4 Signs a Semi-Inground Pool is Right for You

Stealth Semi-Inground Pool

You may or may not have heard of them, but there’s a new player in the pool industry. Semi-inground pools are quickly rising to become a popular choice for homeowners looking to add a pool to their backyard. But what is a semi-inground pool, and how do you know if it’s right for your household?

A semi-inground pool is a pool that is halfway between an above-ground and an inground pool. It offers a variety of landscaping options to mimic the look of an inground pool but is closer in price and function to an above-ground pool. Most semi-inground pools are a consistent depth throughout, and can be only partially sunken into the ground, or nearly entirely submerged. Semi-inground pools are a versatile choice for a variety of backyard types and situations.

There are a lot of factors to consider when thinking about purchasing a pool. If you’re still on the fence about what type of pool to get, take a look at our checklist of signs that a semi-inground pool is the right choice for you.

1.      You want something nice, but you don’t want to break the bank

Cost and your family’s budget are probably the most important factors when shopping for a pool. You’ll need to determine how much pool you can afford, and how much you can spend on installation costs.

Generally speaking, above-ground pools are the least expensive option, and inground pools are the most expensive. Semi-inground pools fall in the middle of the two and are a good option for the family that wants something a little nicer and a little more permanent than an above-ground pool but doesn’t have the money to spend on an inground pool.

These are fairly general numbers and not a full price estimate, but you can expect the following types of pools to fall between these ranges:

  • Above-ground pool – Between $1,000 and $6,000
  • Semi-inground pool – Between $8,000 and $23,000
  • Inground pool – $35,000 and up

2.      You have a yard with uneven or difficult terrain

Inground pools require digging deep into fairly soft, even ground over a large area. Some yards are perfect for this, but others not so much. Slopes, rocky terrain, and other environmental factors may make your backyard inhospitable to an inground pool.

Semi-inground pools can be built to work with the natural slope of a yard, seeing as only some of the pool is submerged into the ground. With minimal digging and landscaping, you can have a semi-inground pool installed to be flush with the higher elevation portion of your backyard. Then as the pool stretches across the yard, there are a variety of decorative options to dress up the wall of the pool as the yard slopes downward.

As with traditional above-ground pools, you can also have decking installed along your semi-inground pool. Some decking and landscaping options are so seamless, it may even look as if you have an inground pool from a distance. Certain brands of semi-inground pools, such as Stealth, are known for blending into your landscape.

3.      You want something that lasts

In comparison to a traditional above-ground pool, semi-inground pools are much stronger and last longer. With an above-ground pool, the freestanding nature of the structure means that the water pressure inside the pool is what keeps the walls sturdy. But too much force or pressure and those walls can crumble or fracture, and you have a costly repair on your hands.

Semi-inground pools, due to their partially submerged nature, need stronger walls to withstand the pressure and shifting of the earth around them. Semi-inground pool walls are fully insulated and several inches thick. Many are constructed out of steel, and often come with extended warranties to protect against damage, depending on the brand. Because of this, these pools are permanent structures, rather than the semi-permanent type of an above-ground pool.

A middle-of-the-road semi-inground pool will usually last somewhere between 10 and 20 years, with higher-end models easily lasting in the 30-to-40-year range. Either way you go, a semi-inground pool will be a fixture of your family’s summer entertainment for years to come.

4.      You don’t want a lengthy installation process

Inground pools may look nice, but in addition to their cost, they can take a long time to install. Depending on the materials and how it’s installed, an inground pool can take several weeks from the time the technicians excavate your yard until you’re able to swim.

This isn’t the case with a semi-inground pool. While it is true that unlike above-ground pools, it takes more than a single day to install a semi-inground pool, the installation process is not nearly the intensive time commitment that it is for an inground pool. From start to finish, a semi-inground pool usually takes around 3-5 business days to complete the installation. Sometimes, however, a bit more time is needed to finish landscaping and finishing touches. But you can be swimming in as little as a week with a semi-inground installation, which leaves you more time to enjoy your pool.

Let Cincinnati Pool and Patio Help You Choose Your Semi-Inground Pool

There are more things to consider when choosing the type of pool that’s right for your family, but if these four statements are true for you, a semi-inground pool might be your best choice. Cincinnati Pool and Patio offers a variety of pool installations, and we carry several brands of semi-inground pools that will be right at home in your backyard.

