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.
Pools make a marvelous addition to any home. Not only are they fun and relaxing for the entire family, but they can also dramatically increase your home’s value and make neighbors envious of your beautiful backyard. Many homeowners toy with the idea of building a pool for their home, but they don’t always know where to start.
Understanding the pool design and construction process is important so that, when you start, you have clear expectations about how your pool will come to life. Pool construction can be time-consuming, so being on the same page as your pool designer in Los Angeles, CA is a helpful way to begin.
Here’s what you can expect when you work with a pool construction company to build your dream pool.
Step 1: Meet with the designer
To start off the process, you’ll want to hire a pool designer in Los Angeles, CA to discuss ideas for your pool that will fit within your home’s yard. Working with a custom pool designer can help you come up with creative ideas you wouldn’t find anywhere else.
Step 2: Finalize designs
After your meeting, the designer will come up with a detailed plan for your pool and show you a mock-up to approve. If you like the design and want to move ahead, the designs will be finalized and pre-construction will begin.
During this time, your pool construction company will be finalizing permits and any necessary approvals with your state and city before construction begins.
Step 3: Excavation
Once construction is ready to begin, the pool company will come to your home and create a layout on the ground for your pool. Next, excavation will begin. This involves removing all soil, plants, rocks and materials from the ground where your pool will be. It will look like a messy hole to start with, but the formation of your pool has officially begun!
Step 4: Framing
Next, the construction company will frame your pool with steel bars that cross over each other within the hole. This creates a strong foundation for your pool that will last for years to come.
Step 5: Plumbing and electrical
With the steel frame in place, your pool designers will begin placing the plumbing and electrical lines in and around the pool. This includes piping and wiring for all filtration systems, skimmers, jets and other features you selected to have in your pool.
Step 6: Gunite application and tiling
Next, your pool will really begin to take shape with the installation of gunite, a mixture of rock, sand and cement. Gunite is blasted into the frame of the pool to create a solid shell.
Tile will also be added around the pool’s perimeter at this stage, as well as coping.
Step 7: Equipment setup
With your pool beginning to look like an actual pool, the construction crew will begin to set up your pool filtration and pumping equipment, attaching it to the plumbing lines they installed earlier in the process.
Lights and other electrical features will also be set up during this stage.
Step 8: Decking and extras
If you want a deck or other decorative features like waterfalls around your pool, your pool designer will begin to construct those as they prepare to finish the pool installation.
Step 9: Interior
Once everything on the outside of your pool has been finished, the pool construction crew will install your desired choice of pool interior coatings.
Step 10: Fill
With the interior of your pool complete, it’s time to fill it! Water will be pumped into your pool, and the equipment will be double checked to get it up and running. Once the pool is filled and treated with chemicals or sanitized, it’s ready for use!
Avanti Pools, Inc. is a premier pool designer in Los Angeles, CA. We’ve been custom building pools and spas for nearly 20 years, so call us today to learn more about our services and how we can build your dream pool today!