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’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.
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!
