The CSP Journal

Updates from the work behind the water.

Follow project updates, behind-the-scenes field notes, pool planning insight, and the practical craft that shapes a lasting outdoor space.

Behind the scenes

See the details, field decisions, and build progress that shape the finished space.

Lighting + Sound Gallery

Explore the growing project gallery and return as new work is documented.

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What Actually Drives the Cost of an Inground Pool

A straightforward look at the decisions that move a pool budget, why online price ranges rarely match real projects, and where the money actually goes.

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Planning

What Actually Drives the Cost of an Inground Pool

A straightforward look at the decisions that move a pool budget, why online price ranges rarely match real projects, and where the money actually goes.

Team CSPAug 14, 202611 min read

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Education

Artificial Rock, Explained: Why It Outperforms Stacked Stone

How sculpted rock features are actually built, why they hold up better than placed boulders in our climate, and what separates convincing rock work from the obvious kind.

Team CSPAug 11, 202610 min read

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Planning

The Real Timeline of a Pool Build, Phase by Phase

What each phase of construction actually involves, where the quiet stretches come from, and how to read progress that is not visible from the patio door.

Team CSPAug 8, 202611 min read

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Care

Closing a Pool in the Quad Cities Without Regret in Spring

Why our freeze and thaw cycles punish shortcuts, what a proper close actually protects, and the mistakes that turn into April repair bills.

Team CSPAug 4, 20269 min read

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Behind the Scenes

Why We Built CSP Online Training, and Who It Is Actually For

The reasoning behind putting our full field curriculum online, what the 69 lessons cover, and an honest account of who benefits from it and who does not.

Team CSPJul 30, 202610 min read

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Where we buy

Supplied by Central Pool Supply, Est. 1956

Our pool kits, equipment, and water care come through Central Pool Supply in the Quad Cities, owned by Cole as well. Their team also publishes practical water care and product guidance that pairs well with the build side of the work you read about here.

Visit Central Pool Supply Read the CPS Blog

Moline, IL

1572 36th Ave, Moline, IL 61265

(309) 764-4674

Bettendorf, IA

3286 Middle Road, Suite 2, Bettendorf, IA

(563) 306-4674

Patriot Pool Chemicals

The professional-grade care line we start our pools on, carried exclusively by Central Pool Supply.

Learn about the line