Are you thinking about building a new pool in your backyard, or resurfacing the one you already have? Deciding on a surface material is an important part of your pool construction. Whether you pick plaster or Pebble Tec in Los Angeles, CA, knowing what each material has to offer is key. Your choice will affect durability, cost and maintenance. Read on to learn more about plaster and Pebble Tec so you can make an informed decision.
Plaster
Plaster has been the most common type of pool interior since the 1960s. As long as you keep it properly maintained, it’s durable, long lasting and attractive. Plaster can be standard white, which gives your pool an attractive aqua color, or you can choose colored plaster for a custom look. Plaster interiors last about 10 years when well maintained, and it’s a much more economical choice for most families.
However, plaster has some drawbacks, too. It requires more maintenance than Pebble Tec, and is particularly susceptible to stains or discoloration. Plaster can harbor bacteria if it’s not properly cared for, and you may notice cracks and crumbling. You’ll need to use more chemicals with a plaster surface than you might with a Pebble Tec surface.
Ultimately, if you don’t mind a little extra maintenance and chemicals, plaster is a solid choice that should provide you with years of enjoyment before it needs to be resurfaced.
Pebble Tec
Pebble Tec interiors are an upgrade from plaster. Small pebbles are aggregated with cement to form a beautiful, durable surface that looks like the bottom of a riverbed. It comes in different styles and colors, ranging from tan to blue-green, so you can get a custom finish for your pool.
Pebble Tec is much longer lasting than plaster, when well maintained. Since the surface is slightly uneven, the pebbles hide chemical residue and discoloration much better than plaster can. This surfacing material has been gaining popularity over the last 20 years for that very reason.
There are a few drawbacks, however. Pebble Tec is more expensive than plaster, so if you’re simply looking for a cosmetic upgrade, you might want to opt for custom plaster. Furthermore, since it’s made with pebbles, it’s rougher on your feet than traditional plaster. However, there are some finishes that use smaller pebbles, which provide a smoother surface.
If you want to cut down on your maintenance and pool chemicals for a more attractive, long lasting and durable pool interior, Pebble Tec is the way to go. While it costs more, you’ll save time on maintenance and money on pool chemicals.
Not sure which finish is right for your backyard pool? Talk to the experts at Avanti Pools, Inc. about your choices. We can help you compare costs, maintenance and longevity so you can make an informed decision. Avanti Pools, Inc. has been creating, resurfacing and helping maintain and redesign pools since 1999. Give us a call today to learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of choosing plaster vs. Pebble Tec in Los Angeles, CA.
If you’ve started to look into adding a pool to your property, then you’ve likely been in touch with several contractors searching out estimates for the cost of installation. You’ve given them all the same general idea of what you’re looking for, but all of them come back with wildly different numbers. How does this happen, and why?
Pool construction cost estimates vary so much in Los Angeles, CA for several different reasons, and it’s important to understand them before choosing a contractor. Going into any process like this with a thorough understanding of where the numbers come from will always help you make a better decision.
Lower isn’t always better
When you’re looking at contractors, the temptation can be to jump on the lowest bid. After all, since you gave them all the same job requirements, they’ll all approach them the same way, right?
Unfortunately, this is not how construction works. Firms use different estimating methods, different qualities of materials and different types of labor. All of these can greatly impact an estimated cost. Plus, if you get a bid that’s significantly lower than all the others, that could indicate you’re working with a firm that comes in artificially low but then has “cost overruns” over the course of the project that cause the price tag to balloon.
Differences in quality matter
As mentioned above, different contractors use different types of materials, which helps explain why pool construction cost estimates vary so much in Los Angeles, CA. The concrete that’s poured, for example, can differ greatly in quality, setting time and durability. Different companies might also use different brands for the lights under the water, which can come with drastically different price tags attached. It’s best to ask your contractor as many questions as you can during the estimating phase to be sure you understand where their numbers are coming from.
