Winter might not seem like the right time for swimming, but it may very well be the best time to plan your pool. If nothing else, the cold winter months should provide the kind of inspiration you need to begin planning your pool so when the warm weather months arrive, you’ll be prepared and ready to jump right in.

So why now? While we’re just at the onset of winter, taking a dive into a pool might seem like the furthest thing from your mind. However, there’s no better time than right now to begin planning your pool, and here are 3 great reasons why:

Pool Installation is More Affordable - Most pool installations happen in spring or early summer, so naturally, as demand increases, costs increase. A more cost-effective approach to planning a new pool in time for summer is to begin design and installation during the months leading up to the season. By giving yourself ample time to plan a pool during the colder seasons, you’re also more likely to end up with the kind of results you’re hoping for.

Pool Installation is More Accessible - Since pool installations are in lower demand during the colder months but those who are responsible for doing the work are also more available. Builders, landscapers, and designers will be more willing to take on work at a fair cost. In addition, getting ahold of a permit might be an easier endeavor, as permit offices aren’t as inundated with permit applications and therefore might be able to process them with more efficiency.

Your Environment is Prime for Pool Planning - The other advantage of planning a pool in fall or winter is that you’ve got essentially a blank slate for planning the design and surrounding environment of your pool. With little to no vegetation to get in the way, you can more easily see the bigger picture of how your pool can be the perfect complement to your backyard. You can easily incorporate great design ideas in your landscaping for the area surrounding your new pool, you can plant shrubs, trees, flowers, and hedges at the appropriate times so that when it’s time to swim in summer, you have the natural beauty of your environment to complete your surroundings.

If nothing else, planning your pool during the winter can be a great way to distract you from the chilly weather. If you want to get started planning your pool now, Sunset Pools & Spas is here to help you develop your ideas and give you a fair estimate of what you can expect to spend.

If you’re interested in financing your pool installation, we’re here to simplify that process as well. Sunset Pools & Spas partners with Lifestream, an online lending division of SunTrust Bank, for low-fixed interests rates and no fees to make affording a pool a breeze. Just get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to help you build the pool of your dreams.

As a chill in the winter air pushes everyone inside, your family is bound to eventually suffer from increased screen time and stuffy air circulation. This lack of outdoor activity keeps you from reaping fresh air perks to your health, community, and family. Backyard fireplace owners have the opportunity to spend more time outside throughout the seasons, enabling these three year-round benefits.

1. Research shows that fresh air has a positive impact on your lungs, digestion, blood pressure, energy and immune system. An outdoor fireplace increases your exposure to these fresh air advantages. Instead of watching television or sitting on the couch, gather around the warmth of a backyard fire pit for improved quality of health.
    
2. Friends and neighbors love coming together around an outdoor fire pit, which can foster an increased sense of community and connection. You don’t have to clean the entire house to invite a group over for backyard coffee, drinks, tapas and catching up. Be that “one” with the magnetic backyard for gathering at any time of day or year with a welcoming outdoor fireplace.
    
3. We all know quality family time is important, but in the colder months it can be difficult to find a captivating attraction for all ages to disconnect from their screens and connect with each other. A backyard fire pit is a family evening of s’mores, stars and face-to-face stories. Cherished memories and family interaction make this outdoor activity an easy decision for family gatherings of all ages, sizes and times of year.

Don’t let the colder months push you inside and keep you from these invaluable benefits to your health, community and family.

Right now is the perfect time to start building your outdoor fire pit or fireplace. Sunset Pools and Spas offer custom designs from top backyard specialists with over a decade of experience. Interested in year-round outdoor accessibility that matches your vision and style? Contact us to request a quote and start building your backyard fire pit today.

Summer may be over, but when the weather heats up again, you're going to seek refuge in the deliciously cool waters of your pool.

Do you often host pool parties? If so, why not make your pool the hottest place in the summer? You're already the envy of all your neighbors since you own an in-ground pool. Why not issue a party invitation and impress everyone with some exciting pool additions?

Below are some fun pool accessories you should consider when planning your upcoming pool party.

Wireless Floating Pool Speaker

No party is complete without an epic party playlist. You may want to kick it up a notch with some vocal house dance jams! For good acoustics, we suggest using an IPX8 floating pool speaker, like the Mindkoo Portable Wireless Speaker. The "IPX8" specification means that your pool speaker can tolerate continuous water submersion (if used according to manufacturer guidelines).

Floating Ball Lights

Twinkling lights aren't just for the holidays! Light up your pool party for maximum ambiance with either floating ball lights or underwater show lights. Ball lights of different sizes, colors, and lighting modes can add interest to the pool area. Meanwhile, waterproof show lights provide a multi-colored disco effect. You can also add string LED lights and fiber optic lights for a more festive atmosphere.

Floating Pool Furniture

For added fun, you may want to include inflatables in the water. Undoubtedly, you're already familiar with floating ducks, swans, and flamingos. However, a wide variety of loungers makes it easier for both children and adults to stay in the pool. Make sure everyone has a seat with bubble chairs, single and double loungers, or even a whole inflatable couch! 

Inflatable Ball Nets

Play volleyball or basketball in the pool. Nobody will be able to tell if you're sweating! Installing a net across your pool can add a whole new dimension of fun to your party. Add some colorful beach balls to the mix, and you're ready for the fun times to roll.

Regardless of your choices, summer's almost here. Are you ready? At Sunset Pools & Spas Commercial, we specialize in pool construction and renovations. However, we can also help you design and maintain your investment for years to come. Contact us today for expert resources and help.