Talking to Your Pool Designer in Los Angeles, CA About Salt Water vs. Chlorine Pools

Adding a pool to your home is an enhancement that can pay off for your family both now and in the future. Since it is a big investment, you want to make sure that you are getting the right type of pool system for your need. The question, then, is which type of pool system you should be talking about with your pool designer in Los Angeles, CA: salt water or chlorine?

Salt water systems

While salt water pool systems are more expensive to install because of the generator required, these types of pools have many advantages. Through the generator, chlorine is added to your pool consistently and evenly to make sure that the water remains clean, balanced and safe for you and your family to use. The generator will require constant electricity, so this might add to your energy bill, but even with these additional charges a salt water pool can still be the more cost effective option due to lower operation costs.

Although there is still some chlorine present in salt water pools, there is far less in this system than in standard chlorine pools. This means that the negative side effects that chlorine can have on your body and skin will be minimized. Salt water pools also require far less maintenance than their chlorinated counterparts. A full pool cleaning will only be required once a year, so the time and money you save can easily make this type of system well worth the investment.

Chlorine pools

Chlorine pools are less expensive to install, which is typically their biggest draw. Because they don’t have a generator, you won’t have to worry about paying for additional electricity to use your pool. However, it is the absence of the generator that can also be a negative, as you will end up being the one responsible for making sure the chlorine levels in your pool remain balanced. The pool will have to be shocked at least once a month, and in order to know how much chlorine needs to be added, you will have to know how much is currently in your pool. You will constantly have to monitor the chlorine levels to make sure there isn’t too much and the pool becomes unsafe to use, but that there is enough so that your pool is actually clean.

While chlorine pools are cheaper to install, you will want to evaluate how much you plan on using your pool. The more you use your pool, the more meticulous you will have to be with fine-tuning the chlorine levels, and the more you will end up spending on overall maintenance.

The addition of any type of pool system, be it salt water or chlorine, is sure to increase the amount of fun you and your family can have at home. Your personal circumstances and budget will ultimately help you make the decision of which option is best for you, but if you want to explore all of your options with a pool designer in Los Angeles, CA, give us a call at Avanti Pools, Inc. We have experience building pools of all shapes and sizes, and you can trust us to create something that is just right for you no matter which system you choose.

Pools Offer a Way to Alleviate Joint Pain

Many people experience joint pain, whether due to repetitive activity, sports, injuries or simple genetics. People over the age of 40 are especially susceptible to severe joint pain and arthritis, and physical activity can become extremely painful or even impossible in these instances. However, pools can help alleviate some of this pain!

Swimming and doing exercises in the water are great ways to help with joint pain or arthritis and also come with a host of other health benefits. If you are over 40 and experience frequent joint pain, consider contacting a pool builder in Los Angeles, CA. A pool can be both a fun activity and a tool to better your health.

Why water helps

Many doctors and rehabilitation specialists recommend water aerobics and water exercise to help soothe arthritis and joint pain, particularly for older adults. The buoyancy of water will support your body weight, which eases the stress on your joints and reduces pain. Exercising in a warm pool especially minimizes pain and increases circulation. Ask your pool builder in Los Angeles, CA for heating options, because you’ll want to keep the water between 82 and 90 degrees.

Water has 12 times the resistance of air, meaning that water exercise requires more effort and burns more calories. This resistance helps you strengthen your muscles without the strain of exercising on land. It will also help improve your cardiovascular health—since you can work harder than you would on land, you’re able to keep your heart rate up consistently. Exercising in water can also help you work on improving balance and increase your range of motion with the joints that are giving you the most trouble.

Water exercises

There are a number of exercises you can do in a pool to alleviate joint pain. Most exercises can either be done at chest level, such as water walking, squatting, lunging or sidestepping. You can also do exercises in deep water. These motions require more effort because you are not stabilized on the pool floor, but can allow for a better range of motion for people with more severe joint problems or upper-body joint pain. Use a flotation belt or noodle to help you “water walk” in the deep end.

Spas and hot tubs can also be useful to help you relax tight muscles. From a seated position, you are able to do small-motion joint exercises and stretches. If you are going to start exercising in the pool, talk to a pool builder in Los Angeles, CA about building the best style pool for your desired activity.

Ease your pain from your own backyard

By building a pool in your home, you will gain an accessible way to alleviate pain from arthritis or joint problems. Try doing aerobics or other exercises in warm chest-level or deep water to build up your range of motion and get your body feeling better.

If you are looking to build a pool, hot tub or spa to alleviate your joint pain, call Avanti Pools, Inc. today. We are a pool builder in Los Angeles, CA with more than 15 years of experience designing and installing beautiful pools and spas with a variety of luxury features, and we look forward to helping you soon!

Bring Your Family Together This Summer with Help from a Pool Designer in Los Angeles, CA

As the temperatures continue to rise in Los Angeles and summer heat is in full swing, your family is going to want a way to cool off and have fun. Adding a pool to your home is a great way to relieve the summer heat and provide your family with an exciting way to spend time together!

Nothing beats lazy summer days with your kids lounging around the pool, playing games, splashing and laughing in the cool water. A pool designer in Los Angeles, CA can help you turn this fun summer dream into a reality by building you the perfect pool for your family.

