Whether the sound is coming from a waterfall or a rainstorm, it’s tough to beat the sound of falling water. What if we told you that you could experience that same soothing sound every time you take a swim in your backyard pool? It might sound crazy, but it’s true!
A rain curtain is a water feature that creates the illusion of a water wall by having a stream of continually flowing water in your pool. Continue reading to learn what every pool owner in Los Angeles, CA should know about rain curtains and how they can improve your pool setup.
Benefits of rain curtains
Pool owners wouldn’t install rain curtains if they didn’t have any perks. Here are a few reasons to consider adding a rain curtain to your pool:
Cohesive appearance: Homeowners with a spa and pool can help create a cohesive look by installing a rain curtain that allows water to fall from the spa down into the pool (or vice versa). This is a neat look that’ll appeal to all homeowners and guests.
Soothing sounds: As mentioned above, the sound of falling water is soothing to everyone’s ears. Picture yourself lounging poolside and listening to the rain curtain—talk about a relaxing day by the pool!
Fun for kids: Trust us when we say that kids will love your rain curtain. Children of all ages will have fun swimming beneath the stream and feeling the water pour down onto their heads.
What shapes, styles and sizes are available?
Another cool thing about rain curtains is that they come in all different shapes and styles. Rain curtains in Los Angeles, CA can either be linear, curved or installed as a unique maze. Rain curtains are often designed to look like waterfalls against a wall and feature decorative lighting, but those decisions are obviously up to the homeowner.
The size of your rain curtain depends on your budget but also the amount of space you have in your pool. Your rain curtain could run the entire length of your pool, but that will be a more expensive installation.
A professional pool designer can help create a rain curtain that fits your personal preference and your budget.
Where does the water go?
Inquisitive minds often want to know where the water goes once it falls into the pool. Rain curtains are designed as a closed-loop system; once the water drops into the pool, it’s collected and pumped to the top of the curtain once again.
Because rain curtains are splash-free water features, you’ll never have to worry about water getting lost by splashing out onto the pool deck.
Install your rain curtain feature today
Ensure your pool is ready for the summer by adding a rain curtain as soon as possible. The team at Avanti Pools, Inc. specializes in installing all sorts of pool features, including rain curtains in Los Angeles, CA. Give us a call today to get a quote or to learn about all of the ways we can enhance your pool.
Have you been thinking about installing a new swimming pool or remodeling your current one? While many homeowners get excited about the major features of a pool, including shape, size and depth, it’s the details that turn a standard backyard pool from something ordinary into an outstanding feature for any outdoor space. Built-in seating is just one of these special details that can truly enhance your Los Angeles, CA swimming pool. Here’s what you need to know about how to integrate this feature into the design of your pool space.
What types of built-in seating are typically installed?
Whether you’re installing a new pool completely from scratch or renovating your current pool in Los Angeles, CA, it’s not hard to incorporate built-in seating into the design. Built-in features are typically made from poured concrete. A form is made to the desired shape, and gunite or shotcrete are poured to fill the form and make a permanent feature that you and your guests can enjoy. Here are some typical built-in seating configurations for swimming pools:
Benches: Place built-in benches along the perimeter of a pool to provide comfortable seating with a natural backrest. You can even angle the backrest so you’re able to comfortably recline in the pool.
Bench/stair combinations: If you have stairs leading into your pool, extending them a bit can turn them into a functional seating area that’s also very aesthetically pleasing. By installing generously proportioned entry steps, adults and kids alike can enter the pool gradually rather than making a splash.
Bar stools: Simple stools near the edge of a pool can provide a place for you and your guests to socialize, eat or chat without getting out of the water.
Tanning ledge: This pool upgrade has been gaining more and more popularity in recent years. A tanning ledge allows you to rest, relax and tan without getting hot, since you’ll be partly immersed in water. Create a versatile seating area with soak chairs and an umbrella or a shallow play area for the kids.
What other features can you integrate into your built-in seating?
