Make Your Backyard

There are many elements to a pool plumbing system that work together to keep your swimming pool functioning properly. If you are interested in installing a pool in your backyard, it is helpful to have some knowledge about how each part works together. Educating yourself about every aspect, including those you don’t see, can help you better maintain your pool and save you money on repairs. Follow this guide to learn more about the components of pool plumbing.

Pool Plumbing Components

Every pool has seven main parts, broken up into these three sections:

1. Suction

The suction side of a pool sucks in water and introduces it to the filtration system, beginning the circulation process. It contains the skimmer, main drain, and suction lines.

Skimmer

Skimmers are plastic buckets built into the side of the pool. These devices house baskets that catch debris too large to go through the filter, such as leaves, twigs, and bugs. Some models have a door called a weir that pushes inward when water passes through it, while others stay shut to keep debris from getting into the pipes. For greater suction power, install more than one skimmer.

Main Drain

Despite its name, the main drain functions much like a skimmer. It is a large circular or rectangular piece on the bottom of the deep end of a pool that connects directly to the pump or skimmer. This component allows for better circulation and alternative water flow if the skimmer is blocked. To reduce the suction force and increase safety, install two main drains.

Suction Lines

Once the pool water has passed through the skimmer basket, it enters the suction line. These pipes are typically made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and carry the pool water from the skimmer to the pump.

2. Filtration

The filtration system does the dirty work of removing contaminants from pool water before circulating it back into the pool through the skimmer and main drain. It consists of two items: the pool pump and the pool filter.

Pump

The pump is the main structure in a pool’s circulation system. It pulls water into its internal chambers, then pushes it out to the filter. These chambers create pressure through a rotating part that forces water through the hoses with high velocity. The size of the pump you need depends on the size of your pool. The larger your pool is, the more horsepower the pump will need to move the higher volume of water.

Filter

After the pool water is pulled into the skimmer or main drain, it is pushed to the filter for cleaning. Water then exits the filter clean and free of microscopic contaminants. Pool filters are available in three varieties: cartridge, sand, and diatomaceous earth. Depending on the type you have, your filter can remove everything from bacteria to larger debris.

3. Pressure

The pressure side of a pool pushes the water out of the filtration system back into the pool to complete the circulation process. The return lines and return jets compose this section of the swimming pool plumbing system.

Return Lines

Now that the water is filtered, it can go back into the pool. Also made of PVC, the return lines are the opposite of suction lines, carrying water from the filter to the return jets.

Return Jets

After passing through the return lines, the filtered water arrives at the return jets. As the name suggests, this component returns the water to the pool. It typically has adjustable flow rates and the direction of the output.

Professional Pool Plumbing Installation

Installing plumbing is just one of the many steps to building a swimming pool and spa. At Pools By Design, our team works with you throughout the design and construction process to create a beautiful and functional final result. Let us help you turn your backyard into your new vacation destination.

Contact us today to start the pool building process.

A swimming pool in your backyard offers countless opportunities for relaxing, playing water games, and bonding as a family. If you plan to build one, including different pool features for children can benefit the whole family by increasing safety and fun.

Create your kids’ dream pool with these five features:

1. Diving Board

A diving board is a classic feature to add to your family swimming pool. Children often line up to jump off them at a public pool, but there is no wait when you have one in your backyard. They are especially favored among athletically inclined children. Before committing to a diving board, you must first ensure that the depth of your pool and the size of your deck will accommodate one.

2. Sports Equipment

While pools with a deep end allow for a diving board, shallow pools are also beneficial. Shallow ends are a prime location for pool games and water sports like Marco Polo or chicken fights. It also allows you to set up sports equipment, such as a basketball hoop or volleyball net, which is fun for kids of all ages. They are also a great addition to pool parties.v

3. Tanning Ledge

Another way to take advantage of your pool’s shallow end is to incorporate a tanning ledge. Also called a sun shelf or Baja shelf, these structures resemble an extra-large entry step and are anywhere from three to 18 inches underwater. It is the ideal spot for small children to splash around while being able to sit or stand with their heads above water. A tanning ledge also doubles as a bench, which is a kid-friendly place to play floating board games.

