Are you looking at building a swimming pool? Today, many companies use PebbleTec® as the pool finish material of choice. It may be more expensive than a traditional pool plaster, but it has a longer life. One of the most important features is the interior surface. The surface resists the absorption of pool chemicals as well as algae growth and staining because it is non-porous. On the other hand, traditional pool plaster finishes require more maintenance because it has a shorter lifespan, and its porous surface can be a “magnet” for algae and stains.
What is a PebbleTec®?
PebbleTec® pool finishes are a mixture of hydraulic cement and polished stone pebbles or glass. The material has cement, water, pigments, and additives.
Choice of Colors and Textures
There is a wide range of colors available. However, a homeowner may be confused when choosing a pool finish color because some patterns are modern and cool or bright and summery. Ultimately, the designer can help select the color that, along with the surface effects, will add elegance to the new oasis.
Texture can also influence the decision when choosing a color. Note that smaller pebbles are best because they will not scratch or hurt your feet, and the surface is non-slip and stain-resistant.
Design
Pebble floors offer a unique design that can fit into an overall design scheme. The advantage is that it gives your backyard the feeling of a natural oasis and can fully fit into the design of a house.
Application
The pebble combination is applied to the concrete using a pneumatic sprayer. In other words, the mixture is pumped through a hose to ensure even coverage. Installers then scrape Pebble Tec by hand to create a compact surface. In most cases, technicians wear special shoes with spikes to protect the surface.
To expose the pebbles or glass beads, technicians use a water jet to remove excess cement, apply an acidic solution, and clean it with a pressure washer. Once the installation is complete, fill the pool with water, follow the pool maintenance instructions, balance the chemicals and swim away!
Less Maintenance
Save time and money with an interior surface made of pebbles. It’s non-porous, stain-resistant, and non-slip. To prevent scale buildup, check the chemical balance of your pool water at least twice a week. Make sure the overall level is between 7.4 and 7.5. Otherwise, it may result in limescale buildup, which in some cases will require draining the water from the pool in order to clean properly.
Cody Pools has been named the #1 Pool Builder in the nation by Pool and Spa News Magazine in their list of the Top 50 Pool Builders list for 2022.
This marks the 10th year in a row that Cody Pools has won the award, beginning with their first one in 2013.
“I want to thank our amazing customers and dedicated team for helping to make Cody Pools the #1 pool builder in the nation for the 10th year in a row” states Mike Church, President & CEO of Cody Pools.
“Last year we were able to bring on even more locations and amazing customer-focused companies such as Platinum Pools, which serves the Houston, Texas market & California Pools and Landscape, which serves Phoenix, Arizona and surrounding areas”, he adds.
Pool and Spa News Magazine, published by Hanley Wood, LLC, is the largest publication in the swimming pool and hot tub industry. Each year, the magazine names the Top 50 pool builders in residential construction. The Top 50 is a prestigious line-up of the pool industry’s best performers and provides a good example of how to run a successful building company. Criteria for choosing the Top 50 include revenue, staff, web presence, industry and community involvement.
Cody Pools was established in 1994 and has been the Nation’s #1 Pool Builder for 10 years in a row, having built over 30,000 swimming pools, with offices throughout Texas, Florida & Arizona. For more information, please visit https://www.CodyPools.com.
When a homeowner decides to build a pool, there are many details to consider; one of the biggest choices is where to place the pool in your yard. The size and shape of your yard may limit the options. Here is a list of tips to help you make the most of your choices.
Space
First, consider the use of the space. Is there an existing patio to incorporate into your pool design? Are there pets running around in the yard? Is there playground equipment that needs rearrangement? Perhaps some obstacles prevent placing a pool, such as trees or utility lines, or leaves and saps, making it a maintenance nightmare. After taking these constraints into account, the best place for the pool is often already clear.
When choosing a location for your pool, consider the placement of lawns, gardens, and patios. Keep in mind that space is important, and with swimming pools, the more, the better. However, our team of designers can help to create the perfect pool for any size backyard.
Aesthetics
The main reason for getting a pool is to swim and spend time with friends and family – but it is also important to add some pool accessories and amenities. It is ideal to choose an area where the pool area connects to the house and integrates both with a garden, patio, paving, decking, or pathways. A well-placed and well-designed pool will still allow enjoying the view while relaxing or entertaining friends and family.
