Diving boards remain a popular accessory for pool owners. They are fun, they can give you what you need to practice diving and they make your pool that much closer to feeling like a public or higher-end pool.
However, as any pool contractor in Los Angeles, CA can tell you, there are also plenty of drawbacks associated with diving boards. If you’re considering adding one to your pool, it’s important that you take all of those drawbacks into consideration to determine if the positives of having one outweigh the negatives.
Here’s a quick overview of some of the reasons why pool owners might be hesitant to add a diving board:
- Safety: The most common concern pool owners have about diving boards is whether or not they’re actually safe for use. Think about it—the people using it are barefoot, bouncing up and down on a wet plank and jumping (often headfirst) into a pool surrounded by concrete. You must consider carefully if the people who are most likely to be using the pool are capable of using the diving board safely. If you have very young children, for example, you’re probably not going to want to install a diving board.
- Increased insurance premiums: When you consider the fact that diving boards come with some significant safety concerns, it should come as no surprise that adding one to your pool could result in your homeowners insurance premiums seeing a significant increase. Adding a pool will already increase your premiums because of the potential added dangers, but adding a diving board will result in an even greater increase, as insurers must weigh the risks of your addition.
- Space requirements: Diving boards require a surprising amount of space. Safety standards indicate there should be at least 38 feet of pool length if you are to have a safe diving zone. This is because diving boards require some significant depth, and you’ll need a certain amount space over which to create that drop-off. The size and depth of a pool with a diving board takes up a lot more real estate, and can also result in significantly increased installation costs.
- Reduced pool space: While a diving board requires more real estate for your pool, it also reduces the amount of usable pool space you’ll have, because any swimmers in the pool will need to keep a certain distance away from the diving board. It also means there will be a smaller area in which swimmers will be able to touch the bottom of the pool with their feet.
- Quality: There are some concerns about the quality of modern diving boards. They don’t have quite the spring of some of the diving boards of years past, which can make them not quite as much fun to use. You’ll need to do some thorough research to find a board that is both safe and enjoyable to use.
If you’re looking for more information about the pros and cons of getting a diving board for your pool, it makes sense to reach out to a pool contractor in Los Angeles, CA with your questions. Contact Avanti Pools, Inc. today to learn more about diving boards and other pool accessories.
When selecting a pool contractor in Los Angeles, CA you are basically giving someone permission to dig a big hole in your yard, disrupt your routines and somehow create a beautiful swimming pool at the end of the process. This demands trust, and finding the right builder for the job is no small task. It can also be intimidating. If you are looking to remodel or build a pool, here are five tips for finding a good contractor:
- Ask around: If a friend or neighbor recently built a pool, ask them who they hired and what they think about them. You may get a glowing recommendation, or at least know who to avoid. Check online reviews on Angie’s List and Yelp. There will always be those reviewers who are never happy about anything, but you want to see what the majority of comments have to say about customer service, timely construction and staying on budget. This will give you a few to evaluate.
- Check licensure and reputation: Reviews and recommendations may not tell the whole story. Ask for references, and be wary of any contractor who claims they do not have any or refuse to give them. Verify insurance and registration so you are covered if anything goes horribly wrong. Check the Better Business Bureau database for any unresolved complaints or a long history of inflated prices and inattentive service. It is also reasonable to inquire about financial stability—you do not want the company going bankrupt and leaving nothing in your yard but a big hole in the ground.
- Secure written estimates: Never rely solely on a verbal estimate. Any estimate you secure from a contractor should be detailed, with reasonable timelines on construction. If you have a budget, the contractor should be able to offer options close to that budget, rather than try to upsell you on features beyond what you can afford. Estimates should also include details pertaining to material and labor costs. Finally, discuss any common circumstances that may affect price or timelines and how the contractor manages them.
- See good communication: Contractors should clearly communicate regarding the quality of their work and how they face challenges. While it is impossible to build a pool without disturbing landscaping, ask about how they manage it—especially if you have an area in your yard that you wish to preserve. Also, ask about how they handle delays or problems—how will they contact you, and how will it be resolved? You want a contractor who informs you before material or labor costs increase or construction takes longer than expected.
- Inquire about safety: During pool construction, there will be a big hole in your yard and equipment staying there overnight. Ask about safety precautions and how your property is kept clean throughout the process. You want a company that pays attention to these details and hauls away debris when the project is done. Confirm their post-construction processes and how they will help you restore your yard to normal.
Avanti Pools, Inc. is a trusted pool contractor in Los Angeles, CA. We offer pool construction services and can add features to your pool, including sanitation systems, self-cleaning technology and automatic pool covers. Contact us today to start designing your dream pool!
