What is a Swim-Up Pool Bar?—and How to Add One to Your Backyard
—Raise the “bar” on outdoor entertaining by bringing the resort experience home The first time people discover the upscale delight of enjoying a cool beverage in a swimming pool swim-up bar is often when they’re vacationing at an exotic hotel. Relaxing on a barstool built under the water with a handy countertop to place your […]
Swimming Pool Construction Delays in Hot Weather and Humidity
—How high temperatures, dry conditions, and moist air can disrupt building progress When the weather outside is unbearably hot—and in some regions, made worse by high humidity—it’s the perfect time to cool off in a new swimming pool. But in some cases, scorching conditions pose a seriously bad time for pool builders working to finish […]
Building a Home and Swimming Pool: Save Money by Doing Both at Once
—Keep project costs down with simultaneous house-pool construction Are you buying a home in a planned development or hiring a builder to construct a custom residence? Well, if you also plan a swimming pool in your new backyard, consider building the pool right along with your new home.
Swimming Pool Design & Dimensions: 3 Key Initial Questions to Ask
How big, how deep, what shape?—Fundamental design factors for concrete pools You’ve decided to build a backyard swimming pool, but don’t know exactly how to begin. Particularly with a concrete (gunite/shotcrete) pool, the process is rather detailed, with a wide range of design and construction elements to discuss with your pool builder.
Lap Pool Designs: 10 Creative, Outside-the-Box Examples – Photos
—Inspiring style for your new inground pool beyond a standard rectangle Think that a backyard lap pool comes in only one form—a traditional rectangle? Well, think again: As long as your pool’s overall shape includes a straight, clear swimming lane that avoids steps, spas, and other design features, you don’t have to build a long […]
Backyard Additions: 5 High-End Options for Upscale Outdoor Living
—Five suggestions for upgrading your backyard retreat with cool amenities Considering making over your backyard with an amenity or two to complement your swimming pool and elevate your outdoor-living experience? Various high-end options can create an upscale outdoor environment retreat around your pool and boost opportunities for entertaining friends and family.
Swimming Pool Diving Boards: Choosing the Best Kind for Your Needs – Part 2
—Understanding how diving boards, platforms, and flexible jump boards each provide unique benefits Note: This is the second article in a two-part series on diving boards. For part 1, “Swimming Pool Diving Boards: Consider Safety, Usage, and Backyard Size,” click here. After considering the important issues of diving safety, board usage, backyard size, and maximizing […]
Swimming Pool Interior Finishes: Comparing Marcite, Quartz, and Pebble
—The benefits of quartz and pebble pool finishes over marcite The interior finish of your inground swimming pool is comparable to the icing on a cake: Both serve as the finishing touch that covers the entire structure and helps define its overall aesthetic.
Custom Inground Spas: Stand-alone designs deliver style and enjoyment
—No room for a pool? A spa can serve as the centerpiece of your backyard retreat A soak in warm, bubbly spa water can be a delight to both mind and body. That’s the goal of thousands of homeowners across the country who build a swimming pool-spa combination to enjoy. But while you, too, may […]
On-ground / Semi On-ground Gunite Pools: 7 Project Examples in Photos
—See beautiful concrete pools that “rise above” construction challenges with added style and function While most concrete (gunite or shotcrete) pools are constructed beneath the ground, did you know that some are built partially—or even entirely—above it? On-ground and semi on-ground pool designs achieve an inventive, multi-level aesthetic that’s popular with homeowners striving for an […]