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	<title>Swimming Pools Minneapolis MN &#187; Uncategorized</title>
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		<title>How Long Is Pool Construction Time</title>
		<link>http://www.atlantispoolsinc.com/pool-construction-time</link>
		<comments>http://www.atlantispoolsinc.com/pool-construction-time#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 24 Apr 2011 18:02:39 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[As a major project, the time needed to build a swimming pool in the Twin Cities is an important factor for most prospective pool owners. While the actual construction time is usually around 2 ½ to 3 weeks, depending on the particular project, other factors also affect the time needed before you can start swimming in your new pool. The bottom line is that the sooner you make a decision, the sooner you'll be swimming.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="picture250" ><img src="images/pool-construction-time.jpg" width="250" height="180" alt="Pool Construction Time MN" /></div>
<p>One of the questions everyone planning to build a swimming pool is sure to ask is: How long will it take? That&#8217;s only natural. Once you make the decision to add a pool to your Minneapolis St. Paul residence or other property, you&#8217;ll be eager to see it finished and to start enjoying your new pool. The actual construction time will only be about 2 ½ to 3 weeks, in most cases, but there are many other considerations that come into play between the time you decide to build a pool and the day you get to dive into it for the first time. Some of those factors include:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Scheduling</strong> – Pool construction companies begin scheduling the construction of new pools long before the swimming season begins. In Minnesota, pool construction, in most cases, doesn&#8217;t begin until springtime. So, when construction can begin depends on the current schedule of your builder. The sooner you commit to building a pool, the sooner it can be put into the schedule.</li>
<li><strong>Financing</strong> – In most cases, you&#8217;ll probably arrange for financing for your new pool. Delays in obtaining financing can slow down the process from the very beginning. Atlantis Pool &amp; Spa can help.</li>
<li><strong>Design</strong> – A design process goes into building every pool. This process involves many steps, and takes into consideration the soil conditions at your location and many other factors. The design is completed well in advance of the scheduled date for construction to begin.</li>
<li><strong>Permits</strong> – Every pool built in Minnesota requires a building permit from the district where it is built. After the design is submitted to the proper authorities, the time needed for approval depends on the individual building or planning department. As with the design, this takes place before the scheduled start date.</li>
<li><strong>Construction</strong> – The construction process for the typical pool takes between 2 ½ and 3 weeks. Atlantis Pools uses its own dedicated crews to build your pool, so there&#8217;s never a wait for sub-contractors to show up to work. For some pools, of course, construction time may be longer. You&#8217;ll know in advance what the expected construction time will be.</li>
<li><strong>Unforeseeable Delays</strong> – Weather is the main factor that can slow down pool construction. A series of rainstorms can cause delays, and these unforeseen weather delays are impossible to predict far in advance. </li>
<li><strong>Finishing</strong> – If you have extensive landscaping or other related work to be done around your new pool, this can also add to your waiting time. In most case, this will depend on who does the work and their schedule.</li>
<li><strong>Filling and Testing</strong> – Once the pool is finished, it will be filled and all  systems will be thoroughly tested. Then, it&#8217;s ready for use.</li>
</ul>
<p>Some pool companies may give you an unrealistic time schedule for pool construction, if that&#8217;s what it takes to get you to buy a pool. Others rely on multiple sub-contractors to do the actual construction work, which can lead to long delays that slow down construction. At Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa, we&#8217;re very careful to make accurate estimates for the timing of your pool construction. We build with our own experienced construction crews. Barring any unforeseen events, we finish our pools on schedule, so you&#8217;ll know what to expect from the very beginning.</p>
<h2>Reliability and Quality in Minnesota Pool Building</h2>
<p>Everyone at Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa is dedicated to building a high quality swimming pool for every customer and having it ready for use at the time we promise. Our entire staff works very hard to keep your pool on schedule, without sacrificing our legendary quality of construction. We encourage you to schedule the building of your new pool as early as possible, so you can begin enjoying it at the earliest possible date. Call us today or come into our beautiful pool &#038; spa showroom soon to discuss your pool dreams. Let us help you realize that dream and start enjoying your new pool.</p>
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		<title>Will a Pool Fit in Your Back Yard?</title>
		<link>http://www.atlantispoolsinc.com/back-yard-pools</link>
