FAQ

115 Savannah Rd., Lewes, DE 19958

(302) 645-1922 Phone

Email: kathy@cleancutpavers.com

Frequently Asked Questions:

*PAVERS*

Why Choose Concrete Pavers?

~ Pavers are the ideal product for freeze-thaw environments. Proper installation results in a pavement that is rigid,

yet flexible. The joints between pavers allow the paver area to move without cracking. Another advantage to using pavers is that they can be "unzipped" to allow for repairs or access to utilities. Pavers are also friendlier to the environment because they allow rainwater to wash down through the joints between them. This returns rainwater back into the environment, reducing runoff contaminants.

How Do The Pavers Interlock?

~ The pavers alone don't interlock. When installed correctly, the combination of the pavers, bedding sand, edge restraint and joint sand causes them to interlock, allowing them to work as a unified, flexible pavement.

What is the separation fabric and how will my job benefit from it?

~ The separation fabric is exactly what it sounds like. It separates the sub-base (compacted soil) from the base (compacted aggregate base) to avoid future settling. This is especially important in areas where soil contains lots of clay and sandy soil. This separation fabric also helps to keep weeds and grass from growing through the pavers. Clean Cut ALWAYS uses separation fabric.

What is the function of the sand setting bed?

~ The sand setting bed is used as a leveling base giving the project a clean uniform look. The sand bed also allows proper drainage. Course concrete sand is used because finer sand will eventually wash out from under the pavers leaving "potholes" in the finished project.

What type of sand is used in the joints?

~ Course concrete sand can be used, but polymeric sand will improve the durability of the job. This sand is swept into the joints and then wetted down. Once the sand dries it becomes very hard, making it resistant to erosion of joints. Using polymeric sand also inhibits weed growth and insect penetration.

Will weeds grow between my pavers?

~ As long as separation fabric was used when the pavers were installed, grass and weeds should not grow up between the pavers. Clean Cut always uses separation fabric. Weeds and grass can result from seeds or spores blowing into and lodging in the joint sand. You can minimize the chances of this happening by directing grass clippings away from your pavers, and making sure to sweep the pavers after mowing the lawn. If weeds do appear, a spot vegetation killer (such as Round-Up) can be used and will not damage the pavers.

How can I remove moss or mold from my pavers?

~ Try Clorox diluted in water (10 parts water to one part Clorox), making sure not to get it on other plant material. Keep in mind that there is nothing that will keep it from growing back, if it's in a shady, damp area. For a more permanent solution, you will need to rectify the moisture and shade problems that are creating the environment where moss and mold occur.

What is the whitish deposit on the surface of my new pavers?

~ This is referred to as Efflorescence, a natural and common occurrence in concrete and brick products. Efflorescence is the result of natural salts in the materials rising to the surface. This is not a defect, and it is not harmful to the pavers. It will usually weather away naturally over the course of a year or so.

What if my pavers become stained or damaged?

~ The great thing about pavers is that individual units or sections can be removed and replaced with new ones, rather than having to re-do the entire job.

Still have questions? We are here to help...

*POOLS*

Why choose a fiberglass pool instead of concrete or vinyl?

~ For well over 50 years, Fiberglass has had an outstanding performance record in the plumbing and boating industries. Fiberglass pools offer the same benefits and features, which is why they are quickly becoming the # 1 choice for in-ground pools. In fact, fiberglass pools are over 15 times stronger than concrete.

~ Plus, it's non-porous surface is easy to clean and maintain, unlike concrete's porous surface. Because it's impervious to algae and bacteria, it greatly reduces the amount of chemicals needed to maintain your pool. Vinyl liner pools and concrete pools allow and promote the growth of algae and bacteria. It has been well documented that vinyl liner pools may need up to 60% more chemicals and concrete, up to 75% more chemicals to maintain favorable water conditions.

~ Taking all of the maintenance costs into consideration for a vinyl or concrete pool, you could save anywhere from $7,000 to $20,000 over the next ten years by going with fiberglass. A vinyl liner, for example, will need to be replaced every 5-7 years, with an average cost of $4,500. The chemicals could cost up to $400 per year and electricity about $300 per year. Comparing that to concrete may be shocking! Acid wash could run about $450 every 3-5 years, a pool cleaning service may cost up to $500 per season, re-plastering could be up to $10,000, with chemicals costing about $750 per year, and electric at $400 per year. Fiberglass has great credentials! After your fiberglass pool is installed, it needs minimal care; costing an average of $175 yearly for chemicals and $200 yearly for electricity!

