A swimming pool is a backyard luxury that adds value to any home. It is also part of the Florida and Sun Belt lifestyle. A pool keeps you cool on the warmest days of the year and provides great exercise and backyard entertainment opportunities.
A healthy pool requires continued maintenance. This includes skimming, running a vacuum, cleaning filters and brushing. There are many devices that help keep your pool in good condition, but you must set up a regular maintenance schedule.
Basic Swimming Pool Materials
Vinyl pools are the least expensive. They can fit into the ground or a frame above the ground. The vinyl shell can tear easily, creating leaks. Owners of vinyl pools must be vigilant about checking for tears in the pool’s surface material.
Fiberglass is the most durable material for swimming pools. This type of pool is a prefabricated shell that is installed directly into the ground. It can extend 18 inches above the ground and have a nice raised decking. Fiberglass pools are often finished with a colorful Gelcoat, usually in a blue hue.
Some fiberglass pools can be installed on a pad above ground if they are enclosed in a heavy steel frame. Fiberglass pools come in a variety of shapes.
Traditional pools are typically constructed from concrete or gunite with a plaster coating, placed in-ground around a metal frame. They can be formed into any shape and decorated with colorful tiles. These are the pools with the longest lifespan.
Hot tubs can be fiberglass or gunite. They can stand alone or be part of the larger pool. They require maintenance similar to a swimming pool.
Grounds and Maintenance
Your swimming pool is the centerpiece of your yard. Homes in Florida and the Sun Belt usually have lush tropical landscaping around the pool to create a resort feeling. Professional landscapers work to keep plantings with leaves and petals away from the pool. This keeps debris out of the skimmer.
Pool decks are typically made of stone or wood. They are slip-resistant and easy to clean. Keeping pool decks free of debris will help to keep the pool cleaner. Landscape architects design pool decks with built-in seating, fire pits, and outdoor kitchens. Outdoor showers and dressing rooms are also part of the design.
Water elements, such as waterfalls and fountains, may be incorporated into the architecture. A raised hot tub may circulate warm water into the swimming pool below.
Pool covers are always recommended to control evaporation and maintain pool cleanliness. They also hold in the heat.
The complete design of a yard with a pool and decking must be considered before installing the pool. Various laws require the pool area to have a fence as well for safety.
Enjoy Your Pool
Your pool can be enjoyed most of the year in Florida. Proper installation and careful maintenance will keep your pool looking good for decades.
