Category: Pool General Information

Having a pool can help alleviate stress and improve your overall health. It’s no surprise that almost 1.6 million homeowners in Florida have one. If you’re one of them, you’re probably enjoying this and its other benefits. But have you ever considered pool automation?

Inground swimming pool enjoyment is only possible with regular maintenance. The alternative is a dirty, bacteria-filled pool. This can cause long-term damage to your pool’s structure. Both will render your pool unusable.

But pool maintenance doesn’t have to be another time-consuming chore on your list. Pool automation can reduce the amount of work you need to do. Read on to find out more.

How Pool Automation Works

Pool automation allows you to control various functions of your pool remotely. Connecting your pool equipment to a central hub is what makes automation possible. This allows you to control your pool’s functions from one location. This is usually via a remote or an application on your phone.

It’s possible to automate your pools:

• Pump
• Filter
• Heater
• Lighting
• Audio system
• Water features

You can also automate additional equipment. This can include a pool cleaner or chlorine generator. If you have a hot tub attached to or close to your pool, you can also automate its functions.

It’s possible to take this a step further with pool automation integration. If you already use a home automated system, you can integrate your pool controls with it.

Pool Automation Costs

Sounds great? Definitely! But you’re probably bracing for the associated costs.

Pool automation costs will vary based on the amount of equipment you’ll be automating. You may choose to control your lights and heater only remotely. You may also decide to automate every function associated with your pool.

The number of connections will add to the cost. But it generally ranges from $500 to $3000.

Regardless of what you spend, a pool automation system will pay for itself in the long run. It will also make your life easier and ensure your pool is well-maintained.

Benefits of Pool Automation

These are two of the many benefits a pool automation system can provide. They also:

• Keep your pool clean
• Keep your water balanced
• Save energy and time
• Can reduce your costs due to better energy efficiency
• Gives you flexibility

Automation gives you the convenience of having the pool with your preferred settings. It can always be ready for use. You no longer have to wait to dive into a heated pool after a long day at work.

Hire the Best to Do Your Pool Automation

Pools are a significant investment. However, they can provide many benefits, including improved physical and mental health. They’re also a great location to spend time with family and friends.

It’s no secret that their maintenance can be time-consuming and can cost you in the long run if not done well. Pool automation eliminates the hassle often associated with this.

You should get professional advice on the best pool automation system for you. This includes getting an experienced pool company to install it.

Cox Pools can provide you with both and more. We use high-quality, environmentally friendly equipment. Contact us today to learn more.

Next year, there’ll be a 32-story beachfront residential property in Florida. But it won’t have a beach. Instead, the building’s residents will have access to a private seven-acre man-made lagoon.

It’s a great idea if you’re craving a private oasis. But why not make yours genuinely private by building your own pool? You can enjoy it whenever you want and control who has access to it.

If you’re uncertain about what this involves, this article will help. It will let you know what building a pool entails. It will also outline how pool excavation works and the associated costs. Read on to learn more.

The Pool Building Process

There are many stages involved in the pool building process. It begins with deciding on a layout and design for your pool. It’s best to work with a reputable pool company to guide you through this process.

Once finalized, they’ll get the permitting required. They’ll ensure that it adheres to your county’s laws. The proper documentation and approval allow you to get started building your pool.

The plans submitted will determine your pool’s layout. Work starts on your property with the pool company laying out your pool’s design at the location decided in your backyard. The company will base the layout on the shape and size you selected that will fit best in your property.

The company will then proceed with the following steps:

• Pool excavation
• Placement of structural steel
• Plumbing installation
• Applying the pool shell
• Tiling and coping
• Completion of the pool deck

Excavation is a significant part of the pool-building process. It’s also usually the messiest and most unsightly stage. It can also be quite noisy.

You may need to prepare for this part of your backyard’s transformation. But the final product will be worth it.

How Pool Excavation Works

When excavation begins, the pool-building equipment required will be hard to miss. A pool company will use an excavator if your yard is large and has the necessary access. This will help to get the job done faster.

However, smaller areas may not have ample access to accommodate such a large piece of equipment. The pool company will need to use a smaller machine, such as a Bobcat. Sometimes using this can lengthen the process, making it take as much as five times longer.

The purpose of either machine is to remove the dirt to create a hole for your pool. The amount of dirt removed will depend on the size and depth of your pool design.

