Swimming Pools in Florida

It can be said that swimming pools in Florida are becoming more a necessity than a luxury. When you ask yourself, “do I want a swimming pool or do I need a swimming pool,” your answer may likely be yes to both. The reason for this is because, like the rest of the country, Florida temperatures seem to be on the rise, and it is nearly impossible to enjoy a summer day without the comfort of a pool.

Although the cost of building a swimming pool will only increase the value of your home on average less than 10%, there are many other reasons besides resale value for making the decision to build a pool. A swimming pool provides a place for the whole family to hang out and have fun, get in some exercise, or just get away from the heat and humidity. It is also a great gathering spot to entertain extended family and guests.

Once you’ve made the decision to build a swimming pool, your next step is finding a reputable swimming pool contractor who can provide you with the best pool to fit within your budget. With today’s average price of a swimming pool starting at anywhere from $17,000 to $50,000, and some custom designs at the high end costing over $100,000 or more, it is important to shop around to find a swimming pool contractor who can give you the best quality at the best price. Unless you have a builder in mind who comes highly recommended by friends or family, it is a good idea to meet with several swimming pool contractors before hiring the one who will build your dream pool.

Building materials are another consideration in figuring out what type of pool you can afford. On the low end of the price range are the pre-formed fiberglass pools which fit down into a hole dug in your yard and can be up and running within a few days. Other, more expensive pools require excavation of your yard and construction of a steel or concrete base which is then covered with vinyl, or a concrete base covered with gunite.

There are many options for building swimming pools in Florida and making the decision to build one of your very own is the first step in providing your family with a great way to spend those hot sticky months of summer in cool, refreshing comfort.

Can Concrete Pools Improve The Value Of Your Home?

If you take on projects around the home, you can definitely increase its value. One of the best investments you can make is to install a concrete pool. This will no doubt improve the value of your home. Not only is a concrete pool something that you and your loved ones can take advantage of during the summer and on hot days, but it’s something that can make everything from investing in a second mortgage to selling your home that much more fruitful. The following are just some of the many reasons behind why concrete pools improve the value of a person’s home.

A concrete pool is a major investment: not only is it one of the most valuable pools out there, but it is something that will take a great deal of construction, planning, and money to install. After all, this is a pool that is in-the-ground: You have to not only dig in your yard but will also have to pour concrete. The time it takes to install such a pool is definitely worth it because it can add a lot of value to your home. After all, the more work you put into your home and the more work you put into the pool, the higher each will be worth.

Concrete pools are seen as solid investments because they are something made to last. Not only this, but they are something that people of all ages and backgrounds can use. For example, newlyweds are sure to enjoy this feature to a home because it means more fun and entertaining options. Additionally, large families are sure to enjoy having a concrete pool because it ensures hours upon hours of entertainment for parents, their children, and the rest of the family. Thus, by adding concrete pools to a home, the home then becomes that much more valuable because it makes it alluring to all types of people and families. Thus, adding a pool broadens the market for your home if you ever choose to sell it.

And of course, if you live in a warm area of the world, it pays to invest in a concrete pool because this makes daily life that much easier. Thus, if you are considering selling your home or using your home as collateral on a loan, investing in a pool is a smart idea in such climates. In fact, it can add thousands of dollars to the value of your home, especially if you invest in a pool that is made to last. Always take the time to look into the demands of local buyers when upgrading your home or taking on projects like a pool. This way, you can be sure that your home is worth as much as possible so that you and your family can continue to prosper.

Although concrete pools have long been the more popular favorite for backyard pools, the material fiberglass has also been in practice for about fifty years. Although outfitting your backyard with a fiberglass pool is going to be more costly than a standard concrete one, the long term benefits far outweigh the price.

Fiberglass pools are constructed from a prefabricated fiberglass shell. There is no pouring involved like there is with concrete; a large hole is dug and the fiberglass shell is merely fitted into it. The exterior of the fiberglass shell is non-porous, which is a better choice in the long run since dirt and bacteria can seep into the pockets of a concrete pool over time. Fiberglass is also a strong material that holds up well with weather and standard usage. It will not crack as easily as concrete, either.

Another benefit of fiberglass is the fact that the chemistry of the water will not affect the smooth surface of it. There is not a great amount of cleaning necessary, and it is easier to do so anyway because of the differences in surface material. Debris is more inclined to get trapped in the surface of concrete than fiberglass.

There are some drawbacks to fiberglass swimming pools in addition to the added cost. First, when you get a concrete pool, you can be very creative with the shape of your pool as well as an additional accessories, like a built in hot tub. But with fiberglass, the shapes are very limited to choose from.

Second, emptying your fiberglass pool could make for problems. Water needs to fill the fiberglass shell at all times to keep pressure on the walls in order for the fiberglass to keep its shape. If it’s emptied, the fiberglass can crack due to ground pressure. Fiberglass pool owners should plan on maintaining the water year round and investing in an excellent cover system. Always make sure to hire a professional if you absolutely need to empty it.

Another thing to consider when installing your fiberglass pool is the fact that most of these pools are placed on a bed of sand. If this sand shifts over the years, you may need to have your pool reset.

When installed and maintained properly, a fiberglass pool can provide decades of family fun and entertainment at a reasonable cost. The right team of professionals combined with a dedicated pool owner makes for fantastic pool results.

Here is a great video that shows the steel & gunite steps of how a concrete swimming pool is built.