Introduction

When it comes to backyard retreats, many homeowners likely have just one thought in mind: swimming pool. In all honesty, that thought has probably changed for most American homeowners. A swimming pool is more than a simple rectangular basin of refreshing, cool, blue water you swim laps in, or a game of Marco Polo. The ultimate American icon of outdoor living, the centerpiece of family living, and the ultimate place of respite for the quiet individual is a swimming pool with a spa component.

This is not just a swimming pool and a spa sitting next to each other in the yard. It is a total water environment that is intended for physical vitality, relaxation, and family connection - all in your backyard. The concept of owning something like this is a considerable journey, often filled with pleasureful decisions and thoughtful considerations - the process is not just construction; it is a new lifestyle. Being fully aware of every nuance of experience - from the initial spark of yuor idea to the pleasurable excitement of walking outside on a starry night only to sink down into the bubbling, warm water of your hot tub - will help ensure that the space will be something you and your family will enjoy for many decades.

The Appeal of The Combination: It Is More Than The Parts

Why has the pool-and-spa package become such a hot and popular feature across the United States? Its appeal is found in its beauty and duality. A swimming pool is active, social, and enlivening. A swimming pool is for exercise, it is a place for games, and it is a great way to beat the heat on a scorching summer afternoon. The joy of kids laughing or the uncomplicated rhythm of morning laps, or simply floating on inflatable furniture, are the types of moments a pool can offer.

A spa, or hot tub, is the perfect contrast to a swimming pool; it is peaceful, personal, and immensely relaxing. It is made for relaxing after a long day, for quiet exchange of words, for loosening up sore muscles, and for quietly contemplating the expanding universe with a warm beverage while stargazing. It is the perfect catalyst for warmth when the air starts getting cool so you can extend the life and use of your outdoor living space beyond the traditional summer months.

When you have both a hot tub and pool, you have created an ecological system in your backyard. You can swim a few vigorous laps and get your heart pumping, and then without a single foot step later, walk right into the spa, which will take care of the whole hydrotherapy part. The family can enjoy splish-splash for the whole afternoon, and when it starts getting nighttime where the kids go to bed, the adults retreat to the spa once again with wine, letting the chaos of the day go as they wrapped in warmth an simplicity of a hot tub. This unique dynamic of the seamless transition of activity to relaxation, social gathering to individual quietness, is the magic of the combo. Each family member and family mood is satisfied when a hot tub and pool has been added as dynamic duo in a home and backyard environment.

Planning and Design

The First Steps: Imagining Your Personal Oasis

The most important stage can take place in your imagination before you even see any builder. This is when you transition from a standard "pool with a spa" setup to your pool with your spa. There are so many wonderful variations in American pool design, and, in fact, it comes down to the unique nature of American tastes, your own interest in style, and the specific landscape of the site itself that will contribute to making each pool design unique.

Design Styles

Thinking about the big picture, think about the feel of your pool. Are you more attracted to a modern or contemporary feel, where you appreciate the clean lines, geometrical forms, and crisp coping of this look? This is often an infinity edge pool finish, dark interior of the pool to reflect a lagoon sense of experience, and a spa that is integrated into the pool edge as a raised overflow edge pouring warmth into the pool below. Material selections, or what the physical pool is constructed of, is the key to this style of pool: shiny glass tile, honed limestone, and extreme minimalist decking will all help to make the experience feel very modern.

Or perhaps your home and sensibility would provide for a fit to a naturalistic or freeform approach. This style strives to mimic a state of nature, perhaps quiet pond or casual grotto. The physical fit of the pool and spa may also reflect soft, curving lines, with boulders placed, landscaping lush, with a rock waterfall into the pool. The spa could be positioned within a faux stone outcropping to help its physical features fit into the landscape. The general structure material would be conducive to these natural, organic forms with coping selection, exposed aggregate decking, natural stone veneers, or pebble-based interiors.

Or it could reflect a classic Mediterranean or Old World style. Featuring raised spas with decorative tile fronts, formal coping (travertine, tumbled brick), and even scuppers or lion-head fountains to help contribute to the European villa experience. The colors are typically warmer -- earthy landscape colors on the plaster, rich patterned tiles to define the waterline.

Functional Considerations

Beyond aesthetics, think about how the space is going to function. How do you see your family using the area most? Is it the home for weekend re-unions, with an open deck for large entertaining and a base for the lounging chairs? Do you have a competitive swimmer or hearty swimmers, that would benefit from a lap lane? Does your family have young children or are they going to have future young children? This create the desire for a beach entry with safety features. These questions will soon starting dictating the size of the footprint, the form of the shape, and the amenities of the pool shape.