Many Los Angeles, CA pool owners incorporate an in-pool dining table when they install built-in seating. It’s a great way to stay cool while you and your family and friends enjoy a delicious meal or refreshing drinks. Plan ahead for how many people you’d like to accommodate and work with your pool builder to integrate the seating seamlessly with the design of the pool.
You should also consider creative ways to light your seating areas. Talk with your pool installation professional about indirect lighting to give the seating spaces a soft glow that adds to the ambience of the space without shining in your eyes.
Built-in seating makes your pool in Los Angeles, CA a more attractive and inviting place to spend time with family and friends. Whether you’re deciding to renovate an existing pool or install a brand-new one, get the advice of a design expert to make the most of this luxurious backyard feature. Contact Avanti Pools, Inc. today to learn more about these and other exciting pool design features and upgrades.
Taking a dip into the nice, cool water of a backyard swimming pool is one of the most refreshing things anyone can do on a hot day. But if that water’s too cold, it can be an uncomfortable shock. What we need is the perfect temperature, and that can be achieved by regulating the temperature of the water in your pool. But keeping it warm enough to be comfortable can be a costly endeavor. Fortunately, you can help keep those costs in check by selecting the best color pool surface for heat retention in Los Angeles, CA.
Benefits of darker pools
Many pools are lighter in color for aesthetic reasons, or to keep the water cooler. But a pool with a dark color will retain heat more efficiently than a lighter colored pool, and can help cut down on heating costs to keep your pool at a comfortable temperature. Dark colors retain heat energy from light more efficiently than light colors do. Conversely, light colors actually reflect heat. That’s why it’s suggested to wear white clothes in hot climates, and why wearing black on a hot day makes us feel the effects of heat more intensely. With a dark color pool surface, the heat from the sun will be captured and distributed throughout the water. That means less gas needed for the pool heater, and less electricity needed to run the pump—and more cash in your wallet.
Darker-colored pools have another benefit. Have you ever owned a light-colored car? It’s a dirt magnet. The same goes for light-colored pool surfaces. Unless your backyard is full of fine white sand imported from Hawaii, the water in a pool like this will also show dirt and debris like acne on a teenager’s face. Dark pools don’t have that problem, and require less upkeep to keep them looking presentable. As far as just how dark you want your pool to be, however, there are a few things to consider.
Color considerations
A pitch-black finish can give a lagoon look to a swimming pool, and has been a recent favorite of pool owners who crave a sleek, modern look. But it’s important to keep an eye out for black algae in these pools, which can be harder to spot due to the darkness of the pool surface. If you’re not meticulous with your pool chemistry, you could find yourself emerging from an evening swim looking like the Creature from the Black Lagoon.
Another option is to go with a color that’s still dark, but not quite black. For example, your favorite shade of dark blue could be a solid choice. Answering the question of what color pool surface is best for heat retention in Los Angeles, CA can be a heated debate, but it’s safe to say that for maximum heat, it’s best to go with a dark color like black or navy blue.
Interested in installing a dark pool in your backyard? Call Avanti Pools, Inc. today to get started with a consultation.
Much like building a custom home, you can plan the design and features of a custom swimming pool. You can take some time here and there to draw out your dream pool, and then enlist the help of a pool builder to turn your ideas into a realty. An expert will do everything in their power to ensure your project goes off without a hitch.
Here are some important things to keep in mind as you’re getting started on your custom pool design in Los Angeles, CA:
Find the best pool contractor: Make sure you hire a knowledgeable and experienced pool builder to take the lead on your dream pool project. This pool professional should also be reputable in the industry and respected in the community. Additionally, a local pool business that has been around a long time has likely earned the trust of the community over the years—this is the kind of pool contractor you want. Meet with a few local pool installers for estimates before choosing one.
