Pool Features & Enhancements | Abascal Pools Miami, FL

Pool Features

& Enhancements

The following list outlines many of the important questions and considerations when designing your pool. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the terminology so that you can better understand the many options you have when building a pool.

Salt vs. Chlorine

Pool water is sanitized by chlorine ions. Chemical pools require the continual addition of chlorine (tabs liquid) to the water for proper sanitization. Saltwater systems use electricity to charge the free chlorine atoms floating freely in salt water. Saltwater systems still require the occasional addition of chemicals for proper water balance.

Filtration

To maintain clean and purified water, your pool plumbing system will include a filter. Options include traditional sand filters, diatomaceous earth filters, and cartridge filters. Our pool construction experts will help you decide which filtration system is right for you based on available space as well as the size of your pool and surroundings.

Coping Material

There are many pool coping options, including brick pavers, concrete pavers, poured concrete, sandstone, travertine, and other natural stones. Coping is the surface that immediately surrounds the pool edge—a "cap" on the pool walls.

Aggregrate Pool Resurfacing and Plastering

Pool Surfaces

A traditional white plaster pool will reflect the sky and give off a classic blue color. Tinted plasters as well as pool surfaces impregnated with pebble aggregates are new ways to change the color of the water, from deep blues to lagoon greens.

Waterfalls & Fountains

A cascading rock water feature or fountains that spring forth from your pool deck are a great way to enhance your pool. Some have even built a natural stone sliding rock that provides added fun for kids—and adults! They also provide soothing ambient sound.

LEDGES & Lounge Areas

Many pools are now built with shallow lounge areas that serve as the perfect place to relax in the water and catch some rays. They're often referred to as tanning ledges, Baja shelfs, and sun shelfs. Ledges can also be in deeper areas for seating.

Pool Deck Surfaces

Pool decks can be any number of materials, including tile, stone, concrete, pavers, bricks, wood, or even a natural turf surface. Our designers will help you choose the perfect pool deck surface that is compatible with your intended use(s).

Hot Tubs and Swim Spas in Coral Gables FL

Swim Spas (HOT TUBS)

Swim spas (in-ground) add to the overall pool experience, providing a warm place for bathers to relax. They can be separate from the main pool, integrated into the rest of the pool, or even cascade down into the pool below (pictured).

FLOATING STEPS

Floating steps are a fun way to add visual interest to a pool. They often connect two areas of the pool deck, allowing swimmers to "walk on water" across the pool. They can also be designed to separate an integrated spa from the rest of the pool. Stone is the most common material used.

Lighting

Pool lighting ads beauty to your landscape at night, and also makes swimming past dark safer. Today's LED pool lights offer an array of colors and can be set to one particular hue, or can fade through the entire color spectrum.

Jump RockS

Your pool guests—and especially children—will love jumping off a boulder into your pool. Or, perhaps you desire a classic diving board for practicing that perfect entry. We'll help you choose what's best for your pool design.

Pool Tile

While waterline tile is a must for any pool, you can also use tile in other places. Some may prefer tile on steps or ledges to mark the bottom, while others may use tile to delineate a swimming lane. You can even cover your entire pool in tile.

Pool Heaters

Gas water heaters and electric heat pumps are the two most common ways to heat a pool. The purpose of the heaters is to expand the swimming season further into the fall, as well as allow for more comfortable swimming in the Spring. Depending on the size of your pool, the cost to heat a pool can be significant.

Infinity Edges

Infinity edges are designed to make the water appear as if it blends into the horizon line. They're often placed in a way that makes the water look like it continues seamlessly into a lake behind the pool, or even the sky. The infinity edge acts like one giant waterfall spilling over the edge into a basin below. An added benefit is the beautiful sound of cascading water.

Grottos

Adding a grotto to your poolscape is worth considering. A grotto is a covered area in your pool designed to mimic a cave. A grotto can even have a cascading waterfall on top that serves as an entrance into the cavern space. Grottos add interest and intrigue to your poolscape.

Lazy Rivers

Using carefully planned and angled water jets, a lazy river will snake its way around your property and allow friends and family to relax on a raft or pool float as they're carried along the route. Lazy rivers are the latest craze to hit the residential pool industry.

Bubblers & Jets

Similar to those found in swim spas, jets and bubblers can be positioned in such a way that they can be enjoyed by individuals lounging in different areas of your pool, such as on a reef ledge or in other areas where someone is likely to sit and relax.

BEACH ENTRIES

Also called "beach-style" entries, a sloped entrance into your pool is meant to mimic a sandy beach on the ocean. Rather than stepping down into the water using stairs, swimmers walk into the pool on a gradual slope.

Benches & Bar Stools

Another great feature to consider in your poolscape is a swim-up bar area with underwater stools or benches. The added seating provides a great place for guests to hang out and relax in your pool. "Reef ledges" are benches along the edge of the pool in deeper water.

SMART POOL TECHNOLOGY

Not to be overlooked are the many pool systems you can now monitor and control on your smartphone. Water temperature, lighting, cleaning modes, jets and bubblers, and just about all other pool features offer apps and online tools for keeping your poolscape at just the right settings.

Features & Enhancements

Consider all the possibilities!

Enhance your Poolscape