Gunite pools are popular choices for homeowners and business owners who are looking to have beautiful, long-lasting pools installed on their properties. Gunite is a pool installation application process where concrete is sprayed over a rebar frame using compressed air. A dry mixture of cement and sand is pushed through a specialized hose. Water is added to hydrate the dry mixture at the nozzle of the hose just before the entire mixture is applied to a new pool’s metal framework. This process makes gunite in-ground pools very durable. And since these pools can be designed and built on site, they can be made in any shape, size, and depth—the possibilities are limited to your property’s lot size, your budget, and your imagination.

When you’re ready to design and build your new gunite pool, hire an experienced pool contractor in Salt Lake City who specializes in more than just pool installation. A good swimming pool company should offer other services such as a pool maintenance program, spa and hot tub installation, and poolside design and construction.

One of the first things you have to consider when you’re planning a swimming pool installation is the style of your new pool. With so many different shapes of pools to pick from, the task of choosing the right one may seem daunting. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be. Your design aesthetic, property’s size, and budget are all important factors in determining the right shape of swimming pool. When in doubt, enlist the help of a reputable pool contractor in Salt Lake City . In the meantime, here are a few common pool shapes you should know about before scheduling a pool installation.

Oval Pools

The shape of an oval pool can be very visually appealing, especially if there are a lot of square edges in your swimming pool area. There are two popular variants to this shape: kidney and figure eight.

Freeform Pools

A freeform pool has no definite or established shape. Design-wise, you can make it look like whatever you wish. Freeform pools can be completely amorphous or fluid, or they can resemble various objects. These pools are a good choice for a homeowner who favors an eccentric or organic design scheme.

Rectangular and Lap Pools

Rectangular pools are popular because of their basic no-frills style. A lap pool is a type of rectangular pool that is used in competitive swimming. These pools are perfect for swimmers who mainly swim for exercise or who are training for competition. Though rectangular pools can be built to fit any size space, they are best in area that are narrow or that are limited in space.

Geometric Pools

Geometric pools have defined shapes that tend to be square in nature. This style of pool can have a modular look to it, which makes it perfect in a contemporary design, and can either be symmetrical or asymmetrical.

Grecian and Roman Pools

Grecian and Roman pools have a recognizably classic look to them—they are rectangular pools with highly stylized, trimmed-off corners. They tend to be large pools that can accommodate a lot of people in them at once.

There are several ways to beautify your swimming pool area —some more involved than others. For example, a few well-placed plants can improve the visual appeal of your swimming pool. You can choose to do several small beautification projects gradually or to complete one grand project after your pool installation. Here are some suggestions to take into consideration. When you’re ready to turn your pool area into an oasis, be sure to hire a full-service swimming pool company near Salt Lake City to do the job for you. An experienced pool contractor can help you with the designing, planning, and implementing processes.

Adding a Water Feature

Water features of any kind can make a space relaxing and tranquil. The sound of moving water from a stream or a fountain is undeniably soothing. The sight of a cascading waterfall can be awe-inspiring. Whether it’s beside your pool or it’s a part of it, a water feature is sure to elevate your outdoor space.

Putting in a Hot Tub or Spa

If you’re planning a swimming pool installed on your property, consider putting in a complimentary hot tub or spa. Nothing quite beats the sensation of soaking in a hot tub after a nice swim in a cool pool. A well-designed pool and spa combo can be visually stunning.

Using Rocks and Boulders

If you want to have a more natural-looking pool area, you should use rocks and boulders. These accent pieces can be made of actual rock or manufactured material. Natural stones can really be attractive when placed around your pool, but they can be costly to purchase and install—especially larger boulders. Artificial stones are much lighter and can be made to look like natural stones. Larger structures, such as rock waterfalls, can be fabricated in whatever shapes you desire at reasonable costs.

Creating a Sanctuary with Plants

One of the best ways to beautify your pool area is to add landscaping. Plants are pivotal in creating an oasis-like space, and they work well with natural elements like rocks and boulders. Not only can plants make an area look lovely, but they can also be used to create privacy. Tall shrubs or fanning palms can block the view from a nosy neighbor or a passerby on the sidewalk.