Choose the right location: Your backyard might have limited space, or vast amounts of land going far back. Either way, it’s imperative you choose the right location for your custom swimming pool installation. Of course, you will need plenty of room for the size pool you want, but you should also factor in things like surrounding landscaping, outdoor living spaces and a possible covering extending from your home’s roof. Not only can a pool designer help you pick a good spot to build, but they will also analyze ground level and soil conditions.
Look at pool designs and shapes: Once you choose the perfect location for your new pool, you will have an easier time choosing its perfect size and shape. You pool designer will walk you through your options, including square, rectangle and oval. The shape of your pool should be geared toward the style of your home, how you want to use the pool and the general aesthetics of your space.
Plan for pool safety: Safety is one of the most important aspects of owning a private swimming pool, especially if you have children, neighborhood kids or pets. Ideally, you should take steps to ensure safety during the design process and into the installation phase, as well as for long-term use. Safety features include fences, covers, lighting and more. The depth of your swimming pool is also a safety concern. Your custom pool can be built as deep or as shallow as you like, but for households with family members who enjoy diving, a deeper pool is better.
Mull over extra features: Even though the construction process is a great time to select bonus features, there’s no rule saying you can’t wait until your swimming pool has been completely installed before adding on extra features. Regardless of when you opt to add extra features, a little investment in bonuses will pay off in the long run. You will get to enjoy your pool for years, not to mention the fact that your home’s resale value will increase.
When it comes to custom pool design in Los Angeles, CA, no one does it better and more beautifully than the experts at Avanti Pools, Inc. Call us today to learn more or arrange a consultation.
Modern pool designs offer sleek, contemporary options. Two popular designs are the perimeter overflow pool and the infinity pool. Which is better? That depends on whom you ask. Both can be great options for those looking to add ambience and appeal to their property. If you’re weighing perimeter overflow pools vs. infinity pools in Los Angeles, CA, use the following guide.
This basic overview of each pool’s features and maintenance concerns can help you decide which style would be best for your setting and use. For additional insight, consult with your local pool professionals.
Perimeter Overflow Pools vs. Infinity Pools in Los Angeles, CA – Design
Perimeter overflow: A perimeter overflow pool features hidden slots or catch basins on all four sides into which the water flows. This steady stream is recycled back into the pool. The constant and consistent flow gives a glass-like appearance to the water. It looks as if it is contained without walls. Typically, dark interiors are used in the design of a perimeter overflow pool to enhance the mirror-like surface effect. Additional water features are not added to the design, since this would interfere with the water flow and break up the smooth surface of the pool.
Infinity: Infinity pools are similar to perimeter overflow pools, but the water does not flow over all edges. Typical designs feature one side of the pool where water flows over the edge. The goal of the design is to create a visual effect of boundless waters on that side of the pool. This technique is often used when a pool faces a larger body of water or an open skyline. The infinity design causes the edge of the pool to merge with the backdrop for a dramatic, seamless look.
Perimeter Overflow Pools vs. Infinity Pools in Los Angeles, CA – Maintenance
Perimeter overflow: The water in a perimeter overflow pool is constantly sucked into the perimeter and recirculated. As the water gets pulled into the tank, the edges act as constant skimmers. Due to this circulation, the pool does not require skimming. Instead, the tank must be cleaned periodically to remove debris.
Infinity: With an infinity pool design, the water only spills over the edge on one side. While this helps keep the water skimmed, it is not sufficient to keep the entire pool clean. Portions of the pool may not circulate toward the edge. These areas can accumulate leaves and other debris on the surface. As a result, skimming must be used as a supplemental cleaning mechanism for infinity pools. There may also be times when the pool owner doesn’t use the infinity edge. During these off seasons, a skimmer should be used to clean the entire surface of the pool.
Ready to Dive In?
If you’re considering a perimeter overflow pool or an infinity pool, contact your local experts at Avanti Pools, Inc. We are certified professional pool builders specializing in swimming pool and spa design and construction. Our area of expertise lies in special engineering on difficult sites, so we are fully equipped to handle even the most challenging projects. Contact us today to get started.