For the spa, the size should typically be appropriate for your needs. A small spa accommodating four to six people is probably enough for the nuclear family. If they acknowledge entertaining, this may be out the scope of using a larger social spa.

Budget Planning

Last, includes thinking about your budget. Being realistic about the financial aspects, at construction, and into the foreseeable future will drive each future decision. This will represent not only construction of the pool itself, but into future maintenance, transferring chemicals, water, and electricity as costs. Strong financial plan/specification will prevent the dream of this project from mutual financing.

An Analysis of the Integration of a Seamless Structure = areas to consider to design

This where the art in a science of building a pool becomes aligned. The flow finding to connect the pool to the spa and then the operation of the pool and spa are what separates a good installation from a great one.

Spa Placement and Designing

One of the most direct and most coveted designs always revolves around the conversation of spa placement. A common and often gorgeous option, is the spillover spa, which is built as a raised element of the pool, usually at one end. The spa's water is kept at the same level as the pool and spills gracefully into the main body of the pool creating a calming, never-ending waterfall effect. Not only is this good looking, but it will also add a little movement to the pool and help circulate and slightly heat the pool water.

Its not uncommon to have a flush or integrated spa, where the spa is built into the pool separated only by a raised wall or bench as part of the design. This will look a little more cohesive and level, and can be an outstanding choice if you want a more contemporary well designed look.

For properties with beautiful views, a infinity edge spa can be breath taking. The spa is built at the edge of the pool so that the spa looks like the water empties into the horizon. Again, this can create a dramatic look, especially when the spa is lit at night.

The Shared Systems: The Heart of the Operation

One of the best efficiencies of a combined pool and spa is the shared mechanical system. A well planed combined pool and spa means that the pool and spa can operate on a single pool, filter, and heater, using a system plumbing design to manage the valves and activating option for the pump. You will be able to operate the pool and spa in an "Pool Mode" so the water is drawn from the pool and sent through the filter and heater(when applicable) and back to the pool; if, instead, you would like to have the spa heat tool and its own jets, you would put the system in over to spa mode and the equipment will draw from the spa and return and operate in the spa only.

In "Spa Mode," the dedicated valves shift, closing the pool suction and returns, and the plumbing system draws only from the spa. The water is heated to your selected temperature (usually between 100-104°F) and returned to the spa, usually through the hydrotherapy jets with a lot of hydrostatic pressure. The spillover continuously goes back into the pool, usually with a different automated valve that manages the water flowing from the spa to the pool.

This is the more economical route for a heater or heater installation and maintenance expense, than two separate systems. This makes maintenance easier because you only have to clean the one filter, and you need to care for one primary body of water. Some manufacturers have extended this automation into being able to control all the functions regarding the additional spa heater, jet pumps, lights, and cleaning cycles through a smart device feature or through the central control button panel installed inside.

Materials and Finishes

Material World: What Material Finishes You Choose

The material you choose is going to define the look, feel, and life of your water retreat. The interior finish is the "skin" of your pool and spa, and the options have grown well beyond traditional white plaster finishes.

Interior Finishes

White Marcite Plaster is the classic finish usually chosen for budgetary reasons. You receive a bright, clean, light blue water color, but in order to maintain it, it can be susceptible to staining and etching over time. Because of the sun exposure, you will have to consider replacing the interior finish every 10-15 years approx.

Pebble Tec (or other pebble/aggregate finishes) have become immensely popular due to both how durable and beautiful/natural looking. The surface finish is made of small pebbles (we know this type of finish) and aggregate mixed into plaster to create a non-slip, textured surface which is chemical and algae-resistant. Available in a plethora of colors, ranging from light blues to dark grays that create a striking lagoon effect; the downside is a higher price point and a little bit rougher feel for bare feet.

Glass Tile is the extravagant option, primarily used for water line accents and also for entire interior finishes to create a truly high-end look. It is extremely durable, completely non-porous (stains and scale will not adhere to it), and the light reflects off of it to create a sparkling water quality. If you have a pool or spa lined with glass tile, that is an indicator of true quality and style.

Deck Materials

For your surrounding deck, you'll want to find a material that is slip-resistant, heat-resistant (especially in sunny climates), and goes well with the materials used for your pool and home style. Some materials commonly used for a deck include textured concrete (which can be stained and stamped to replicate stone), natural stone (such as travertine or bluestone), and composite decking materials.