		<comments>http://www.atlantispoolsinc.com/back-yard-pools#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 24 Apr 2011 17:09:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.atlantispoolsinc.com/?p=61</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Some Minneapolis St. Paul homes have back yards that may be smaller than others, or that may have an unusual shape or other unusual characteristics. If your yard fits any of those descriptions, you may wonder whether a pool can even be built to fit your yard. In almost all cases, the answer is yes. Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa has built pools in yards like yours all over the Twin Cities in its 20+ years of pool building. We can build a pool in your yard, too.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="picture250" ><img src="images/backyard-swimming-pool.jpg" width="250" height="180" alt="Minnesota Backyard Swimming Pool" /></div>
<p>In back yards all around the Minneapolis St. Paul area, swimming pools have become a popular and desirable addition. Providing wholesome recreation for the family, along with healthful exercise and opportunities for social events and entertaining, a pool is an exciting way to upgrade your home.</p>
<p>For some homeowners, though, an unusually shaped or small yard may raise questions about whether a pool is even possible. In other cases, a back yard may be heavily sloped, have unusual contours, or be difficult to access. In most cases, though, almost any back yard is suitable for a swimming pool. Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa has solved difficult pool installation problems for homeowners throughout the Twin Cities Metro area. Here are some of the ways we can create a pool in your yard, despite difficult situations:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Small Back Yards</strong> – Many people look at their back yard and think it is too small for a pool. Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa can create a custom-sized pool to fit almost any space, from a narrow pool to fit a back yard that&#8217;s wider than it is deep to a pool to fit a small square-shaped yard. </li>
<li><strong>Oddly Shaped Back Yards</strong> – A back yard with an unusual shape can also hold a swimming pool. Atlantis Pools has built pools that curve around obstacles, and even triangular pools to fit a particular yard. There&#8217;s almost no limit to the shape or size of a swimming pool.</li>
<li><strong>Uneven Back Yards</strong> – If your back yard slopes or has other contour problems, Atlantis Pool &amp; Spa can find a solution. Something as simple as a retaining wall can allow a level pool area to be created in your yard. Uneven contours can be leveled to allow installation of a pool, too.</li>
<li><strong>Difficult Access</strong> – This common problem is one we&#8217;ve solved many times at Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa. Even a yard that seems almost inaccessible can hold a pool. Let us check out your situation and show you how we can create a pool on your property. We&#8217;ve built pools inside existing buildings, so we can almost always build a pool in your yard.</li>
<li><strong>Drainage Problems</strong> – High water tables and other difficult drainage problems can be tough to solve, but we have solutions for most of these situations. Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa has built pools under many such difficult conditions. Let us check your site, and help you become a pool owner.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa – Best Pool Builder in Minneapolis St. Paul, MN</h2>
<p>At Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa, we love a challenge. What may seem to be to be an impossible location for a pool is an exciting challenge for us. Over our 30+ years of building pools, we&#8217;ve helped many Minneapolis St. Paul Metro Area homeowners become pool owners, even when other pool builders have said a pool couldn&#8217;t be built. Whatever your situation, we&#8217;d love to discuss the possibilities with you. Call us today or come into our showroom, and we&#8217;ll arrange a visit to your property. Then, we&#8217;ll come up with a solution in almost every case and help you realize your dreams for a new swimming pool.</p>
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		<title>Financing a New Pool in Minnesota</title>
		<link>http://www.atlantispoolsinc.com/pool-financing</link>
		<comments>http://www.atlantispoolsinc.com/pool-financing#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 24 Apr 2011 16:50:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.atlantispoolsinc.com/?p=60</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Like many other major home improvements, adding a pool to your Minnesota home or other property is a considerable expense. How you handle the cost of your new pool affects the total price of the project over time. Delays in financing your pool can also affect the time needed to get your new pool built and ready for use. Give careful consideration to how you'll pay for your pool early in the process. Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa can help with this step, or you can arrange financing yourself.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="picture250" ><img src="images/pool-financing.jpg" width="250" height="180" alt="Swimming Pool Financing MN" /></div>
<p>Before your Minneapolis St. Paul pool project can be finalized, the financing of the cost of the pool must be arranged. Any major home improvement project comes at a considerable expense, so once you have made all the decisions involved in selecting a pool design and all options for your pool, you&#8217;ll have a bottom line figure for the total cost of your pool. Then, it&#8217;s time to figure out how to pay for your exciting new aquatic facility. Everybody&#8217;s financial situation is different.</p>