How you can verify costs
To make sure you’re receiving fair prices on pool quotes, it can be a good idea to ask the different contractors for references. Any contractor that hesitates or refuses to do this is probably one that you can easily cross off of your list. Additionally, speaking to references can give you a much better idea of the quality and durability of their workmanship. If a more expensive bid produced exemplary work that former clients are thrilled with, then it could still make an awful lot of sense to go with a firm whose work you know will please you.
Pool construction costs vary so much in Los Angeles, CA because pool contractors and their quality of work vary just as greatly. Building a new pool is a sizable endeavor, so you’ll be well-served by doing it right the first time. Take the time to speak with all of the different contractors and make sure you get a better idea of their process and their past work. The team at Avanti Pools, Inc. would be happy to discuss all of this info with you—give us a call today!
If you just spent more time at home this summer than you originally expected, we can’t blame you for starting to explore the possibility of installing a pool. Having a pool in the backyard can really make summer afternoons and evenings a joy with the entire family, but a lot of people aren’t sure where to start. There are so many options out there, including entirely custom construction—how can you begin to choose?
Fortunately, a custom pool in Los Angeles, CA doesn’t have to cost as much as you might imagine. We have a variety of options for customers at all different price points, so read on for how we determine the cost of a custom job.
Average costs by materials
As a rough rule of thumb, you can estimate that a custom in-ground pool is going to cost you around $50 per square foot—this is operating on the assumption that you’re using materials like concrete or gunite. These pools can be made in any style, size or shape that you like, but they can get pricy with the more bells and whistles you add.
However, prices can quickly drop even further if you start exploring different construction materials. If you opt for a more conventionally-shaped pool in a material like fiberglass, you could be looking at more like $15,000 to $25,000. If you choose to go with a vinyl-lined option, it might cost as little as $1,500 to $5,000.
Layout changes
Working to plan a custom pool means making a number of choices about what it will look like. You have complete control over variables like its depth, its lighting, its coping (the concrete around the edges) and of course its size. In many cases, you can pick some upgrades that will fit what you’re looking for in a pool.
For example, we can upgrade the traditional incandescent lights to versatile and eco-friendly LED ones. All of these factors can change how much a custom pool costs in Los Angeles, CA, and our team can explain to you exactly how they can fit into your budget.
Add-on options
Another factor that changes how much a custom pool costs in Los Angeles, CA is the myriad of options you can add to the pool and its surroundings. Adding something splashy like a water feature can really make your pool a conversation piece, but you should be prepared to pay a bit more for it. We also frequently install spas for our clients to complement their pools, and realistic rocks installed around the sides of the pool can give it a naturalistic look that many people find very appealing. If you have children, you might also want to consider adding a larger diving board or a water slide—these will ensure hours of family summer fun.
Installing a custom pool doesn’t have to be an expensive proposition. Our team at Avanti Pools, Inc. can craft a plan that will fit any family’s vision and budget, and we’ve found that customers can traditionally afford more options than they might have expected. Don’t hesitate—give us a call today, and let’s get started on turning your backyard into a swimming and splashing paradise!
A swimming pool can be a fantastic addition to any property. Whether you have a small pool that you use for daily exercise and relaxation, or you have a large pool that’s used for recreation and entertaining your family and friends, you want your investment to look great. One of the best ways to improve the appearance of your pool, and your property in general, is investing some time into pool landscaping in Los Angeles, CA. Keep reading for some inspiration for pool landscaping, fire features and other ways to improve your pool and your property.
Ideas for swimming pool design and features
Every property is different, so there’s no need to base the look of your pool area off a cookie-cutter design concept. However, it can be helpful for homeowners to get some inspiration from others who have spent a lot of time on beautiful and functional swimming pool area design. Finding out more about what others have done can help you develop a vision for what you’d like your pool area to look like. Here are some of the most popular pool additions and design ideas:
New lighting: Lighting can make all the difference when it comes to the look and atmosphere of your swimming pool and the space around it. It can be used to highlight landscaping features as well as water features. LED lighting is a great option because it offers color-changing and dimming capabilities, and it lasts a very long time. In addition, smart pool lighting systems can save you money on your monthly energy bill by shutting off automatically at certain times of the day.