During the winter months, it is important to contact a pool contractor and perform seasonal swimming pool maintenance. When outdoor temperatures drop below freezing, your skimmer could crack if you neglect to blow out the lines. Your pool contractor can remove water from the lines so that they are protected from bursting. If you schedule this service with a highly rated pool contractor in Salt Lake City, you will not need to lower your pool water. However, inground pools with tile borders should have their water lowered below the tile line to prevent damage. For a closer look at some winter maintenance tips for your swimming pool, be sure to watch this video from SwimUniversity.

How to Keep Critters Out of Your Pool

How to Keep Animals Out of Your Pool

Nothing ruins a relaxing pool day quite like discovering critters trying to make a home in your pool. Frogs, insects, mice, raccoons, and more can all hole up around your pool and stay for the season. Left unchecked, you could even end up with a dead animal in your pool! Thankfully, you can take some steps to keep critters away from your backyard paradise. Here are a few tips to discourage pests.

1. Start With Physical Barriers

Your first line of defense is setting up a few physical barriers. These are usually the most effective long-term solutions for keeping a critter-free pool. Start with the following:

• Pool Covers—A quality pool cover keeps animals from accessing the water and prevents excess debris. A mesh cover is good for keeping larger animals out while still allowing rainwater to pass through, but smaller creatures might still find their way inside.
• Fencing—Install a fence around your pool or backyard to keep large animals away from your pool entirely. This is especially useful if you have a raccoon problem. For smaller critters, you might need fencing with tighter mesh or additional ground-level barriers.

2. Install Pool Alarms and Motion Sensors

A physical barrier might be all you need to keep animals out of your pool. But if you’re still concerned, try installing pool alarms and motion sensors, too. Modern systems can detect even small critters, and motion-activated lights or sprinklers can deter animals without harming them.

3. Implement Some Natural Deterrents

Some plants act as natural deterrents, keeping frogs out of the pool (as well as other animals). Strong-scented herbs like lavender, rosemary, and mint discourage insects and small mammals. Marigolds repel many flying insects, while citrus plants deter cats and some rodents. In the same vein, avoid adding plants to your landscape that attract the critters you’d rather deter. For example, flowering plants can attract frogs, and fruit trees might catch the attention of larger animals.

4. Change Up Your Landscape Design

Your landscape could be making your property more attractive to all kinds of unwanted critters! If this might be the case for you, try creating buffer zones between natural areas and your pool. Remove brush piles, tall grass, and dense vegetation near the pool area. A decorative barrier can work well here—instead of putting grass right next to the open water, use raised planters or intricate tilework to separate the areas.

5. Try Pest Control Traps

If a specific pest has gotten out of hand, it might be time to lay down some traps around the pool area. Insects and rodents in particular can be deterred with traps, especially if they’re placed near food sources. If you take this approach, consider working with a pest control company. The experts will help ensure you aren’t contaminating any plants or pool water.

6. Keep Up With Pool Maintenance

Regular pool maintenance is one of the best ways to keep mice out of pools. A clean pool makes for an environment that is much less attractive to pests of all kinds. Here are just a few specifics to keep in mind:

• Balance Your Chemicals—The proper chemical levels make pool water less attractive to animals seeking a cool drink. Most animals prefer fresh water over chemically treated water, so consistent chlorination encourages them to seek alternatives.
• Skim and Clean Often—Every day or so, skim the water to remove insects and debris that might attract scavenger animals. Pay special attention to leaves and other organic matter, as these can decompose and bring in even more critters.
• Clean Pool Equipment—Pool pumps, filters, and heating equipment create warm, dark spaces that appeal to small animals seeking shelter. Talk to your local pool experts about regular cleaning and inspection to prevent animals from establishing nests.

Enjoy Your Pool This Summer, Critter-Free

Keeping a critter-free pool doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. With the right tools and strategies in mind, you can enjoy a clean pool without pests all summer long. If critters are an ongoing issue at your property and you need some help with maintenance, don’t hesitate to contact Deep Blue Pools and Spas. We specialize in all kinds of pool upkeep. Contact us today to learn more.

A swimming pool installation is a significant investment for any homeowner. To preserve the quality and condition of your new pool installation, you will need to perform routine pool maintenance services with the help of a pool contractor in Salt Lake City. There are several signs and symptoms that can indicate that your pool is in need of a swimming pool maintenance appointment. For example, you may notice that your water level has begun to drop more rapidly than usual. In addition, the water in your chlorine pool may start to cause eye or skin irritation after you take a tip. You may also notice dirt or debris building up on your pool lighting, liner, or tile. Finally, when your pool pump begins to make loud or unusual noises, you should be sure to set up swimming pool services right away. A pool contractor in your local area will be able to fully diagnose and troubleshoot any problem that may be affecting your pool.

