The sunny, dry climate of Southern California is ideal for a pool. However, this home upgrade comes with many decisions that can quickly become overwhelming. Permits, location, placement, function, materials, and design are all critical factors to consider. Do you want a fun family play area, a fitness-focused pool, or a luxurious retreat for relaxing? Read on for some of the top pool types for Southern California!
Top 10 Pool Types for Southern California
There is a wide spread of pool types available around the world. Although most pool types are suitable for the constant Southern California sun, here are some of the top designs for homeowners in the area.
1. Inground Pool
An inground pool is a permanent option constructed into your landscaping. The customizability of inground pools is almost limitless – only restricted by the size and shape of your yard and your planning permissions. It is easier to build an inground pool for your specific needs – depth, a lounge area, stairs, and length can all be customized based on your ideas. However, inground pools are more costly to construct and always take longer than expected.
2. Concrete Inground Pool
Concrete inground pools have the concrete poured on-site. These pools are the most customizable, as you can design any shape you can dream up. A freeform pool is a popular style with curved lines and a nature-inspired theme. These pools are finished with paint, plaster, or materials such as Pebble Tec. This type of inground pool is the most expensive to build.
3. Fiberglass Pool
Fiberglass pools are becoming more popular in Southern California. These pools are constructed by a manufacturer and then delivered to your home in one piece or panels. Fiberglass is ideal for smaller inground pools, but they have a significant slip hazard. The material is incredibly slippery, which can be an issue around spaces like stairs. However, they are more flexible than concrete pools, which makes them ideal for earthquake-prone areas like Southern California.
4. Vinyl Liner Inground Pool
Vinyl liner inground pools have the lowest upfront cost of the inground pool materials. They are very customizable, and the vinyl material is smooth and algae-resistant. A vinyl liner lasts between 5-10 years; replacements increase the price of pool maintenance significantly. This material is also damaged easily, so it is essential to use caution with dogs, kids, or parties.
5. Plunge Pool
A plunge pool is a small inground option designed primarily for quick dips and cooling off. Many homes in metro areas are built with small lots making this an ideal pool type for Southern California.
6. Infinity Pool
Infinity pools are synonymous with relaxation, often reminding us of a stay at a beautiful hotel, and are usually custom-built to enhance a view. Perfect for homes on hills, an infinity pool features a vanishing-edge design, allowing water to fall over the wall and creating a limitless look. Infinity pools are the most aesthetically captivating option on this list but are very expensive to build and maintain.
7. Tiered Pools
Tiered pools become an architectural feature in your landscape. They have one or more raised pools that flow into another lower pool, creating a gorgeous, modern aesthetic. Tiered pools can be formed as a remodel project, using an existing pool as one of the tiers and building a new one adjacent to it. Tiered pools can be very costly to construct and take high-level experts and structural engineers.
8. Above-Ground Pool
Above-ground pools are the most budget-friendly option on this list. They sit on top of your yard and can be assembled with a patio or deck surrounding them. They require no construction or digging; some can even be installed as a DIY project. Above-ground pools are an economical option for small yards and come in various designs, but their lifespan is shorter than other pool types on this list.
9. Lap Pool
Lap pools are for the fitness buffs of Southern California. They are specifically designed for lap swimming, making them long and narrow, often at least 40 feet. These rectangular-shaped pools need a minimum width of eight feet and can have a shallow depth, making them great for small yards.
10. Swim Spa
If you have limited space but still want to work out, a swim spa can be a great option as they take up as little as 12 feet. Swim spas are the marriage of a hot tub and a pool – you can choose to have the temperature of a pool or hot tub but have powerful jets that allow the user to swim against a strong current, simulating swimming far distances.
Is It Worth Having a Pool in Southern California?
Due to the year-round favorable climate in Southern California, pools typically get a great about of use and are viewed as a high-value home feature. As long as a pool is built well, kept maintained, and it is safe for all ages, it is worthwhile to have, and it supplies an excellent return on investment when it comes time to sell.
What is the Best Type of Pool to Install?
What type of pool you want ultimately comes down to its uses. Do you have a family that will want to play games or use a slide or diving board? An in-ground pool is best! Do you want to get in shape? A lap pool or swim spa is for you, space dependent. Do you want a relaxing area that makes your home feel like a resort? An infinity pool is a serene landscape addition. There are many pool types for Southern California, but some will work better for your needs than others.
Additionally, choosing a pool type relies heavily on your budget, space, and aesthetics. Remember, a pool is for you to enjoy, so build it in a way that will be the most functional for your needs and wants. This will be the best way to have fun in your new space!
What are Some Popular Swimming Pool Designs?
One of the most recent popular swimming pool trends is a switch from chlorine to saltwater. This option is more environmentally friendly and has less harsh chemicals for your body, hair, and skin. Tanning ledges are another popular design trend. They allow users to stay slightly cool and submersed while getting full sun!
We Provide All-In-One Packages
That is why Design Scapes provides all-in-one pool, spa, and hot tub packages to our clients. Regardless of your plot size, we will deliver a pool, spa, or hot tub that is both beautiful and functional. Learn more today!
