Choosing Between Saltwater and Chlorine for Swimming Pool Construction in Los Angeles, CA

Whether you’re splashing in the surf or taking a dip in a resort swimming pool, there’s something about swimming that makes for a great time on your own or with family and friends. Swimming is such an enjoyable activity that you might be considering investing in swimming pool construction in Los Angeles, CA for your own home. If this is the case, you have a lot of planning ahead of you! You will need to determine your budget, where you want your pool to be located, what kind of design you want and which contractor you will hire.

On top of all of this, you will need to decide whether you want a chlorine pool or a saltwater pool. Even though this might not seem like a very consequential decision, there are actually some key differences between the two options, and it’s important that you weigh each one carefully so that you can get the most out of your new swimming pool:

  • Cost: The initial cost of installing a saltwater pool is greater than that of installing a chlorine pool. When you have a saltwater pool installed, you will need to purchase a saltwater generator, which can cost well over $1,000, or you will need to purchase bags of salt to maintain the composition of your pool water.
  • Sensitivity: Many people experience skin irritation from swimming in a chlorine pool. This is caused by the heightened level of harsh chemicals that can damage sensitive skin. Saltwater pools are less likely to aggravate skin sensitivity and cause irritation, so it may be a better choice if you or your family members have sensitive skin.
  • Maintenance: Over time, saltwater pools become less expensive to operate than chlorine pools. This is because chlorine pools must be maintained with costly chemicals and shock treatments, while saltwater pools only need to be regularly replenished with salt. Saltwater pools also require less frequent maintenance than chlorine pools.
  • Damage: In some cases, saltwater can cause damage to your pool’s features, including nearby plants and soil. Chlorine doesn’t usually cause damage to pool features; however, it can fade swimsuits over time.
  • Repairs: When issues come up with a saltwater pool, you will almost always need to enlist the help of a professional. Chlorine pools are usually easier to repair, and there are a lot of different things that you can do to maintain and service your pool without hiring a professional.

Are you stuck trying to figure out what kind of pool is right for you? Let the professionals at Avanti Pools, Inc. help you plan the swimming pool of your dreams. We are experts in swimming pool construction in Los Angeles, CA with nearly 20 years of experience designing custom pools and spas. Regardless of your vision for your pool, our team is here to help you make it a reality. We can walk you through every step of the process, from initial planning to construction. Contact us today to begin creating an incredible swimming pool for you and your family to enjoy.

What to Expect During Pool Construction in Los Angeles, CA

As you prepare to have a pool installed at your home, you should be aware of everything involved with the process. All in-ground pool constructions have several phases of construction, and each must be completed before construction can proceed to the next phase. Each one of these phases can take anywhere from a single day to a week to finish.

Here’s a general overview of the process you can expect during pool construction in Los Angeles, CA.

Design

As the first step of your pool construction project, a pool designer will come to your property and perform some measurements, while also considering your property line, easements, underground utilities, setbacks and the topography of the area, in addition to your budget and any requested design features you have submitted.

After you and the designer have reached an agreement on the shape, style and size of the pool, you can then talk about add-ons such as rock formations, water features, spas, planter beds and more. Some people like to request infinity edges, built-in benches in the shallow section and tanning platforms. You will also select other pool equipment, such as diving boards and slides.

When all of this is complete, your designer will begin drawing up the final plans. You will meet for a final confirmation before these plans are submitted to the city for the proper permits. If you live in an area with a homeowners association, the HOA may need to issue approval as well.

Excavation

The concept of the excavation phase is simple—diggers come in to excavate your pool area. They will first stake and paint an outline of the pool’s shape. You might need to remove vegetation and fences to clear the area for the pool. You will also have to decide what you are going to do with the excess dirt: keep it, or have it hauled away.

Plumbing and framing

Actual construction begins once excavation is complete. Steel rebar is used to reinforce the hole. It gets bent into the shape of your pool, and the initial plumbing infrastructure is installed among and around it.

Concrete

Construction teams use gunite (a type of concrete shot out of a forced air gun), which gets pumped out of a hopper truck and onto the rebar surface. A finishing team then comes into sculpt that concrete into your pool’s finished shape. At this stage, the project really begins to look like a pool.

Tile

The perimeter tile is usually placed while the concrete of the actual pool is curing. The pool tile around the perimeter of the pool itself provides an easy-to-clean surface. The deck can also be built during this phase.

Electrical work

At this point, the electrician comes in to install the breaker box for the pool. It is installed where the pool equipment, including the pump, filter and heater, will be placed. The electrician will also connect the pool lights to junction boxes placed outside the pool deck. Upon completion of this step, he or she runs a conduit from the junction boxes to the breaker box.

Plastering

The final phase of pool construction is plastering, which gives your pool the waterproof layer it needs to protect the steel and shell while also giving it a smoother surface that is easily cleaned. Once this process is finished, you can begin filling the pool up with water!

This is a very general overview of the process of pool construction in Los Angeles, CA, but if you have any questions about any of these elements, we encourage you to contact us today.

Why Winter Is the Best Time for Pool Construction in Los Angeles, CA

Have you made the decision to install a pool at your home? Congratulations! A swimming pool on your property is one of the best ways to take advantage of the sunshine and pleasant weather we get in Southern California.

So if you’ve already made the decision, why wait any longer? Winter is one of the best times of year to get your pool installed in Los Angeles. It never gets cold enough for the water to freeze over or even for your pool to need protection from winter weather. If you know you’re going to install a pool and have the money to do so, now’s the time to do it.

Here are a few of the main reasons why winter is the best time for pool construction in Los Angeles, CA.

Beat the rush!

Perhaps the biggest benefit of putting in your pool during the winter months is that the rush for pool installation begins in the spring, meaning right now you will be able to choose from any of the top pool experts in the area. You might also even be able to benefit from some savings, as some providers offer discounts in the winter months.

