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SSG Pools

4.00(
20
)

SSG Pools

4.00(
20
)
Customers say: Quality work
50 years of experience

SSG, or South Shore Gunite Pools, is New England's largest pool builder. We offer building, renovation and maintenance services to residential and commercial clients throughout New England. Headquartered in North Billerica MA, we have been setting the standard for gunite construction and quality swimming pools since 1975. We are shockingly unique in the way that we build, eliminating the uncertainty of relying upon subcontractors and operating with fully in-house employees. This strategy allows us to take full responsibility for our client's projects.

"I moved into my current home in late 2016 and discovered that Southshore Gunite built the pool and spa back in 1986 when they were located in Hanover, MA, so I got in touch with them when I needed help with the pool in the summer of 2017. We discussed a pool cover, which I ordered, and resurfacing the pool, which I didn't order right away. While waiting for the cover, I realized that I had a sizeable leak (300 gal/day) in the underground pool plumbing and arranged for SSG to come find the leak and fix it. After they didn't confirm I called and was told that they just had too many pools to close, and they couldn't fix my leak this year. They did eventually come and close the pool and install the cover. The cover seems to work; see attached photo. This spring (2018) I wanted to avoid the pool-opening rush, so I called SSG to see when would be the best time to open the pool and find the leaks. The kind woman who spoke to me got back later that afternoon, having talked to her boss, to tell me that (1) they had not built my pool (according to the building permit, Southshore Gunite did build the pool, but probably before records were computerized) (2) they only closed my pool because they expected me to resurface my pool (I guess the $6500 cover does not make me a valuable customer), and (3) they would neither open my pool this year nor help find and fix the leaks. So, I'm looking on Angie's list for pool services. I can only conclude that SSG really only wants to build new pools or resurface old ones and that anything else is a distraction. I'm guessing that they service pools they build because the owners expect it after spending several 10's of thousands of dollars. I may resurface my pool this year or next, but it won't be done by SSG."

GERHARD S on March 2018

SSG, or South Shore Gunite Pools, is New England's largest pool builder. We offer building, renovation and maintenance services to residential and commercial clients throughout New England. Headquartered in North Billerica MA, we have been setting the standard for gunite construction and quality swimming pools since 1975. We are shockingly unique in the way that we build, eliminating the uncertainty of relying upon subcontractors and operating with fully in-house employees. This strategy allows us to take full responsibility for our client's projects.

"I moved into my current home in late 2016 and discovered that Southshore Gunite built the pool and spa back in 1986 when they were located in Hanover, MA, so I got in touch with them when I needed help with the pool in the summer of 2017. We discussed a pool cover, which I ordered, and resurfacing the pool, which I didn't order right away. While waiting for the cover, I realized that I had a sizeable leak (300 gal/day) in the underground pool plumbing and arranged for SSG to come find the leak and fix it. After they didn't confirm I called and was told that they just had too many pools to close, and they couldn't fix my leak this year. They did eventually come and close the pool and install the cover. The cover seems to work; see attached photo. This spring (2018) I wanted to avoid the pool-opening rush, so I called SSG to see when would be the best time to open the pool and find the leaks. The kind woman who spoke to me got back later that afternoon, having talked to her boss, to tell me that (1) they had not built my pool (according to the building permit, Southshore Gunite did build the pool, but probably before records were computerized) (2) they only closed my pool because they expected me to resurface my pool (I guess the $6500 cover does not make me a valuable customer), and (3) they would neither open my pool this year nor help find and fix the leaks. So, I'm looking on Angie's list for pool services. I can only conclude that SSG really only wants to build new pools or resurface old ones and that anything else is a distraction. I'm guessing that they service pools they build because the owners expect it after spending several 10's of thousands of dollars. I may resurface my pool this year or next, but it won't be done by SSG."

GERHARD S on March 2018

Earthquake Retrofitting questions, answered by experts

Depending on where you live, your insurance company may require you to have a seismic shut-off valve. It depends on local regulations along with the specific provider. If it’s not a requirement, many providers will offer a discount if you install an earthquake valve, which can save you 5% or more. Contact your provider to learn about potential savings for your plan.

Even if you invested in the cost of a gas shut-off valve for your oven and other appliances, it’s a good idea to add a seismic shut-off valve as an extra safety measure. 

Gas shut-off valves for appliances are manual, meaning someone has to cut off the flow of gas. This leaves room for error, as you might not be home or might be too distracted to think about gas lines during an earthquake. An earthquake valve is automatic and will protect your home from gas-related disasters in the event of an earthquake.

An earthquake retrofit is essential for safety in an earthquake-prone area. Without proper retrofitting, your home is at risk of sliding off the foundation, shifting, or collapsing.

You may also require a retrofit if your home was built before 1980 when building codes began requiring reinforcing, bracing, and bolting for new construction. You may not be eligible for insurance to help pay for earthquake-related damages without a retrofit.

First, you can expect the project to be loud. If you have pets, you might want to take them to a friend's house during the day so they are not disturbed by any of the loud noises. In addition, you’ll need to provide the retrofit team access to areas of the house that will need to be worked on, meaning you’ll need to relocate personal items, clear clutter, and make pathways for the crew. Once the project is complete, a local building inspector will conduct a final inspection to ensure that the retrofitting is up to code.

Some cities or states may require you to have an earthquake gas shut-off valve. Your insurance provider may also have requirements for installing this valve. Even if you don’t have to have one by law, it’s wise to have a natural gas plumber install one anyway. These devices can be lifesaving and prevent fires or explosions in the event of a gas leak.

The South Berwick, ME homeowners’ guide to earthquake retrofitting services

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