When Is the Best Time of Year to Buy a Pool?

Like any large purchase, timing is everything when it comes to buying and installing a pool. Summer is the time when pool companies are at their busiest, both installing new pools and renovating older pools. If you are considering installing a new pool, there are a few considerations when it comes to timing and cost. Here is the best way to decide when to buy your new pool.

Avoid Summer

If any way possible, do not wait until summer to decide to install a new pool. Prices are higher due to demand and you can expect to have pool construction taking over your yard during the entire process. Fall, winter or spring are all better options, with more pool contractors available and better price options. Plus, you won’t need to cancel your family barbecue due to a large hole in your backyard.

Pool Installation Requires a Time Commitment

Designing and installing a new pool will require a time commitment on your part. Although your pool contractor can do the work without your help, there will be many decisions to be made and there may be times where you need to be home during the process. You will want to choose a time during the year that someone in your household that can make decisions will be available.

For many people, late winter or early spring is a great time for getting a new pool installed. It ensures that it will be ready for the summer, without bartering for time during the busiest season. If you are ready to purchase a new pool, plan accordingly to have it installed in the off-season and save a little money on your investment.

Posted on behalf of:
Somar Pool Service & Repairs
4581 Weston Road
Weston, FL 33331
(954) 840-8544

5 Benefits of Owning a Swimming Pool

Have you been considering adding a swimming pool to your home? While a pool is a luxury, it can have many benefits that can make this a worthwhile investment. When researching the cost and types of pools available, keep in mind these five benefits a swimming pool can offer.

  1. Swimming is a great source of exercise for the whole family. Whether you do laps in the morning or the kids play in it during the hot afternoons, the water creates resistance to help you build muscle and can be a wonderful cardio workout without the heat factor.
  2. Having a relaxing pool at your home can give you a needed place to relax. Stress can cause many health problems; if relaxing in or by the pool quells anxiety or stress for you, it is worth the investment.
  3. Comfort. Nothing beats a cool dip in the pool on a hot summer’s day. If you live in a region with hot weather, you will appreciate the option to cool off when those triple digits show up on the thermometer.
  4. Home value. A swimming pool is an investment in your home. Adding a pool can make your home more desirable and valuable when it comes time to sell.
  5. Entertainment. Swimming pools are a wonderful source of entertainment for your family and friends. It is a great centerpiece for your home parties, as well as intimate family fun.

Adding a swimming pool to your home is a significant investment, but many pool owners will tell you it is worth every penny. Make sure you find a quality, experienced swimming pool construction contractor when it comes time to install your new pool to get the most for your money.

Posted on behalf of:
Somar Pools, LLC
6538 Collins Ave, #42
Miami Beach, FL 33141
(305) 767-7755

Top 9 Pool Renovations

Does your swimming pool need an update? If you want to improve your pool area, a few additions or renovations can make a big difference. Here are nine of the top pool renovations that can add beauty, function and value to your pool and home.

  1. Adding a spa can give you a relaxing place to soak after a long day; it is wonderful for arthritis, muscle pain and other ailments that respond to aqua therapy.
  2. Moving water in the form of a waterfall adds sounds and beauty to your pool area for a more inviting atmosphere.
  3. Fire features. Fire and water don’t mix, but they complement each other for aesthetic appeal, especially at night.
  4. Resurfacing. Nothing gives an old pool a new look quicker than having it resurfaced. A new surface can protect your pool and make it more comfortable on your feet.
  5. New pool deck. Sometimes it is the area surrounding the pool that really needs an update. Consider adding a new pool deck for a beautiful new pool area.
  6. If you have kids, they will love a slide to enter the pool. It is like having a mini-waterpark right in your backyard.
  7. Sunning shelves. Adding sunning shelves in the shallow end of the pool for sunbathing is a great way to enjoy the sun while staying cool.
  8. Landscaping. Adding new plants and improved landscaping can help create a beautiful pool oasis at your home.
  9. Automation systems are a great addition to make it easier to monitor the chemical balance and energy controls for your pool.

This year, make the investment to update your pool. Call your local pool renovation specialist to get start on your pool remodel.

Posted on behalf of:
Somar Pool Service & Repairs
4581 Weston Road
Weston, FL 33331
(954) 840-8544

Five Reasons to Add a New Pool to Your Backyard

You bought your house knowing it had the perfect backyard to add a pool to someday. That someday is now. If you haven’t given in to your kid’s pleas to put the pool in yet, here are five reasons why you should go ahead and make your pool happen.

