Pool Trends 2011

Not long ago a discussion about a homeowner’s backyard might have been all about the pool. But today, according to James Adams of Allison Companies, the pool is only part of the discussion.
“The staycation effect on today’s home owners has excited them to create extraordinary outdoor living environments right in their own backyard,” he reports.
Ed Shanks of Premier Pools & Patios, Inc., says, “We find that more time is spent at home with the family and homeowners are adding a pool to enjoy more quality time as well as for the health benefits.”
Shanks adds, “Water features have been growing in popularity and can be installed with any type of pool. In addition to the appearance, sound, and tranquility they add to the setting, they also aerate the water and cools it in hot weather. For this reason, shallow pools should include a water feature.”
“Rising fuel prices, a challenged real estate economy, and safety concerns about traveling have all added to homeowners’ realization that if they plan properly they can have everything they want in their own backyards—not for a week or a month, but year around,” says Adams.
Pool trends that continue into 2011 include colorful fiber optic lighting, free form pool shapes, beach entries, fire features, water fountains, infinity and other edges, specialty finishes, and, of course, saltwater systems.
Sizes and shapes are first and foremost in planning a pool, Adams says. Once the available space is identified as possible depending on zoning, set backs, and utilities, “the fun begins,” he says. Shape is a matter of personal taste, he adds, and  most customers choose to incorporate water features to capitalize on the sounds and sights a pool introduces into a backyard space.
Pool choices include Gunite/shotcrete, fiberglass, and vinyl-lined. Gunite is the premium pool with a premium price.
Least expensive is a vinyl liner pool, which, like gunite pools, can be created in numerous sizes and shapes. Fiberglass pools are a formed, prebuilt unit available in a few color choices.

There are a number of sources for pools in the Nashville area including:

Allison Construction
Goodlettsville
615/ 859-5095

NaturEscape
Murfreesboro
615/ 848-7070

Premier Pools & Patios
Nashville
615/ 553-4041