—Dark swimming pools and the common risks that accompany them 

Let’s call a spade a spade: Black-bottom swimming pools come with an array of perils.

Ask someone who chose black pool plaster for their backyard resort about their experience.

Topics: pool plaster, plaster, interior finish, Buyer Tips, custom pool ideas, sanitizer, water maintenance, Purification, Maintenance, tropical pools

If your kids are spending more time at the neighbor's house than yours, your pool might be missing something.

The good news: you don't need a waterpark budget to build a backyard your family actually wants to use. Whether you're planning a new pool or thinking about a remodel, these seven features make a real difference for kids and teens.

Topics: Design / Features, pool construction, swimming pool remodeling, custom pool design, custom pool ideas, tanning ledges, Games & Activities, Owner/Lifestyle, children

—See today’s take on key elements of gunite-pool style and configurations

The Mid-Century Modern swimming pool has come a long way. Inground designs from that era have changed over the decades and given way to more sophisticated contemporary looks.

Topics: pool layout, Design / Features, LED, infinity swimming pool, interior finish, custom pool design, swimming pool waterfalls, lighting, tanning ledges, swimming pool accessories, tropical pools

A tropical pool should feel relaxing, immersive, and connected to the surrounding backyard, not overcrowded with random features that compete for attention.

Topics: Design / Features, Beach entry pool, custom pool ideas, swimming pool waterfalls, natural entry pool, backyard design, tropical pools, lagoon pools

—Imagine the benefits a custom inground design can bring

Many products claim to change your life, very few even come close. Swimming pools and spas are among those that actually often do.

Topics: Backyard Additions, outdoor kitchens, swimming pool plans, healthy lifestyle, aquatic fitness, custom pool design, custom pool ideas, gunite spa, tanning ledges, Backyard Entertaining, Health & Lifestyle

—Understanding and tackling this invader with maintenance and technology solutions

Just what is the icky, unwanted substance known as biofilm? In short, it’s a colony of microorganisms that builds up on wet surfaces.

What you may not realize: If you own a swimming pool or a spa, you have biofilm.

Topics: ozone, pool filters, Equipment/Technology, sanitizer, water maintenance, Microban, Purification, Maintenance, Filtration

—Real-world variables beyond your control that slow construction

Just how long will it take to finish building your inground pool?

Let’s be candid: Rome wasn’t built in a day—and neither will your new backyard aquatic resort. Nor will your custom pool be finished in a week. Or in a month.

Topics: pool layout, pool construction, pool buyer tips, Gunite pool construction, swimming pool weather delays, swimming pool digs, swimming pool construction problems