The pool season for this year may be almost over, but it’s never too early to start planning an installation for next season. If you’d like to know more about adding a semi-inground pool with Cincinnati Pool and Patio, get in touch with us for a consultation. We can go over the entire installation process with you, so when the time comes, you’ll know what to expect. And in no time you’ll be enjoying your very own semi-inground pool.

Pool Tips: How To Choose The Size of Your Above Ground Pool

above-ground pool

How To Choose Your Pool

Once you’ve decided to get a swimming pool, you have an endless array of options. So that you get the pool that is best for you and your family. You can pick the shape, the material, extras that can be installed around the pool. And, sometimes the most important factor of all, height. If your family is ready to purchase an above ground pool, we highly recommend reviewing these pool tips.

How Should You Choose The Size of Your Above Ground Pool?

Before making a purchase, we recommend you researching your local pool ordinances. To make sure the size of the pool you want aligns with your local codes and ordinances.

Based on Budget

Above-ground pools tend to come in three standard heights: 48 inches, generally used by people with families that have young children, and 52-54 inches, which is a little bit taller to allow for more swimming.

What is the layout plan?

Whether you plan on just having a margin along the top or you plan on having material along the bottom of your pool as well, subtract those inches so you can better imagine the height of the water and choose which height works best.

Who is the pool for?

The taller your above ground pool is, the more water you have and the more fun swimming can be. Especially if you or other adults are going to be the primary ones swimming in it. However, if you have children who are also going to be swimming then choosing a pool height, like the standard 48 inches, can be a safer choice.

If you’d like to learn more about Cincinnati Pool and Patio’s options and installation process, please contact us here.

Saltwater vs Chlorine

psw-saltwater vs chlorine

Saltwater vs Chlorine

Getting a pool always comes with the big question, saltwater vs chlorine?

Today we’ll be discussing the pros and cons of specifically using saltwater in your pools versus only chlorine.

Saltwater Vs Chlorine

Saltwater systems make chlorine, the exact same chlorine that is released from pool chlorine products. In a saltwater pool, when H2O + NaOCl are run through the salt cell, the electric charge breaks apart molecules to create chlorine (Cl) and a few other byproducts, which are generally reabsorbed. The chlorine that is instantly created, hypochlorous acid, is the same exact chlorine that is released from chlorine tablets, liquid chlorine, or granular chlorine.

Saltwater Pools Do Have Benefits

  • You can’t taste the salt, but it can make the water feel softer
  • Less storage and handling of hazardous chlorine products
  • Breakpoint chlorination inside the cell reduces chloramines constantly
  • Easily raise or lower chlorine levels, and view status on a digital display

Saltwater Pools Are Not Maintenance Free Pools

  • You still have to monitor the system, and test for salt, chlorine and stabilizer levels
  • You have to maintain good water balance; saltwater pool pH and Alkalinity rises rapidly
  • Salt cells need cleaning to remove scale, although some systems do it automatically
  • The cells about 5 yrs; salt system parts like boards, sensors, and switches may last longer

You May Still Need To Use Chlorine Products

  • To raise the chlorine level very fast for shock treatments
  • Maintaining chlorine level during pump, filter or salt system equipment problems
  • To clear the water during opening or closing the pool, or for treating various water problems

Saltwater can attack Soft & Shiny Surfaces

  • Galvanic corrosion can oxidize chrome surfaces in the pool, although sacrificial anodes can be used
  • Salt residue can slowly corrode soft coping stones or stone decks, although sealers can be used

Have any more questions about saltwater pools? Contact us here!

2018 Pool Trends Part 2

2018 pool trends

Pool Trends

2018 brings in a new year full of new possibilities and new ventures. One of the hottest 2018 pool trends going into the year is building a pool for your home.

Building a pool for your backyard starts off as an exciting experience, but can easily become a very daunting task.

To help you out, we’ve assembled some of our favorite 2018 pools trends.

2018 Pool Trends

Ledges

Adding extra ledges around your pool can give it a relaxing and resort feel to it. These ledges are generally no more than 12 inches deep. They’re perfect to sunbathe and relax in the sun while you still enjoy the cool water of your pool.

Automation

One of the newest trends to hit the pool industry is having a part of your pool automized. Features such as Lighting, pumps, temperature, cleaning, music, water features, pool covers, and more can be automized.

You can connect this to your phone or smart home device such as Google Home.

Have any questions? Contact us here!

How To Prepare Your Yard for An Above-Ground Pool

above-ground pool

Preparing For A Pool

When it comes to installing your new aboveground pool, the most important part is choosing the best spot in your yard for the pool, and then prepare your yard for the pool.

