Pools make for more fun in the sun

Options abound for most any lifestyle, price range

Summer vacation: Taking a swim, splashing around, playing water games, lounging by the pool or relaxing on a float. It’s all about soaking up the summer sun.

For those opting for a “staycation” — a trend gaining popularity if this year’s surge in pool sales is any indicator; Beninati Pools Inc. owner John Beninati said his company has already surpassed orders from all of last year — now may be the time to revamp the backyard for fun in the sun with a new swimming pool.

Choosing a pool that fits the family’s lifestyle, backyard and budget, as well as city codes and requirements, does take a bit of planning and research, but the payoff is often well worth it once the pool is installed.

“Pools are fun; they’re great for exercise; but the best thing about having a pool is that you can just stay home and relax and have fun — you don’t have to pack up the car and the kids. … You can have good family fun right in your backyard,” said Jeff Simons, owner of Viscount Pools, Spas and Billiards in Clinton Township.

For most people, the pool’s price point is the final deciding factor in determining whether to go with an above-ground or an in-ground pool; however, Beninati noted that price points for both types of pools vary depending on the quality of the materials used to make the pool, the pump and heater, and the builder’s experience.

“They really need to be aware of what they’re getting for their money, what they’re getting in the package — not just the quality of workmanship, but the quality of the pump and heater; there’s a huge difference in quality out there right now. … You really do get what you pay for,” said Beninati, who advises homeowners to thoroughly research the builder, the various pool options available, and city or homeowners association codes prior to investing in a pool.

“If you’re looking to get a pool, I suggest making sure you do all the research for one: Check out your city’s regulations on fencing, distance from property lines and power lines — usually pools must be at least 10 feet away from power lines,” said Kelly McCunen, the pool department manager at Evergreen Home and Garden in Clinton Township. “And two, make sure you talk with someone at the store so you can learn about all the chemicals needed to maintain the pool and get exact instructions on how to do everything.”

While maintenance is essentially the same for above- and in-ground pools, each style offers its own benefits.

Above-ground pools are more affordable, installation is quicker, and typically, they don’t raise property taxes — they can actually decrease values, McCunen noted — and are generally safer for children.

They are also simple to remove: “You can easily take them down, put in some sod, and you’d never even know it was there,” said Simons, noting that certain above-ground pools can actually be installed in ground at a fraction of the price of a true in-ground pool.

Above-ground pools do have limitations: There are still only two shapes — round or oval — which can limit the pool’s aesthetic appeal.

“Aesthetically, they’re not always the most attractive thing, but there are a lot more options now, with nice composite rails and integrated decking … and a lot of nicer colors to choose from,” said Beninati, who’s also a member of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals.

While in-ground pools are much costlier, they offer more design options: shape, depth, style and type. There are three types of in-ground pools: cement or gunite, the most flexible for personal design, size, depth, shape and finish, but also the most intensive to install; fiberglass, which is easily installed and has built-ins available, but come in limited sizes and shapes; and steel or composite wall vinyl liner, which is similar to an above-ground pool and comes in many sizes, but is limited in shape by the walls.

“All of these pools are great, and they all have the same maintenance requirements — there’s no marked difference in maintaining the water — but they’re apples and oranges looks-wise,” said Beninati, adding that every pool can be personalized to the homeowner’s tastes as options for accessories and the correlating landscaping abound.

“There’s just so much cool stuff out there right now,” said Beninati.

Pool technology has come a long way in recent years: There’s been advances in automated water maintenance and cleaning vacuum systems; improvements in pool alarms and sensors, including wristband alarms for kids that activate when emerged in water, and door wall alarms; keypad systems that allow the user to control everything from the pool’s pump and lights to pool-side stereo systems, fountains and fireplaces from inside; more aesthetically pleasing finishes for both in-ground and above-ground pools; and many new non-chlorine and chemical-free products for sanitizing water.

“There are ozone systems now that use UV lights to kill bacteria, and a new product called Baquacil for people who would normally steer clear of pools because of allergies — there’s no chlorine, it’s peroxide-based,” said McCunen.

Saltwater systems are also gaining popularity and can be used in both above- and in-ground pools; however, Simons warned, using saltwater may void the manufacturer’s warranty on above-ground pools.

For a chlorine-free above-ground pool, Simons suggests a mineral purifier like Nature 2, which contains silver and zinc to naturally kill bacteria: “It’s like swimming in bottled water.”

For more information, contact Beninati Pools at (586) 323-7946 or visit www.beninatipool.com; Evergreen at (586) 778-7860 or visit www.evergreenhomeandgarden.com; and Viscount at (586) 792-4920 or visit www.viscountpools.com.