You have a beautiful pool that your whole family loves to use. You’ve put countless hours into making sure your pool is perfect and enjoyable for everyone. What goes around the pool can be just as important, including the deck, the pool furniture and even the trees. Trees provide shade and can make this key outdoor space even more attractive.
That said, there are several factors you’ll want to consider before adding trees around your pool. For example, you don’t want a tree that will drop too many leaves, has roots that will clog plumbing or doesn’t match your style. Read on to find out about recommended trees for landscaping around pools in Los Angeles, CA.
Japanese maple
These trees are native to Japan and Korea and are considered to be large shrubs or small trees. These slow-growing trees do not often reach higher than 20 feet. People love their bright colors, hanging leaves and delicate shape. These grow best when planted in sheltered conditions and do not respond well to wind. They do need plenty of water that will help with keeping the soil moist.
Palms
For tropical and sub-tropical climates, palms are an ideal choice because their roots grow straight down into the ground. They’re also a good fit for those looking for a privacy screen, and they come in a number of varieties. They only need to be watered rarely, which can be a benefit in California.
Citrus trees
These trees come in varieties like tangerine, lime, lemon, orange and grapefruit. These are bound to add a welcome pop of color and uniqueness to any pool or patio space. Plus, you can enjoy the fruit that grows on these trees! They prefer full sun and are able to tolerate many different soil conditions.
Hinoki cypress
These dark evergreen trees are also called false cypresses, and may grow up to 75 feet tall. Those used in landscaping may range anywhere from as short as two feet to as tall as 25 feet. They prefer slightly acidic soil, so you may need to add acid fertilizer.
Fruitless olive trees
These trees are native to the Mediterranean region and have soft foliage similar to a willow tree. Olive trees will grow slowly to 25 or 30 feet in full sun. These trees have the ability to grow in droughts once established, though they require plenty of water in their first year.
We hope you found this guide to recommended trees for landscaping around pools in Los Angeles, CA helpful. For more than two decades, Avanti Pools, Inc. has proudly been your locally owned and operated source for premier custom-designed pools and spas, serving Los Angeles and the surrounding areas with unparalleled quality and service.
Our expert staff members are all A.P.S.I. certified professional pool builders and hold over 60 years of combined experience, specializing in swimming pool and spa design and construction, automatic pool and spa covers, solar heating, self-cleaning pools and much more. Get in touch by calling us at 818-501-3759, or by visiting our Contact Us page.
Not all backyards are perfectly level, especially if you live on a hill. Can you still build a pool on a slope in Los Angeles, CA? Luckily, the answer is a resounding yes: although there are some challenges involved, it’s completely possible. Here are some of the solutions that make it possible to build a pool on a slope or hill—and some of the features you can build to make it a truly spectacular backyard space.
Slope solutions
There are two main ways to build a pool on a slope: adding terracing or retaining walls. Terracing involves adding several retaining walls down the hill, leveling off each area for a flat surface. This creates an effect like giant steps, which you can fill with different garden sections as well as your brand-new pool. It’s an excellent way to clear space for a pool and create visual interest, but it’s also a practical solution. Each of these “steps” helps prevent erosion and runoff.
When you use terracing, you can place your pool on any of the levels. The retaining walls help capture any rain and direct it to the garden levels, although proper drainage is key to achieving that goal.
You can also opt to add just one retaining wall, which offers similar grading results. Depending on where the retaining wall is, it can serve as a way to protect your pool from runoff and erosion and provide extra seating areas. This doesn’t have quite the same dramatic visual effect as terracing, but it’s an effective way to prepare a sloping backyard for a pool.
When it comes to drainage, you’ll need to ensure that water runoff is directed far away from your pool. Your pool contractor will help you design a solution that protects your pool and backyard while being as visually unobtrusive as possible.
Take advantage of your slope by adding these unique features
Now that you know it’s possible to build a pool on a slope in Los Angeles, CA, you can start thinking about how to take advantage of your natural backyard features. Slopes provide some unique opportunities for a variety of features.
First, you can make your pool an infinity pool. This gives the appearance that the pool just drops off at the edge—the water runs over a glass wall into a collection area below. This type of pool is especially popular if your slope provides a beautiful view.
Multi-level patios are another great solution made possible by slopes. Instead of a terraced garden, you can create the ultimate entertaining space—or add both for even more incredible impact.
Finally, you might consider adding a swim-up bar, especially if you plan to do a lot of entertaining in your backyard. Your guests will love the novelty and relaxation that comes with this particular feature.
Whatever you choose, working with a great pool contractor is a must. Get in touch with Avanti Pools, Inc. to discuss your options today. We’d love to schedule a consultation to talk about your pool ideas!
