nervous about a fiberglass pool. We’re here to tell you that it’s okay, we understand, take a…

Requirements and restrictions are aplenty when building an inground pool, and they differ in each town. In this article, we’ll be detailing the regulations put in place by the town of Crown Point, Indiana for all inground pool projects. And although the pool builder is largely responsible for abiding by these rules and regulations, it’s…

To build an inground swimming pool, several requirements need to be met. Each town has its requirements which can affect the design of the entire pool project. So, these requirements must be met with each and every pool so they can be built legally and without any issues with the design. In this article, we…

Purchasing a pool is a huge investment that you likely hope to have for many years in the future. But with every investment comes possible problems that you must deal with. And what better way to begin dealing with them than being prepared and informed before they even arise? Just as with fiberglass pools and concrete…

In the final installment of our comparison versus other pool installers in Northwest Indiana we’ll be taking a look at Triton Pools and Spa. As we’ve said throughout the duration of this series, our goal is to educate you about your options for businesses to install an inground swimming pool. We can’t deny that there…

In our fourth installment of our comparison series versus other pool installers in Northwest Indiana, we’ll be taking a look at Pool Pro Contractors Inc. We want to educate you on your options so you can make the best decision for you and your family! By no means is this series designed to put us…

I mean, I’ll admit it. I thought I knew a decent amount about vinyl liner pools since everyone in the Midwest has been in one at one time in their life. Honestly, the truth is, I didn’t even know the half of it until I started working here but it’s a good thing we are…

Up next in our comparison series versus other pool installers in Northwest Indiana we have Expert Pool Builders. Our goal in this series is to show you what we offer in comparison to other pool builders in the area. Obviously, we all offer different products, services, and experiences—all of which work together to make each…

I think we can all agree that the first time you stick your foot in the water of a pool can often be a little bit of a shock to the body. It tends to feel cold and in order to feel comfortable in the water, you have to wait a few minutes for your…

We’re back with our comparison series versus other pool installers in Northwest Indiana and today we’re taking a closer look at B&F Pools! As we’ve pointed out from the beginning of this series of articles, our goal is to educate you not only about ourselves, but our competition as well. And we know what you’re…

You’ve probably heard of fiberglass pools. You probably know what they look like (especially if you’re reading this). And you probably know that they’re an expensive investment, as all pools are. But how much do you really know about fiberglass pools? Do you know how they’re manufactured? Do you know what you have to do to maintain…

If you’re reading this, you probably need to LISTEN UP!!! We feel this is important! Ok, we don’t mean to be that aggressive . But what we’re about to discuss again is very important! When considering pool liners, it’s common that people think thicker liners are the better option, and when quickly answering the question,…

One of our manufacturers here at Royal Pools and More is Thursday Pools. They are one of the most well-known fiberglass pool manufacturers in the country and have a wide assortment of fiberglass pools! They manufacture both rectangular and shaped fiberglass pools which have their own unique features, leaving you with many different options to consider….

While we may typically think of inground swimming pools as rectangular structures, shaped pools have become much more popular. And let’s be honest, they’re look so much cooler! But the question is this: “What are the best shaped fiberglass pools?” And honestly, there are so many shaped fiberglass pools that it’s difficult to pinpoint just…

If you’re shopping around for an inground pool, look, we can’t deny that you have tons of options for pool builders in Northwest Indiana! We won’t even begin to act like we’re the best inground swimming pool builder in the area! There are tons of talented pool contractors out here in Indiana and also Illinois…

Fiberglass pools can be many different shapes and sizes, but they are usually grouped into two categories: rectangular and shaped. While we typically think of rectangular swimming pools in the Midwest because that’s what best pairs up with an automatic pool cover. Think about this as well, when you’ve seen pools in magazines, on television,…

At Royal Pools and More, one of the things we pride ourselves on is striving to be the best swimming pool contractor in the area. Our mission is to educate you on everything that revolves around swimming pools—manufacturing, installation, maintenance, etc.—and provide you with the best product you can get. However, we can’t and won’t…

Pool maintenance can be one of the biggest struggles when owning a swimming pool, particularly when it comes to the sanitizer. In years past, we saw the demand for salt water pools rise in the pool industry. Well, we are here to tell you that the way you sanitize your pool has been revolutionized! If you have ever researched…

At Royal Pools and More, we have offered fiberglass pools in many different shapes and sizes from a wide range of manufacturers for almost 20 years. Today, we’ve narrowed down our options from just two manufacturers: River Pools and Spas or Thursday Pools. Each manufacturer has created their own designs and made them available to buyers, but a…