4. Deck Jets

Deck jets are fun additions to pools of any size. They are installed on your pool deck and shoot thin arcs of water into the air up to eight feet across the pool. They are often backlit with colored LED lights to enhance the night swimming experience. Deck jets also help circulate the water, keeping your pool cooler during the summer.

5. Grotto Waterfalls

Adding a grotto waterfall to your backyard pool is a beautiful focal point that doubles as a source of excitement for your kids. A grotto is a waterfall with added space underneath, similar to a cave. Children can play in the falling water or use the cave as a clubhouse or base for water games. As an added perk, this water feature provides a shady escape from the sun.

Safety Features

In addition to having a shallow end, you can incorporate a few other features in your family pool design to increase safety. These include non-slip surfaces along the pool deck, safety rails lining the entry stairs, and a fence around the area. These features help reduce the risk of accidents and give you peace of mind when your children are playing in the backyard.

Design the Pool of Your Children’s Dreams

At Pools By Design, we build luxury pools that can include many of these features. Whether you are interested in a grotto waterfall or tanning ledge, our team of experts will work closely with you to design and construct a custom pool that fits all of your family’s needs.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss pool features for children.

Minimalism is a prominent factor in contemporary design, following the principle of “less is more.” Many homeowners opt for this style because it complements their modern homes. Minimalist pools reduce the space to its most basic elements of water and geometry and only require a few components to create a luxurious atmosphere.

Here are five elements of a minimalist pool design:

1. Type of Pool

The type of pool has an immense impact on making it feel minimal and modern. Two popular choices for minimalist designs are lap and infinity pools.

Lap Pool

A lap pool is a long, narrow pool that is usually rectangular. These pools offer a solution for shallow or narrow backyards. Their minimal design makes them the ideal type of pool to match a minimalist home. For extra luxury, add a built-in hot tub.

Infinity Pool

An infinity pool is another minimalist option. It includes one or more walls stopping just a fraction of an inch below water level, causing the water to spill over the ledge where a basin catches it and pumps it back into the main pool area. Its design seamlessly integrates with its surroundings, creating an illusion that it goes on forever.

2. Shape

Pools built with minimalism in mind typically have a rectangular shape. Rectangles feature long, lateral lines, dramatically impacting the surrounding landscape. This shape is also the ideal complement to homes with contemporary architecture, which almost always have a length greater than their width. Minimalist pools are also designed as circles, depending on the surrounding terrain and the home itself. This shape can create a feeling of movement in an infinite arc.

3. Features

Minimalist pools typically do not have an abundance of flashy features, but adding a few sleek touches can lend themselves to the design. Waterfalls add a relaxing sound and luxurious ambiance. Incorporating elements of fire, such as a fire bowl with a fountain, can also give your pool a resort-like feel. A high level of luminance is also essential to a contemporary design. To achieve this, build the structure in a location free of shadows and obstructions and integrate artificial lighting like LEDs.

4. Patio

The idea of “less is more” should also guide you when designing the area surrounding your minimalist pool. Using travertine stonework for your pool deck creates a feeling of cohesion that accompanies the overall design. The key to completing the modern look is surrounding your swimming pool with a few contemporary outdoor living pieces. Metallic, angular lounge chairs and simple wooden furniture are two options, depending on your color scheme.

5. Landscape

You can complement your minimalist pool by matching the landscape elements to this design style. Don’t overwhelm your backyard with trees and plants. Instead, include a few strategically-placed components that don’t attract too much attention. Subdued landscaping allows the pool itself to stand out.

Design Your Minimalist Pool Today

If you are interested in building a minimalist pool, Pools By Design can help. Our portfolio features traditional and modern swimming pools, infinity and lap pools, high-end features, and much more. We have extensive experience with custom pools and can help you design the luxurious backyard of your dreams.

Contact us for a free design consultation and get started on your minimalist pool today.