If you have a pool, keeping your family and guests safe should be your top priority. Pools are a great way to relax, exercise, entertain and more, but you can’t keep an eye on everyone all the time. Each year, hundreds of children drown or have to visit the emergency room due to pool accidents. That’s why the California Health and Safety Code has specific provisions for pool fencing in Los Angeles, CA. When you plan to build a pool, or buy a home with one, it’s important to make sure it has the appropriate safety features.
California pool safety laws
California Health and Safety Code 115920-115929, also known as the Swimming Pool Safety Act, provides that if you have a pool (defined as a structure for swimming or recreational bathing with water more than 18 inches deep), it needs certain safety features. The laws apply to pools, hot tubs, spas and non-portable wading pools.
Section 11592 dictates that when you get a building permit to build or renovate a pool for a single-family home, you need to protect the pool. That includes the following:
“An enclosure that meets the requirements of Section 115923 and isolates the swimming pool or spa from the private single-family home.”
Removable mesh fencing, which meets American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Specifications F2286. It also needs a self-closing, self-latching gate with a key lockable device.
An approved safety pool cover.
Exit alarms on the home doors if they provide direct access to the pool or spa. They can either use an alarm noise or a verbal warning.
“A self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism placed no lower than 54 inches above the floor” on any doors that lead directly to the pool or spa.
An alarm inside the pool that will sound if someone accidentally falls in (or goes in without your authorization). It needs to conform to “ASTM Standard F2208 “Standard Safety Specification for Residential Pool Alarms,” which includes surface motion, pressure, sonar, laser and infrared type alarms.”
Another way to protect the pool, if the protection is equal to or greater than those above and meets the appropriate safety testing standards.
If your plans include safety features that meet the standards above, your permit will be approved.
The Act also guides homeowners about the type of enclosures that are permitted. For example, they need to be at least 60 inches (five feet) tall, and can’t have any sort of gaps or footholds that make it easy for children to slip through or climb over. If there are any gaps in the fence (such as between slats), they can’t be more than four inches in diameter, and the fence can only be two inches above the ground.
It might seem like a lot of rules, but when you break it down, it’s just codified common sense.
When you’re ready to build a pool (complete with pool fencing and safety features) in Los Angeles, CA, call Avanti Pools, Inc.
If you’re thinking about building a new pool in Los Angeles, CA, or resurfacing one you already own, you should consider a Pebble Tec pool finish for your pool interior. While classic plaster remains a popular choice, this newer material is far more beautiful, longer lasting and easier to maintain.
Anyone can have a regular white plaster pool, but if you want to turn your backyard into a soothing oasis, adding a Pebble Tec interior can dramatically transform the look. Here’s why people love Pebble Tec, and how long you can expect it to last in your Los Angeles, CA pool.
What is Pebble Tec?
Pebble Tec pool interiors use small pebbles, aggregated with a specially formulated plaster. The pebbles form the majority of the surface, so you mostly see the smooth rocks. When your pool is filled, it gives the look (and feeling) of walking through a crystal-clear riverbed.
Here’s why people love Pebble Tec for their pool surfaces:
Aesthetically pleasing: Combining a Pebble Tec pool interior with a modern pool design makes for a show-stopping look. While traditional plaster can be custom-colored, it doesn’t have the same natural beauty that real pebbles do. Whichever color and style you choose, the natural rock will highlight the design and color choice.
Plenty of style choices: Pebble Tec comes in multiple finishes and colors, including Pebble Sheen, Pebble Fina and Pebble Brilliance. For a smoother surface, choose a finish with smaller pebbles. You can also get color finishes ranging from tan to blue-green.
Durable: Pebble Tec finishes are designed to last over 20 years when properly maintained, even when they’re exposed to harsh pool chemicals like chlorine. Most Pebble Tec finishes come with a lifetime warranty, so you can expect beauty and quality for decades to come.
How long will the finish last compared to plaster?
If you already own a plaster pool, you’re probably familiar with its challenges. Staining, discoloration, cracks, crumbling and bacteria are all too common. Caring for a plaster pool takes a lot more time and effort (and chemicals) than when you have a Pebble Tec finish. Furthermore, you’ll need to have your plaster pool resurfaced about once every five years. It’s hardly what anyone wants to be doing when the temperatures finally get warm enough for swimming.
Pebble Tec finishes, on the other hand, last for over 20 years in Los Angeles, CA. As long as you keep up on your maintenance, you won’t need resurfacing or repair like you might with plaster interiors. The result is a beautiful, easy-to-maintain interior with natural stone. While Pebble Tec is more expensive than traditional plaster surfaces, saving on maintenance time, pool chemicals and regular resurfacing can make up for the cost difference.
Not sure if Pebble Tec is right for your pool in Los Angeles, CA? Avanti Pools, Inc. has been in the pool business since 1999. Give us a call today to talk about your options, get a quote and learn more about Pebble Tec’s beauty and longevity.
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.
(818) 501-3759