26. Feb. 2024 / by splashpools / Lifestyle, Luxury Pools, Pool Design, Pool Ownership / 0 comments

2024’s Hottest Inground Pool Trends

A pool has always been about more than swimming. It’s a place to gather, entertain, and relax.

What you add to your pool enhances everyone’s experience. With that in mind, you want pool features that make a big difference in creating a distinctive atmosphere. From lighting and clean lines to tanning ledges and special pool finishes, there are many ways to set your pool apart.

Discover 2024’s hottest inground pool trends and read on to see how you can make a splash with your pool this summer.

Splash and Shine: Pool Lighting

Lighting is the quickest way to add vibrancy to your pool. Lighting sets the mood, and your options are virtually endless with several emerging trends this year:

Smart lighting provides you with the power to instantly change and customize your pool’s lighting from your phone.
Underwater LED adds depth, character, and enhanced illumination.
Floating lights carry a playful touch.
Inground lighting introduces contrast and shadows.
Solar lights draw attention to fountains and waterfalls.
Path lighting increases safety and brings elegance to the area around your pool.

No matter which option(s) you choose, you’re sure to brighten your environment.

Living Life on the Ledge: Tanning Ledges

Enjoy the water, soak up the sun, and add depth and dimension to your pool with tanning ledges. They’re called sun shelves for a reason, providing a shallow water experience for adults to catch rays and kids to play. You can add lounge chairs, umbrella stands, and even submerged side tables to savor your favorite beverage.

Less is More: Minimalist, Clean Pool Designs

Your pool’s design is likely the first thing people will notice. In 2024, modern is the move. Elevate your backyard and make an instant impression to guests by incorporating the following styles.

Straight lines
Simple geometric shapes
Glass mosaic tiles
Sleek coping
Minimalist decking

One thing’s for sure: this year will be all about aesthetics that create a sophisticated and modern look.

A Pool of Many Colors: Color-changing Pool Finishes

Imagine your pool water changing colors at various times throughout the day. It’s now a reality thanks to innovative finishes and design techniques. Choose a light gray pool liner for deep blue water or bring in green tones with green, tan, or brown accents.

Transitioning colors are sure to capture attention and vary the look and feel of your pool. With the variety of choices and striking appearances, this is guaranteed to be one of the hottest pool trends of the year.

Thinking About a Pool? Splash Up Your Life!®

We have pools of possibilities at Splash, including budget-friendly fiberglass models from Barrier Reef and showstopping custom concrete designs. We can help you explore options and features, and we’re here to develop and build something that fits your needs and will guarantee FUN for years to come.

Start your planning from the comfort of home with our virtual pool builder.

5. Dec. 2023 / by splashpools / Luxury Pools, Pool Design, Pool Maintenance, Pool Ownership, Splash Pool & Spa Products, Swimming Pool Construction / 0 comments

Debunking Myths about Fiberglass Pools

Have you heard some gossip about fiberglass pools? The Splash Pool & Spa team is here to debunk several myths floating around about these amazing pools! We’re a big fan of fiberglass, so let’s set the record straight.

1) Popping Out

Rumor has it … laughably untrue

Let’s have some fun with math to prove this one. The weight of a gallon of water is a little over 8.3 pounds. If you’ve ever lifted a gallon of milk, you know the heft. Now, take a fiberglass pool that holds 15,000 gallons. That’s over 125,000 pounds or 62.5 tons! There’s no way that shell is going anywhere. The water’s mass will keep it in place, just like your bathtub or kitchen sink.

To be fair, pools have been known to dislodge from the bottom. But that is a sign of an improper installation, not a flaw of the shell material. A fiberglass pool is just as likely to come unfastened as a concrete one if it’s the victim of poor workmanship.

2) Cracking

Rumor has it … only under extreme circumstances

Even though it’s thin and lightweight, fiberglass is a lot tougher than it appears. It’s actually constructed of a durable layer of reinforced plastic. The composite is strong enough that it’s used for aircraft and boat hulls, plumbing, and roofing. So what’s the deal with this accusation about cracking?