Enhanced Features

Beyond the Basics: Creating the Experience

A pool and spa are an excellent start, but the extras really create a personalized experience and take the pool or spa from a swimming hole to a full-scale escape reminiscent of a resort.

Lighting

Lighting may be the single most impactful feature. Gone are the days of single harsh light bulbs illuminating the deep end of the pool. With today's LED technology phenome, we can have the full spectrum of color options that can be programmed to create a mood—for example, a cool blue for a relaxed night, vibrant colors for parties, or slow color-scape. Low-voltage landscape lighting, carefully positioned among the plants and trees, can produce a enchanting, layered effect, allowing the entire space to be enjoyable and magical in the evening.

Water Features

Water Features add the additional dimension of sound and movement. A sheer descent waterfall easily fills the area between the spa and the pool, with the constant white sound of water to soothe you. Deck jets that shoot streams of water into the pool add a playful and dynamic quality. A well-placed natural looking grotto with a waterfall or a rain curtain can create the feeling of your own personal tropical paradise.

Automation

Automation is the brain of the modern pool and spa. A quality automation system is a game-changer for convenience and efficiency. With this system, you can control schedule of the pool filter; the temperature of the spa; the beginning time of lighting and water features; all from your phone or through an easy touchpad. You can prepare the spa to be heated during your work day while you are driving home; set your lighting to begin nightly at dusk; and make sure the water in your pool is circulating at the most efficient times of day to conserve energy. Pool automation is an incredibly useful experience, but not a simple luxury; it is a valuable tool to manage energy expenditures, in addition to ease of maintenance.

Regional Considerations

Regional Realities: How Geography Shapes Your Pool Experience

Here is something that is not always spelled out in the glossy brochure: depending on where one lives in this wide country, landscape and thereby pool ownership matters. A combined swimming pool and spa in Phoenix operates quite differently than one in Chicago, and acknowledging those regional differences will save you time, money, and troubles later.

Sun Belt States (Arizona, Southern California, Texas, Florida)

In the Sun Belt states, pools are practically the norm in everyday life. The construction season is year-round, builders tend to be available and competitive to get your business, and with the weather, you can have your pool open and in use for 8 to 10 months of the year. But there are also unique challenges endemic to these regions.

The sun shines all the time, and the relentless rays of the afternoon sun dry your pool out, costing you money. In a place like Las Vegas or Palm Springs, you may lose an inch or more a week of water in the summer heat. That's just not the water, but it is also the chemicals you added to the water. That is why many pool owners in the southwestern United States have begun to request an automatic fill valve that you can connect to your water line. The fill valve helps maintain the proper water level, without you having to continually check it.

The heavy exposure to UV rays also negatively impacts pool surfaces and equipment. Plaster may last 10 years in Connecticut, but it may only last 7 years in Tucson. Pool covers are a must, not just for safety and cleanliness, but to preserve your investment in the pool.

Oddly enough, in the desert Southwest, your spa may see more use in the summertime than the winter. Believe it or not, nobody wants to sit in a 104-degree spa when it is 115-degree air temperature. However, on a Friday evening in February, the outside temperature has dropped into the fifties, and that exact spa is the most sought after spot in the neighborhood.

The Southeast

The Southeast lounges on another positive note, humidity. Humidity, to a degree, reduces evaporation due to moisture in the atmosphere versus the dry air in the west. However, the moisture presents challenges comparable to the arid conditions in the West. It provides an endless buffet for algae and bacteria, especially in a hot humid swamp in Georgia or Louisiana. If you live in the southeastern states, pool owners learn fast that they need to keep their sanitizer levels on the high end and shocking the pool turns to a habit rather than an occasion.

Finally, hurricane season is a situation all its own. If you live anywhere along the Gulf Coast or Atlantic seaboard, you will factor in your pool before any storm rolls through your town. Contrary to what you may have heard, when the hurricane strikes your town, you won't want to drain your pool. One way the empty shell of your pool can pop out of the ground is a rising water table during the storm. Instead, you remove loose furniture, turn off the power to the equipment, and yes, some people do throw in extra chlorine to combat the massive influx of debris and contaminants that will inevitably end up in the water. After the storm passes, the cleanup can be substantial, and having a good mesh net and a patient attitude helps enormously.