  1. Swimming is great exercise for persons of any age. You can get a great workout without all the stress on your body. Having it in your own backyard means you have access to a workout anytime you want, without anybody else there to bother you.
  2. Family fun. You know your whole family would enjoy a pool. You’ll watch little ones learn to swim for the first time and the big ones land their first belly flop. Family time together around the pool will make some great memories for years to come.
  3. Entertaining. Just think of how fun it would be to have all your friends over. You can have a nice evening out at your own home. Cook up a shrimp boil in your backyard and enjoy swimming together with a few or many friends.
  4. Teen hangout. You won’t have to wonder where your kids are because all their friends will want to be hanging at your house with the pool. This will make keeping tabs on your kids and their friends even easier.
  5. Relaxation. Nothing says relaxing more than sunshine and water. Whether your soaking up the sun beside the pool or while laying in the pool, you have the best spot right out your back door!

Exercise, family memories, and relaxation are some indisputable reasons to get your new pool started right now. Stop putting off the inevitable and make your family’s dream come true with a new pool in your backyard.

Posted on behalf of Somar Pool Service & Repairs
401 East Las Olas Boulevard #130
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Is Cement or Fiberglass a Better Option for Your Pool?

If you are building a pool, one of the most important questions you will need to answer is whether you want a fiberglass or cement shell for your pool. There is a variety of information you can read on the merits of both, usually geared toward one or the other for sales purposes.  It comes down to choosing the best option for your needs and budget. Here are the basic differences.

Cement Pools

The main reason to choose a cement pool is the design factor. Cement, both gunite and shotcrete, can be designed in almost any shape, size and depth you want. Unlike most fiberglass shells, you don’t have to stick with the preformed design. You can make your pool truly unique and custom built for your home.

However, there are drawbacks to owning cement pool when it comes to maintenance and long term costs. Most cement pools need resurfacing every 10 or more years, plus require more maintenance to keep algae at bay. But there are newer surfacing options that can last longer and offer easier maintenance – talk to your pool contractor.

Fiberglass Pools

For the budget conscience and those looking for low maintenance pools, fiberglass pools are a good choice. Although the design options are limited, as are the sizes, they are cost efficient to build and maintain. Fiberglass shells are nonporous, helping them deter algae, requiring fewer chemicals and less cleaning. Fiberglass also does not need resurfacing like a cement pools need.

So which is right for you? If you want a customized or large pool, you will want to investigate the cement options. For an easy to maintain pool, fiberglass is the way to go. Talk to your local pool contractor to make your final decision.

Posted on behalf of:
Premier Pool Enterprises
Canton, GA
(494) 496-5579

Designing Your Dream Pool for Your Home

Whether you are replacing an old pool or adding a brand new to pool to your home, you have the opportunity to create your dream oasis in your backyard. Adding a new pool is an exciting adventure with so many creative options that are available. Don’t settle for the boring rectangle or kidney-shaped pool when you can have a tropical lagoon at your home.

Luxury Pool Options for Your Home

Some of the latest trends in luxury pools involve using creativity to design mini water park in your backyard. If you are dreaming of a pool that will enhance the aesthetic value of your home while offering the best in water fun, consider these options:

  • Infinity or negative edge pools. For the perfect showcase piece for your home, the infinity or negative edge pool designs give a dramatic look. These are perfect for homes with a view, with the illusion of water cascading over the edge of your pool, emphasizing the view beyond.
  • Lazy rivers. Enjoy floating around your backyard in a slow, lazy river that is the ultimate addition to your pool area. For kids, add in water slides for a little more excitement.
  • Grottos, caves and waterfalls. For those who prefer a natural, secluded feel to their pool, add caves and grottos for private pool enjoyment. A flowing waterfall offers the sound and ambience that can turn a plain pool into a watery oasis.

To create the perfect luxury pool, you need a professional pool builder that is experienced in exceptional pool design. Take the time to meet with a local expert in pool design to begin creating a new dream pool that will transform your outdoor living area.

Posted on behalf of:
Premier Pool Enterprises
Canton, GA
(494) 496-5579

Cool Features For Your New Pool

Adding a new pool to your home is an exciting project. Your pool isn’t just a great place to cool off on a hot day or to get exercise; it’s the focal point of your yard. Make the most of your new pool by researching different designs and additions to enhance the beauty of your yard and even add value to your home.

