POOL EXPERTS GIVE YOU THE IDEAS YOU NEED TO GET STARTED
Pools are truly amazing; they can improve your health, increase the value of your home, and bring people together. Therefore it’s so important to properly maintain it so you can enjoy your pool for years to come. But owning a pool is no walk in the park, or swim in the lake—if you will. It takes a substantial amount of time and effort to maintain a pool, but it’s well worth the investment.
Luckily, there is assistance; some pool companies in the Ottawa region specialize in pool renovation services. These pool experts have the knowledge and expertise to address your pool’s needs fully.
If you’re looking to upgrade your pool, search no further; specialists can help you design the backyard oasis of your dreams. And most companies offer a closing and pool opening service, as well as pool renovation services to give you the complete package for a perfect backyard pool.
Here are a few ideas to get you started!
WHAT THE DECK?
Adding a new deck and coping around your pool is an effective way to upgrade your pool and backyard simultaneously. You can choose from a variety of materials and designs such as wood, interlock, stone, poured concrete, stamped concrete, rolled edge (also known a “bull nose”), and so much more.
If you want a whole new look, consider changing the shape of your pool as well.
A FRESH NEW LOOK
Pool resurfacing (for gunite pools) or liner replacement is the number one way to refresh the look of a pool. You can resurface your pool in a number of different styles or chose from many different liner patterns. This dramatic but fairly low-cost renovation can improve the look and durability of your pool significantly.
Old liners tend to become fragile after a few years due to chemicals and harsh weather conditions, resulting in unwanted tears. So don’t wait until your pool is half empty to replace the ripped liner. You should replace your liner before it becomes an issue in the middle of the swimming season.
If your pool has a plaster finish, update it with a modern look. Various aggregate finishes will add texture and interest to your pool. These finishes come in different colours and can incorporate materials such as shells, stones, pebbles, quartz, and glass tile.
Updating the waterline tile will also give your pool a more contemporary, refreshed look. Consider updating the tile when resurfacing your pool and updating the pool deck.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP
Adding a set of stairs to your in-ground pool is an excellent alternative to a conventional ladder. Adding custom steps will make your in-ground pool more accessible and stylish.
Consider adding large walk-in steps or a beach entry so you can easily walk into the shallow side of your pool. You can also add tanning or Baja ledges.
ENHANCE YOUR POOL
Your backyard should be your oasis. And your pool can significantly affect the ambiance feel of your backyard. Luckily you can get professional pool renovation services done right here in Ottawa. They can transform your backyard into a place of beauty. You can add something as simple as in-pool lighting, to something an extravagant as a water slide or a fountain.
LED POOL LIGHTING
If you have basic pool lighting, even the most straightforward upgrade can make a huge difference in the look and feel of your pool and backyard. LED pool lighting is not only more energy efficient than traditional lighting, but it also comes in various colours so you can set the mood and transform your backyard into a luxury oasis. Almost all regular lights can be replaced for LED colour lighting at a relatively low cost!
Consider installing LED lighting both in your pool and around your pool for an attractive glow that improves visibility for your pool area at night.
SALT WATER SYSTEMS
Upgrading to a salt water system is a growing trend among pool owners. These systems use a salt water chlorinator which creates chlorine from salt in the pool water. So instead of buying, adding, and storing chlorine that irritates your skin, hair, and eyes, you will have to add salt to your pool when the salt levels are low.
The amount of salt in salt water pools is a fraction of the amount found in oceans, so you won’t have to worry about the salt burning your eyes or tasting strong.
WATER FEATURES
Water features, such as waterfalls, fountains, bubblers, scuppers, and sprayers, add soothing motion and sound to pools for a relaxing backyard oasis. Water features are also relatively simple to add to existing pools designs, so you don’t have to do an entire remodel to add these features.
SPAS
Adding a spa will allow you to enjoy your backyard year-round. Spas are a great place to relax alone or with guests. They provide many therapeutic health benefits. And best of all, you can still use your spa in winter. So even if you close your pool for the offseason, you don’t have to say goodbye to your spa.