<p>Here are some of the ways to finance your new pool:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Available Funds</strong> – If you have the funds already available for your new pool, your problem is solved. Paying for your pool without third-party financing is also the least expensive way to purchase a pool, since you&#8217;ll avoid paying interest on a loan over time and other fees.</li>
<li><strong>Owner-Arranged Financing</strong> – You may already have an existing relationship with a lender. If so, this is often a very good choice for funding your new pool. Since a swimming pool adds value to your home, you&#8217;ll probably find a home improvement loan available at a good interest rate from your current lender. Other financial institutions may also be good sources of financing.</li>
<li><strong>Builder-Assisted Financing</strong> – At Atlantis Pool &amp; Spa, we can help you arrange  financing. We have a long-standing relationship with Wells Fargo Bank that lets  us help prospective pool owners finance their pools. Our strong relationship  with the lender is based on the high-quality pools we build.</li>
</ul>
<p>As with the financing for any major home improvement project, you should carefully compare interest rates and other fees before committing to any financing agreement for your new pool. Check out the lender and all terms of the financing before making a final decision. Interest rates will depend, of course, on your own personal credit history, but loan rates right now are at all-time lows. It&#8217;s a great time to take the plunge and invest in a new swimming pool. You&#8217;ll enjoy its benefits for years to come, while increasing the value of your property.</p>
<h2>Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa – Top Swimming Pool Builder in Minnesota</h2>
<p>The expert pool consultants at Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa have been helping Minneapolis St. Paul homeowners become pool owners for decades. Whether you arrange your pool financing for yourself or take advantage of our long relationship with a lender who knows us and the high quality of pools we build, we&#8217;ll be happy to work with you on all aspects of your dreams. Come into our convenient Brooklyn Center showroom, or call us to arrange for a free pool consultation and estimate at your location. There&#8217;s never been a better time to add a beautiful swimming pool to your home or other property. We&#8217;d love to meet you.</p>
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		<title>The Cost of a Minnesota Swimming Pool</title>
		<link>http://www.atlantispoolsinc.com/prices</link>
		<comments>http://www.atlantispoolsinc.com/prices#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 18:05:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.atlantispoolsinc.com/?p=59</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The cost of any Minnesota in-ground swimming pool makes it a major addition to a residential or commercial property. If you're considering adding a beautiful swimming pool to your home or other property, you already know it is a fairly major expense. Every swimming pool is different, so there's no easy answer to the question. However, a swimming pool can cost as little as a nice automobile or as much as an expensive luxury car. The cost is better measured over time as an investment in recreation and added value for your property.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="picture250" ><img src="images/backyard-pool.jpg" width="250" height="180" alt="Inground Pool Prices MN" /></div>
<p>When you&#8217;re considering adding a swimming pool to your Minneapolis St. Paul area home or other property, cost is always a consideration. It&#8217;s a major improvement project. The cost is different for each pool, of course, but a new pool is similar in price to other home improvement projects, like adding on a room or a major remodeling job. Like those other projects, your pool will add value to your home and improve your quality of life. A pool is also a long-term investment, so consider its cost divided by its lifetime to get a true idea of its cost.</p>
<p>Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa can build a complete, ready-to-use vinyl-lined in-ground pool at your Twin Cities home for under $35,000. That&#8217;s the price of a nice car or a room addition. We can also build a luxury concrete in-ground pool that might cost in the six figures. That&#8217;s similar to the cost of a luxury automobile. There&#8217;s a pool to fit every home and budget. Here are some of the factors that go into the cost of a pool:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Materials</strong> – Vinyl-lined pools are less expensive to build than concrete pools. Which type of pool you choose is a major factor in the total cost. Atlantis Pool &amp; Spa builds both types of pools for our Minnesota customers.</li>
<li><strong>Size</strong> – The size of your pool is a very important factor in the cost. A larger excavation, more materials, and additional plumbing and larger-capacity supporting equipment all add to the cost as the size goes up.</li>
<li><strong>Options</strong> – Pool options, such as pool covers, automatic pool vacuums, decking, water slides, lighting, and other optional equipment all add to the total price of your pool.</li>
<li><strong>Cost over Time</strong> – The true cost of a pool is best measured over the  lifetime of the pool. Dividing the cost of your pool by the number of years it  will be part of your home is the only true way to calculate the cost. Today&#8217;s  swimming pools have a very long lifetime, making the cost per year surprisingly  low. A pool is less expensive, in most cases, than an annual trip to a resort  destination with your family, and far cheaper than owning and maintaining a  vacation home, but gives you the opportunity to vacation right in your backyard  any time.</li>
</ul>
