When California residents begin to think about installing a pool, they often imagine themselves spending their weekends relaxing poolside with a drink in hand. But as any longtime pool owner will tell you, owning a pool isn’t all fun and games. A pool requires regular maintenance and cleaning in order to stay safe and enjoyable, and new pool owners often underestimate the time and effort required to keep their pool looking its best.
There are several options for pool maintenance: you can do the work yourself, hire a regular pool cleaning contractor, purchase a robot cleaner or invest in a self-cleaning pool. A lot of people find that keeping up with pool maintenance themselves is like a part-time job, but hiring someone can get expensive and you still have to do a lot of work in between cleanings. Having a device to clean your pool is ideal, but which system is best? If you’re looking to invest in new pool construction in Los Angeles, CA, going with a self-cleaning pool is your best option, and here’s why.
Hassle-free
Pool owners think that a robot cleaner offers a hassle-free solution for keeping their pool clean. The reality is that you have to haul your robot cleaner to the pool, put it in for about three hours and then lug it back into storage. In between cleaning times, your robot cleaner requires maintenance of its own. A self-cleaning pool, however, is always there and constantly cleaning your pool all on its own, so it’s literally an out-of-sight, out-of-mind solution.
A full-circle clean
Unlike a robot cleaner, a self-cleaning pool cleans your whole pool continually from top to bottom. The multiple jets force dirt and debris to the deep end of the pool, where your pool pump sucks them into the drain and disposes of them. This system allows your pool to get a full-circle clean from the surface to the bottom of the deepest end of the pool.
Customizable
A self-cleaning pool system is custom designed to fit the exact shape and dimensions of your pool. The jet systems, drain, pump and other features are installed along with your pool to obtain a superior clean. A robot cleaner, on the other hand, is a one-size-fits-all solution that will leave parts of any custom-designed pool untouched.
Consistent temperature
The sun heats the water at the surface of your pool, but the water at the bottom tends to remain frigid. A self-cleaning pool system resolves this problem. Because the cleaning system is constantly moving the water at the top of the pool to the bottom and then re-circulating it, the water temperature is able to even out. The end result is a more comfortable swimming experience.
If you’re looking into new pool construction in Los Angeles, CA, you should consider making a self-cleaning system part of your design. It will not only offer you a better clean and a more enjoyable swimming experience, but it will also save you money over the lifetime of your pool. Get in touch with Avanti Pools, Inc. today for more information.
You’ve decided what type of pool you want—the features, the dimensions and the style—when your pool designer in Los Angeles, CA suddenly asks you what type of surface you want for the interior of your pool.
The surface interior is one aspect of your dream pool design that you probably never thought of, so you start researching your options. It turns out that there are a lot of options available—and a lot of opinions about which one is best. If you’re not familiar with surface interiors for pools, wading through the choices can seem overwhelming. To help you decide, we’ve broken down a few of the most commonly used surface interiors for you.
Plaster
In previous years, plaster has been the most common choice for pool interiors. Plaster is the least expensive option available. Plaster is also easy to dye, so the color is customizable. However, plaster is more susceptible to erosion from water chemicals, so maintaining proper water chemistry is a must. Plaster can also become stained by debris, such as fallen leaves or high metal levels in your water supply. Colored plasters are also more susceptible to fading over the years. Keep in mind, however, that a plaster interior can go five to seven years without any signs of wear or fading if cared for properly.
PebbleTec
PebbleTec is a brand that made its first appearance in Australia. During the 1960s, tradesmen began attempting to create an alternative to plaster for the interior of pools. The end result was PebbleTec, an aggregate finish that incorporates natural pebble materials with concrete. There are several benefits to choosing PebbleTec over plaster. First, the combination of pebbles used in this aggregate finish allows for the creation of a more natural look to your pool interior, similar to that of the ocean floor or a riverbed. Second, PebbleTec is more durable and has an exceptional stain resistance. Keep in mind, however, that PebbleTec can be significantly more expensive than plaster.
Tile
Tile is considered the premium surface for your pool interior. Tile offers endless possibilities when it comes to design. You can create intricate and custom designs for the interior of your pool by using a variety of tile colors and shapes. But tile offers more than aesthetics—it is also durable and easier to clean than PebbleTec. However, there are some drawbacks. As with a plaster finish, it’s important to maintain the proper chemical balance in your pool to avoid white calcium buildup on your tiles. Tile, depending on the color, can also sometimes create a blinding glare when hit by direct light from the sun.
Now that you understand a little bit more about your surface options for the interior of your pool, you can better determine which option is best for you. However, it is important to consult your pool designer in Los Angeles, CA before making a final decision. They can offer you advice on which option will best suit your lifestyle and budget. Contact Avanti Pools, Inc. today for more information about designing your custom pool.
You’ve always wanted to own your own pool, and now that you’re a homeowner, your dream can become a reality. But you need to do it right. With that in mind, here are some suggestions to help you plan your perfect backyard swimming pool before starting pool construction in Los Angeles, CA.
Conduct research
There are many aspects of pool ownership that you need to research. First, check with your county or city about zoning laws, such as information about whether you are permitted to install an in-ground pool where you live and rules regarding building a pool fence. In some cases, the county will require you to put up a residential fence—one that’s hard to get through—for privacy and safety reasons. You will also want to understand your pool’s year-round maintenance needs and how much it’s going to cost you to make repairs.
Create a budget
Because the cost of owning a swimming pool starts adding up the moment design and construction begins, it behooves you to consider your budget ahead of making a commitment. Take into account not only the cost of labor and building materials—your pool contractor will discuss this with you first—but the expected lifetime costs of regular maintenance and money for repairs as well. Maintenance includes chemicals or treatments to ensure your pool water is healthy to swim in, and repairs can range from a cracked pool foundation to problems with equipment.