The Midwest and Northeast

The Midwest and Northeast experience severe winters every year with a pool in hibernation mode for approximately six months of the year. That means a proper procedure for closing the pool in the fall is not a matter of opinion—you must close your pool properly. If you don't winterize your pool correctly, you risk pipe bursting, equipment cracking, and chances that the freezing water will damage your pool shell. Most of the pool owners in the Midwest and Northeast will master the closing and opening rituals themselves or find a service company that will schedule that seasonal transition weeks beforehand.

However, the spa aspect of your combination can be a blessing in the winter. There are many pool owners in the northern areas of the country who keep their spas heated and running during the winter months. There is something almost euphoric about sitting in a spa at 102 degrees with snowflakes melting on your face, steam rising into the freezing air from the hot water beneath you.

The Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest requires yet another perspective. The moderate but often wet environment eliminates the worry about freezing but creates the constant worry of leaves, pine needles, and rain, which can dramatically bring down your pool temperature. Many pool owners in Oregon and Washington have invested significantly in pool covers and enclosures. Some have built an enclosure around their pool or only partial covers, which has the effect of extending their swimming season allowing their pool to become a located almost indoors during the rainier months of the year.

Legal and Regulatory Requirements

The Permit Dance: Local Regulations and HOAs

No one often thinks about while daydreaming is applicable permits and regulations. Each municipality in America has its own set of governing rules for pool construction, and this area of government can be difficult to navigate, which is why an experienced builder is so valuable to have.

Building Permits and Inspections

At the very minimum, you will need a building permit, which will require inspections during various phases of construction, including after the excavation, after steel is placed, after plumbing rough-in, after electrical work, and sometimes a final inspection before the pool can be filled. Each inspection is a way for the inspector to determine whether the work completed to that point is compliant with local building code. If you miss something, or cut corners, you will receive a correction notice, which can delay your project from a few days to a few weeks.

However, there are often a little more to permits than just a building permit. Many jurisdictions require a separate electrical permit, particularly because pools have so much electrical work that must be done to very specific standards to ensure safety. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, proper bonding of all metal components, distances between the pool and electrical panels, etc., are not suggestions, but code that exists to prevent electrocution. Some areas will also require permits for plumbing, especially if you are tying into existing water and sewer lines.

Setbacks

Then, there is the issue of setbacks. Almost every city and county has some rules regarding how far a pool can be from property lines, septic systems, wells, and even your house. These setback requirements can significantly limit your options for where to place a pool on your property. I have known families who had to totally change their pool design because their dream location was three feet too close to the side yard property line.

Homeowners Associations

And if you live where a Homeowners Association is located you have added one more whole layer of approval. They can have degree of specific about pools! Some specify the largest pool size, acceptable styles of fences around the pool, if pool equipment can be seen from the street and even what color the pool deck should be. Adding to this frustration, the process of approval can require an extensive plan being submitted to an architectural review committee, which can take weeks to review, and if your design does not follow their design standards you will need to re-do your plans. I can see how this is frustrating but the consequences of ignoring the HOA rules can result in fines, and even legal action to get you to remove the features or change it to conform to their standards.

Fencing Requirements

We should have a separate discussion about fencing. In nearly every state there are state laws that require all pools to be protected by a barrier that meets specific criteria related to height, design, etc. This is a safety concern regarding keeping unsupervised children from gaining access. Typically these states require a fence at least 4 feet in height, with self-closing and self-latching gate, and vertical bars spaced no more than 4 inches apart to prevent a child from squeezing through. Some towns will allow a perimeter fence around the entire property for a pool that acts as a barrier, while other towns will require a fence only for the pool area and separate from the house. If your spa is separate from the pool, or if it has accessible equipment storage, there may be additional cover or lock requirements. These laws exist for good reason—drowning is still a leading cause of accidental death nationwide in young children.

Equipment and Systems

Equipment Room: What You Should Know About the Equipment

For all the beauty of the water and tile, your pool or spa would not operate day one without the equipment housed away in that pad or small building on the side of the yard. If you know what is behind that wall and understand how it works, you have successfully moved from passive pool owner to someone who can troubleshoot problems with the pool, make thoughtful decisions about upgrades, and communicate successfully with their pool service provider.

The Pump

The pump is the heart of the system. It pulls water out of the pool and spa through the skimmer and main drains, pushes it through the filter and returns the water through the wall jets and floor returns. Pump size matters in two ways. If the pump is too small, your water isn't circulated adequately and you may have cloudy water with potential for algae growth. If the pump is too large, you will waste electricity and may inflict unnecessary strain on the plumbing system.