How does the salt generator work and what are the benefits?

~ Contrary to what many people may think, a salt water pool is a chlorine pool! The way it works is the water in the pool has a low salt content. It's usually around 2500-3200 ppm (parts per million). That is about 1/300th the salinity of a human tear. You cannot taste it, you do not float differently, and it does not burn your eyes. The salt in the pool is converted into a low dose chlorine by electrolysis. After the chlorine has oxidized an organic substance (such as algae, bacteria, etc.) it then reverts back to it's natural state. Salt! That's what chlorine is on the chemistry periodic table - a salt. That is also why regular salt can be turned into chlorine, too. So you have chlorine that recycles itself. That is great! It saves you a huge amount of money in a season. And, it's low constant dose doesn't burn or sting your eyes or skin. Since it is always present, the chance of your pool turning green or cloudy is greatly reduced. Although the initial cost may be more expensive, the cost of running a salt water unit is low. It will take only 2-3 seasons before the unit pays for itself with the money you save in chemicals and electricity. Occasionally you will need to add salt. On average, one bag, about $14, should last for an entire season, after the pool has been initially charged with the proper amount of salt to bring the salinity into range.

How long does the total construction process take?

~ Before COVID-19, we were completing pool projects in approximately 6-8 weeks, including the paver deck and fence. Since COVID-19, there are so many variables with material availability that it could take longer than we expect unfortunately. We always do our best to wrap up projects as soon as possible. Of course, this also depends on the weather.

What is included in your turn-key package?

~ Our turn-key package means no headaches for you! We take care of it all - installing the swimming pool & filling it with water, installing a pool deck, plumbing hook-ups, electrical wiring, installing a fence, and re-seeding as needed. As a final step, we will make sure your water is balanced & your pool is clean, and we will show you how to operate the equipment.

What type of warranty is on my pool?

~ Clean Cut Pavers and Pools, LLC unconditionally guarantees your residential Fiberglass pool installation against any defects in workmanship for two full years. We will repair or replace any defect in workmanship without charge to the customer. To see what kind of warranty each manufacturer offers on the pool shell itself, check out the manufacturer's website.

How does the pool get into my back yard?

~ The pool is delivered to your house on a flatbed trailer. It is then lifted off the trailer with a crane and set into place. We will go between houses and garages or sheds, we will even go over your house, if necessary. Where there's a will there's a way!

How tall does my fence have to be?

~ Your fence has to be a minimum of 4 ft. tall with all gates swinging outward.

Can a fiberglass pool pop-up out of the ground?

~ As long as your pool remains filled with water, it will never pop up, if installed correctly.

What is used to back-fill the fiberglass pool?

~ Number 8 stone is used to back-fill around the pool. This is clean stone that self compacts to 97%.

What type of plumbing pipe is used?

~ Schedule 40 hard PVC pipe is all we use - No flex pipe is ever used.

Can I still have an in-ground pool if I live on the water?

~ Yes! We will install a de-watering system if we hit water when digging.

Can I add a pool heater to my project?

~ Absolutely! Adding a heater will extend your swimming season into the cooler months. We offer electric, gas, or propane. The decision is yours.

What pool accessories and options should I consider?

~ The possibilities are endless! We can add some bling to your pool by adding a waterfall, jumping boulder, tanning ledge (or kiddy pool), deck jets, colored lights (that you can control with your iPhone), a robotic cleaner, or a hot tub that spills over into the pool! If you can dream it, we can build it!

Can I finance the cost of my pool project?

~ Although we do not offer financing ourselves, several of our customers have worked with 2 great financing companies in the past. They both offer a variety of pool loan programs and they are very easy to work with. Neither of these financing companies is affiliated in any way with Clean Cut. For more information click here:

Still have questions about pools? Call Doug Arcos directly at (302)258-7662. He will be more than happy to provide the answers you are looking for. Or send us a message by clicking below: