KICK, SPLASH, AAAAH! POOLS SALES ARE UP IN AREA

Steve Price and Kathy Fausett of Majestic Pools set up a new above-ground 27-foot swimming pool. The pool holds 18,000 gallons of water.

"The pool business has been greater in the last two years than any of the 12 years we've been in business," said Ed McCormick of Room Mates.

Loading the kids, chairs, pool toys, extra clothes, towels, snacks and driving across town takes some of the fun out of going for a swim.

What attributes to the increase in sales seems to be the fact that more and more people look for activities the family can do at home.

Above-ground pools remain the best sellers mainly due to pricing. An average size above-ground pool installed will run between $2,500 and $3,000. If you're game enough to install it yourself, you can expect to pay about half. Whichever way you go, standard equipment includes a ladder, pump, filter and cleaning equipment.

Requirements vary from insurance company to insurance company when it comes to insuring your home with a pool. The major concern is for the younger children. Some type of locking entrance or fencing is usually required.

The most popular above-ground pool size is still the 24-foot diameter, 48-inch-high pool. "The 27-foot has really come on in the last couple of years though," added McCormick.

John Amos, customer service manager, for Castings Concrete couldn't agree more.

"I've never seen anything like it," he said. "I think more people are putting in a pool instead of going on vacation." The cost can be about the same, but the pool will be there for use year after year.

Castings' pools are sold on a cash-and-carry basis, but they will be glad to supply buyers with names of contractors who install pools.

Lately, friends seem to help friends with the installation. "Unless there is a great deal of groundwork, the pools are not that difficult to install with a little help," said Amos.

About 20 percent of Castings' pool owners are going to some type of non-chlorine water control. The new products do not have harsh chemical action or smell associated with chlorine.

These new products also require less maintenance, something many find appealing in our fast-paced society.

Chlorine is still less expensive, however. "We put our customers on a maintenance plan and once they get the hang of it, they do fine," said Amos.

"We usually have a sale in August, but we're not going to have enough pools left to worry about this year."

Bill Joiner of Solar Pools credits greater home buying and building by a younger generation of successful workers as one reason for the increase in pool sales.

When selecting the type of pool to install, there are several factors to take into consideration.

Joiner warns that the long-range cost of a pool, as with any product, must be weighed against the initial outlay of money. What might appear to be less expensive in the short term may not remain so in the long run.

Advantages to in-ground pools over above-ground pools are the wide range of shapes and styles available. If you tend to be one of those who likes to completely re-decorate every few years, a good option might be an in-ground pool with a vinyl liner.

"A well-cared-for liner has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years," said Joiner. Replacement time is as little as one day, and by changing the style, the pool will take on an entirely new look.

Mothers with small children have always worried about the safety of little ones around in-ground pools. Earlier covers were solid so that rain, leaves and other debris collected on top turning your backyard into a slippery swamp.

Some of today's covers, such as Loop-Loc covers, are constructed of a fine mesh, which allows water to go into the pool, but are still strong enough to support the weight of an elephant and can be installed and removed in a snap.

Pool maintenance systems have also come a long way in the last few years. Automatic chlorinators and automatic cleaners save hours of work when it comes to maintaining water quality and vacuuming the bottom of the pool. "Just throw the cleaner in the pool, come back two or three hours later and the job is finished," said Joiner.

While the retailers rejoice over pool sales, the number of applications for permits from the city doesn't seem to match.

Not all pools sold remain in the city limits, of course, but by late July only 13 pool permits had been recorded for the year.

Brenda Schloss, administrative secretary for the city's Inspection Services Division, credits a portion of the discrepancy with the fact that some people just don't know they are supposed to obtain a permit.

People doing any type of building or remodeling are supposed to acquire a permit. A pool installation requires a permit if the pool is over 2 feet deep and has some type of water circulation device.

Retailers should keep customers informed on permit requirements. A check with your local city hall will take care of permit questions for your area.