Here are our tips on how to prepare your yard for a new above-ground pool. 

Choosing a Location for an Aboveground Pool

When choosing your pool location, watch to see what area the sun hits best, for the longest part of the day. Try to choose an area that doesn’t have overhanging trees or branches; even if they are small trees now they won’t be that way forever. Having a bit of shade or privacy bushes around the pool is nice, but too many large trees and you’ll spend a lot of time and effort cleaning them out.

Look for the area in your yard that is the flattest area as that will require less excavating work on your part. Also, having convenient access to power and water is important, and for safety reasons, as well as aesthetics, place the pool in an area that is most visible from the house.

Prepare your yard for Your New Aboveground Pool

Now we want to remove all the grass and loam inside the circle that you made. If you have the availability of using a bobcat or bucket loader; that would be the easiest way to remove it, but picks and shovels work fine too.

Level is Important

While you prepare your yard, you should begin to do any leveling work that is required. Even though it may look level, it may not be. This step is very important, to ensure that your new aboveground pool won’t be lopsided. A sit level or a transit is the easiest and most accurate way to accomplish this, but if you don’t have that available, a couple of stakes and a ball of twine and a line level will do the trick just as well.

Now it’s time to start building your new above ground pool. If you have any questions about this process, contact us here!

Pool Trends for 2018

in-ground pool

Pool Trends

Are you considering building or reconstructing your own pool? New pool trends pervading across the industry are offering more features that add more individuality and pizazz to your pool design. Designs and features that make your pool unique and appealing are endless and the trends continue to emerge.

Take a look at the latest pool trends:

Infinite Edge

Infinite-edge is a cosmetic design feature that allows the edge of a swimming pool to drop off into the horizon. An effect created through a lowered lip, which overflows over one edge and allows the pool to merge into the surrounding landscape.

Remote Controlled Pools

As technology evolves, innovations to custom pool design mature with it. The most recent technological developments allow your luxury pool to be controlled remotely. Often offering features that allow you to connect to the pool over your smartphone or mobile device. This puts features like lighting, pumps, temperature and cleaning at your fingertips, wherever you are.

You can now heat your pool on your way home from work!

Natural Lighting

Lighting is an integral aspect of architectural design, and the lighting for your pool is no different. Skylights, windows and sliding doors are a must have for indoor pools that require natural lighting. In-ground deck lights add drama to the design, whilst illuminating the path to a pool. The addition of carefully selected lighting helps control the atmospheric quality of your pool and can be used to create exciting effects on both the main pool and water features.

Heating and Cooling Systems

Pool heating is not new, but the options available on the market are becoming increasingly sophisticated and efficient. Some heat pumps now include cooling functions to keep the water comfortable on those hot summer days. Luxury options can also provide ecological heating solutions, such as solar and geothermal energy.

Outdoor Living Spaces

With a growing emphasis on family and lifestyle design, Canny has long emphasized the architectural importance of well-integrated indoor and outdoor spaces. Swimming pools that serve as a central feature of your outdoor living spaces and serve a variety of entertainment functions are by no stretch a thing of the past. But how well do they fit in with your indoor living spaces?

Interested in using one of these trends for your pool? Contact us here!

Pool Remodeling For Next Year

water flowing into pool

Pool Remodeling

Another summer has come and gone. As we say goodbye to summer and hello to fall, it’s time to start planning for the upcoming year. If you’ve been thinking about adding that hammock or changing up your tile, now is the time to do some pool remodeling!

Small Enhancements

These features, from appearance to function, can update your backyard space without paying a pretty penny for a complete renovation. Adding lighting, a waterfall, or making the saltwater conversion are simple updates to your swimming pool and backyard that can transform the area.

Pool Remodeling

If it’s time for a complete remodel, it’s important you make a decision that is a good investment for your lifestyle and preferences for years to come. Unfortunately, we’re not all pool pros. Contact a pool professional for more information and expertise. If you’re looking to do some initial research, visit how to remodel your deck and pool finish to get a head start on your new look.

Remodeling your pool is a great option to change up your backyard design and swimming pool aesthetics. Don’t feel pressured to change everything at once. Adding pool finishes, such as swimming pool tile, or something as simple as backyard lighting can be an easy project. One or two small improvements can change the entire feel of a space.

Have a question about remodeling your pool? Contact us here!