Most people spend the vast majority of their time by the pool in the late spring and throughout the summer. Therefore, a lot of people won’t consider installing a pool until they’re ready to use it almost immediately. By beginning construction during the winter, you can benefit from more flexibility with your company choice. If you wait too long, you’ll find that you will be at the mercy of the pool companies’ schedules, which begin to really pick up in April and beyond.

Get more individual attention from your builder

Another benefit of installing your pool during the off season is that your chosen builder will not have to be in as much of a hurry to get the job done so they can move on to other clients. With more time at their disposal, builders can pay more attention to your specific job. This is especially helpful if you have a special custom design you would like the builder to complete for you, or if you have special requests for materials or building processes.

Be ready for the warm weather

By getting your pool installed during the winter weather, you’ll be able to dive in whenever you want, even before spring fully hits. If you decide to wait on your installation until spring or summer, you will likely miss out on some prime swimming weather. You’ll have to wait on your installation while your friends and neighbors are splashing around in pools of their own.

Need more reasons why winter is the best time of year for pool construction in Los Angeles, CA? Our team at Avanti Pools, Inc. is happy to answer any questions you have about the installation process or how you can save money on your upcoming project. Contact us today to get started with a consultation with one of our experts!

What Are the Benefits of a Solar Heated Pool?

When you make an investment in something as grand as a pool, you want to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. This doesn’t just mean negotiating for the lowest price or getting a great value for that price—it also means investing in something that’s going to be easy to care for, sustainable and enjoyable for years to come. There’s a lot to think about.

One decision many homeowners must make when they consider new pool construction in Los Angeles, CA is whether or not to invest in a solar heated option. This technology has been around for a while, but thanks to modern innovations, it has become a more than viable option for pool owners seeking the best possible value. Navigating the costs vs. benefits of a solar heated pool is definitely worth your while when it comes to getting the most out of your investment.

Why choose solar?

Solar heated pools offer you the best of many worlds when it comes to optimizing your in-ground residential pool. They touch on several valuable aspects of pool ownership, including:

All of these facets combine to give pool owners a great option in getting everything they want from their pool: comfort, value, ease and, above all, peace of mind.

The chief aspect of solar heating that keeps most pool owners at bay is the upfront cost of solar. And while there’s a barrier in terms of the upfront cost of panels, wiring and setup, this cost is almost always justified by the long-term recoup of utility costs and longevity. There’s actually a return on investment with solar heating—not just a monthly money drain in the cost it takes to heat your pool!

A greener home

Something you might not be considering when thinking about new pool construction in Los Angeles, CA is how solar heating can add to your “green home.” This is, after all, a solar addition to your property, which means you’re using off-the-grid energy to heat your pool, thereby lowering energy consumption for your home overall.

Not only is this a great way to treat the environment, it’s also a lucrative option when tax season rolls around. Most states have tax rebates or energy credits that can be awarded to homeowners who make an investment in green technologies—solar heaters included! So, while you may pay $X upfront to install your solar pool heater, you may also be setting yourself up to reclaim $Y on your taxes, offsetting at least some of the cost.

A lot to love about solar

Solar heated pools are more than just a trend: they’re accessible future tech that makes owning and maintaining a pool easier and more efficient than ever before. Instead of having to worry about rising energy costs while you go for a dip, you can float around for hours knowing your heated pool isn’t costing you a thing.

How to Choose the Right Kind of Pool for You and Your Family

Have you recently been considering getting a new swimming pool? Late summer or early fall is the perfect time to take the plunge. Business tends to slow down, which means contractors are willing to make some great deals for new pool construction. But first, you have to decide what type of pool is best suited for you and your family. There are three main types of in-ground swimming pools suited for most backyards: vinyl, fiberglass and concrete. Each one has its pros and cons, so it’s important that you understand more about all of the options before you contact a professional for new pool construction in Los Angeles, CA.

Concrete

This is one of the most popular types of pools, but it is also the most expensive. The builders create a frame of reinforced steel walls before coating them with wet concrete to create the pool shape and style of your choice. The concrete is then plastered, smoothed over and painted. Most pool owners favor concrete for its versatility. It can be shaped into practically any size or design, which gives you the ability to create a completely custom pool. Installation can take anywhere from three to 12 weeks. While this might seem like a long time, it’s worth it, as concrete is stronger and more durable than the other options. Those benefits will likely be reflected in the price, though. Keep in mind that, over time, the concrete will need to be re-plastered.

Vinyl

Vinyl is the second most common material for pools. The vinyl is crafted into a one-piece flexible line custom designed to fit the designated space for the pool. It’s then attached via an aluminum or steel frame. Vinyl liner pools are completely customizable; you can dictate their size, shape and depth. Installation time is relatively quick and can be completed in about one to three weeks. Unfortunately, the vinyl isn’t very durable. Sharp objects could puncture the liner, resulting in a major leak. You can expect to have to replace the liner at least once a decade.

Fiberglass

Looking for a low-maintenance option? Then fiberglass may be the best choice for you! The fiberglass is molded into round shells that are placed by crane into the hole for the pool. The material is smooth and incredibly durable. Unlike vinyl and concrete, you likely won’t have to replace any of the materials. Best of all, a fiberglass pool can be installed in just three days. Unfortunately, it is also incredibly expensive. Expect to spend thousands more for this option.

Generally, all three of these materials would be a great choice for your new pool, but ultimately, your decision will need to be based on your budget and what is best suited for you and your family. If you have any questions, call the professional pool specialists at Avanti Pools, Inc. Since 1999, we’ve been providing the best pool construction in Los Angeles, CA. Call us today to start building the pool you’ve always dreamed of having!