Building a pool can be an incredibly beneficial thing for you and your family. Not only is a swimming pool a fantastic place for you and your family to relax, spend time together, get exercise and entertain guests, but it can also boost the value of your home significantly. One of the most exciting things about custom pool construction in Los Angeles, CA is that you can design a pool that’s perfect for your needs. Among all of the other decisions you’ll have to make about your pool’s design and construction, you have to choose whether you want a saltwater pool or a chlorine pool.
Saltwater vs. chlorine pools
The most important thing to know about saltwater pools is that they aren’t actually chlorine-free. In fact, saltwater pools are a type of chlorine pool, but they tend to have much lower levels of chlorine. That’s because saltwater pools do not have chlorine added in the form of sticks or tablets, but rather it is produced by a saltwater generator as salt is added to the pool water. Another thing that’s worth noting about saltwater pools is that they aren’t as salty as some people anticipate. Saltwater pools have about the same concentration of salt as human tears, which is about one tenth the concentration of salt in ocean water. Here are some other things to consider:
- Health factors: One of the primary reasons why some people choose to install a saltwater pool is because of a sensitivity to high levels of chlorine. Saltwater pools are usually much gentler for people who have sensitive skin, and swimming in saltwater leaves skin feeling softer than swimming in chlorine pools. Another health benefit of saltwater pools is the fact that you don’t have to add any chlorine to the pool yourself, which means you don’t have to worry about breathing in chlorine fumes while you add it to the pool.
- Cost: It’s important to consider the cost of a saltwater pool system. Upfront, you will spend quite a bit more on a saltwater system than a chlorine system. However, you will also spend less over time on chemicals. You’ll spend about $100 in a year on salt once your system is set up, compared with the $300 to $800 that you would spend on chemicals for a chlorine pool.
- System health: A common concern with saltwater systems is the fact that they can be harder on your pool features. Your lighting, pool liner and masonry may deteriorate faster and be damaged by saltwater over time. These issues are most common with systems that are converted from chlorine to saltwater, so they can be prevented with proper new pool construction in Los Angeles, CA.
Learn more about pool construction in Los Angeles, CA
Whether you know exactly what you want for your pool or you have a lot of questions about design and function, the team at Avanti Pools, Inc. is here to help you. For nearly 20 years, we have been providing our clients with pool design and pool construction in Los Angeles, CA. We are proud to be a locally owned and operated company with a sincere commitment to the satisfaction of our customers. To learn more, give us a call today.
As you begin planning out the installation of a pool at your home, you need to spend some time thinking about exactly where on your property it will sit, and how you want to have it laid out. Depending on the size and shape of your property, this may or may not be a relatively easy task.
So as you start to plan out your pool construction in Los Angeles, CA, consider these factors to help you pick the best location:
- Plumbing: You need to be able to plumb your pool relatively easily. This means that, depending on what pieces of plumbing infrastructure you already have in place, some locations might be more convenient than others, and some might be altogether impossible.
- Septic tanks: The backyard is the most common area for people to place their pools, but it’s also a common location for septic tanks if you are not on a municipal grid. Keep in mind that you cannot place your pool within a certain distance of septic tanks, so you should know exactly where your septic tank is located and where the flow-off area is. This will prevent you from damaging your septic system and also keep you from regularly contaminating your pool water.
- Space: Do you really have space to put a pool in your desired area? Will it require you to come up with some creative layouts? Make sure you have the room in a specific area on your property to actually install the pool properly.
- Views: You should consider both the view from your home and the view from your pool. Your pool can make a nice addition to the landscaping, so if you’re looking to improve the view from inside your home you should make sure your pool is visible from it. In addition, the view from your pool itself can make using the pool more relaxing, luxurious and enjoyable. All pools benefit, for example, when exposed to as much sunlight as possible. And if there’s a particularly beautiful area on your property, you can spend more time there by placing a pool in that spot.
- Trees: The presence of trees will also play a role in where you place your pool, as you should generally try to keep your pool away from trees. The biggest reason for this, beyond wanting to maximize your exposure to sunlight, is that trees can shed leaves, branches and other debris that will pollute your pool and potentially clog up your pool lines.
- Permanence: Your pool location is going to be permanent, which means you need to be pleased with where it’s located. You won’t be able to move the pool without having to redo the entire costly, inconvenient installation and construction process. Therefore, do not rush through this decision making process. Spend some time carefully considering your property and where the best places to put a pool are before making your final decision.
For more information about choosing a spot for pool construction in Los Angeles, CA, contact Avanti Pools, Inc. today.