Modern variable speed pumps have changed that equation dramatically with a wide array of efficiency options. In the past, single speed pumps ran at full power all the time. With variable speed pumps, you run the pump at low RPMs for circulating water, and increase the RPM only as needed for spa jets or for vacuuming. The energy efficiency can be significant— in some cases I have seen 60% or greater compared to older pumps. Many states are now requiring variable-speed pumps in all new installation situations.

The Filter

The filter is your water's cleaner. There are three main types, each has their loyal followers.

Sand filters are work horses—very durable, very low maintenance, and effective. They use a "bed" of specially designed pool filter sand to capture particles as the water passes through. You backwash the filter every few weeks by reversing the flow of water, removing the filtered debris.

Cartridge filters have grown in popularity because of no backwash. You simply remove the cartridge filter element and spray clean with a garden hose. They filter some very fine particles compared to the sand and waste less water.

Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.) filters provide the unequivocal finest filtration available. They create crystal-clear water that is silky to the touch. Like the cartridge filter, they filter particles that are refined to a very fine size unlike sand. The maintenance is more cumbersome—after each backwash you need to add new D.E. powder. If the D.E. powder is not added properly it can create a messy situation.

The Heater

The heater is what gives you the opportunity to use your spa every day of the year and can extend your pool season on both ends.

Gas heaters burn either natural gas or propane and heat your water quickly. They are the preferred choice for spa applications because you want them to heat up quickly.

Electric heat pumps are different; they pull heat from the surrounding ambient air and transfer to the water in your spa. Electric heat pumps are significantly more efficient in energy consumption compared to gas but are much slower and are less efficient when the air gets colder. Many pool owners maintain a comfortable pool temperature with a heat pump and heat their spa separately with a gas heater.

The other popular method for heating a pool, especially if you live in a sunny climate, is a solar heating system with panels mounted on your roof. They are almost free to operate after the initial investment; the downside is that they only work when the sun shines, therefore only during the day, and they are most efficient when temperatures are at their highest. That is when you need the heater the least in the summer months!

Salt Chlorine Generator

Then there is the salt chlorine generator, which has become very popular in recent years! Many think that this means you have a saltwater pool like the ocean. The reality is that the level of salt is much lower—the salinity is about one-tenth of ocean water, or about the level of human tears. The salt chlorine generator works by filtering the pool water that's slightly salty through an electrolytic cell. The cell turns the dissolved salt into chlorine. The salt chlorine generator gives you consistent chlorine sanitizer without having to shake or pour liquid chlorine or drop tablets into the pool. The water feels a bit softer, and with a properly maintained salt generator, there is no smell of chlorine, and many people feel better about how it feels on their skin and in their eyes! The disadvantages to the salt chlorine generator is the upfront cost and every three to five years, you need to change the salt cell.

Financial Considerations

The Hidden Costs Nobody Tells You About Until It's Too Late

When considering upgrades, it is very easy to forget about ongoing costs when you are dreaming about colors and readjusting to the way of life in the hot summer months by the pool. Understanding the true cost of ownership will help mitigate buyer's remorse and understand your own budgeting.

Electricity Costs

The major cost of a pool, outside of the purchase, is electricity. Running a pool pump eight to twelve hours a day takes a toll on your electric meter. In warm climates, where you are using the spa heater frequently, your electric bill can rise $100 to $200 a month during peak season. Investing in energy efficient equipment up front will pay off in the long run. That variable-speed pump may cost you an additional $800 on a single-speed pump, but it will save you $50 to $100 each month in electricity. That means if you do the math, it pays for itself in one year or less.

Water Costs

Water costs vary greatly depending on where you live. In parts of the Midwest and East, municipal water is fairly inexpensive and refilling the pool after evaporation or maintenance doesn't hurt your wallet. In drought states, especially on the West Coast, your costs will be far greater and water can sometimes be rationed. Some California homeowners report they have paid $150 or more just to fill an average size pool for the first time. If you need to drain and fill your pool every few years due to high dissolved solids, the cost repeats.

Chemical Costs

Chemicals will be a consistent expense. Even with a salt system, you will still need balancing chemicals (i.e. pH increaser and decreaser, alkalinity adjuster, calcium hardness increaser, stabilizer, and occasional shock treatments). During swim season, expect to budget $50 to $100 a month for chemicals, plus if you are using the spa, you will need to budget more. The spa, because of the increased temperature of the water, uses a considerable amount of chemicals and hot water breaks down sanitizer much faster than cool water. Plus the ratio of water volume to bather load is greatly increased in the spa compared to a pool.

