Are you dreaming of finally getting a swimming pool but worried about it actually being possible because of your small or oddly shaped backyard? No sweat! Freeform shaped swimming pools are the best design to work with any oddly shaped or small backyard.

Freeform swimming pools are a wonderful addition to your backyard. They provide a natural, organic look with an amoeba shape/style. Freeform pools often have a look as if they have always belonged there and really blend into nature. They bring curves, flowing lines and irregular shapes and often have features like waterfalls, rock bridges, and plant landscapes to resemble a pond or lake.

Many homeowners dream of a pool oasis in their backyard and worry it just can’t happen with their small and oddly shaped backyards. However, Challenger Pools can create a custom freeform pool for any shape or terrain yard. Lines, curves, and defining edges is what makes the design modern.

Advantages

The advantages of having a freeform pool are unlimited as it can add so much to your home and life.

1.     Beautifying your backyard – creating a space to enjoy and have fun outside is a wonderful addition to any home, especially if you have children. Unlimited fun, enjoyment and memories can be made in and around your pool area getting the kids away from the electronics and create a great family bonding time.

2.     Added value to your home – any pool immediately adds value to your home and eventually puts more money in your pocket.

3.     Exercise – Swimming provides some of the best exercise you can provide your body and with an oddly shaped backyard, Challenger Pools has professionals who access the landscape and terrain and recommend the best design for you.

4.     Added beauty and fun – Freeform pools often have additional features to make your backyard more of an oasis than just a swimming pool. Tanning ledges, rock bridges, islands, beach entries, in-pool tables and chairs add so much more enjoyment to your swimming pool.

Don’t let your small or oddly shaped backyard stop you from having the swimming pool of your dreams.  Call Challenger Pools and let the staff walk you step-by-step in making dreams come true.

When it comes to building on your property, different cities and counties have various regulations and rules. No matter what size pool you choose, in ground or above, building permits are required for all shapes and sizes of pools. However, the larger the pool, the more guidelines will apply. These guidelines and permits exist to protect you and your home, so it’s important that they are followed and adhered to.

However, portable or above ground pools that are less than 42 inches deep, and do not need to be permitted. Putting in an above ground pool with a depth of 42 inches or greater, requires a permit, which the homeowner or pool company can obtain.

For in-ground concrete pools, a state licensed Pool Contractor must be obtained. The contractor will pull the building permit and obtain the engineering expertise, as well as provide necessary paperwork to ensure Florida Building and Swimming Pool Codes are met.

It’s vital to submit a residential application, a site plan, and a pool plan detail to your local city/county before the construction project begins. For example, if your property is in a flood zone, an engineer will need to create and sign off on a new drainage plan to protect your property and the others around you.

See below some common paperwork requirements when trying to obtain a permit:

• Proof of property ownership. This can be a recorded deed, closing statement, or property tax information.
  • Two sets pool plans. Plans must include all safety feature options, and piping systems.
  • Building Permit Application. The application must be fully completed, signed, and notarized.
  • Two copies of a certified survey or site plan.
  • Private Swimming Pool Safety Requirements form.

Also be aware that if the swimming pool will be enclosed, you must provide the setbacks from the proposed enclosure to the water’s edge of the pool. The enclosure must meet the building setbacks for the zoning district it is located in.

Accompanying Documents When Pulling a Permit

If the size of the swimming pool warrants the pulling of a permit additional documents to further explain the project and how it will meet the various state, city and trade codes, will be required.

1. If the property owner pulls the permit, an Owner/Building Disclosure must also be completed, which explains and acknowledges the responsibilities of the property owner acting as the contractor. While online, forms and assistance is also available at the Development Services Department, including complimentary notarization for the Owner/Builder Disclosure form.
2. Along with a permit, a site plan of the property showing the location of all existing structures (sheds, house, detached garage, etc.) must be provided, with the size and location of the proposed improvement, as well as the perimeter property lines.
3. For in ground pools, construction plans need to be designed, signed and sealed by an architect or engineer registered in Florida, certifying compliance with the Florida Building and Swimming Pool Codes.
4. As building permit fees are calculated on the cost of the job, a copy of the sales contract or work contract needs to be submitted with the permit package. Typically, permit fees range from $50.00 to $80.00 and help cover the cost of inspections. While permits and inspections might be thought as unnecessary, the peace of mind knowing your new pool complies with code and will provide years of safe enjoyment is worth it!

Challenger Pools is the perfect pool building company when it comes to creating your very own backyard oasis. Whether you’re looking to put in a pool, spa, outdoor living area, or all the above, Challenger Pools is there for you.

Do you go to your local pool store and become disappointed and frustrated every time and find yourself leaving empty handed? Or even worse you pay the huge price tag, just so you can move on with the task at hand? This is not how it needs to be. Your go-to pool store should provide Convenient location, a wide selection of products and brands, and reasonable prices. But when you’re looking for your go-to pool store, you’ll want to take a few other things into account.

Knowledgeable Staff that Doesn’t Shove Upselling Down Your Throat

As a pool owner questions will come up and you will need advice, answers or just simple product comparisons. The pool store staff is perfect to help you with any pool advise you may need. They should be your go to ‘pool handyman’. Now, of course they will try to sell you products, however the ones that won’t take no for an answer, are the ones you want to avoid. Look for a place that gives helpful advice and product recommendations, not ones that shove products down your throat. Pools are costly enough, we don’t need to add unnecessary supplies. Look for a pool store where the staff doesn’t try to sell you products that you don’t need.

Stocked Shelves and Offers a Wide Variety of Products

Look for a pool store that will have the products you need when you need them. So often we go to the pool store and they are out of the product we normally purchase. Trying something new right before the weekend or heading out of town, isn’t ideal. So, make sure they have the products you use AND they have it in stock when you need it. To help alleviate this from happening, you could create a schedule of when you start to run out of product and need to refill, getting ahead of the game. When you have an idea of when you will need to refill, you can work with the store and their staff to ensure your product is there and ready for you when you need it.

Decent Prices

Unfortunately, most of us don’t have a money tree growing in our backyards, so staying on a budget is important. Finding a pool store that offers competitive pricing and offers great deals is what will create a long-term positive relationship.

Online Business Check

The next best thing to do is to review and check out a few stores near you and their online presence. The internet provides ton of information on businesses. Check out there hours, how long they have been in business, are they a franchise location, do they have new management and more. All of these bits of information and details will help you establish and find what you need in a pool store. Also check out the reviews online. These are VERY helpful when you need to get to the nitty gritty of the business.

A local pool supply store that you can depend on and trust is a must as a pool owner. Do your research, work with the staff and become a friend instead of a customer. You’ll be on your way in no time to a great relationship.

>>> Essential Equipment for your Swimming Pool