The preparation phase is the most important part of building a swimming pool, which includes working together with a pool designer, builder and contractor to help you decide on the overall look of your pool. But while you’ll have a swimming pool builder by your side to walk you through the design process, it’s can be very helpful to have a general idea of what you want going into the project.
The following are four good questions to ask yourself before diving feet-first into plans for new pool construction in Los Angeles, CA.
Why do you want a swimming pool?
One backyard swimming pool design may work for one person but not another. For instance, a swimming pool designed for exercising will look very different from a pool meant primarily for backyard entertainment. Or, if your goal is to have a pool to float around in to relax while enjoying your beautiful garden, you will want a personalized design. Looking for a design to accommodate water therapy? Consider a combination swimming pool and spa!
Who will be using the pool?
Here’s the thing—a pool designed to provide a romantic time for a couple is going to look quite different from a pool designed for a family with children. Homeowners who entertain guests often, but also want a pool that caters to them on all other days, should consider a pool design that is able to accommodate swimmers of all ages. For example, there may be a shallow area for small children, railings for the physically challenged, underwater speakers for general entertainment, underwater lights for night swimmers and a pool deck big enough for folks who want to lay out and tan.
Can your backyard accommodate a pool?
One of the first things you should do before drawing out a pool design or putting down a down payment on pool construction services is perform a soil test. This tells you if the area is suitable and safe for pool construction. Factors like sandy, rocky or expansive soil will stand out to pool builders, as these present serious building concerns, and a high water table can greatly increase construction costs. Additionally, your proposed site may be inaccessible to the heavy machinery needed to dig the hole for the pool.
Where do you want to install the pool?
First and foremost, contact your county or city and ask about pool building ordinances in your area—they can tell you all you need to know about the zoning and building laws that apply to your property. Out of concern for water runoff, there could be restrictions on how much of your yard can be covered in a material like decking and pools, as well as the direction it slopes. Local underground gas, electric, cable, sewer, telephone and water lines could also influence your pool’s location. You might also be required to install a fence around your pool.
Contact the team at Avanti Pools, Inc. for more information about new pool construction in Los Angeles, CA, or to schedule a consultation.
Every time you make a change to your home, you get the opportunity to express your personal style with custom features and unique designs. Building a pool affords you the opportunity to create an amazing space where you can entertain guests and spend quality time with your family, and it also gives you the opportunity to design something that’s truly one-of-a-kind.
There are lots of ways that you can customize your new pool, including by selecting alternative pool finishes. Pools have traditionally been finished with plaster, but lots of people are choosing different materials that offer additional benefits:
- Pebble Tec: Pebble Tec pool finishes are textured options made of real pebbles. Pebble Tec comes in a variety of colors, depending on your specific preferences, but they tend to deliver a more natural looking aesthetic. This pool finish is durable and lasts much longer than traditional plaster. In addition, it offers greater traction and prevents slipping. It tends to cost more than plaster, but lots of people still choose Pebble Tec because of its many benefits.
- Pebble Fina: Similar to traditional Pebble Tec, Pebble Fina is made from natural pebbles, but it is made from smaller pebbles and has a much smoother texture. Pebble Fina comes in some natural-looking colors, but it can also be purchased in vibrant hues with a shimmering component that offers a lustrous sparkle.
- Hydrazzo: Unlike pebble-based pool finishes, Hydrazzo is a polished finish with a smooth texture. It is a popular choice for new pool construction in Los Angeles, CA among pool owners who want to achieve a sophisticated, modern look. It’s resistant to staining, scratching and algae development, which makes it easy to maintain.
- ecoFINISH: This type of pool finish is designed to be durable and long-lasting. It is a fiberglass finish that is easy to maintain and resistant to a variety of different kinds of damage. It comes in a number of colors, ranging from natural beiges to bold colors like black.
- Tile: Installing a tile pool finish requires a significant investment of time and money, but this finish is also the longest lasting and one of the most beautiful options available. You can mix a variety of different tile designs and colors in a beautiful mosaic, or select natural stone tiles for an organic aesthetic.
With so many options to choose from when it comes to pool finishes—not to mention all of the other choices you’ll have to make about your pool design—you might feel overwhelmed by the process of new pool construction in Los Angeles, CA. Luckily, the professional team at Avanti Pools, Inc. specializes in helping turn our clients’ dream pool or spa into a reality. We have been in business since 1999 and we are proud to be locally owned and operated. We have a knowledgeable team made up of design and engineering experts who can plan and design a beautiful pool that is conducive to your space, preferences and budget. Call us today to get started on a brand-new pool or spa that you will be proud to show off to your family and friends.