SLIDES
If you have kids in your family, take their pool experience up a few notches with a new slide. Slides come in various sizes so you can find one to suit your available space without taking over too much of your pool deck. Diving boards are another fun option to add to pools.
ENERGY-EFFICIENT POOL EQUIPMENT
For a practical pool upgrade, consider switching to energy-efficient equipment, such as filters, variable-speed pumps, and solar-powered heaters and lighting. This energy-efficient equipment will reduce your monthly energy bills and your pool’s environmental footprint.
Also, new variable-speed pumps tend to be quieter than traditional pumps, so you and your neighbours won’t have to listen to the loud droning noise for long periods of time.
AUTOMATION SYSTEMS
The future is here when it comes to convenient automation. No longer do you need to lift a finger to maintain your pool. Instead, a robotic vacuum cleaner can clean your pool for you. Better yet, there are automation systems available for pools so you can control all of your pool functions—pump, filter, heater, cover, lights, etc.—with an app on your smartphone or tablet.
Turn on your pool heater as you’re leaving work so your pool will be warm by the time you get home. Or, if you tend to forget to switch off your pump, you can do so with your phone, or set your pump on a timer.
SAFETY FEATURES
For added pool safety, consider installing fencing with gates that lock and an automatic pool safety cover. These will ensure no kids or animals get into your pool unsupervised.
Automatic covers are also a great way to keep your pool safe. Unlike other barriers such as fences or standard covers, automatic pool covers are an isolation barrier meaning they isolate the pool water from the pool deck and surrounding area. This is especially important because it ensures that there is no risk of children, animals, or other vulnerable beings or objects falling into the water. These sturdy, durable covers can withstand the elements and are easy to install and remove, making them the ideal cover for your pool.
BUT AT WHAT COST?
Pool renovations aren’t cheap. But they can be a cost-effective investment. If you’re on a tight budget, consider prioritizing the pool renovations that will make the most noticeable difference in appearance and function. And then opt for additional features whenever possible.
If your pool looks old and rundown, then start with pool resurfacing or liner replacement and consider adding new pool lighting and decking at this stage of your swimming pool restoration.
Whatever your end goals are for your backyard oasis, talk to your pool builders about your plans and vision. They can help you decide on which renovations to start with that are within your budget. And they can make a plan with you for adding extra features budget-permitting.
BOOST THAT CURB APPEAL
Pool renovations are an investment in your pool and backyard enjoyment, as well as your home value. Upgrading an old pool will make your summers by the pool even better. And if you ever decide to sell your home, a new pool will add much more value than an outdated pool.
To bring your new pool and backyard together, upgrade your backyard landscaping as well. This will create the backyard oasis you’ve been dreaming of. Consider planting evergreens, perennials, and ornamentals around your pool and backyard.
Avoid plants that are sharp, thorny, or that will shed leaves into your pool. Along with attractive plants and pathways, mood lighting in your backyard will also help boost the appearance and curb appeal.
Also consider adding fire features, such as tiki torches, fire bowls, or fire pits, and an outdoor kitchen and living area, equipped with comfortable outdoor furniture.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
The majority of pool companies offer a number of pool services including in-ground pool repair, pool closing services, and pool opening services. If you don’t properly close your pool for winter, you could crack the pipes or rip the liner. If you open it improperly, you could face many issues or be stuck with a green pool all season. Take the stress off by hiring a reliable company that specializes in pool opening and closing services – they’ll take care of everything for you!
If you’re thinking about renovating your pool next spring consider the above suggestions. These useful tips will help you get you the results you envisioned. To ensure the job is done correctly and for a fair price hire a professional that specializes in pool renovation services. Next spring when you need your pool opened hire a pool expert; eliminate the stress and take advantage of their quality pool opening service.
Need some more ideas? Read more about pool renovation services!