Blame part of this misconception on Iowa’s notorious winters. It’s easy to assume that a fiberglass pool might splinter, especially when ice begins to freeze and thaw. But it’s not any different than when ice cubes form in a tray – liquid expands up, not outward. Also, since you don’t completely drain a pool over winter, very little of the shell is exposed to the elements.

While it’s not impossible for a fiberglass pool to crack, it would most likely be the result of a manufacturing issue or damage during shipping. These would be flagged during the pre-installation inspection, so your pool would never reach the ground with a defect.

As a bonus, our fiberglass pool provider, Barrier Reef Pools, includes a lifetime warranty for the structural integrity of their shells to contain water.

3) Faster Install Time

Rumor has it … actually true!

One of the biggest advantages of fiberglass pools is that they take less time to finish than a concrete pool. An experienced contractor (like us!) can complete the work within a week or two. The quick turnaround is for a simple reason – there’s no concrete shell to build, reinforce, and cure. Fiberglass pools are prefabricated and delivered as one piece, meaning they fit in place like a shower surround.

4) Cheaper Than Vinyl

Rumor has it … the maintenance savings are real

The lifelong price of owning a fiberglass pool beats out vinyl liners any day. Yes, we’ll acknowledge that the upfront price of vinyl is less than fiberglass. But the upkeep completely changes the financial picture.

First, vinyl is easy to tear, and those repairs or replacement costs can really add up. Also, vinyl only lasts about 7 years compared to 20-30 years with fiberglass. Every new liner comes with associated downtime – what’s the cost of losing part of your swim season?

It’s also easier to manage water quality with fiberglass, especially when it comes to algae. Those intrepid microorganisms just love to cling to vinyl. Homeowners may find they’re using more chemicals and running their filtration frequently. With fiberglass, algae can’t make a home for itself because it slides right off the gelcoat.

Ready to plan your fiberglass pool project? Use our Build Your Own Inground Pool Wishlist, a tool that guides you through features so we can generate a detailed estimate, or schedule a free consultation by calling 319-200-7665.

Still learning about fiberglass pools? Keep reading:

6. Nov. 2023 / by splashpools / Lifestyle, Luxury Pools, Pool Design, Pool Ownership, Splash Pool & Spa Brands, Splash Pool & Spa Products, Swimming Pool Construction / 0 comments

7 Questions for Planning Your Fiberglass Pool Project

Thinking about a fiberglass pool for next year? The best time to plan your project is now – when the leaves are start to turn and the holidays are around the corner. Use the fall and early winter season to anticipate construction needs and finalize design details. Making these decisions now will help your fiberglass pool project go smoothly and quickly in the spring. Use these seven questions to guide your thought process!

Outdoor Considerations

The size and shape of your backyard has a major impact on a pool project.

1) How much free space is available? You need more room than just the dimensions of the fiberglass shell. Think about the full setting and where patios, sidewalks, decks, and landscaping fit into your vision.

For tight or established backyards, you might need to carve out a pool area in between existing features. For example, it’s common to have sheds, garages, swing sets and sandboxes, or utility lines to work around. Some homeowners even need to remove a few trees or bushes.

2) What is the best orientation for my pool? Privacy from neighbors or an alley is often a priority. The amount of sun exposure is also worth noting. Sometimes a nearby structure or tree can create shade where you don’t (or do!) want it. Even the view of the pool from inside your house is something to consider.

3) Am I required to add a fence? A barrier is often stipulated under zoning codes as a safety measure. In Linn County, for example, the fence has to be 48 inches high, with specific requirements for chain links or masonry as well as access gates (1).

Pool Parameters

Now for the fun part – you get to dive into your wish list!

4) What is my ideal pool size and shape?

A pool shouldn’t just look good – it has to provide an incredible experience. But that looks different to every family. If you are into exercise, a rectangular pool with a swim lane will be a good fit. If you can’t wait to host pool parties, a model with a shallow end and ledges will create a great gathering point. Couples looking for quality time together might choose one with an integrated spa.

Our fiberglass brand – Barrier Reef – offers square and rectangular pools as well as freeform and kidney models. They have something for everyone!

