Why Installing a Pool Takes Longer Than You Might Think

Getting a pool installed is a great way to turn your home into a fun place to take a “staycation.” But you should be aware that it will not be an overnight process. It may take weeks or even months before you’re able to take a dip in your new pool. But don’t blame the swimming pool contractor in Los Angeles, CA—there are many reasons why it may take longer than you think to get a pool installed.

The reasons for the delays in getting a pool installed vary greatly. Installing a pool is a major construction project to begin with, and it takes a good amount of time even under the best circumstances. From the permit process to safety regulations to equipment issues, here are some reasons why it may take longer than you think.

Permit process

Getting a permit for any kind of construction in a big city can take a long time, and there is no magic wand a swimming pool contractor in Los Angeles, CA can wave to make things go any faster. Add to this the stresses and delays caused by the pandemic, and it may take longer than normal to even begin construction of any kind. Currently, depending on the city you live in, the permitting process can take two to four months to wade through, thanks to COVID-19.

Planning and design

The planning and design phase of the pool installation process can be exciting for a homeowner, but it also takes time. There are many things to consider in this step of the process, including budget, size, features and custom details. While much of this may be discussed while you wait for permit approval, there may be some aspects that need to be finalized with approval from the city before moving forward with further planning.

Pool construction

Once the permit process and design phase of your dream pool are complete, the actual construction can begin. This also takes a fair amount of time because of the many steps involved.

First, the swimming pool contractor in Los Angeles, CA must dig the hole for your pool; then it must be filled either with cement or a fiberglass shell. All of this also requires heavy machinery, as well as access to the construction area, which requires a lot of prep work. The good news is, once it begins, the actual construction process will seem like it takes no time at all compared to the wait of the permit process.

If you’re looking to get a pool installed in your home, an experienced swimming pool contractor in Los Angeles, CA will know how to avoid some common delays to get the job done as fast as possible. With more than 20 years of experience designing and installing pools—including over 60 years of combined experience on staff—Avanti Pools, Inc. is your best bet to get a pool installed as quickly as possible. Contact us to get started on building the staycation pool lounge of your dreams today.

Everything There Is to Know About Rain Curtains

Whether the sound is coming from a waterfall or a rainstorm, it’s tough to beat the sound of falling water. What if we told you that you could experience that same soothing sound every time you take a swim in your backyard pool? It might sound crazy, but it’s true!

A rain curtain is a water feature that creates the illusion of a water wall by having a stream of continually flowing water in your pool. Continue reading to learn what every pool owner in Los Angeles, CA should know about rain curtains and how they can improve your pool setup.

Benefits of rain curtains

Pool owners wouldn’t install rain curtains if they didn’t have any perks. Here are a few reasons to consider adding a rain curtain to your pool:

What shapes, styles and sizes are available?

Another cool thing about rain curtains is that they come in all different shapes and styles. Rain curtains in Los Angeles, CA can either be linear, curved or installed as a unique maze. Rain curtains are often designed to look like waterfalls against a wall and feature decorative lighting, but those decisions are obviously up to the homeowner.

The size of your rain curtain depends on your budget but also the amount of space you have in your pool. Your rain curtain could run the entire length of your pool, but that will be a more expensive installation.

A professional pool designer can help create a rain curtain that fits your personal preference and your budget.

Where does the water go?

Inquisitive minds often want to know where the water goes once it falls into the pool. Rain curtains are designed as a closed-loop system; once the water drops into the pool, it’s collected and pumped to the top of the curtain once again.

Because rain curtains are splash-free water features, you’ll never have to worry about water getting lost by splashing out onto the pool deck.

Install your rain curtain feature today

Ensure your pool is ready for the summer by adding a rain curtain as soon as possible. The team at Avanti Pools, Inc. specializes in installing all sorts of pool features, including rain curtains in Los Angeles, CA. Give us a call today to get a quote or to learn about all of the ways we can enhance your pool.

What You Should Know About Cocktail Pools

When many people think of an in-ground pool, a large pool with a big concrete pool deck comes to mind. But that doesn’t have to be the case! Cocktail pools—also known as compact pools—are typically less than 400 square feet and are very trendy right now in the pool community. Continue reading to learn a little bit more about unique cocktail pools in Los Angeles, CA.

Who can benefit from a cocktail pool?

Technically, any customer could benefit from installing a cocktail pool in their yard, but cocktail pools are more suited for some of our clients than others.

Homeowners with limited backyard space are ideal candidates for a new cocktail pool. Because they’re so small, the pool can fit perfectly in the yard while still allowing room for a patio or other entertainment space.

Cocktail pools are also ideal for folks who just want to take a dip to cool off once in a while. These clients are typically older homeowners who don’t have kids that want to spend hours swimming and playing in the water.

How much does a cocktail pool cost?

