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I am so glad that you chose to consider Viking pools.

I will try to explain how my clients choose Calm water Pools to buy and install a Viking pool.

On a first call with a client, I usually ask the homeowner first if they have looked through either the Calm water Pools or Viking Pools websites, and whether they have already decided on size, shape and color, or any of the other options available. Many new buyers need assistance on choosing size, and I'll be happy to help you with this, by asking questions about your family and how you intend to use the pool. For example some families like to have a pool that starts off at 3.5' and gradually goes to 5', this way the family can use the entire pool to play volleyball.

Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing the size of your new pool:

1. Is the pool for your family?
2. How many children do you have, and how old are they?
3. Will you or any of your children use the pool for training purposes?
4. Do you entertain frequently?
5. How large is your yard?

After you decide on a few pools that will work in your yard, I will provide a separate quote for each pool. This includes installation, excavation, 1 hp pump, and a cartridge filter. This one price, with the shipping price will get you a swimming pool. A basic pool, but one that if you are on a budget will give you years of pleasure. You look at your yard differently after the purchase of a Viking pool -- you know have a outdoor family room where your family will spend every warm day in. You will cook, eat, and play, right in your backyard.

Extra Expenses:

Okay, you decided on a pool, and you know what the pool will cost... So what else do you need to know? You want to know the other costs involved. The other costs are: permits, swimming pool,(fence in some counties), electrical work with permit, water truck, certified gas fitter (if you purchase a natural gas heater), a crane if you do not have easy access, and dirt removal. You also have the options, but they are just that -- options. You do not need to have lighted jets of water cascading from the walkway on each side of the pool, but it definitely looks good!

Most companies do not disclose to you all of the extra items that add up, because it could be a little overwhelming. However, I operate as a information person rather than a salesman. I feel it is better to know upfront all of the costs involved. I will discuss with you all of the steps involved in installing a Viking pool, and I will give you the best price on the pool and the options.

Shipping

The largest pool delivered from the Viking Plant to any point in Maryland has never cost the homeowner more than $2800. However, with the price of gas and diesel fuel going up everyday, it is difficult to say how much of that will be reflected in future shipping quotes. 6/20/2008

Electrical

It is very difficult to quote the exact price for the electrical portion of the job, even after I have done numerous installs. Every county is different, and every house is different. For a normal installation, you probably will not spend more than $1500, but you may have to spend more, if, for example you do not have the physical space in your breaker box, then you would need to add a sub panel, etc.

Water

We will need to have a water truck onsite for installation, in order to properly level the pool. We try to coordinate with the water company -- they will deliver one tankard of water right after the pool is delivered, and then be on-call for the second load of water to come when we need it. You can expect to pay up to $800 for water for your pool.

Crane

A site visit from Calm water Pools is highly recommended to check for easy access and for grading and drainage.

We will need at least 20 feet to get your pool into your backyard, otherwise we will need to use a crane to bring it in. We need at least 8 feet to bring in our excavation equipment. Sometimes a person has a large backyard but does not have access to bring a pool in to their backyard. The costs vary for the rental of a crane (3 hour minimum) is usually between $400-$900. The crane company will do a site visit to give exact costs.

Permits

Permit fees vary from county to county, and in some areas, you need a county permit, and a city permit. These permits are usually about $300, minimum. Your county should have all the forms you need on their website. If you belong to a homeowners association you will need their blessings as well. You might also need a tree conservation letter.

Maryland Permit Guidelines

Don't forget to call Miss Utility to let you know if we can dig! 1-(800)-257-7777

Dirt Removal

We excavate a lot of dirt to put in a swimming pool! Where does it all go? We will try to work with you to place it elsewhere on your property. If we place it on the property we provide a rough grade at no additional cost. However, if the homeowner does not have a place to put the dirt, we suggest asking your neighbors or friends if they need some for fill. If all else fails, we will load it on to trucks, and transport the dirt for you to a specific dumping point. It hard to provide a firm number for this, but it could cost at least $700 on up according to the location of the dump.

I would also like to address the issue of dirt in a different light. We make a mess, yes I said it! There is just no way to move two or three large dump trucks of dirt around your yard without the yard getting messy. There is also 30-60 tons of stone that is delivered while we are installing a pool, and this makes a mess on its own.

We do everything we can to clean up afterwards. We will even pressure wash your driveway for you, and the street and the street in front of your neighbors if need be.

Concrete

We do concrete work! Our installers also pour concrete. The price for concrete starts at around $3000. The pool will be bonded and inspected before we pour the concrete.

More information about concrete:
We like to pour a cantilevered edge around the inside of the pool and at least three feet of concrete around the pool. The three feet works well when you are putting on a winter cover. The costs for this varies, according to the square footage, texture and color.

We is use a larger percentage of concrete in the mix (a mix of 4000 psi concrete with pea gravel), so that we can float the concrete, the cream comes to the top and the stones subside. This creates a bull nose surface on the interior of the pool, which allows you and your guests or children to exit the pool at any place and not tear up your skin on the concrete. It's still hard but its smoother than flagstone around the interior of the pool.

Fencing

We will install a temporary fence for you at no charge, if you need to have a fence installed before your permanent fence is installed.

Financing

Calm water Pools does not finance. Here is the payment schedule:

• 1/3 total project cost due at contract signing.
• 1/3 total project cost due after you inspect the pool after it arrives, approve the location of installation, and the initial installation.
• 1/3 total project cost due after you inspect the completed pool, and give the okay that all went well.

Installation:

My installers are very experienced and nothing phases them. They have installed over 1,000 pools up and down the East Coast. They understand that like any other improvement on your house, you are investing a lot of money and you want it done right. They will do it right guaranteed. They will save you money if they can and work very hard to make you happy.

I hope this answers a lot of your questions, but please do not hesitate to call me directly on my cell @ 240-372-4440.

Visit again, I plan on making a lot more changes and adding a lot more information, and if you do not live in Maryland, give me a call anyway, I will refer you to a Viking dealer in your area.

Thank you

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