Page 30 THE VILLADOM TIMES I, II & IV • May 9, 2012
(ARA) If you added a pool to your home in the past few years, or moved into a house with an existing pool, you may wonder what more you can do to enhance the value and enjoyment your pool brings to your home and family. You may even think there is not much you can do beyond keeping it clean and well maintained. “Pools are a great investment, and the vast majority of owners say their pool is a great place to entertain,” said Bill Weber, president and CEO of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals. “Fortunately, some simple upgrades and renovations can help pool owners enjoy their investment even more.” APSP points to renovations that can offer homeowners the most satisfaction and value for their investment. The association suggests homeowners consult with and hire an APSP-certified professional for the best possible results from any of these renovations. Resurfacing: If your in-ground pool is made from concrete, time and use can cause the surface to deteriorate and become rough or even cracked. Resurfacing can restore the beauty and comfort of the pool and extend its functional life. Choose options that provide durability, and consider multiple manufacturers’ products to ensure the best selection. For pools with a vinyl interior, a host of new patterns, available for replacement liners, can transform the appearance of the pool overnight. Fiberglass pool owners also have several resurfacing options. Consult with an APSP-certified professional to determine the
Renovations to make a splash with your backyard pool
best product to make your fiberglass pool look like new. New tile: Just as a kitchen backsplash can transform the overall look of the room, tile can set the tone for how your pool looks. Pool tile options are vast, and changing the tile is one of the most dramatic improvements you can make; it will give you the biggest bang for your buck in terms of appearance. Change the look of the pool deck: The current design trend is to extend the look of interior flooring out into the pool area to create the effect of an outdoor family room. Deck choices range from man-made and natural materials to staining existing concrete. Know that old concrete does not necessarily need to be removed. Often you can fix unsightly cracks and dated concrete decks with a thick overlay and new finish. Add a water feature: Installing a waterfall or fountain is a great way to bring the sound and beauty of moving water to your outdoor environment. Water features also create a strong focal point for the pool. A dramatic spillover or sheer water feature can be dynamic additions to an ordinary pool. Lighting: While safety is a primary function of lights, today’s pool lighting also adds touches of beauty and pizzazz. Standard incandescent and halogen pool lights are functional staples, and fiber optic lighting can add striking color at night. Fiber optic lighting is especially great around pools and landscaping because there is no electrical current to worry about. Long-lasting LED
replacements can typically be installed with little or no modification to the existing pool. The colored LEDs can create an entirely new mood around your pool while providing energy savings at the same time. “Of course, there are many more renovations and improvements to consider,” Weber said. “Digital controls make operating pool equipment easier than ever, allowing you to control lighting, heating, and cleaning with the touch of the button. And upgrades like adding a salt chlorinator system, solar cover, and heater can improve the functionality and efficiency of a pool.” Keep in mind, you don’t have to do everything at once. Pool renovations can be done over several seasons, allowing you to make the improvements and fund your investment at a pace that works for you. Of course, to ensure you get the most for your money, you will want to hire an experienced pool contractor. You can find an APSP certified building or service professional at www.apsp. org. APSP-certified professionals are required to demonstrate proven knowledge of design, construction, and service, follow a strict code of ethics, and must engage in continuing education to maintain their certification. “Most renovations are quite affordable, and can dramatically change the look of your backyard,” Weber added. “It’s important to ensure your project is performed by a certified professional who can help you turn your vision into reality safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively.”