As you’ve probably heard a lot on this topic if you’re considering purchasing a vinyl liner pool or maybe you currently own one, the main disadvantage is that you will eventually have to replace the liner! We recommend that you replace a liner every 4-9 years because natural wear and tear such as color fading, wrinkling or…

When it comes to in-ground swimming pools in the Midwest there is a lot of talk about fiberglass and vinyl! It’s not to say you can’t install a concrete/gunite pool, but by popularity, these two “heavyweights” are far more common in this region of the country!   If you’re considering purchasing a fiberglass or vinyl liner pool, you’ve come to the…

You probably know that there are three types of inground swimming pools: fiberglass, concrete, and vinyl liner. And if you don’t—well, you do now! One of the most common questions we get here at Royal Pools and More is this: “What type of inground swimming pool is the best?” Our answer? Well, that depends on what…

Purchasing a pool is a huge investment and we here at Royal Pools and More understand that you need to be confident in your purchase. We want to make the process as smooth as possible, but to do that we need a few things from you before our first meeting. It is important for us…

While shopping for a swimming pool, if you decide to go with a vinyl liner inground pool, you probably know by now that you will eventually have to replace a liner or two. I get tons of questions about liners, and the number 1 question asked is always about cost. It would be very easy for…

“Isn’t a fiberglass pool just a giant bathtub?”  We get this one a lot!  Although a fiberglass pool is a one-piece shell, I wish it was as simple as “it’s just a bathtub,” but it’s not…and we totally get it.  It’s just not something you see every day.  You may have seen a fiberglass pool…

When deciding on a product you are going to purchase, always be sure to research the pros and the cons.  Here at Royal Pools and More, we do see 98% of our clients use automatic pool covers for reasons of safety, chemical savings, and energy savings.  Still, it would be wrong to ignore the problems.  Every product,…

Automatic hard pool covers can be one of the best decisions you make when purchasing an inground swimming pool. That is why I felt that answering this question needed to be a top of my priority list when developing our learning center. The simple answer to this question is yes, you can cover a free…

Now that you have picked out what style of swimming pool that you like, lets dive into the options or accessories! So, there are many options to choose from when it comes to pools. Depending on the style of swimming pool you choose the best option for you and your pool may vary. The pool…

As simple as it may sound, this may be one of the more troubling questions you will have to address when designing your swimming pool. This mundane question, if not well thought out before installation, can really compromise the integrity of the swimming pool. Choosing the right depth will allow you to get whatever it…

A pool package is extremely important when purchasing a swimming pool. This is the list of everything that is going to be included with the price of the pool. For every new pool contractor in every city, county, or region you meet, they will all have a different pool package. While some pool packages may be very similar, no two are the…

Lets face the facts, not every company could possibly be suited for every customer, and that definitely stands true for swimming pool contractors. With so much conflicting information, so many differences of opinions and a multitude of products. It can just be outright difficult to select a pool contractor. If you are seriously considering an inground swimming…

I get this is a question that I answer on the daily… AND I LOVE IT! The truth is, each style of pool can be a good fit for any one person. What is so great about this conversation is the fact that I cant tell you what pool is better, it is completely up to you! What I can do…

We get it,  a swimming pool is a HUGE purchase, and can be a very COMPLICATED! Decisions like these sometimes involve pulling a large loan, life savings, or even portions of a retirement fund which can be scary for fear of being ripped off or taken advantage of! We know financial planning is key and we also know…

1. Floating Liner Unfortunately this happens due to the hydro static pressure that is around the swimming pool structure, forcing the liner to “bubble” or “float”. Now this typically does happen when there is a lot of groundwater in the earth around the pool. Usually caused by high amounts of rain or even the fact that you…

If you are interested in buying a fiberglass swimming pool, 1. Pool Wall Bulging Years ago, all fiberglass contractors where trained to back-fill their pools with sand. It was industry standard and no one thought anything of it. Little did we know as contractors, that this would create some problems. As water gathers around the swimming pool,…

One of the more popular questions that we get when dealing with liners is: “Are the thicker liners better, for my swimming pool?” I wish this was as easy as a yes or no answer but it isn’t. There are a few things that actually factor in how to choose the right liner for you…

Over the last few weeks, we have taken calls about the novel COVID- 19 in relation to pool water! The main question has typically been, “can it be spread in pool water?” With so much confusion going around about the new Coronavirus, we felt it our responsibility to at least clarify a little bit on…