5) What features will enhance my pool?

Consider the entire pool experience. There are so many features that add ambiance. Built-in seating is great for sun lovers, conversationalists, and parents with littles. A model with a deep end is a solid choice for those who love water sports and aerobics. Even the specific blue you select for your shell color has an impact.

Check out our post on seven features we love in Barrier Reef fiberglass pools.

6) What do I need to create a complete oasis?

The space surrounding your pool is just as important as the pool itself. It’s like creating an outdoor living room. For starters, you will likely want a nice sidewalk leading from your house. Then there’s decking, which creates a spot for grilling, umbrellas, and patio furniture. Don’t forget about lighting, which is both a safety need and part of the atmosphere at night.

7) Will any tech make my maintenance easier?

There are so many cool and practical ways to automate your pool upkeep and water chemistry. For example, a lot of homeowners are opting for a salt generator, which creates chlorine out of sodium chloride (read more about how it works). Anyone with a rectangular pool should consider an auto cover, which rolls into place with the turn of a key. There are even robot cleaners that do the scrubbing for you!

Need more help creating your custom pool? Try our Build Your Own Inground Pool Wishlist. With options for fiberglass or custom concrete, this tool guides you through pool features so we can generate a detailed estimate.

12. Jul. 2023 / by splashpools / Health, Lifestyle, Pool Maintenance, Pool Ownership, Pool Safety, Splash Pool & Spa Brands, Splash Pool & Spa Products / 0 comments

How to Clean a Pool Cartridge Versus a Sand Filter

Your pool filter is working hard rain or shine to keep your water crystal clear. It’s time to show it some love! A little routine maintenance will help it do its job. Whether you have a cartridge or a sand filter, we have easy tips to keep them in great shape. You can also watch our Splashy Segment here!

Filter Cleaning is Essential Maintenance

Just like a car or furnace, your pool filter catches impurities as water passes through. It picks up containments like sunscreen and body oils. Dirt, insects, and plant debris, especially algae, won’t get past either. It also collects fine particles like iron and calcium. It’s even trapping bacteria!

To protect your filter performance, give it a good clean periodically. There’s a different method depending on whether you have a cartridge or sand filter.

Cartridge Filter

These filters are the most familiar to homeowners. They look like a giant version of a vacuum filter. They’re encased inside a hard cylinder.

We recommend this cleaning routine on a weekly basis. The caveat is if you are struggling with water quality, especially if it’s cloudy and not improving with balance treatments. Then try every day until the water clears up.

Step 1 – Safety

Your first action is to turn off the pool pump and bleed out excess pressure by turning the air relief valve. The reason is you don’t want components and electricity running while you are working. When you are finished, you’ll need to ensure pressure is correctly restored too.

Step 2 – Spray

Remove your filter and rinse with a garden hose. The goal is to blast off obvious grime. While you can use a pressure washer or even go to the car wash, don’t go overboard. Too much force can actually damage the filter.

Tip – back away from the dish soap! Even Dawn is off limits. You don’t want to create a foam bath in your pool. Only use cleaners made specifically for pool cartridges.

Step 3 – Soak

Is your filter super dirty because you fell out of your maintenance routine or went on vacation? For tough stains, soak overnight in a 5-gallon bucket and use a cartridge cleaner.

If you see any major cracks or no amount of cleaning makes a difference, it’s time for replacement. Cartridge filters typically last for 2 years with good maintenance. We always carry them in store, so swing by if it’s time for a new one!

Sand Filter

Sand filters are awesome because they last for a long time. In fact, you only need to completely swap out the old sand with a fresh supply every three years.

But in between, we suggest backwashing your sand filter once a week. It’s the same purpose as cleaning a cartridge filter – remove buildup to restore filtering efficiency. If you are 10 psi beyond your normal threshold, it’s also a good time to backwash.

Sand filter maintenance is a three-step process: 1) backwash, 2) add cleaner and let sit overnight, and 3) backwash again. We love Poolife’s Backwash Filter Cleaner, which we have in our store as well as new sand.

For more tips on how to make pool upkeep breezy:

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