Pool Feature Options

Beyond the basic pool, you have many options you can discuss with your pool design company. There is really no limit to what many pool designers can do, the only exceptions being your imagination and your budget. Here are some cool features to consider for your new pool:

  • Infinity edge. Also called negative edges, infinity pools give the illusion of the water overflowing the edge of the pool. It’s perfect for yards with a great view, just beyond the pool edge.
  • Tanning shelves. Create cool places to relax in the sun with tanning shelves built into your pool. These areas give you a shallow shelf to stay in the cool water, without being submerged.
  • Grottoes or caves. Give your pool a private retreat with a cave or grotto, great for a romantic evening. You can even include a waterfall which covers the entrance for even more privacy.
  • Light or fire features. Make your pool shine at night with underwater lights or fire features around the edge of the pool.
  • Slides. Have your own mini-water park with the addition of one or more slides added to your pool. What fun for kids of all ages!

Make your new pool the centerpiece of your home with a great design. Talk to your pool builder about ideas to make your pool one-of-a-kind.

Posted on behalf of Somar Pools, LLC

Swimming Pool Planning

In general there are two processed involved in new pool construction.  The first is the planning process, while the second is the actual swimming pool construction process.  However the planning process is the most important step and good planning is directly related to the successful construction of any swimming pool.  In general the planning process includes consultation and permitting.

During the consultation portion of the planning process, a qualified swimming pool contractor will have a designer meet with the client to determine the features the client wants in the pool, in addition to taking detailed measurements of the site.  The contractor will then prepare a design that meets all required zoning ordinances, including set backs from adjacent properties, as well as incorporating the desired features that the client desires.

In addition, sometimes a landscape architect is brought on board as a member of the team to help design an overall hardscape and landscape plan for the property.  The contractor will also prepare a detailed written estimate of the cost to build the pool.  In some cases the contractor and the client will go thru several revisions of the design before the best of is found that meets zoning ordinances, the features desired by the client and the client’s budget.

Once the plan is developed and the contractor is released to begin work on the pool, more detailed plans will be developed, which will need to be submitted to the city or county the property is located in, as part of the requirements to obtain a building permit.  The detailed plans will provide a guideline for the construction of the pool and will demonstrate that the pool is being constructed to the applicable building and zoning codes.  Depending upon the locality of the property, the building permit will be issued upon “approval” of the plans and payment of all fees.  The pool contractor’s representative will have work diligently throughout the permitting process to obtain the permit s quickly as possible.  Once the permit is obtained, the contractor will be able to start construction and a completed pool is weeks away!

Posted on behalf of Somar Pools

Pool Construction Process

The actual construction phase of the swimming pool begins once all necessary permits have been obtained.  The first step in the pool construction process is the excavation of the dirt where the pool is to be located.  The contractor will first verify that there are no existing utilities in the area and then begin the excavation of the soils.  In most cases the soils will be taken offsite for disposal.  The excavation will be in the shape and the depth as shown on the plans.

Once the excavation is complete the required electrical and plumbing work will be performed.  In general, the electrical and plumbing work will be related to pumps, drains, filtration systems and lighting systems within the pool shell.  After the work is complete and inspected, the pool contractor will then install reinforcing steel within the pool shell as shown on the approved plans.  The size and quantity of steel depends upon a number of factors including soil conditions and the size and shape of the pool.

After the structural steel is inspected the contractor then spray a specialized type of concrete, which is called “Shotcrete” against the dirt formed sidewalls.  The concrete will cover the reinforcing steel, as well as the plumbing and electrical work previously installed to create the shell of the pool.  The next step in the process is to install the pool tile at the waterline, as well as the pool coping.   The coping provides a transition from the pool to the pool deck.  Once the coping is complete, the contractor will then apply the finish coat to the pool shell, with many different coatings being available.

At the same time there will be a number of other tasking performed including installation of the pool equipment, pool deck and pool fence along with any other hardscapes.  Typical pool decks include concrete, natural stone, pavers or decorative concrete.

The final step is to fill the pool with water and obtain all required inspections from the appropriate government agencies including zoning, building and health.  Once final approval is obtained, it will be time to enjoy that new pool!

Posted on behalf of Premier Pool Enterprises