Equipment Repairs and Replacement

Repairs and replacement of equipment will occur. Pumps typically last seven to twelve years. Heaters may have a lifespan of ten to fifteen years. Salt-based cells need to be replaced every few years. Automation systems fail from time to time. Lights eventually burn out also. Gaskets dry out and eventually leak. A smart pool owner saves a little cash every year to tackle all of these replacements when they come up. Think of it like a car; regular routine maintenance helps stave off bigger problems but parts eventually wear out.

Professional Maintenance Services

While the concept of hiring a professional maintenance service may seem silly, it is worth considering at least for part of the year. A weekly visit from a professional typically runs between $80 and $150 per week and includes basic chemical balancing, skimming, brushing the surface, emptying the baskets, and equipment checks. For that busy family or frequent traveler, the peace of mind value of paying for this service alone is worth it. Even for those that would prefer to do all of the routine maintenance for a swimming pool, having a professional perform the opening of the swimming pool and the closing of the swimming pool every season in colder climates or every quarter in warmer climates to perform a deep dive inspection has great value in being able to address small problems before they become expensive catastrophes.

Creating the Perfect Outdoor Environment

The Art of the Outdoor Room: Creating a Complete Outdoor Living Environment

A swimming pool and spa does not stand alone. It is surrounded by other aspects of outdoor living. The best and most successful projects recognize this, and they think and design holistically to create what designers refer to as an "outdoor room", with the pool as one element to the greater outdoor living environment.

Seating and Dining Areas

Start with the obvious: seating and dining areas. If your pool deck has nowhere comfortable to sit, except a pool lounger, then you missed the boat. Think about a covered patio area with outdoor seating that can be used for families and friends to gather before and after swimming, where you can serve meals, or retreat out of the sun. Many families create a dining area near the pool, enabling parents to prepare food or eat while keeping an eye on their children in the pool.

Outdoor Kitchens

An outdoor kitchen enhances the experience and doesn't need to be an elaborate kitchen, a simple built-in grill, small refrigerator, and sink changes your pool space from a place you visit to a place you live. You won't be going back into the house every time you want a drink or some food, and the pool becomes the center of activity on a summer day. For the families who go all-in, full outdoor kitchens with pizza ovens, warming drawers, and plenty of counter space creates a second home in the great outdoors.

Shade Structures

Shade structures are critical, especially in hot climates. Yes, the sun is a great, but eight sunburned hours of exposure is dangerous and exhausting. Pergolas are a way to get some partial shade, but you can also train climbing plants to cover them. Retractable awnings are great for providing shade—open it when the sun is hot, then retract it at night when you want to stare at the stars from the spa. Some families build full pavilions or gazebos, which provides a covered space that can still be used when it rains lightly.

Fire Features

Fire features provide warmth and ambiance in the space, both literally and figuratively. Fire pits near the spa can act like a gathering spot when it cools down at night. There is something primal about fire and water together; it pulls people in and creates an inviting environment for conversation. Modern fire features can be run on natural gas or propane—there's no more smoke or ash with wood-burning fire pits but still instant flames.

Landscaping

Landscaping is what completes everything. The plants you use, where you use them, and how you treat and maintain them can have a huge affect on your pool space. Thoughtful planting gives privacy screening, softens the hard edges created by pool decking and equipment, and creates that feeling of resort living. However, caution should be used in selecting plants. Trees that drop leaves, flowers, or seed pods will keep you cleaning your pool more than you want. Thorny plants near walkways are an unsafe situation for bare feet. Plants that maintain a drought tolerance in your local climate will fit your budget and will help save water, particularly for dry areas.

Safety

Safety First: Protecting What Matters Most

Owning a pool is exciting, but with that excitement comes serious responsibilities—especially when it involves young children or families with kids. Every year we all hear about a life being cut short by a preventable tragedy. A vacation location for swimming is no reason not to take a multi-layered approach to pool safety. Layers work better than singular approaches to safety.

Physical Barriers

Having a fence to enclose your pool area is the first layer of protection, as it creates a physical barrier for unsupervised access. But kids are remarkably creative at getting past obstacles. Self-closing, self-latching gates are code for a reason, but they only work if adults consistently close them. Many families add an additional layer: alarms on gates and doors leading to the pool area. These sound when opened, alerting you that someone is accessing the pool area.