<p>Swimming pool building is a highly competitive industry. That can lead to deceptive pricing by some builders, who will quote a low initial price to make a sale. That price, however, may not include everything you need to have a complete, ready-to-use swimming pool with all the equipment every Minnesota pool needs. It&#8217;s very important to compare pricing for a complete swimming pool, fully equipped for your recreation and designed to withstand our harsh Minnesota winters. At Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa, we&#8217;re always competitive in price with any other pool builder for an equivalent pool, but we never use deceptive pricing to make a sale.</p>
<h2>Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa – Affordable Pools for Minneapolis St. Paul</h2>
<p>At Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa, we completely understand your concern about the cost of your pool project. When you visit our pool showroom or have one of our pool consultants visit your home, we&#8217;ll provide all the information you need to make an informed decision about adding a pool to your home. We&#8217;ll never offer you a low price that&#8217;s based on a pool you can&#8217;t use until you add in necessary features. We&#8217;ll show you all your options and provide you with an accurate estimate of how much your pool will actually cost, then show you how our high-quality materials and meticulous construction adds years to the life of your project, lowering your cost over time. Contact us soon about your pool project, or visit our convenient showroom. Let us show you why our pool customers refer their friends and neighbors to Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa.</p>
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		<title>How Long Is The Minnesota Swimming Season?</title>
		<link>http://www.atlantispoolsinc.com/swimming-season</link>
		<comments>http://www.atlantispoolsinc.com/swimming-season#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 17:30:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.atlantispoolsinc.com/?p=58</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In the middle of a Minnesota winter, it's hard to imagine how much of the year is suitable for aquatic recreation. The reality is surprising to many people. Pool owners in the Minneapolis St. Paul area generally begin using their pools in April, and continue enjoying their pools well into October. That seven-month swimming season varies from year to year, of course, and can be extended with a careful selection of pool options.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="picture250" ><img src="images/mn-pool-company.jpg" width="250" height="180" alt="Inground Pool Company MN" /></div>
<p>In Minnesota, many people thinking about adding a swimming pool to their homes for the recreational, social, and health benefits it offers often ask about how much of the year they&#8217;ll be able to use their pool. At Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa, we&#8217;ve found that our Twin Cities pool customers actively use their pools for about seven months of the year. Starting in April, when they open their pool for the season, they continue using their pools until sometime in October, when they close the pool in preparation for the winter.</p>
<p>Every year is different, of course, but that seven-month pool season is typical for most pool owners in the Minneapolis St. Paul area. Some owners even open their pools in March and close them around Halloween. A lot depends on how they use their pools and the options they&#8217;ve selected for their pool. Some of the options that can extend the pool season include:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Pool  Heaters</strong> – Pool heaters are indispensable for Minnesota pool owners.  Choosing a high-efficiency heater that keeps heating costs down is a great  way to make an extended pool season more affordable.</li>
<li><strong>Automatic  Pool Covers</strong> – Adding an automatic pool cover is another important way  to make your swimming season as long as possible. These covers keep  heating costs low and keep leaves and other debris out of the pool,  especially in the fall. With an automatic pool cover, you can just blow  leaves of the cover in minutes.</li>
<li><strong>Outdoor  Space Heaters</strong> – Easy to use outdoor area heaters help take the chill  off the air near the pool, letting you enjoy your aquatic recreation  earlier in the spring and well into the fall.</li>
<li><strong>Poolside  Buildings</strong> – A heated pool house or cabana near your pool can extend  your pool season better than almost any other option. With the pool heated  to a comfortable temperature, it&#8217;s just a few steps from your cozy pool  house to the inviting water.</li>
<li><strong>Indoor  Pools</strong> – The ultimate in Minnesota pools is an indoor pool. While not  an option for every pool owner, enclosing your pool can make it a year  round amenity for your home or other property.</li>
</ul>
<p>Don&#8217;t let Minnesota&#8217;s weather keep you from enjoying the healthful exercise and family-oriented recreational potential of owning a pool. As many Minneapolis St. Paul Metro Area pool owners have discovered, the joys of pool ownership can be experienced for more than half of the year. Having a beautiful, convenient swimming pool in your own backyard during our seven-month swimming season will provide more pleasure and enjoyment for your family than you can imagine.</p>
<h2>Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa – Twin Cities Top Swimming Pool Builder</h2>