Privacy
Privacy is another consideration issue to consider when choosing a location for a pool. A pool owner needs protection from the neighbors and other people who pass by. It is the norm to have a pool in the backyard. However, a pool in the front or side yard with a high privacy fence may be best for your home.
Weather and Environment
It is good to place your pool in an area facing north, where it will get at least four hours of sun daily. It helps raise the water temperature a few degrees and will have lower energy costs. Also, adding a fence can help block some of the wind to help keep the pool water warmer.
Slopes and Other Issues
Some yard areas may not be amenable to installing a pool, and others may be more challenging, resulting in higher installation costs.
For example, a pool contractor builds an inground pool on level ground. They can always cut down a slope and build a retaining wall to create a level surface for your pool. However, that’s an entire project in itself that comes with a hefty price tag.
Selecting the area can be confusing, but a good pool builder can help you. There are some factors that can limit the location of the pool in your yard including:
Low-lying areas that are prone to flooding
Windy areas that cause excessive water evaporation
Buried utility lines
Local building codes regarding easements and/or clearances
We know that the decision to put in a swimming pool is a big one. It’s exciting to think of all the fun you will have with family and friends. Nevertheless, choosing the right pool builder is just as important as the decision to build a pool. The financial investment in a swimming pool is significant and choosing the wrong builder can mean unwanted frustrations, a poorly built pool or worse…..one that is never completed. Below are some of the things to consider when researching local pool builders.
Considerations in Choosing the Right Pool Builder
REFERRALS – talk to your neighbors, friends, business associates, etc. to see if they have experience with any local pool builders. If you don’t produce some pool builder names in this process then at least ask any pool builders you may be considering to provide you with a list of some recent customers that you can contact. Now it is unlikely that a contractor will give you a list of unhappy customers – but there still is merit in speaking with people who have been through the process. You should ask them what went right and what to watch out for along the way; and how did the contractor resolve any issues along the way. Some questions to consider asking include:
How long did the total project take from start to completion? All things considered, was everything completed in a reasonable amount of time?
What did the contractor do to educate you on the construction process? Was this done at the time of sale or at a pre-construction meeting?
Did any unforeseen or unexpected costs arise that you weren’t warned about up-front? In other words – did the pool builder complete the entire project at the original contract price? And, if there were changes (deletions or additions) were they handled via a written contract addendum or change-order?
How was the communication throughout the process? Did the builder keep you informed as the job moved ahead and in the event of any unforeseen delays, inspections, etc?
Was a final walk-through conducted giving you the opportunity to address any/all concerns prior to completion? Did all of your concerns get addressed to your satisfaction?
Lastly, are you satisfied with your pool builder to the point where you would not hesitate to recommend the builder.
INTERNET – you are reading this article because your search; whether because of a referral, curiosity, or whatever reason – got you to our website. We recognize the internet as a very valuable tool to help people conducting research. Obviously our goal is to provide some educational assistance in your decision on your time and on your terms. If your research leads you to the decision to acquire your own backyard pool we hope you will give us an opportunity to earn your business. We would like nothing more then to help you achieve your backyard dream as we have done for many other families.
Choosing the Right Pool Builder for the Right Pool Design for You
Besides referrals and reputation, you will also want to consider a pool builder’s ability to build you the right pool for your lifestyle. Their designer should be able to show you a variety of pool designs that represent various shapes, sizes and features. During a design consultation, a designer will listen to your ideas and vision and show you examples of pools that match. The designer will also measure your backyard and then take the measurements and design criteria and start designing your pool. They will soon provide you with a realistic 3D rendering and scale drawing of the pool and backyard and work with you until you are 100% satisfied with the plan.
There are many other design considerations that can arise based on the terrain, your desire for water movement/water features, etc. A good designer will assist you through this process while insuring that what is conceived is buildable.
How Detailed are Their Estimate and Contract?
An accurate estimate can only be arrived at by thorough conversations between you and your pool builder. The initial consultation will identify your desired pool design. After a design has been approved, you should expect a pool builder to provide you with a written proposal/contract that defines all of the features included in the project. This document should define the responsibilities of both the contractor and you as the homeowner.
What will the Contract contain?
A typical proposal should include at least the below information.
Pool and Spa (when applicable) lengths, widths and depths
Materials to be used for the interior finish, the waterline tile, any water features, rock materials, etc.