Pool Covers

Pool covers add another dimension of safety, especially automatic safety covers. These are not the floating bubble covers that are generally used to warm the pool and minimize evaporation. Safety covers are either mesh or solid covers that roll across the pool mechanically, and they are anchored on all sides of the pool. They are designed to hold several adults' weight. When in use, they restrict any access to the water. The only negative is that they are costly, often in the thousands of dollars installed, and the act of putting it on the pool is another step each time after the pool is not in use.

Water Alarms

Water alarms sound when there is any disturbance in the pool water or a wave is created by something entering the pool water. These vary in design and some wearable alarms for kids will sound if the device is wet, notifying adults or caregivers that a child might be in the pool or the spa. The technology is not perfect. No one likes false alarms, but these are another layer of safety and peace of mind.

Vigilance and Supervision

Beyond barriers and alarms, vigilance is always the most important form of protection. The idea of a "water watcher" is one that has been gaining speed over the past few years. While kids are swimming, one adult is designated as the water watcher for a set amount of time, say 15 minutes. That person's only responsibility is to watch the water. They do not socialize with other adults, they do not check their phone, they do not prepare food. After 15 minutes another adult takes their turn being the water watcher. This rotation works effectively in avoiding the diffusion of responsibility, where everyone thinks someone is watching.

CPR Training and Emergency Equipment

CPR training is something all pool owners should have, it is quite applicable to life away from the pool as well. Courses are readily available through the American Red Cross or other organizations and usually only a few hours long. Those skills could mean the difference between life or death to someone's child in an emergency. It is advisable to keep poolside rescue equipment a reaching pole and a flotation ring with a throwing rope inexpensive and can help you assist someone in distress without getting wet and becoming a second victim.

Seasonal Maintenance

The Four Seasons of Pool Life: What to expect throughout the year

Pool ownership is never static, always moving through rhythms and seasons all with their own tasks and joys.

Spring

Spring is awakening. In a cooler climate, this is opening season, when winter covers are shed and you begin the process of reopening the pool. The water usually looks horrible after several months of dormancy appearing murky and discolored, and there may even be visible algae forming as well. Don't panic. A good shock treatment, plenty of brushing, running the filter continuously, and patience will return your water to clarity. During this spring process, you can also check all your equipment for winter damage. Check everything again before the first swim. In warmer climates where pools remain open year-round, spring means adjusting your chemical dosage as the water begins to warm, as you prepare for the heavy-use season of summer.

Summer

Summer is glory season. This is what you built the pool for but long, hot days spent swimming, evening gatherings for friends and family, and lazy afternoon dips on spontaneous afternoons. With the air temperature and water warmer in summer, the water chemistry will require your more attention. Higher temperatures cause faster evaporation, a larger bather load, and more used chemicals to keep the water clear. The spa may be used less or not at all for the hottest periods of the summer, but the pool becomes the place where everyone gathers. Maintenance and attention can't be ignored. Skim routinely, check chemical levels and adjust several times a week and clean the filter regularly. That said, you will stave off most, if not all, problems with water quality keeping a close eye on your pool area. After all of those months of work, summer is the time for you to be reminded of why you invested in a pool.

Fall

Fall signals transition. The swimming season is declining, even though the spa is just coming into its own, as the evenings start to chill. Sure, you are still checking and balancing chemistry, but it is becoming less frenetic. Falling leaves become the primary nuisance. They will either need to be netted out on a daily basis or they will sink to the bottom and stain the plaster, or clog the system. This motivates many pool owners to use a leaf net or other cover during the autumn months. In southern states, fall and winter are the most pleasant months to swim as their temperatures are moderate for both pool and spa use.

Winter

Winter is either hibernation or opportunity, depending on your latitude. In the North, you have winterized your pool, and it is effectively turned off, although you may keep the spa running. In the South and Southwest, winter is where you are truly able to live the spa life--with some individuals heating their pool to extend their swim season. Usage wise, the pool may still get occasional use on warm days, however, the spa is now the main star. A large proportion of pool owners also utilize the winter to do major maintenance such as replastering, replacing tiles, or upgrading equipment--because the pool is less likely to be needed.

Troubleshooting

When good & bad things happen: Troubleshooting general issues

Even with diligent care & maintenance, complications occur. Knowing what it may be, and how to identify it, will save your service calls and downtime.

Cloudy Water

Cloudy water is the most commonly described issue. If your water is cloudy or you no longer see the bottom, start with the basic. Is the filter clean and running? Is the pump operating for an adequate length of time each day? Have you checked the water balance and chemistry? Usually cloudy water is due to inadequate filtration, chemical imbalance (especially high pH or low sanitizer levels), or accumulated microscopic suspended particles. A clarifier or flocculant chemical sometimes helps, but it is important to resolve the underlying issue.