There can sometimes be delays during excavation as weather can hamper progress. Rain can make the walls cave in or cause the hole to become muddy and messy.

Speak to your pool builder to find the best time to build your pool in Florida, as weather, cost and more can influence the best time of year.

Pool Excavation Costs

The cost of building an inground pool in Florida can range between $18,000 to as much as $85,000 or more. This will depend on the size of your pool and its various design elements. Most people spend an average of $28,000 to $55,000.

Pool excavation costs are usually between $1,800 to $14,000. Delays due to weather during this stage can significantly impact how much you end up paying.

Excavation and labor are two major costs involved in the pool-building process. Add-ons and features can also be expensive, but you have more control over your spending. Choosing these is also generally more fun.

Getting to the Fun Part

Arguably, the most mundane stage of the pool building process is excavation. Undoubtedly you’ll be happy to put the messy experience behind you. It will also mean you get to start working on your swimming pool design.

You would have already decided on your pool’s shape, size, and overall design. But you’ll still need to choose the finishes you’ll use to create the pool of your dreams.

This involves choosing the materials you’ll use for your pool’s surface. You’ll also need to decide what materials to use for your coping and pool deck.

The real fun starts when you decide on additional design elements. You can incorporate the following:

• Water features
• Pool furniture
• A fire feature
• An outdoor kitchen
• Lighting
• Landscaping

When deciding on these, consider your lifestyle. If you have kids, you might want to include fun water features.

Planning to do lots of entertaining? An outdoor kitchen then becomes a feasible option.

Nighttime pool activities will make the lighting you choose essential as well. A fire pit may also make doing these activities more comfortable.

Regardless of the elements you choose, each will help to complete the look of your pool and outdoor area.

Working Through the Stages of Building a Pool

There are a lot of elements involved in building a pool. It starts with deciding on a design and getting the necessary approvals. Unfortunately, it also entails the inconvenience of a messy backyard during excavation.

The stages after this may not be exciting, but they get you closer to the pool of your dreams. Once the shell of your pool is in place, you can then start deciding on the elements that will suit your lifestyle.

This can be fun. It can be even better when you have an experienced company to guide you through every stage of the process.

Cox Pools in Florida can. We’ll ensure you get your very own backyard oasis. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation quote today to get started!

Soaking in warm water can help your body relax, especially after a long day. It’s a benefit you can enjoy when you have a heated pool.

Despite this, you may be skeptical about having this warmth all year round in Florida. But even in the Sunshine state, the water temperature in an outdoor pool can dip to 53°F. This is low when you consider a comfortable temperature for most pool users is usually between 78°F and 82°F.

What is the most efficient way to heat a pool? This article looks at pool heater options. How do you decide on a gas vs. electric pool heater in Florida? Read on to find out.

Pool Heater Options

So you’ve decided to take the proverbial plunge. The next step in heating a pool is deciding the type of heater you’ll use. There are three main types of pool heating options available:

1. Gas pool heater
2. Electric pool heater
3. Solar pool heater

Solar heaters have no operating costs. But you’ll need to install solar panels and use a pump continuously. They also won’t heat your pool at night.

Deciding on Gas Vs. Electric Pool Heater in Florida

Choosing between a gas and electric pool heater will depend on several factors. These will include your budget as well as the efficiency of the heater. Take a look at how these factors weigh out for each:

Gas Pool Heater

Gas pool heaters usually use propane or natural gas. Either type can cost between $1,000 to $4,500, with installation ranging from $500 to $1,500.

When ignited, the flame from the gas pool heater warms the water as it passes through the unit.

You can use a gas heater regardless of the weather conditions. They also heat your pool quickly.

Have a hot tub or spa? You can use your gas heater to warm it up too.

However, one of the significant disadvantages of these types of heaters is the cost of running them. You’ll also need to install a tank or gas line, and they work best with consistent use.

Electric Pool Heater

Electric pool heaters are also referred to as heat pumps. Their cost ranges from $2,000 to $6,500. Installation costs are about the same as for a gas heater. Electric pool heaters use a heated tank that pulls your pool water in, warms it, and pumps it back into the pool.

The temperature generated by them is consistent. They’re also smaller, requiring less space than a gas heater. Further comparisons show they’re cheaper to run, last longer, and require less maintenance.