When you are preparing for a new swimming pool installation, you will have many factors to consider. A pool contractor in Salt Lake City can help you with every aspect of your swimming pool design, including the size and shape of your pool, as well as your water features. Pool covers are essential features for any pool installation. With the right pool cover, you can enhance the safety of your pool, while also protecting your pool tile and materials from damage. To help you with your purchase, here is a look at some factors to consider when selecting a cover for your swimming pool.

Mesh Swimming Pool Covers

Mesh swimming pool covers are among the most popular types of pool covers available. When you choose a mesh swimming pool cover, your cover will be very light and easy to remove from the surface of the swimming pool. During the winter months, a mesh pool cover will also allow rain and snow to transfer through its surface, eliminating the need to remove excess water after a storm.

Solid Swimming Pool Covers

For the ultimate level of protection and safety for your swimming pool, you may want to choose a solid swimming pool cover. With a solid swimming pool cover, your pool area will be completely sealed off from outside elements. This type of swimming pool cover will also protect your pool water from bacteria and algae, ensuring that you will have less maintenance when you reopen your pool in the spring.

Making the Choice

Ultimately, the type of swimming pool cover that you choose for your pool will be up to you as a pool owner. Mesh pool covers offer fantastic ease of installation and removal, and can also reduce maintenance during the winter season. With a solid swimming pool cover, you may cut down on your pool cleaning in the long run. Your pool contractor will be able to answer any questions that you may have about choosing the best cover for your pool.

A hot tub installation will provide you with spa-like relaxation at home. To keep your hot tub in great condition for many years to come, you will need to avoid some common hot tub maintenance mistakes. For example, neglecting to check the chemistry in your hot tub could lead to calcium build-up, corrosion, and other issues. With a simple test kit from a swimming pool company, you will know precisely which chemicals need to be added to your water. A company offering hot tub installation near Salt Lake City can assist you with all of your spas and swimming pool maintenance needs. For a closer look at some of the fundamentals of hot tub care, check out this video.

A pool installation will provide countless outdoor recreation opportunities for you and your loved ones. If you are the parent of small children, it is of the utmost importance that you keep your young ones safe when they are playing in or around your pool. To help boost the safety of your pool, you may want to ask your pool contractor in Salt Lake City to incorporate safety features into your design. For example, your swimming pool builders can include pool covers and fences that will protect young children from accidental injury around the pool. To help you prepare your family for your pool installation, here are some tips for setting pool safety rules.

Ensure Adult Supervision

One of the fundamentals of pool safety is to make sure that children are supervised at all times when they are using the pool. When your children are swimming or playing near the pool, you will want to make sure that there is a responsible adult in charge. With adult supervision, you can keep an eye on children as they play.

Consider Rules for Play

Along with making sure that children are always supervised, you may also want to set safety rules regarding play and conduct around the pool. For example, you can set a rule that prevents running or roughhousing near the pool. Additionally, pushing and other behaviors should also be discouraged. By keeping play and activities calm and controlled, you will be able to help prevent an accident around your pool area.

Evaluate Diving Rules

Diving is a swimming pool activity that can be enjoyed by family members of all ages. However, if a swimmer dives into a shallow area of a pool, serious injury could occur. To allow children and adults to dive safely, you may want to consider designating a dive area on the deep end of the pool. Diving should be off-limits in shallow pools, or in spaces where other water features are present. By setting pool rules, you can enjoy many years of fun and safe play in your backyard pool.

As you are preparing for a swimming pool installation serving Salt Lake City, you may want to talk to your swimming pool builders about incorporating exciting outdoor fire features in your design. By including an outdoor fire pit near your swimming pool or hot tub installation, you will create a natural gathering place in your backyard. In addition, an outdoor fireplace can offer you cozy comfort and warmth on a chilly fall night. Fire features are also natural additions to an outdoor kitchen design. As you are planning out spaces for your grill, bar, and prep areas, you may want to incorporate seating around a luxurious outdoor fire pit installation. For those homeowners who are avid chefs, outdoor ovens and barbeques can be used to create tasty outdoor meals. With the assistance of pool and spa designers serving your local area, you will be able to incorporate the perfect fire features in your newly updated backyard.