If you decide that installing a pool is a good way to bring your family together, you’re going to want to keep a few things in mind. Speak with a pool designer in Los Angeles, CA about these few options to make the pool for your family beautiful, safe and exciting:

A pool can be a wonderful addition to your home if you have a family and want to spend more time together in the hot summer sun. Pool games, floaties and toys are extras that can provide hours of entertainment for the entire family.

Interested in installing a pool for your family? Call Avanti Pools, Inc. today. We are a pool designer in Los Angeles, CA with over 15 years of experience installing beautiful pools and spas that exceed client expectations. Don’t hesitate to bring fun to your family this summer!

Why You Should Talk with Your Pool Designer in Los Angeles, CA About Installing a Solar Heating System

Even in climates that are warmer than most year-round, when the outside temperatures drop, so too will the temperature of the water in your pool. To extend your swimming season and enjoy your pool throughout the majority of the year, consider talking to your pool designer in Los Angeles, CA about adding solar heating.

How does it work?

The solar heating system is simple by design, and it is this minimalism that allows you to keep operating and maintenance costs low. The water is extracted from your pool using a pump that pushes the water through a filter that removes any debris or contaminants. The filtered water then travels to the solar collectors, which warms the water up using the heat from the sun, and this warm water is then returned to the pool.

Unmatched savings

The addition of a solar powered pool heating system will save you money in several different ways. Using the sun’s energy to heat your pool means that the costs that are typically associated with the electric or gas fueled heaters will be gone. Because of solar power’s ability to sufficiently warm the pool’s water naturally, these heaters will also require less maintenance over the course of their lifespan, which could be up to 20 years.

With all of the savings that result from reduced energy bills and very little maintenance, the heating system could begin paying for itself in as little as two years, allowing you to begin seeing a return on your upfront costs relatively quickly. Above all else, you will be able to enjoy your pool much more frequently throughout the year, allowing you to capitalize on the even larger investment you made in your pool initially.

Good for the environment

If you are interested in reducing your carbon footprint, in addition to saving money, then a solar heater is definitely right for you, as solar energy is one of the cleanest ways to power many different things. Due to the lack of external resources such as gas infiltrating the process, solar heating eliminates the dangerous carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions, and you will be directly contributing to a healthier planet while also creating a safer environment for your family to enjoy your pool.

You can also reduce the noise that typically comes with the loud humming of other heating systems for both you and your neighbors. Solar heating systems run much quieter than other types, establishing the ideal mood for pure relaxation. Between the efficiency, the low cost and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re doing something good for the environment, it’s hard to envision a more pleasant pool experience!

It is time to put the sun to full use, and talk to your pool designer in Los Angeles, CA about installing a solar heating system for your pool. Avanti Pools, Inc. has been the leader in pool and hot tub installations in the area for nearly 20 years, so if you are ready to extend the lengths your pool can go to, make sure you give us a call today. We look forward to assisting you!

Choosing a Surface for Your Pool: What You Need to Know

You’ve decided what type of pool you want—the features, the dimensions and the style—when your pool designer in Los Angeles, CA suddenly asks you what type of surface you want for the interior of your pool.

The surface interior is one aspect of your dream pool design that you probably never thought of, so you start researching your options. It turns out that there are a lot of options available—and a lot of opinions about which one is best. If you’re not familiar with surface interiors for pools, wading through the choices can seem overwhelming. To help you decide, we’ve broken down a few of the most commonly used surface interiors for you.

Plaster

In previous years, plaster has been the most common choice for pool interiors. Plaster is the least expensive option available. Plaster is also easy to dye, so the color is customizable. However, plaster is more susceptible to erosion from water chemicals, so maintaining proper water chemistry is a must. Plaster can also become stained by debris, such as fallen leaves or high metal levels in your water supply. Colored plasters are also more susceptible to fading over the years. Keep in mind, however, that a plaster interior can go five to seven years without any signs of wear or fading if cared for properly.

PebbleTec

PebbleTec is a brand that made its first appearance in Australia. During the 1960s, tradesmen began attempting to create an alternative to plaster for the interior of pools. The end result was PebbleTec, an aggregate finish that incorporates natural pebble materials with concrete. There are several benefits to choosing PebbleTec over plaster. First, the combination of pebbles used in this aggregate finish allows for the creation of a more natural look to your pool interior, similar to that of the ocean floor or a riverbed. Second, PebbleTec is more durable and has an exceptional stain resistance. Keep in mind, however, that PebbleTec can be significantly more expensive than plaster.

Tile

Tile is considered the premium surface for your pool interior. Tile offers endless possibilities when it comes to design. You can create intricate and custom designs for the interior of your pool by using a variety of tile colors and shapes. But tile offers more than aesthetics—it is also durable and easier to clean than PebbleTec. However, there are some drawbacks. As with a plaster finish, it’s important to maintain the proper chemical balance in your pool to avoid white calcium buildup on your tiles. Tile, depending on the color, can also sometimes create a blinding glare when hit by direct light from the sun.

Now that you understand a little bit more about your surface options for the interior of your pool, you can better determine which option is best for you. However, it is important to consult your pool designer in Los Angeles, CA before making a final decision. They can offer you advice on which option will best suit your lifestyle and budget. Contact Avanti Pools, Inc. today for more information about designing your custom pool.