However, they won’t warm your pool as fast as a gas heater. They also don’t work as well in lower temperatures, and you’ll need to install an electrical circuit.

What is the Most Efficient Way to Heat a Pool?

You can’t go wrong if you’re considering installing a pool heater. However, you’ll need to figure out the most efficient way to heat a pool in Florida. This article’s comparison of gas vs. electric pool heaters in Florida should help.

Considering heating your Florida pool? An electric pool heater is a more cost-effective option. Although it may not heat your pool as fast as a gas heater, it’s less expensive. However, it can last longer and will pay for itself in the long run.

You won’t need to look too far for a reputable company to install it. Cox Pools can. We also provide you with a wide range of energy-efficient, reliable heaters to choose from. Contact Cox Pools in Florida to find out more!

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How Do You Introduce Your Dog to Swimming?

It is essential to teach your dog to swim, as not all dog breeds are natural swimmers. Some breeds, such as spaniels, setters, and retrievers, will take to the water straight away, while other breeds, such as bulldogs and pugs, may experience breathing problems in the water and could easily drown if left unsupervised. Some dogs may even fear water areas and refuse to go anywhere near them.

Let us show you how to introduce your dog to swimming with the six best tips.

Understand Your Dog

Before you introduce your dog to swimming in the water, it is essential to understand its personality and capabilities. If your dog has a muscular build, short muzzle, or short legs, it may not be able to swim effectively. Your dog may also lack confidence if it has had a bad experience with water in the past. These issues will impact your pet’s ability to enjoy the water, but with plenty of patience and understanding, most dogs can be taught to swim eventually.

Start Small

It is always best to start small when teaching your dog to swim. If possible, fill a child’s paddling pool with water and slowly encourage your dog to get in and splash around. This will provide a safe and shallow environment for your dog to get used to the water. It is also best to check the temperature of the water first to ensure that it is not too cold for your dog. Never be tempted to throw your dog into the water, however shallow it is, as this could put your pet off water for life.

Make The Water Experiences Fun

Making your dog’s time in the water as enjoyable as possible will encourage it to stay in the water for longer. Consider using suitable dog toys in the water for your dog to play with and retrieve. You could even invite a friend over with their dog and then let the dogs play in the water together to make it a more fun experience for your pet.

Join Your Dog in the Water

If your dog is reluctant to get in the water, it may be keener to go in if it sees you, and possibly other family members, in there having a good time. To introduce your dog to swimming, you may need to hold onto your dog when it first enters the water until it gains confidence and can move around freely on its own. A family outing may be just what your pet needs to see how much fun it can have in the water.

Consider a Life Vest

A dog life vest is crucial if your dog is new to swimming. If your dog is not a good swimmer, it may be necessary to wear a life vest every time it goes in the water. It is also sensible to put a life vest on your dog if you take it on a boat or holiday near a large water area.

Supervise At All Times

Supervising your dog while in the water is crucial, as you can never be too careful where water areas are concerned. It is also worth remembering that swimming is quite a tiring activity, so you shouldn’t allow your pet to stay in the water for too long. Take care not to throw anything too far out for your dog to retrieve, as it may struggle to reach the object and get out of its depth. When your dog comes out of the water, always bathe it in clean water and dry it thoroughly with a towel.

Conclusion

When teaching your dog to swim, remember to offer plenty of praise and some regular treats. Always assess all water areas carefully before allowing your dog to enter them. It is a good idea to train your dog to come to you whenever it hears a whistle, as this will enable you to call it back more quickly when it is out in the water. Swimming should be a fun activity for dogs, so ensure your dog stays safe and learns how to enjoy itself in the water!

We hope you have enjoyed reading our blog, “6 Tips: How To Introduce Your Dog to Swimming”. The Cox Pools team enjoys writing and providing helpful blog articles about swimming and pools and the summer in general.

If you live in Florida and are searching for an excellent custom inground swimming pool, pool remodeling, equipment, lighting, pool service, or other pool-related services, Cox Pools is here to help you. We are located in Panama City Beach, Florida and serve the areas within Bay County, Walton County, Washington County, Jackson County, Okaloosa County, 30A, Franklin County and Calhoun County. If you do not see your county listed, please reach out as we may service your area.

Contact Cox Pools Today.