<p>At Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa, we frequently hear from our pool customers that adding a pool to their property was the best investment they ever made. In terms of recreation, exercise, entertaining guests, increased property value, and family togetherness, a swimming pool is an investment that pays dividends for decades. Don&#8217;t let concerns about the length of the swimming season keep you from experiencing the joy of pool ownership. Call us soon or visit our convenient Twin Cities Pool Showroom to talk about your pool dreams. One of our pool consultants will help you learn more about pool ownership and show you the many ways that a swimming pool is a great addition to your property.</p>
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		<title>Swimming Pool Construction for Minnesota Winters</title>
		<link>http://www.atlantispoolsinc.com/pool-construction</link>
		<comments>http://www.atlantispoolsinc.com/pool-construction#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:29:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.atlantispoolsinc.com/?p=56</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Minnesota winter conditions mean that swimming pools built here have to take the extremes of weather into consideration. During the low temperatures, the ground freezes solid, and can shift due to the expansion of water when it freezes. Pools built without proper design and construction can easily be damaged. A quality pool builder takes all of these aspects into consideration and will create your pool to withstand anything a Minnesota winter can dish out.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="picture250" ><img src="images/minnesota-pools.jpg" width="250" height="180" alt="Inground Pools MN" /></div>
<p>Minnesota&#8217;s extremes of weather affect anything built here that extends below the surface of the ground. Depending on the conditions of a particular winter, the ground in the Twin Cities area can freeze solid to depths unheard of in more temperate regions. When water freezes, it expands, and can cause movement of soil. We see the damage this causes every year to our roads, driveways, and sidewalks. Even the foundations of our homes can be damaged by the freeze/thaw cycle.</p>
<p>Not every Minnesota pool builder has the long experience and expertise to build a long-lasting pool in Minnesota. If corners are cut in any area of design and construction of your swimming pool to increase profit for the pool builder, you&#8217;ll pay for those cut corners with hard-to-correct problems during your pool&#8217;s lifetime.</p>
<h2>Special Pool Design &#038; Construction for Minnesota Winters</h2>
<p>It&#8217;s no wonder that in-ground swimming pools are subject to this earth movement caused by our very cold winters. Swimming pools in Minnesota have to be built with these conditions in mind, using special design and construction to remain undamaged, no matter what the weather. An experienced Minnesota swimming pool builder, like Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa, takes special care to create in-ground pools that will cope with our conditions for decades. It&#8217;s not just a good idea. It&#8217;s essential. Some of the special considerations needed in Minnesota pool building include:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Soil Conditions</strong> – The type of soil at the installation site is important during the design and construction process of any in-ground pool. Different soils behave differently during the freeze/thaw cycle.</li>
<li><strong>Additional Bracing</strong> – For vinyl-lined in-ground pools, the bracing used to support the framework of the pool is critical. What works in California is simply not appropriate in Minnesota. Atlantis Pool &amp; Spa uses triple bracing, deeply anchored, for all its in-ground vinyl-lined pools.</li>
<li><strong>Quality Pool Construction</strong> – While quality construction is important for any  pool, it&#8217;s crucial in the Twin Cities. From proper excavation and preparation  of the site to adequate bracing and plumbing design and installation, every  step in the construction process must be done carefully and correctly.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa – Building Quality Minnesota Pools for Over 30 Years</h3>
<p>At Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa, we know the issues faced by swimming pool construction in Minnesota. In our 30+ years of pool building here, we&#8217;ve seen every possible situation, and work diligently to apply the best design and construction to each and every pool we build. All of our vinyl-lined in-ground pools come with triple bracing, and we take exceptional care in site preparation and all other aspects of pool construction to make sure every customer gets the very best pool we can build. Our legendary reputation is based on quality performance on every job. Contact us today or visit our pool and spa showroom. Let us show you how we build Minnesota swimming pools. We&#8217;d love to build one for you.</p>
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		<title>Fiberglass Pool &#8211; Good Choice for Minnesota?</title>
		<link>http://www.atlantispoolsinc.com/fiberglass-pools</link>
		<comments>http://www.atlantispoolsinc.com/fiberglass-pools#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:59:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.atlantispoolsinc.com/?p=52</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[While fiberglass in-ground swimming pools are offered by some companies as an alternative to vinyl and concrete in-ground swimming pools, several factors make them unsuitable for Minnesota homeowners. Here's a look at the reasons that Atlantis Pools doesn't offer this type of swimming pool.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="picture250" ><img src="wp-content/themes/pools/images/concrete-pools-mn.jpg" width="250" height="180" alt="In-ground Pools Minneapolis St Paul MN" /></div>
