So, you’ve finally been able to install the beautiful in-ground pool that you’ve always dreamed of! The design is perfect, the installation impeccable, but the final product is not quite everything you dreamed it would be. What many new pool owners fail to realize is that even the most stylish and exquisite pool is still just a hole in the ground without the right landscaping.
Landscaping around your pool is the difference between something that looks like the outdoor pool at a hotel and a pool that looks like a lush oasis. However, knowing what type of plants to use around your pool can be challenging. As experts in pool construction in Los Angeles, CA, we know a thing or two about designing backyard havens. Here are six tips for choosing the right plants to create the perfect landscape for your pool:
Choose plants that provide some privacy: Pools should be secluded enough that you can relax without worrying about nosy neighbors looking on. The right plants, such as climbing vines or small shrubs, can help you achieve a certain amount of privacy around your pool area.
Don’t use plants that have spreading roots: Avoid using plants that are prone to have spreading roots around your pool. Spreading roots from small plants can damage the stone or tiles around the circumference of your pool, and roots from trees can even damage the very foundations of your investment.
The plants you choose should like sunlight: The water’s surface reflects light, as do the materials used around your pool. That’s why it’s essential that the plants you choose to put around your pool can handle the heat and the excessive sunlight.
Choose plants that can stand up to chlorine: Because chlorine and other chemicals are in pool water, water splashing can cause damage such as bleached leaves, or even slowly kill certain types of plants. You’ll want to use hardy plants that can stand up to a little chemical water every now and then.
Don’t choose plants that attract bees: There are two reasons you don’t want bee-attracting plants around your pool. First, you don’t want a lot of bees stinging swimmers or getting in the way of poolside barbecues. Second, bees can also end up drowning in your pool, which is annoying to clean up and also harmful to the ecosystem.
Stay away from plants that drop too many leaves: The last thing you want is to have to clean a bunch of leaves out of your pool every day or deal with a frequently clogged filter. Choose plants that aren’t going to be dropping tons of leaves into your pool. Too many leaves just add work for you and your pool system.
Choosing the right plants to create your poolside oasis can be challenging, but with a few pointers from your local experts in pool construction in Los Angeles, CA, you can make your vision of the perfect pool into a reality. Contact Avanti Pools, Inc. today to learn more!
“What’s new?” seems to be the question we get from many of our clients this time of year. As our list of clients for new pool construction in Los Angeles, CA comes together for the new year, many of our clients want to know what the newest trends are for in-ground pools. We can tell you that 2017 has some exciting design features that are the latest thing for in-ground pools, and we’re pretty excited about them. Just take a look at some of the pool design trends to watch for in 2017:
Wet or infinity edges: The infinity or wet edge is when water is allowed to flow freely over the edge of the pool, creating a visual effect of water with no boundary. The infinity edge provides a modern look that flows well into the natural landscape around your pool creating a seamless water oasis.
Tanning ledges: A tanning ledge, also known as a sun shelf, is what you often see in pools at resorts. It is a flat, shallow area in your pool that allows you to be in the water while still catching those rays. Tanning ledges are also great for small children or pets.
Designs for small spaces: No longer do you need a sprawling backyard in order to have an in-ground pool. Designers have gotten creative when it comes to designing pool layouts for small spaces. In fact, the unique shapes and stylish features of these smaller pools are almost preferable if you are looking for something truly out of the ordinary.
Mineral water: As people become more aware of the need to care for our environment, they are embracing eco-friendly solutions, including choosing mineral water over salt and chlorine pools. Mineral water is better for the environment, gentler on your skin and requires less maintenance.
Beach entries: This new feature is designed to give you a true seaside experience. The beach entry to your pool is designed to allow a gradual descent into the water. exactly like what you would experience when walking into the open ocean.
Open concepts: The interior design trend of open concepts has made its way to the outdoors. Where people use to design their outdoor living spaces as separate areas for eating, playing, swimming and so on, the new trend is to create a smooth transition, not only between your outdoor spaces, but from your indoor space to your outdoor space. To that effect, pools are now being designed with glass partitions or with tile patterns that complement that of your patio or even your interior floors.
At Avanti Pools, Inc., we’re excited to be making these recent trends part of some of our upcoming pool construction in Los Angeles, CA. If you’re thinking of installing an in-ground pool this year and are interested in learning more about some of the amazing pool features mentioned above, feel free to give us a call. We’re always more than happy to get people started on their pool design concepts.
Many people feel that while automatic pool covers might be useful, they are not worth the added expense. If you take a deeper look, though, it becomes clear that automatic covers are a vital part of pool construction in Los Angeles, CA. In addition to saving you money in the long run, you ensure that your family remains safe—something that no price tag can compare to.
Less debris means less cleaning
Less evaporation takes place when a pool cover is in use, which means that not only is water conserved, but you will also have to employ the pool heater less often when the chillier nights move in. With the pool heater in use less often, you will save money on your energy bills, and will spend less in maintenance costs. Your pool will actually require less maintenance overall, as a cover will cut down on the amount of debris that makes its way into the water. With less debris, you will either spend less time cleaning your pool yourself, or less money paying someone to clean the pool for you.
The pumps and motors that power your pool are less likely to run into repair issues because of debris buildup, subsequently extending the life of these mechanisms. You will also need fewer chemicals to keep your pool clean, which is better for the environment and will allow you and your family to enjoy a much more comfortable swim. For indoor pools with covers, with less evaporation taking place, the dehumidification system is not in use as much, which can reduce energy usage by up to 65 percent.
Keep your family safe
When your pool is enclosed with a cover, it is just about impossible for anyone to get into the pool, which limits the chances that someone could drown accidentally. If you have young children or grandchildren who visit frequently, this is a key safety measure for the times when they sneak out of your eyesight. Naturally, if a young child sees a pool their first thought isn’t how dangerous unsupervised swimming can be, but about how much fun they could be having. With a pool cover, the temptation to jump in will be removed. If a child is feeling brave and still wants to jump in despite the cover, there will be no way for them to access enough water to cause them any harm. This extra layer of safety also applies to curious pets, or anyone that could potentially slip and fall in.
It is clear to see that automatic pool covers, while sometimes pricy up front, begin paying for themselves immediately, and are truly an investment worth adding to your pool. If you are beginning a new pool construction in Los Angeles, CA, or are looking to add on to what you already have, make sure you call Avanti Pools, Inc. so we can help you take the necessary steps to make sure your family is safe around your pool, whether they’re actually swimming or not.
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 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.