Best Florida Pool Landscaping Plants

Florida is a fabulous place to live, with the weather so beautiful year-round. Unlike other US states with lockdowns, extreme weather conditions and high taxes, the Florida real estate market has been growing leaps and bounds with no end in sight.

Florida is a great place to live year-round; however, the summers can get swelteringly hot. For example, during June, July and August, in Panama Beach, FL, the weather averages 89 to 90 degrees during the day and 74-76 at night. Pretty hot, to say the least, then add the humidity, and it’s time to cool off and take a big dig into a refreshing swimming pool.

But what is a pool without the surrounding landscape? Of course, it cannot be the best unless you have family and friends who are fun. But why not have it all, a beautiful pool and landscape while impressing everyone who visits.

Here we go beyond the pool and offer you a few Florida pool landscaping plants that are Florida-friendly, pool-friendly and will look fantastic and impressively.

Seven Florida-Friendly and Pool-Friendly Plants

As we begin offering information regarding the best Florida pool landscaping plants, we remind you that we chose them because they are suitable for the Florida weather and will survive nicely in a pool area. In addition, proper landscaping of these plants will be beautiful and trouble-free with little to no maintenance.

Let’s get started with seven of the best plants to plant around your Florida swimming pool.

Bird of Paradise

Do you love color? The bird of paradise is a colorful plant with a tropical feel. They are hardy plants that grow well in the shade and full sun, making them perfect for Florida landscapes.

The birds of paradise come in two color combinations; white and blue (Strelitzia Nicolai) and orange and blue (Strelitzia Reginae). Orange birds of paradise grow three to five feet tall and look great in planters. The white birds of paradise grow to thirty feet tall and ten feet wide and are best to grow in the landscape surrounding the pool area.

Croton

The croton (Codiaeum Variegatum) is another robust, colorful plant with mixed red, burgundy, yellow, orange, and green foliage. It is an excellent choice to achieve a tropical look and feel. They grow three to eight feet tall and are great around Florida pools because they are frost-sensitive and in Florida, they do not need protection from a harsh climate.

Bamboo Palm

When we think of bamboo, we think of the tropics. The bamboo palm (Chamaedorea Erumpens) grows thin, tall green stalks that resemble bamboo. On the downside, they can be pretty invasive as they can quickly multiply in nearby areas. However, it grows four to twelve feet and does well in partial shade and looks great in planters and containers.

Hibiscus

While on the topic of tropical-looking plants, how about the hibiscus (Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis)? This is an excellent choice for containers and planters that are poolside. The shrubs have glossy green evergreen leaves and display single and double flowers. The flowers can range in colors from white, pink, peach, red, purple, yellow and orange with several hues. Its mature height is six to twelve feet high and grows best in partial to full sun.

Jade

How about succulent foliage that is thick with oval evergreen leaves? Jade plants (Crassula Ovata) are great around the pool since they are low maintenance while keeping up their beauty. They grow two to four feet tall and perform well in partial shade to full sun areas.

Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses are a popular plant all across the country; however, some do better in certain climates vs. others. In Florida, there is a wealth of ornamental grass choices. They are perfect for adding privacy, color and texture.

The purple lovegrass (Eragrostis Spectabilis) looks beautiful year-round with reddish-purple flowers. It will grow one to three feet tall and is best planted where there is full sun.

Agave

Well, what can we say about the agave plant? It is a hardy plant that can thrive in the sun, heat and drought, making it an excellent choice in Florida; however, many types have nasty thorns, so it would be best to plant them in the landscape away from where people will go.

Not all have nasty thorns. The spineless century plant (Agave Attenuate) is one. This agave plant is attractive with its blue-green leaves that emerge from the center rosette.

Are You Set To Choose The Best Florida Pool Landscaping Plants?

When choosing Florida pool landscaping plants, it’s great to pick the ones you love, but due to Florida’s climate, it is essential to pick the ones that will do well, thrive, and look beautiful year-round. Also, your pool’s environment will need to be a top consideration with the pool and spa chemicals used, hardscaping and more.

Cox Pools, Florida’s leading northwest pool builder is ready to help you achieve the backyard of your dreams. We are custom pool builders offering new custom pools and spas, along with pool renovations and remodels. Contact Cox Pools to learn more about us and our services for both residential and commercial.