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As mentioned in another thread we are getting ready to sign papers with the builder to build a house in FL.
We are also looking into having a pool. Not sure if we'd end up with a pool right when we move in, or if it will come in somewhat later, but I'd like to pick your brain with your experiences and thoughts on pools.
Salt water vs Chlorine?
Concrete vs Fiber (I'm concerned that because it is a brand new lot we are building on and the ground may not be as stable, we may have issues with the pool down the road)
Concrete floor around the pool or pavers?
What is the best color for the pool? Do dark pools warm up quicker than lighter colored ones? We have 2 kids and they like their pool water to be warm.
What kind of heating system is the best? My parents have a solar system where the water goes up on the roof, gets heated by the sun and down into the pool it goes. Are there any alternatives and what are pros and cons?
Any other pros and cons are there to consider? and any questions I should be asking as we are meeting with the pool companies to get the quotes?
We are also looking into getting a pool with our next home and I am curious if spiders are an issue. Someone told me that he has a pool and it attracts all kinds of spiders to the back of his house. Is this true?
I commented in your other thread about a pool, but can add a few things here. I have a light colored pool and average water temperature this summer has been 84-88 degrees.
There are three types of pool heat: solar - which you already covered, electric (heat pump) and gas. I do not currently have a heater, but am looking seriously into it because I just spent a ton of money having my pool and deck redone and want to enjoy it for a longer period each year.
From the research I've done, solar will be the least expensive, and the electric will be the most expensive as far as installation goes. But, I've been reading that over time the electric ends up being the most economical option. I've somewhat ruled-out solar because what I have been told is that it will extend my swimming season by a month or so at each end but won't really do the job if I want to go swimming on Christmas day for example.
Salt- significantly better for skin/health than a typical chlorine pool.
Concrete- high water table, and limestone subsoils in FL usually dictates a need for this type of installation.
Decking would be concrete also. Either a light broom finish or a salt finish.
Color is insignificant (as far as heat[ing])
Solar- biggest drawback is HOA. Most don't approve of solar panels, especially those that cover a roof that is not facing an optimal compass direction.
I owned a pool for 15yrs and it went through several incarnations- the one thing that didn't change- it was a vinyl liner. Soil here in the ATL is quite stable.
Love the fully screened back yard. That can effect how you draw warmth to the pool. Loved those sliding glass house doors that slid one over the other to make a large open wall and no bugs because of the full screening.
Salt- significantly better for skin/health than a typical chlorine pool.
Concrete- high water table, and limestone subsoils in FL usually dictates a need for this type of installation.
Decking would be concrete also. Either a light broom finish or a salt finish.
Color is insignificant (as far as heat[ing])
Solar- biggest drawback is HOA. Most don't approve of solar panels, especially those that cover a roof that is not facing an optimal compass direction.
I owned a pool for 15yrs and it went through several incarnations- the one thing that didn't change- it was a vinyl liner. Soil here in the ATL is quite stable.
I just spent a small fortune having my concrete pool resurfaced. EVERY single company I got an estimate from told me that choosing a darker colored surface results in slightly higher pool temperatures than a white or light colored surface. I ended up going with a white surface that has multicolored aggregate added.
HWtechguy is correct: darker pools are warmer: basic thermodynamics. Gunite and marcite are still the best systems: don't get fiberglass, they are expensive to reglaze.
If you have an attached spa, you will need at least a spa sized heater. If not and you want a warmer pool, then HWtechguy again gave quality guidance.
Salt systems are expensive to buy and maintain: do your homework on them now so you have a sense of how able you are to deal with it yourself if need be. The best thing you can do if you own a pool is to stay on the upkeep- it pays off.
Does your community have a community pool? If so, strongly reconsider getting a pool.
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