<p>When Minnesota homeowners start thinking about adding an in-ground swimming pool to their backyards, the choice of pool type is a critical one. The most common choices, vinyl pools and concrete pools, each has their own particular advantages for the prospective owner. A third type of pool, the prefabricated fiberglass swimming pool is offered by some pool companies in the Minneapolis St. Paul metro area. It can seem like a good alternative, but experience has shown that these fiberglass pools have some serious drawbacks, especially in Minnesota. Atlantis Pools, always dedicated to complete customer satisfaction, does not install fiberglass pools.</p>
<h2>Problems with Fiberglass In-Ground Pools in Minnesota</h2>
<p>Here are some of the reasons Minnesota homeowners should avoid fiberglass pools:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Minnesota Winters</strong> – Since fiberglass pools do not have footings to tie the pool into its excavation, but are installed over a sand bed, our severe winters can shift the ground, causing distortion and expensive damage to these pools. Concrete and vinyl pools are solidly anchored with frost footings, preventing any such damage.</li>
<li><strong>Floating Pools</strong> – With the high water tables common in Minnesota, lightweight fiberglass pools can actually float like a boat, rising out of the ground. This problem doesn&#8217;t occur with concrete or vinyl pools, which are firmly anchored into their footings. Similar situations can occur when the ground freezes in the winter. The only thing holding a fiberglass pool down is the weight of the water in the pool.</li>
<li><strong>Fading &#038; Discoloration</strong> – Fiberglass pools are subject to fading and staining. Unlike vinyl pools, fiberglass pools can&#8217;t be refreshed with an economical liner replacement. Concrete pools, too, can be completely resurfaced for a fresh look, at a fraction of the cost of replacement.</li>
<li><strong>Limited Shapes &#038; Sizes</strong> – With a fiberglass pool, you&#8217;re limited to just the shapes already available from the manufacturer. Both vinyl pools and concrete pools can be built with customized shapes to suit your taste and location.</li>
<li><strong>Delamination &#038; Cracking</strong> – You may be familiar with fiberglass boats, and have seen the delamination of their gel coats or the crazing and cracking they frequently develop. Fiberglass pools are subject to the same issues, which are almost impossible to repair without marring the beauty of the pool.</li>
<li><strong>Decking Is Separate from the Pool</strong> – With both concrete and vinyl pools, the decking surrounding the pool is part of the structure of the pool, adding strength and tying both structures together. With fiberglass pools, there&#8217;s no integral connection.</li>
<li><strong>Pool Cover Problems</strong> – While both vinyl and concrete pools can accommodate automatic covers with edges that move in a channel in the pool wall, that can&#8217;t be done with fiberglass pools. Covers have to slide above the pool, making them unsightly and adding to wear and tear of the cover and pool structure.</li>
<li><strong>Difficult Repairs</strong> – If any damage occurs to the one-piece structure of a fiberglass pools, repairs are costly, difficult, and unreliable. It&#8217;s almost impossible to make repairs while matching the color and design of the pool. Both concrete and vinyl pools are relatively easy and economical to repair.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa – Top Minnesota Builder in Minneapolis St. Paul</h3>
<p>At Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa, quality, durability, and customer satisfaction are always our highest concerns. We&#8217;ve seen the problems homeowners in Minnesota have experienced with fiberglass swimming pools. We won&#8217;t install such pools, because we stand behind every pool we build, and only build pools that will satisfy our customers for years and decades to come. Contact us today to plan a new pool for your home. We&#8217;d love to show you how a high-quality vinyl or concrete pool is a smart investment in your family&#8217;s outdoor recreation. All of our pools provide lasting beauty, fun, and value for you and your family. Atlantis Pools builds quality and trouble-free enjoyment into every pool.</p>
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		<title>Understanding Gunite Swimming Pools</title>
		<link>http://www.atlantispoolsinc.com/gunite-pools</link>
		<comments>http://www.atlantispoolsinc.com/gunite-pools#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:57:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[When you think of permanent, concrete in-ground swimming pools, you may wonder exactly how these pools are built. Today's permanent swimming pools are made of Gunite, a special sprayed-in form of concrete that is reinforced with a complex, strong grid of steel rods. Creating a Gunite swimming pool is a job for seasoned experts, like those at Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="picture250" ><img src="wp-content/themes/pools/images/gunite-pools-mn.jpg" width="250" height="180" alt="Gunite Pools Minneapolis MN" /></div>
<p>In the past, concrete swimming pools were built by creating wooden forms, then pouring concrete into those forms to create the pool. This technique was limited to rectangular designs and was very costly. The Gunite process revolutionized pool construction. Gunite, or shotcrete as it is sometimes called, is specially formulated concrete sprayed through a high-pressure nozzle over a mesh of reinforcing steel rods. Using this technique, the most complex forms can be created, making today&#8217;s concrete pool designs possible. The concrete is a high-strength mix of Portland cement and a sand and gravel aggregate. Combined with the reinforcing steel, it forms a solid, stone-like structure that will last for decades. A finish coating completes the pool with a waterproof surface that incorporates color, texture, and other beautiful features.</p>