Because they’re a fraction of the size of a regular pool, it stands to reason that cocktail pools can be installed at a fraction of the price. In fact, you can install a cocktail pool for as little as $5,000 if you perform some of the labor yourself and use cheaper materials. But on average, a cocktail pool costs about $25,000 all in.

That price tag may seem high for some folks, but it’s worth noting that a full-size in-ground pool starts at about $50,000, so a cocktail pool is also an excellent investment for anyone looking to go for a swim on a budget.

How can I elevate a cocktail pool?

Nobody said cocktail pools in Los Angeles, CA have to be boring, little dipping pools. Here are a few ways you can upgrade your pool without breaking the bank:

Start designing your cocktail pool today

Beat the heat this summer by putting in a cocktail pool. At Avanti Pools, Inc., we specialize in installing all sorts of pools, from Olympic-sized pools to cocktail pools in Los Angeles, CA. Give us a call today to start planning your new pool—we look forward to working with you!

What You Need to Know About Using Built-in Seating in Your Pool Design

Have you been thinking about installing a new swimming pool or remodeling your current one? While many homeowners get excited about the major features of a pool, including shape, size and depth, it’s the details that turn a standard backyard pool from something ordinary into an outstanding feature for any outdoor space. Built-in seating is just one of these special details that can truly enhance your Los Angeles, CA swimming pool. Here’s what you need to know about how to integrate this feature into the design of your pool space.

What types of built-in seating are typically installed?

Whether you’re installing a new pool completely from scratch or renovating your current pool in Los Angeles, CA, it’s not hard to incorporate built-in seating into the design. Built-in features are typically made from poured concrete. A form is made to the desired shape, and gunite or shotcrete are poured to fill the form and make a permanent feature that you and your guests can enjoy. Here are some typical built-in seating configurations for swimming pools:

What other features can you integrate into your built-in seating?

Many Los Angeles, CA pool owners incorporate an in-pool dining table when they install built-in seating. It’s a great way to stay cool while you and your family and friends enjoy a delicious meal or refreshing drinks. Plan ahead for how many people you’d like to accommodate and work with your pool builder to integrate the seating seamlessly with the design of the pool.

You should also consider creative ways to light your seating areas. Talk with your pool installation professional about indirect lighting to give the seating spaces a soft glow that adds to the ambience of the space without shining in your eyes.

Built-in seating makes your pool in Los Angeles, CA a more attractive and inviting place to spend time with family and friends. Whether you’re deciding to renovate an existing pool or install a brand-new one, get the advice of a design expert to make the most of this luxurious backyard feature. Contact Avanti Pools, Inc. today to learn more about these and other exciting pool design features and upgrades.

What You Need to Know About Smart Pool Lighting

Lighting can set the mood for any space around the house, both indoors and outdoors. If you’re making improvements to your swimming pool or building a new one from the ground up, don’t forget to add some thoughtfully designed lighting features. Not only does the right lighting provide you with a safer environment, but it also enhances the look of your pool and the surrounding landscape as a whole.

Outdoor lighting has come a long way in recent years, with smart pool lighting options becoming a standard feature in many new pools in Los Angeles, CA. Here’s how smart pool lighting can enhance your swimming experience.

Smart lighting makes it easy to control a variety of fixtures in and around the pool

With the right smart pool lighting strategy, you can make sure your entire outdoor space in Los Angeles, CA is safe for use after dark. In the past, pool contractors typically only installed one light at the deepest part of the pool. Today’s pool owners know that when it comes to lighting this special feature, the brighter the better. Depending on the size of your pool, you should add at least three or four fixtures to give it the most stunning look.

You’ll also want to have plenty of lighting fixtures outside of the pool. Light up the pool deck or other hardscape surfaces so you and your guests can safely navigate these areas after dark, and consider highlighting other features in the yard like landscaping. When the fixtures are part of a smart lighting system, they can be conveniently controlled from a phone or computer—you don’t even need to be on the property to turn the lights off or on.

Smart lighting helps you save on your energy bills

Since you can control a smart lighting system no matter where you are in the world, you can make sure the lights are on only when they need to be. As part of your smart lighting system installation, make sure to install fixtures that use LED bulbs. They produce the brightest light, but need to be strategically placed to highlight the pool instead of shining directly in your eyes. Rely on a pool lighting technician to suggest the best placement for your fixtures.

Smart lighting can be part of larger smart systems with more features

One of the great aspects of smart pool lighting is that it can be integrated with other smart features that increase the enjoyment of your entire outdoor space. With smart systems, it’s all about convenience. At the push of a button, you can control the lighting, sound system, security system and so much more to give you complete peace of mind and total relaxation in your outdoor space.

A refreshing swimming pool enhances your life in Los Angeles, CA, and the right smart pool lighting strategy can make your entire outdoor space an even more inviting place to be. A professional pool contractor can ensure that your lights are not only up to code, but also positioned to highlight the unique features of the pool and its surrounding landscape. Contact Avanti Pools, Inc. today to bring your pool to life with high-quality smart lighting.