Many people avoid building a new pool or remodeling a current one because they are concerned about schedule and budget. It is true that every pool contractor in Los Angeles, CA is busy right now, but that does not mean that your project has to completely disrupt your budget or plans. You only need to know what to expect and plan along with it. Here are five tips for pool installation that proceeds on time and on budget:
- Start with a good contractor: Pools are complex, and even an above-ground pool should be installed by a professional. That means finding the best pool contractor for your project. Check references, both those given by the contractor and those presented online, and confirm bond, registration and insurance status. If a contractor has several reviews mentioning that they finished construction late, failed to communicate or added unexpected fees, be wary—you could become their next victim.
- Comply with local regulations: Excavating for a pool is extensive work, and it can become disruptive to utility lines and fencing. You also need to be sure that your pool does not require additional permits and complies with safety standards. Regulatory violations can delay construction and result in fines. Neither development is good for on-time, on-budget construction, so clarify with your contractor whether they navigate the permit process or if you need to finish that work on your own.
- Communicate with your contractor: If you have landscaping you want left as undisturbed as possible or there are access issues with your yard, discuss that with the contractor when you call to schedule an estimate. Challenging issues can affect your estimate, so it is best to bring them to the forefront early. Otherwise, you may face bad surprises in the form of slower construction, increased costs and the destruction of the beloved landscape you wanted to preserve.
- Design carefully: Even if you have a grand vision, your pool contractor and designer may see things differently. There is a chance that your plan for a pool and your yard, local regulations and lot boundaries are not compatible. If this is the case, follow the advice of your designer to get as close to your desires as possible. Delayed construction often results if plans are not possible or become more expensive than expected. Choosing a design that works for your ideas and your yard is an excellent way to stay within budget and finish on time.
- Plan ahead: When possible, start inquiring with pool builders in early spring. Once summer starts, we become busy very quickly. If you are looking at a summer project, do not plan a large outdoor party two weeks after you book your consultation. Construction will take much more time than that, and you do not want to cancel a party and disappoint guests. Expect the best, but be realistic.
Avanti Pools, Inc. is your trusted pool contractor in Los Angeles, CA. We are here for you, from the design to the final phases of construction. If you seek to build or remodel a pool, contact us today to schedule an estimate.
Are you in the market for a new pool? Maybe you’re getting tired of your traditional chlorine pool, and you’re considering switching things up. Either way, it could be time to explore the benefits of a salt water pool. This increasingly popular alternative to traditional chlorine has a huge number of benefits. Salt water is gentler on your skin and eyes. A salt water pool costs less to maintain over the course of its life. Many homeowners also find saltwater more refreshing to take a dip in and more appealing to the eye.
The function of your salt water pool begins and ends with the salt chlorine generator. For those who might be wondering what a salt chlorine generator in Los Angeles, CA is, we’ve got your answer.
What does a salt chlorine generator do?
You may have heard the term “electrolysis” before as it relates to a stay at a day spa. The term refers to more than just skincare and hair removal, however. Electrolysis is the process by which an electric current passes through a specific substance and causes a chemical change.
In the case of your salt water pool, the salt chlorine generator uses electrolysis to transform dissolved salt into two cleaning agents: gentle hypochlorous acid and sodium hypochlorite. Unlike traditional chlorine pools, your salt chlorine generator releases these sanitizing components on an as-needed basis.
Not to be confused with a salt water filter
What is a salt chlorine generator in Los Angeles, CA? It isn’t a filter. Nevertheless, a salt chlorine generator is confused with the salt water filter. However, that is a separate component altogether. The salt chlorine generator is responsible for making sure there is an appropriate level of salt content in your pool’s water.
What type of salt will my pool use?
Depending on the kind of salt chlorine generator you choose, you could be using one of three types of salt:
- The purest form of salt is mined directly from the ground.
- Solar salt is made from evaporated seawater; the inherent impurities often cause a salt chlorine generator to work harder than usual.
- Mechanically-evaporated salt is made from saltwater heated in a machine (as opposed to dissolved by the sunlight). It is also considered slightly harmful for your salt chlorine generator.
Though that may sound cut and dry, the type of salt you use will depend on the size of your pool and the recommendation made by your contractor.
Get the best in Los Angeles
What is a salt chlorine generator in Los Angeles, CA? You don’t have to know when you enlist the help of the team at Avanti Pools, Inc. We have more than 60 years of combined experience helping clients throughout the Los Angeles area get the most from their summertime fun. Whether you want a salt water pool or you’re interested in a traditional chlorine pool, our talented team can help you make the right choice for your property and your budget.
Installing and maintaining a pool or spa doesn’t get much easier than it does when you’re working alongside Avanti Pools, Inc. Give us a call or visit us online today. We can’t wait to hear from you.
(818) 501-3759