<h2>How a Gunite Swimming Pool Is Built</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Excavation</strong> – A precision excavation is dug, in the basic form of the pool. It must be perfectly level, with depth carefully controlled.</li>
<li><strong>Forms &#038; Reinforcement</strong> – A combination of backing forms, where needed and a structure of special steel reinforcing rods, tied together with wire, is built within the excavation. This time-consuming job requires specialized skills, and exacting work.</li>
<li><strong>Plumbing Installation</strong> – During and after the time the reinforcing grid is built, all plumbing for the pool is installed and tested.</li>
<li><strong>Gunite Spraying</strong> – An expert Gunite craftsman, called a nozzleman, sprays the concrete mixture, which is prepared on site, over the reinforcing structure, starting with the walls, and ending with the floor of the pool. The Gunite is smoothed to prepare it for the surface materials, and then is cured for 30 days. During this curing period other work around the pool continues, including mechanical systems installation and decking.</li>
<li><strong>Tiling, Coping, Edging, Etc</strong> – Decorative tile borders, coping, caps and other finish elements are installed after the Gunite&#8217;s curing period is over. While this is going on, additional work and clean-up continues around the pool.</li>
<li><strong>Plastering</strong> – The final stage of construction is applying the finishing materials to the inside of the pool. Details like mosaics and inset designs are completed during that process, and finish fixtures for plumbing and underwater lighting are added. Then, the finishing materials are allowed to cure completely. Any remaining cleanup and work around the pool is completed during that time.</li>
<li><strong>Filling</strong> – Finally, the pool is filled, all systems are tested, and it&#8217;s time to enjoy your new pool.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa – Minnesota Gunite Pool Company in Minneapolis St. Paul</h3>
<p>Every step in the building of a Gunite swimming pool requires a long experience, great skill, and attention to detail. At Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa, our 30+ years of successful pool building demonstrates our ability to build the best concrete pools possible. All of our builders are experts in their field and are dedicated to building pools of the highest quality. We build every pool as if we were building it for ourselves. Our reputation is unmatched. Call us today to discuss a Gunite or other pool for your property. We&#8217;d love to show you what we can do.</p>
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		<title>Water Features for Your Swimming Pool</title>
		<link>http://www.atlantispoolsinc.com/pool-water-features</link>
		<comments>http://www.atlantispoolsinc.com/pool-water-features#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:56:38 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[Any swimming pool is an exciting addition to your property, but the addition of additional water features in and around your pool adds even more enjoyment for everyone. When you're designing a new pool, or if you want to enhance your existing pool, think about including one or more water features. They're a great way to make your swimming pool unique, and even more valuable. Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa can help.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="picture250" ><img src="wp-content/themes/pools/images/pool-waterfalls.jpg" width="250" height="180" alt="Pool Water Features Minneapolis MN" /></div>
<p>Every pool owner wants his or her pool to be special – unlike any other pool. The easiest way to accomplish this is to add drama and excitement to the pool area using water features. From waterfalls and fountains, to aquatic play areas and spas near the pool, it&#8217;s easy and affordable to make your pool more attractive and enjoyable for you, your family, and your guests. Here are some of the water features available from Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa for your new or existing swimming pool:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Water Fountains</strong> – These offer a three-dimensional display of moving water, transforming a featureless and flat water surface into liquid excitement in motion and sound.</li>
<li><strong>Waterfalls</strong> – From a sleek sheet of water spilling into your pool to a cascading waterfall coming from a rocky prominence, waterfalls are a popular feature you can add to your pool environment.</li>
<li><strong>Waterspouts &#038; Deck Jets</strong> – Streaming arcs of water shooting around and into your pool add a dramatic touch, and can be combined with lighting for unique effects that are uniquely yours.</li>
<li><strong>Fan Sprays</strong> – Fans of water that spray into a pool are especially fun for children, who love playing in them. They add a lively look to any pool, and can be dramatically lit for after-dark displays.</li>
<li><strong>Splash Pads &#038; Spraygrounds</strong> – Added to the area around your pool, these common water park features incorporate sprays, waterspouts, fountains, and very shallow areas of water on separate water play areas. They allow even the youngest children to explore water recreation without risk or constant supervision.</li>