Custom pool landscaping: Without the right landscape design, your swimming pool might seem out of place in your backyard. Custom pool landscaping can transform the look of your space and make it look much more aesthetically appealing. With manicured landscaping, shade trees and beautiful bushes, your pool area can be made into a backyard oasis with plenty of space for outdoor relaxation and recreation.
Fire features: If you’re looking for an even more unique design feature for your swimming pool area, consider installing fire features. Fire pits, outdoor fireplaces and fire tables can offer countless aesthetic and functional benefits. On cold nights, they allow you and your family and guests to enjoy your outdoor area while staying warm. In addition, fire features look great in pool areas. The contrast between fire and water is a visually striking way to highlight your pool and create a stylish and aesthetically appealing swimming pool area.
Get help with pool landscaping in Los Angeles, CA
For professional assistance with pool construction and landscaping in Los Angeles, CA, reach out to Avanti Pools, Inc. We have been designing and building custom swimming pools in the area since 1999, and we are proud to be a premier provider of pool building services. Whether you’re looking for some creative additions or features for an existing pool or are interested in start-to-finish pool design and construction services, our team is here to make your vision into a reality. Give us a call today to get started with a consultation.
Investing in a swimming pool is always exciting, but there are lots of choices to be made when it comes to design, dimensions and features. With so many different pool designs out there, you might be unsure which kinds of features are most important to you. Thankfully, learning about some popular pool features, including smart pool lighting in Los Angeles, CA, can help you put together the right design for your needs, preferences and budget. Keep reading to learn more about smart pool lighting and why this feature is such a good investment.
All about smart pool lighting
LED lights have revolutionized pool design. These lights are brighter and more powerful than traditional incandescent bulbs, and they are far more efficient and longer lasting. This allows property owners to illuminate swimming pools more effectively without spending nearly as much money on bulb replacement and energy.
LED smart pool lighting in Los Angeles, CA offers all kinds of benefits for property owners. Here are a few of the most significant advantages of installing LED smart pool lighting:
Greater efficiency: One of the most well-known benefits of LED lighting is that it is far more efficient than incandescent lighting. It uses energy very efficiently to produce powerful illumination without running up energy costs or requiring frequent replacement. LED smart pool lighting in Los Angeles, CA can be set to shut off using a timer system or based on how light it is outside, which improves efficiency even more and keeps energy waste to a minimum.
Better lighting: Another benefit of LED lighting is that it’s more powerful than incandescent bulbs. LED lighting is stronger and provides more effective illumination, especially underwater. Not only does this make your pool look more appealing at night, but it also improves safety by ensuring that all your guests have clear visibility of your pool when they’re walking around the pool area when it’s dark outside.
Color versatility: In addition to the functionality and efficiency of LED lighting, there are also some design benefits. LED lighting can be set to change colors, creating a beautiful atmosphere in your pool area. Whether you have a single color setting or you set your lights to filter through various colors in a pattern, there are lots of options for color versatility and aesthetic creativity when programming LED smart lighting.
Increased longevity and durability: Switching out pool lighting and bulbs can be a hassle, not to mention expensive, so it’s important to choose lighting options that will last a long time and hold up to consistent use in many different conditions. LED lighting is known for its longevity and durability.
Smart pool lighting in Los Angeles, CA
Get help with the perfect pool design and best pool features, including smart pool lighting in Los Angeles, CA, by reaching out to Avanti Pools, Inc. With our decades of experience providing custom pool design and construction services, you can rely on our team to make your vision for your swimming pool a reality. Browse our website to check out some of our best work and give us a call to get started with a consultation!
(818) 501-3759