What You Need to Know About Using Built-in Seating in Your Pool Design

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.

What Color Pool Surface Is Best for Heat Retention?

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.

Important Considerations for Your Custom Pool Design in Los Angeles, CA

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:

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.

Perimeter Overflow Pools vs. Infinity Pools in Los Angeles, CA

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 Pools vs. Infinity Pools in Los Angeles, CA – Maintenance

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.

The Process of Working with a Pool Designer in Los Angeles, CA

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!