Summer 2018 | POOL OASIS

by Rochelle riservato June 06, 2018

You’ve yearned for your own pool oasis for years. Whether you have young children, teens, or are empty nesters who finally deserve an at-home nirvana of your own—it’s time!

As with all major home enhancements, planning is essential. There are many elements to consider when creating your dream poolscape, one of which is consulting with a reputable company that has the knowledge, expertise, and experience required to make the process go smoothly.

To help you get started and ensure a smooth journey, we’ve provided you with a list of all aspects to consider, complete with the professional advice of Christine Leonard, co-owner of Aqua Jet Pools, Spas & Patio Furniture in Lake Katrine. Follow these tips and you’ll “be in the swim” before you know it!

budget and wish list:

A pool is a large initial investment, so set up a tentative budget. “The homeowner should first come into the store to get the size and pricing options,” says Christine. Then move on to your wish list. Inspiration can be procured from magazines and websites such as Pinterest. Deciding what’s important to you in the long run will help you plan for everything from the basic requirements to design elements that can enhance your at-home vacation spot in the future.

location, location, location:

Although you may feel you know precisely where you’d like your pool to be located, it’s not always in a homeowner’s hands. “Each town has its own set of rules and regulations; therefore, we recommend our customers go to their local building department,” says Christine. “Every pool requires a building permit, safety regulations, and inspections. The town will also identify any setbacks. We provide the town with the pool specs and blueprint.” This is why it’s important to have an installer come visit the site to look for areas of excavation and property setbacks, which include septic lines, irrigation systems, gas lines, etc.

material education:

In-ground pools can be made with several different materials including fiberglass, gunite, and vinyl. A professional can explain to you the pros and cons of each to help you decide which is suitable for your taste and budget. They can also advise you about the decking around the pool and design options such as tile mosaics and your pool surround.

“During this process, we show the homeowner pictures and videos of prior installations and final products,” explains Christine. An expert goes over pool layouts and available decking options such as wood, concrete, or natural stone pavers to offer cohesiveness to your home’s style and architecture. In addition, there are three different options for the filtration system—sand, diatomaceous earth (DE), and cartridge. “We first would find the best solution for the homeowner. For example, it would all depend on how much use the pool is going to get and how much time the homeowner is willing and able to spend to maintain the pool. Using a salt system is less maintenance and the salt gets converted into chlorine. However, using BioGuard chlorine products are less expensive and require a once-a-week treatment.”

special features:

So many to choose from: lighting, both in and outside the pool; zero-entry or built-in stairs for entry ease versus ladders; retractable pool covers to protect the water from airborne debris and to provide safety when the pool isn’t in use. And, if aquatic exercise factors into your vision, consider the installation of underwater handrails and a variable flow of water that enables swimming in place. “We advise our customers about many different options, from decks, lighting, steps, fountains, and automatic covers. We also show them examples of existing pools. But, in the end, it all comes down to what the customer wants, and they usually do take our expert advice,” says Christine.

present and future amenities:

When planning your idyllic poolscape, it’s best to list everything you’d like to include, even if your budget doesn’t permit building it now. It’s prudent to think about space/locations for future enhancements, such as a pool house, outdoor kitchen, fire pit, outdoor shower, swim-up bar, or gazebo. For example, if you know you’ll be adding an outdoor kitchen at a later date, it’s essential to run the gas lines to those areas of the poolscape in the beginning, which eliminates the need to tear up the deck and surrounding landscape at a later date.

covering all the bases:

Christine advises homeowners to check with their insurance agents, as having a pool may affect your policy. Even if it doesn’t, it’s best to inform the company you’re having a pool installed. Also make sure you have proper building permits, as most locales require building permits with all types of construction.

the reward:

Though it may seem like a daunting journey, Christine assures us that the process moves along: “Once the customer comes into our store, the installation process from start to finish goes very quick and smoothly. Our pools are usually installed within five to eight days, weather permitting.” Now comes the fun part: invite your friends and family, or simply sneak off by yourself, to enjoy that cool water on a hot day, right in your own backyard.

aqua jet pools, spas & patio furniture

1606 Ulster Avenue, Lake Katrine
845-336-8080
aquajetpools.com

604 Route 299, Highland
845-883-5566
aquajetpools.com