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 In climates with year round mild weather, pools are a regular feature of backyard landscape. With so many affordable choices in design features, it is good to know your options before you take the plunge.
Know Your Usage
Pools can be a way of life for a lot of people, and be a completely different way of life from one another. Since a pool can be an investment not only of money, but of your lifestyle, it makes sense to know how you realistically plan to use your pool. For those who like the idea of a pool for regular exercise, and are not likely to have many gatherings, a lap pool can be a great choice. If you like huge family gatherings, you may want to include slides or other play features. No matter what you plan, there are great options and features that can accommodate your life and usage of space.
Consider Your Location
When choosing the shape and design of your pool, consider the location. You will want to consider things like privacy and the distance from the house or changing area. A pool that is too far from a changing area tends to get dirty quickly as swimmers go back and forth between areas, tracking dust, dirt and debris to both places. One that is too near can be a hazard to children and pets. Many homeowners do not realize that pools and spas cannot, for obvious reasons, be built under power lines. Also, access for construction equipment can affect your location. A certified pool contractor can help you sort out your options.
Special Features
For those who have family or enjoy large gatherings, there are ways to maximize your pool. By including ledges within the sides of the pool, you add seating for adults to visit, enjoy the water and have close access to the children. Small alcoves can add intimacy at a party and a place to enjoy the water without having to actually swim. Slides are another feature that can add endless enjoyment to gatherings. They come in many styles to accommodate space and depth of the pool. They are often regulated, and sometimes prohibited, by local building codes but a qualified contractor will advise you of what is available and permitted in your area. Spring diving boards are widely prohibited by most building codes, as well as uninsurable with most insurance companies. They are now being replaced with jump boards, or dive platforms which are stationary and slightly elevated. Again, there are codes that deal with the pool depth requirements of which your contractor can make you aware.
Steps, Ladders and Grab Rails
Building code guidelines will demand a certain number of each of these depending on the area, size and depth of the pool. You may want to include more however, based on the how you intend to use the pool.
Lighting
Lighting is more than an aesthetic feature. It is essential to pool safety. Many home owners are opting for fiber optic lighting which reduces the electrical hazards. With fiber optic lighting, a cord carries light, not electricity to a lens at the end of the cord which illuminates the pool. It is possible for a home owner to do this project on their own with a well written “how to” book, or quickly and easily managed by a home improvement professional.
Heaters
When selecting your pool heater type you need to consider the volume of water and location of your pool. A pool in full sun in a warm year round climate may have less of a heating demand than one in the shade. Solar heating is also a possible money saving choice. Even in places with out full sun, it is possible to at least produce some heat in solar collectors and reduce energy costs in combination with electric sources.
Pumps Drains and Filters
The workings of pumps drains and filters can be a tricky thing. It is essential they work in conjunction with each other and not against one another for maximum benefit and safety. There are many codes that govern the implementation of these devices. Blocked or poorly installed pumps and drains can cause a dangerous hazard known as a Vortex. It is a strong suction that can pull and trap even the most expert swimmers. The prescreened professionals at 10 Best Tucson can assure that your pool meets every code for safety and give you the peace of mind knowing the pool equipment is installed correctly.
Water Features
Many homeowners want their pool to blend with their landscape. There are many options that can create a seamless beauty to your landscape such as rock and waterfall features.
When you invest in a pool, you invest in a crystal clear refection of your personality and lifestyle. You invest in a future of healthy enjoyment for you and your family.
-10bestTucson Team
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