There’s something else to consider. While your mind may be thinking of going with a standard swimming pool installation now, you might want to add pool features later. Custom features like fountains, lighting or a waterfall can make your pool unique, but it’s going to cost you.
Decide on a location
You may or may not need the assistance of a pool installation expert to choose an appropriate location for your backyard pool, but when in doubt, call them in. Swimming pools come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so finding a design to fit in a certain area is possible. But you do need to know whether you want your pool built near areas like the deck or patio for easier entertaining, or if you simply wish to extend your outdoor living space.
In general, near the rear of the yard is not a bad plan. Also, take into consideration the size of your property: Can a pool fit? Are you too close to your neighbors’ windows?
Collaborate with a professional
From the first stages of pool design to deciding on add-on features, a good swimming pool contractor will always want your input. After all, it is your pool and you’ll be looking at it everyday, so it should be exactly what you want. They will listen to you talk about your dream pool, writing it all down on paper before moving your vision to the design stage, then finally toward construction.
For professional swimming pool design and pool construction in Los Angeles, CA, make sure your first call is to the experienced team at Avanti Pools, Inc.
Fall is prime time for leaves to begin changing color and falling off trees. As pretty as this season is, it can cause a real mess in and around your backyard swimming pool, which is made worse when strong winds are present. But never fear—from pool maintenance to pool damage, here are four fall pool maintenance tips from a local swimming pool contractor in Los Angeles, CA:
Use the pool skimmer: If you haven’t gotten your pool ready for winter quite yet, then you need to continue removing floating debris throughout the fall months. Common types of debris you are likely to skim out are dead leaves, twigs and insects, but without a safety cover, you may even come across small animals—like birds and mice. So, just as you would skim debris out of your pool regularly during the hot summer months, you should plan on doing the same for the fall season. This way, you keep your pool water clean and clear, as well as healthy for people to swim in.
Clean out the pool filter: While you must skim the pool’s surface and just below it, there will undoubtedly be debris that will sink to the bottom. This is why it’s important that you remove the bulk of the floating leaves and other debris before it gets the chance to sink. Some, but not all, of the sunken debris is likely to get sucked up into the pool filter, and the filter trap will fill up quickly. After skimming the pool, take the time to clean and inspect the filter so it can work properly. You wouldn’t want the pool to grow algae and birth bugs all fall long.
Fix damage to the pool and equipment: Just like when you’re repairing damage to your car or your home’s roof, you will want to move quickly on pool repairs. Inspect your pool inside and outside to look for cracks in the materials and any suspicious marks on equipment. The pool pump can also run into problems and stop working properly when water levels drop due to pool leaks—this can cause damage to the pump over time. It’s important that you fix damage to your swimming pool and equipment, whether you plan to drain it or leave water circulating during the offseason.
Repair the pool deck: Perform a close inspection of you pool deck—this is the walking area that borders your swimming pool so you’re not getting out of the water and stepping into dirt. Typically, it’s made of concrete, but it can also be a material like wood or stone. Since even the smallest damage can cause a big problem, look for and repair cracks and chips in the deck material as well as fix missing chunks of any size. Not only does unfixed damage negatively impact your pool’s appearance, it can also be hazardous to people, children and pets walking on it.
For information on custom swimming pool construction, call Avanti Pools, Inc. to speak with a professional pool contractor in Los Angeles, CA today.
Consulting a hot tub contractor in Los Angeles, CA is the first step to installing the best home spa for your lifestyle, but have you thought about the health benefits that come with it? Warm water therapy by way of a home hot tub has a good reputation for soothing all sorts of physical aches and pains. And when your body pains are minimal or non-existent, get ready to sleep better and see a positive change in your wellbeing!
From stress relief to healing tired muscles, here are a few benefits of taking part in warm water therapy:
Provides relaxation and stress relief: One reason why you would want to purchase a hot tub is that you want a place to relax other than your couch. Another reason is for its therapeutic power to relieve stress and provide a relaxing environment. Have you had a stressful workday? When you own a spa, you can slip into warm, circulating water as soon as you get home.
Improves sleep: Not limited to your mind being restless with mental to-do lists and worries, annoying chronic insomnia and other sleep disorders plague Americans every night. Since both mental stress and body pains are burdens on sleep, try soaking in a hot tub a couple hours before bedtime to help you fall into a relaxing, deeper sleep—and stay that way through the night.
Alleviates arthritis pain: Daily stretching and joint movement are necessary for a healthy body, yet the severe pain of arthritis can limit a person. Mobility restriction is lessened when you’re in a pool of warm water, so arthritis sufferers should know the water is a great place to exercise and to work on regaining coordination when their joints and muscles are sore, tight or stiff.
Promotes blood circulation: Whether you are fatigued from playing sports or have suffered an injury, take advantage of water to help promote normal blood circulation. Warm water not only increases blood flow, but it also loosens tired joints that could be constricting nerves and muscle tissue.
Offers comforting sounds: Did you know that sound therapy is a fantastic meditation tool? Recreate the calming sounds of nature with a built-in pool or hot tub waterfall, or simply adjust the water jets to a low setting. Lay back, close your eyes, relax and enjoy the comfortable temperature of the hot tub. It’s a great way to free your mind from the stresses of the day.
While there are many ways you can benefit from warm water therapy, there are medical situations that could mean no hot tub water for you. If you are on any medications or have a diagnosed medical condition, be safe and don’t hop in until you consult your doctor—it is imperative that you do so, for your continued health and safety.
If your life is a bit stressful or you’re living with pain, consider warm water therapy a reasonable choice as a home pain remedy. For hot tub design and installation information, contact Avanti Pools, Inc. to speak with a knowledgeable hot tub contractor in Los Angeles, CA today.
(818) 501-3759