Congratulations on your decision to purchase a swimming pool! We understand that this is a very big decision and we are her e every step of the way to help you understand everything pools and in this step, the financing options! If you have landed on this page having yet to sign on the dotted…

Swim Season Is Almost Here! All We Have To Do Is Turn The Corner From This Crummy Weather In The Midwest, And Its Time Again To Do What I Love So Very Much! Work on Swimming Pools! Every Year We Some Cool Things That Tend To Take Off In The Swimming Pool Industry And This…

Are you looking to finance your pool? Most clients that purchase an in-ground swimming pool do indeed need some sort of financing. Swimming pool financing typically should be a fairly painless process. Although the process is simple, I do want to share with you three things to consider before signing on the dotted line, to…

Over the years of having dealt with thousands of pool owners and hundreds of auto covers.  One of the questions that most often gets asked is “can you install an automatic pool cover on a shaped swimming pool?”  And the answer to that question is, yes, buuuuut it still depends:). Having too extreme of a shaped…

Salt chlorine generators are one of the swimming pool industries great inventions. Cutting down on time maintaining your pool and increasing how much time you get to enjoy the pool. After installing hundreds of salt systems over the years, the customers who have the best results are the ones who maintain the cell and their pool water…

One of the biggest fears of purchasing a swimming pool is the challenge of understanding how to properly maintain the pool chemistry.  “Is there enough chlorine?” “Is there too much chlorine?  “Why is my pool turning cloudy?  Look, I completely understand the confusion and the internal struggle of keeping a swimming pool balanced. Working with…

Technology as we all know is shaping the world and changing it daily! Whether it be the development of the World Wide Web in the 90’s to just the other day with the landing of Space X, there have been some truly mind shattering events in my life time. Like I said earlier we see…

As I meet with new clients every year, I get asked hundreds of questions per week about swimming pools, and most of them are very common. The other day, I got asked a question, and I guess people would think it’s a fairly typical question, but for some reason, I do not get it asked…

With many great qualities such as their algae-resistant gel coat, low cost of maintenance, and luxurious look! It’s no wonder fiberglass swimming pools are the highest-demanded swimming pool in the industry right now. Over the past fifteen years I have installed hundreds of fiberglass swimming pools and the very first question from the customers is…

Deciding on how much pool decking you need is a difficult but very important thing to decide on. The facts state that you will spend significantly more time (about 90%) on the pool deck than actually in the swimming pool! Interesting, right? This means that getting the patio layout right is crucial to designing your…

As you know by now if you have a vinyl liner in your pool you will eventually have to replace it. When that time comes I have noticed that there seems to be a lot of confusion in the swimming pool industry about pool liner replacement costs. Actually, its easy for me to understand why…

Pool chemistry is extremely important when trying to maintain a perfect swimming pool environment. One of the most important things you need to do to your pool, if not the most important is to “Shock” your swimming pool. When dealing with hundreds of customers over the past fifteen years we have found that there is…

Every year at Royal Pools and more I get to meet hundreds of people with hundreds of questions regarding inground swimming pools. Since the beginning, we have always been advocates of telling home owners they need to get pool quotes from other swimming pool contractors. So, with that being said, customers ask me all the…

Congratulations! So you decided that you want a pool!  The next most logical question would be…… How do I want to pay for it?  Over the years we have seen customers pay in a variety of ways. Some of them listed below: Equity/ Second Mortgage Unsecured Loan Credit Card Cash Before moving forward I want to…

Its that time of year again, the holidays have come and gone. By the way Its the time of year for us in the midwest portion of the inground poolindustry, where we get to shake off the dust and prepare for a new pool season. The most common question I get when the snow is…

As you probably know there is more than one style of in-ground swimming in the industry. Royal Pools and more offers two styles of inground swimming pools, fiberglass and vinyl liner.  Both have their pros and cons but there is one major difference between the two pool products that I get asked about at every…

One of the most commonly asked questions we get from customers is “what style of pool pump do I need for my pool?” With the different options for pool pumps out there, this post will help you understand the differences between all of  them, so you can make the best decision in designing your new pool…

Why do we offer a five year warranty?   Quality We feel that some of the industry standards to be quiet honest are not always up to snuff. This enables builders to have poor installation practices. This in turn creates a lot of problems for customers down the road. Such as bulging pool walls, leaky…

                                                        Fiberglass Pools or Vinyl Liner Pools, which is better? One of the most important questions that I do get just about every day in my professional life!…