Green Water (Algae)

Green water signifies algae growth, and while it is a necessary fight to take on, it is a battle worth winning. Algae will take hold when sanitizer levels are too low and it gains a foothold. The fix for this is aggressive: thoroughly brush the entire pool to separate algae colonies, shock the pool with multiples of the normal chlorine dose, run the filter without turn off, and brush daily. Water will transition from green, to cloudy, to clear after a period of about 3 days. Keeping balanced chlorine levels will reduce the chance of recurrence.

Scaling

Scaling--white, crusty buildups on tile and surfaces--is the governing result of too high of a calcium level in the water and a chemical imbalance. Scaling can be addressed by lowering pH and alkalinity, using a sequestering agent, and physically removing the scale by either cleaning with gentle acid washes or using a non-abrasive cleaner. Treating scaling is more difficult than preventing it, that is why testing calcium hardness is important.

Equipment Problems

Equipment that does not start, or seems to run poorly is usually an electrical issue, a tripped breaker, or a broken capacitor or bearings. While there are some parts to troubleshoot yourself (such as checking breakers and reset GFCI outlets), electrical work around water is very dangerous so err on the side of caution and call a professional.

Leaks

Calling an expert in case of leaks may be another area where potential operation issues may arise. Some leaks are well defined as the evidence of leaks may present as puddles around the equipment or obvious loss of water. Often, leaks can be slow and sneaky, and cause expensive repairs, or in time, possibly erode the structure of your pool.

Environmental Responsibility

The environmental angle: Make your pool more sustainable

Owning a pool does not have to be an environmental disaster, it can be prudent and cost-saving as well.

Water Conservation

Saving water, first and foremost our most precious resource is a good starting point. For a simple example, you can use a cover. You can achieve a simple floating cover that with great success can limit evaporation. You can save about 90% less water loss of using no cover on your pool. That is 90% less water you do not have to replace, and 90% less chemicals you will have to add. Plus, you have heating needs for that pool too. If you live in an arid area, a cover is not optional and part of being a responsible steward of your pool and the resource.

Once you have an efficiency, repairs to leaks need to be completed immediately. Water that is lost as a 1/4" a day leak will waste close to 3,000 gallons of water over a month.

Energy Efficiency

The energy efficiency for the pool that you choose to buy is equally important. Variable speed pumps use a fraction of the energy of single speed pumps of just a few years ago. LED lights use 75% less energy than regular incandescent pool lighting. While heat pumps may take longer to heat your pool than gas, once the pool is at a comfortable temperature, the energy efficiency is significant. Lastly, if you have solar heating installed, heating the pool is free!

Seemingly insignificant other ways of reducing energy include running the pump only on weekends, during off-peak rate hours, and lowering the time the pump has to run to minimum time to keep water clean.

Chemical Reduction

Chemical use can also be reduced. For example, salt systems reduce the need for manufactured chlorine. Other examples are mineral sanitizers and enzyme treatment options too. Some pool owners have been dabbling with "natural" or "bio-pools" which combine biological filters and plants to assist in quality water, but pool owners still had their needs to design and maintain.

Responsible Disposal

...it is also being responsible how you dispose of pool chemicals, and water. Never pour chemicals on your property or in storm drains. When draining a pool, de-chlorinate the water first and follow local programs about where that water goes. You can drain to the sewer system in some places, and in others, you can just drain to your property, to allow groundwater to filter. Never pitch your old chemicals in the trash, return them to a hazardous waste facility.

Conclusion

The experience of creating and keeping a drinking body of water with an integrated spa is a complicated process with thousands of decision in a day, ranging from big to all the small parts. But for those that are ready to jump in - actual pun intended -- the benefits are astronomical and happy. It was not originally about property values, or just the thrill of swimming on hot and sticky days it was about creating a central space of family living that encouraged peoople to shut devices off and just be. It was also about the health benefits of exercising at meaningful levels, and the benefits of being able to use hot water for hydrotherapy. Or ultimately, it was simply about more ownership of a command of happiness and control of a "to's small little paradise" and resort, that neither his or hers nor needs not met anywhere else in this world, except the backyard that literally was created to specifications of the user. All of this with the right knowledge of planning and good care of, and maintenance of that care, and assisted independence with professionalism supported by accessibility, would sustain a family endeavor that would be provided from generations to come, and all designed for you, part of your homes unique turf, and more, happy memories from the well lived gourmet living years of life.