California Pools & Spas

What many people sometimes don't initially think about is that construction of an in-ground pool requires excavating the ground beforehand to make space for the pool, and that process has its own unique set of considerations. If you're currently interviewing pool builders, make sure you ask them these five questions not only to see if they can give you satisfactory answers but also to establish expectations and create a productive working relationship. Start by removing or relocating outdoor furniture and grills, potted plants, play structures or trampolines, gardening tools, debris, and anything else moveable that could interfere with excavation and construction.

If you're in the process of looking for a pool company to build your in-ground swimming pool, no doubt you've carefully researched and thought about different construction options for your pool. But, did you know that the pool deck is just as important to consider as the pool itself? The pool deck surrounds, complements, and protects the swimming pool. It is also the area where you will ultimately spend most of your time when outside enjoying your pool. Don't make material selection for your new or remodeled pool deck an afterthought: Learn about the five best materials used today for deck surfacing - and which is right for your project.

People have different reasons for wanting a pool, and your reason is crucial to ensuring you choose the right options. A savvy pool builder will ask the right questions about their clients' lifestyles as a way to propose the ideal pool design for each client. Here are the top 10 lifestyle questions when it comes to swimming pool design. Are you strictly a recreational swimmer, meaning you mostly sit or float in the pool? Or, do you swim mainly for exercise? Most people who primarily swim for exercise are going to want a long, straight pool in which to swim laps.

Selecting the right pool company to design and build the swimming pool you've always wanted is a big decision and probably the most pivotal one you'll make in the whole process. Choose the wrong pool company, and you could end up dealing with more than your fair share of wasted time and unforeseen costs. Depending on your situation, there are probably a few places you could start your search, but the most efficient is the Web. Having word-of-mouth referrals is fantastic, but you'll want to do some amount of vetting for yourself even on those referrals.

Nobody wants to think about splashing around in a green pool - ew, algae! But that's not the kind of green we're talking about here. Instead, green means eco-friendly and energy efficient. And that's music to most homeowners' ears when it comes to ongoing costs of maintaining a swimming pool. Solar covers come with many benefits, including minimizing evaporation, keeping out debris, and reducing chemical consumption. But they also help heat your pool water. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, solar pool covers can reduce pool heating costs by 50% to 70% and reduce the amount of water that needs to be added to a pool by 30% to 50%.

Whether you're just seeking information about building a swimming pool or you're nearly complete with your pool project, there is a critical last step to take before you dive in: learning how to properly use and maintain your new pool. After construction is completed, any reputable pool company should give you one-on-one training showing you all of your pool's functions and features so you have the confidence and knowledge to get the most out of your pool. The following is a general guide for new pool owners outlining what to expect when the pool is ready to use and what important details they should inquire about.