Type and amount of decking
Utility runs and hook-ups as applicable (electric / gas)
Equipment to be installed (Pumps, Filter, Heater, Controller, Etc.)
Cleaning system
Water sanitation system
Responsibilities of homeowner
Contact information (Office and/or Cell phones)
Warranty information
A swimming pool is an investment that keeps providing returns year after year. Those returns are in the form of family fun and family memories. You’ve worked hard to get to a place in your life where you can make your backyard dreams a reality. We hope this article has provided you with some very valuable information on choosing a pool builder. We would love to work with you if you reach the point where you are ready to “Build your backyard dream”. Let us know if we can be of any assistance.
The different swimming pool shapes offer a variety of opportunites for pool design directions. Some are for specific purposes, such as pools for health and fitness, infinity pools as an architectural statement in the landscape, novelty pools that express the owner’s personality or interests, and natural pools that blend into the landscape.
Ultimately the design of your swimming pool shape depends on a variety of variables: Lot size and available space, property location, budget, safety code compliance, the architectural style of your home, sun exposure, intended use of the pool, whether you want an integrated or separate hot tub, and ultimately your personal preference.
Here are five questions to keep in mind when determining a swimming pool shape and design:
What size is your backyard?
Where in that space do you envision the pool?
How many people will be using the pool at one time?
Are you planning to throw large pool parties? Or will you have it all to yourself?
What shape is best for your needs?
7 of the Most Popular Swimming Pool Shapes
1. Classic or Roman-Shaped Pools
For an aesthetic that looks like a movie set, these pool shapes are reminiscent of each other yet distinctive. These pools are both, in a word, grand. The luxury of a Roman bath, framed by majestic columns with arches at either end, makes an impressive statement. Greek baths are similarly opulent with their spacious design and interesting niches in each corner. Although the inspiration comes from ancient structures, there is nothing antique about these pools. The design shape typically goes well for a medium to large size yard.
2. Oval Pools
Although the name for this pool shape is evident, there is nothing unusual about this classic shape. What’s especially nice is that it can easily frame this shape with potted plants and even fire bowls on pillars. The pool design can support a modern or antique esthetic. While you will need a relatively large space to get the most out of this pool, it offers the flexibility you want for a permanent installation.
3. Kidney Pools
The kidney or “bean-shaped design” is just as popular as a pool shape as traditional rectangular pools. They are graphically attractive because they are not rectilinear and provide a lovely natural niche along the pool line where you can place your outdoor furniture. Perfect for medium-sized backyards.
4. Figure-Eight Pools
You may not see this shape of pool as often as others, but these pools add an attractive hourglass shape to your outdoor retreat. Like two separate pools connected in the middle, you can always designate one for pool floats and the other for your outdoor Zen experience. The shape is one that easily allows water circulation. It provides a soothing whirlpool effect, especially if you add a sparkling water feature like a fountain.
5. L-Shaped Swimming Pool
As the name suggests, this is a shape that makes excellent use of the pool’s footprint. You can use the longer part of the pool for your laps while using the shorter half for relaxing. This pool design provides a natural niche for your furniture and allows easy access to both ends. If your backyard has an irregular shape or has limited space, the design is a great solution.
6. Free Form
Contrary to a geometric pool shape, a Free Form designed pool is as organic as it gets. The curvy lines of it’s shape make it look like a lagoon or a pond. With this pool design, there is no prefabricated solution. Think of the kind of pools you have seen in the backyards of professional athletes and the rich and famous. This super customizable solution is the stuff of luxury. You can create your kind of indulgence with suitable textiles and accents for any pool installation. On the other hand, freeform pools allow you to define the profile of your pool in endless ways!
7. Rectangular/Geometric Pools
Although we list rectangular & Geometric pool shapes last, they are by no means the least popular! It’s the classic pool where you can add steps into the shallow water and a Baja ledge for sunbathing. There’s also a lot to say about including a nice little swim-up bar! This shape will always be around. This pool shape offers flexibility. You can still swim your laps and at the same time have enough space and depth for both the youngest and oldest family members to enjoy this multipurpose backyard pool.
To see more images of pool shapes, sizes, designs, plus design features and more that we have built in Austin, San Antonio, Houston and surrounding areas, visit our Residential Pool Gallery.
Cody Pools is the number one swimming pool builder in the nation for over 10 years running! Contact any of our offices in Texas, Florida, or Arizona, or visit our website to schedule a free consultation.
