Should You Use a Pool Aerator?

Aeration naturally occurs in a pool when it’s been used by swimmers, or when it rains. So, is it really necessary to use a swimming pool aerator to artificially achieve the same effect?

Here’s an overview of what you should know about pool aeration to help you determine if investing in an aerator is likely to be worthwhile to you.

The process of pool aeration

Pool aeration refers to the process of letting oxygen into the pool water. This is a beneficial process to all pools, especially if you live in a dry climate or have been experiencing particularly warm weather. During the cooler months, when you’re likely to be opening or closing the pool, you’re not as likely to require it.

Here are the primary benefits of using a swimming pool aerator:

  • It raises the pH: Raising the pH level of your pool is important if you need to quickly lower the pool’s alkalinity. This might be necessary if calcium scaling is occurring, for example. In such a situation, you would add muriatic acid to the pool to reduce the pH to between 7.0 and 7.2, then turn on the aerator and infuse the pool with water that has been aerated. This will result in the pH rising, ideally to between 7.2 and 7.6. You may need to repeat this process several times until you get the proper alkalinity (80 to 120 ppm).
  • It cools down the water: When oxygen enters the pool water, it also helps to lower the temperature. If the weather is particularly hot, this can be beneficial, especially if you prefer a cooler pool. In addition, keeping the water on the cooler side will help you extend the life of the chlorine you put in the pool, allowing you to use less chlorine over the pool’s lifetime. This can save you a significant amount of money in the long run.
  • It helps circulation: Aerators shoot streams of water and oxygen into the pool, which helps to freshen the water. If the pool water stays stagnant for a long period of time without influxes of oxygen, you’re more likely to experience problems like algae, which will require you to take more drastic pool cleaning steps.

There are a few ways you can aerate your pool. One is to simply install a dedicated aerator. Usually, this feature will be built into the pool’s deck or coping and be attached to the pump. It will have its own valve, allowing you to adjust the flow coming from the aerator.

If you have a pool water feature, you can also use that as your aerator. Most water features will essentially aerate the pool water.

Deck jets are almost identical to pool aerators, and shoot arches of water into the pool. Misters also work as aerators and can be installed at the water line.

For more information about swimming pool aerators and whether you need to install one for your pool, contact the team at Avanti Pools, Inc. with your questions.

What’s the Best Material to Use Around a Pool?

When you’re having a pool installed, there’s more than just the deep end to consider. In addition to thinking about what goes into the hole you’ll be excavating for the pool—not to mention dreaming of all those summer days you’re about to spend poolside—you need to consider what goes around the pool. There are many pool decking options in Los Angeles, CA that may fit your design, but what about functionality?

From concrete to natural stone to hand-painted tile, there are many different materials to consider for pool decking options in Los Angeles, CA. Here are some of the things to consider when deciding on your pool decking—and which materials may be the best option for a given concern.

Cost

One of the first considerations for many pool installation jobs is cost. Concrete is often the best choice for this concern, as it is an economical and effective pool decking option in Los Angeles, CA. It can be less expensive to pour concrete than to haul in paving units and place them individually by hand. Concrete doesn’t have to be plain looking, either. A pool contractor can apply a design or pattern in the concrete to give a pop of personality and still keep your project on budget.

Safety

Another important thing to consider for your pool decking is safety. Slip resistance is a big factor, especially if there will be kids around the pool. Tile is the least effective material at providing slip resistance, while concrete is the best option here.

There are options available with concrete to improve surface traction as well. Broomed or exposed aggregate finishes can be a safe and attractive option to enhance traction, as can a textured overlay. You can also have a clear, plastic grit mixed into the sealer before it is applied for extra protection against slips and falls.

Design

A pool will naturally look inviting on a hot day, but it should also be aesthetically pleasing when you’re not swimming. As mentioned, there are many design options available with concrete that may fit your budget. It may also be possible to combine materials to take advantage of the aesthetic qualities of another material while still maintaining the safety and cost effectiveness of concrete.

Even a small area with a tile mosaic or natural stone pavers can make a big impact on the look of your pool area. If you have a spa area in your pool design, this might be a good area to splurge on the design budget.

With so many pool decking options out there in Los Angeles, CA, it pays to have an experienced pool contractor who’s available to answer your questions and offer helpful suggestions. 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 efficiently and professionally as possible. Contact us to get started on building the pool of your dreams today. We look forward to working with you!

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!