<li><strong>Water Slides</strong> – Few things are more popular with the younger set than water slides, complete with water flowing down the slide. When the children aren&#8217;t looking, adults enjoy them, too. These are available in very simple forms or in complex slides that come close to what you&#8217;ll find in a water park. Some even include rock and boulder features. </li>
<li><strong>Raised Spas and Spillovers</strong> – A raised spa adjacent to your pool is one of the most  popular water feature additions you can make. It adds new dimensions to your  aquatic recreation. Incorporating an overflowing spillway into such a spa, adds  the beauty and sound of a waterfall to the experience.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa – Minneapolis St. Paul Water Feature Company</h2>
<p>Whether you&#8217;re planning a new swimming pool addition to your property or already have an existing pool, consider adding one or more water features to your pool. You&#8217;ll enjoy your pool experience more, and water features will make your pool unique. At Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa, our pool consultants will be happy to show you economical and exciting water features for your pool. Contact us anytime for information about ways we can help you get the most from your aquatic recreation facilities.</p>
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		<title>Pool Lighting Options</title>
		<link>http://www.atlantispoolsinc.com/lighting</link>
		<comments>http://www.atlantispoolsinc.com/lighting#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Sep 2010 19:12:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[Whether you're designing a brand-new pool or spa or replacing the vinyl liner of an existing pool, enhance your enjoyment of the pool &#038; spa environment around the clock by adding exciting and functional lighting options. New technology makes this lighting even safer and more. Lighting options are even available for existing pools and spas.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="picture250" ><img src="images/pool-lighting.jpg" width="250" height="180" alt="Swimming Pool Lighting Minneapolis St Paul MN" /></div>
<p>Few things are as enjoyable as a pleasant evening spent in and around a well-lit swimming pool and spa. Our warm Minnesota evenings and nights make an outdoor evening especially enjoyable. New options in pool lighting can even add color and drama to your pool experience. When you&#8217;re designing a new pool or spa, with the help of an Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa consultant, ask about pool lighting options that can extend your family&#8217;s enjoyment and turn your pool into a round-the-clock recreation center.</p>
<p>The best time to include lighting options for your pool or spa is when it&#8217;s first designed. Including lighting in the design offers the maximum flexibility, letting you choose from an almost unlimited variety of lighting options. When it&#8217;s time re-line a vinyl pool, you have another opportunity to install underwater lighting or to update existing lighting. Even existing pools, however, have pool lighting options. Here are some of the many lighting options currently available:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Traditional Underwater Lighting</strong> – Using incandescent bulbs, installed in watertight housings, traditional pool lighting operates on either low-voltage or normal electrical power. Safety devices, like ground-fault-interrupters eliminate any risk of electrical shock.</li>
<li><strong>Fiber-Optic Lighting</strong> – In recent years, fiber optic lighting was introduced that adds additional color options and offers improved flexibility for underwater pool lighting. By separating the light source from the pool,       fiber-optic lighting completely eliminates any electrical risks and makes maintenance chores simple.</li>
<li><strong>LED Lighting</strong> – The latest twist in underwater pool lighting, these low-voltage lighting options offer a huge range of possibilities &#8211; even including automated, animated light displays for dramatic pool lighting effects. LED&#8217;s have extremely long life spans and keep maintenance chores to a minimum.</li>
<li><strong>Environmental Lighting</strong> – Lighting the area around your pool &amp; spa can also enhance your nighttime pool experience. Many options are available for dramatic, beautiful lighting of landscaping and other features. Glare-free environmental lighting also enhances pool safety. </li>
</ul>
<h2>Explore Pool Lighting for Maximum Enjoyment</h2>
<p>When you&#8217;re designing a new pool or spa, planning a pool liner replacement, or anytime you want to enhance your outdoor water recreation environment, lighting can be an important, affordable option. Ask your expert Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa consultant what systems and accessories are available for underwater and environmental lighting. You&#8217;ll be amazed at how much excitement and drama effective lighting can provide for nighttime outdoor recreation around your pool and spa.</p>
<h3>Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa – Minneapolis St. Paul Pool Lighting Experts</h3>
<p>When it comes to pool &#038; spa underwater and environmental lighting, Atlantis Pool &#038; Spa offers a complete range of lighting options for your residential or commercial installation. Our experienced pool &#038; spa consultants can show you many ways to enhance your new or existing pool through creative lighting design. Contact Atlantis Pool today to discuss your pool &#038; spa lighting options or any other swimming pool or spa needs. Our 30+ years of experience is your assurance of quality, affordability, and expert service.</p>
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