Keeping Your Pool Clean with Enzymes

inside pool

Keeping Your Pool Clean

Nobody likes a murky pool with slimy water. Even if you take all the right traditional steps to clean your pool. Such as adding chlorine and algaecide and removing debris. Sometimes the water can get dirtier and dirtier.  And sometimes that can seem impossible to remove. Many pool experts turn to enzymes to help keep a pool clean.

HOW CAN ENZYMES HELP KEEP YOUR POOL CLEAN?

They target organic contaminants.

  • People swimming in your pool leave behind oil and lotion that is made with organic material. Enzymes are a type of protein that, depending on which type you add to your pool, collect oil and lotion filtering through the water and this triggers a chemical reaction that eats away at the contaminants.

Enzyme helpers lift the debris to the surface so that you can easily remove it.

  • They have to be carefully tailored to your pools environment and temperature. And a pool care specialist can help you find the right ones for your pool. Usually, they are combined with another chemical called surfactants that make OC enzymes. Additionally, they make the captured oil rise to the surface. Through the hard work of both the surfactant and the enzymes, oil and other organic contaminants are broken down and anything left behind can easily be scooped off the surface.

Depending on how many people use your pool and how often, your pool may be gradually building up with layers of oil that have been left behind. Adding enzymes is a great way to clean your pool without any effort or concerns about dangerous chemicals. If you’d like to learn more about pool maintenance and how to keep your cool clean and refreshing, please contact Cincinnati Pool and Patio here! 

Landscaping Requirements for Above Ground Pools

Landscaping Requirements for Above Ground Pools

Landscaping Requirements for Above Ground Pools

Above ground pools let you have the swimming space you want without worrying about digging a gigantic hole in your yard, but that doesn’t mean they have no effect on your yard whatsoever. Even though you no longer have to worry about removing all that soil, you still have to be careful about where you place the pool, and about what landscaping you place near it.

SPACE AND ACCESS

Any landscaping you do around the pool should allow you and pool maintenance workers to access all parts of the pool. Shrubs should be at least a few inches away from the edge of the pool and not right up against it. Equipment for the pool, such as pumps, should never be blocked or enveloped by plants. You can certainly plant shrubs and hedges between the pool and your view of it from your house if you don’t want to see the equipment, but you must leave empty space around the outside of the pool.

Part of the reason for doing this is to leave access, as noted, but it also helps prevent mold and fungi from taking over the plants and pool perimeter. That space lets air flow easily between the two, drying out excess moisture.

ROOT PROBLEMS

All plants near the pool, be they shrubs, flower beds, or trees, should have nonaggressive roots that won’t suspend the edge of the pool. For most shrubs and flowers, a few inches or a couple of feet will provide enough space to mitigate root issues. Any trees that are close to the structure, though, need to have taproots instead of large, spreading root systems. A good rule of thumb is to keep the pool out of the tree’s drip line, which is the line on the ground that corresponds to the approximate circle formed by the edges of the tree’s canopy.

GRADING TO PREVENT PUDDLES

Like in-ground pools, above ground pools can get a bit splashy as everyone inside has a lot of fun swimming around. Excess water that splashes out needs to drain away from the pool (and your house). Before installing the pool, have landscapers double-check the slope of the land in the area where you want the pool. They can regrade the land if necessary.

When you’re ready to choose a pool, contact Cincinnati Pool and Patio. You’ll be able to see different pool sizes and configurations that allow you to find one that will work well in your yard.

Transform Your Home with An Above Ground Pool

transform your home

Transform Your Home

Spending some quality time in the pool is an exceptional experience and perhaps, one of the most relaxing physical exercise there is to relieve stress. But do you still have to visit a specific location to find an inground swimming pool? Well then, you do not need to go out to places in order to rejuvenate yourself anymore. Are you looking for a way to transform your home?

You have the above ground pools to your rescue! These pools are equipped with almost all the features an authentic swimming pool has to offer, in fact, more. With an above ground pool installed in your home, you are able to have fun and save money because it’s user-friendly, and requires less maintenance.

The above ground pools are smaller in size and so, you need to use fewer chemicals to keep them in a good shape. However, smaller in size doesn’t mean these swimming pools offer any less fun.

You can install it in a day at a relatively lower cost, unlike the inground swimming pools that can’t be installed without digging a large hole in the ground. On top of it, above ground pools are equipped with a sanitizing power system. Actually, the same that is used in the big swimming pools. So as to keep the water inside the crystal clear and clean.

Rio, Mundo, and Krystal are the highly-recommended above ground swimming pools in Cincinnati, Ohio. They feature improved stability, soil-resistance, and can prevent warping.