Colorado is known for its breathtaking scenery and high altitudes. Whether you live in Yuma or overlooking the Arikaree River, there’s no better way to get the feel of a Rocky Mountain high than lounging by a crystalline pool from the comfort of your own backyard.
If you’re planning to take the plunge into a new pool or considering renovating an older pool, we’ll share tips for planning a new pool, material and landscaping considerations, and even state and local laws around owning a pool in Colorado.
Inground Pool Design Considerations for Colorado
A pool is an exciting addition to your backyard. But it’s only one part of a much larger backyard picture. That’s why careful consideration around how a pool will fit into your yard and lifestyle is the first step in making your pool dreams a reality.
During the planning phase, think about how you want to use your pool – and who will use it:
- Do you have young children or teens?
- Will they bring friends over to use the pool?
- Will older family members or individuals with compromised mobility use your pool?
- How big is your backyard? You have a wide range of pool sizes and shapes to choose from, ready to nestle into any size yard!
- Do you see your pool as the focal point of your backyard? Or do you envision your pool as part of a larger, multi-purpose backyard?
- Do you plan to use your pool for exercise, relaxation or both?
- Do you plan to use your pool for entertaining? If so, how many people typically attend your backyard get-togethers? This can help you understand how big or small your pool should be to comfortably accommodate everyone!
- Pool safety ensures that everyone can safely enjoy your pool. Think about features that enhance your pool experience and add an element of safety. For instance, an automatic pool cover can help prevent kids and pets from accidentally falling in when your pool is unattended. Similarly, multiple entry and exit points can be a thoughtful feature for your pool to accommodate swimmers who may tire easily.
- How much time do you want to devote to pool maintenance? Your pool materials can play a role in the overall look, feel, cost, and maintenance of your pool now and in the future.
Clearly envisioning the experience you want from a pool can help you have a discussion with a licensed professional pool builder. If you need some inspiration, check out some of the images in this guide to start gathering ideas! These are just a handful of pools we’ve helped build throughout The Centennial State. Speaking with a local independent builder can steer you towards even more photos and videos of pools that might not be available in their online portfolio just yet.
Smaller Pools: Perfect for Urban Centers and Vacation Homes
A good chunk of Colorado’s population lives in thriving urban areas like Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs and Pueblo. Population-dense areas often have smaller backyards, clustered closer together with neighbors. A compact pool can nestle comfortably in urban backyards, giving city dwellers a refreshing oasis alongside all the amenities of living in a bustling metropolis. Smaller pools have a lot to offer, including affordability and less pool to take care of, making maintenance easier.
Pools like the rectangular-shaped Enchantment 9.17 can be a great option for Colorado residents who crave a compact pool loaded with fun features. The Enchantment’s built-in tanning ledge can pull double duty as a wading area for the kids, while slip-resistant steps create a safe path in and out of the pool. The Enchantment’s clean rectangular lines also make it autocover ready, eliminating the need for a custom-cut pool cover.
Beyond urban epicenters throughout the state, Colorful Colorado is also home to over 90,000 vacation homes. After a day on the slopes or hiking mountain ranges, there’s nothing like coming back to your seasonal retreat and unwinding poolside. If you own a rental property in Colorado, a shimmering pool can make it more attractive to tourists and encourage more bookings year-round.
For a smaller-sized pool that checks the boxes for unique and feature-rich, the Axiom 12 Deluxe is a 12’ x 26’ freeform pool with a built-in spillover spa – perfect for maximizing pool use during chilly Colorado nights. A generous tanning ledge can serve as a wading area for kids to splash and play, while multiple entry and exit points provide easier access. Swim-up seating gives friends and family a place to chat, kicking back with a cold beverage while enjoying the water.
Spacious Pools
While many Colorado residents live in urban areas, there are still a sizable number of residents who live in rural or suburban areas scattered throughout the state. If you’re lucky enough to live in one of these wide open spaces, a larger pool can be an option.
Topping our list is the grand and gorgeous Genesis, a 16’ x 40’ modern freeform pool. Swim-up seating makes this a great pool for entertaining and its longer length is perfect for active Colorado residents who want to squeeze in some laps before or after work.
The 14’ x 30’ Laguna Deluxe is yet another striking option, brimming with fun features. Equipped with a tanning ledge, wading area, and spillover spa, the Laguna Deluxe is a treat for swimmers of all ages.
Colorado Poolside Landscaping Considerations
Your pool and backyard are more than just an extension of your home, they’re extensions of her lifestyle. Elevating your pool area with creative landscaping ideas can further integrate it into your outdoor space, making it a true reflection of your vision.
- Natural pleasures: From snow-capped mountains to rolling plains, Colorado’s diverse natural landscapes can provide endless inspiration for your pool design. Opt for a freeform pool that winds like a mountain stream for a back-to-nature vibe in your own backyard. Surrounding your pool with natural stone and low-maintenance plants can help your pool area seamlessly blend with local scenery. While manmade rockscapes and fun, spouting water features can call in Colorado’s rugged beauty, minimizing the need for maintenance-heavy lawn care.
- Seek out local inspiration: Although the Rockies have stood the test of time, Colorado is packed with many other eye-catching attractions. From the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde to the charming streets of Georgetown, there’s plenty of local inspiration to weave into your backyard experience. Rustic touches like sandstone tiles – or stamped concrete that mimics the look of masonry – and wood-look timber furniture can anchor your pool’s aesthetic in the style of the Centennial State.
Mirror the majestic: With lush forests and expansive vistas, pool owners in metro areas like Aspen, Boulder and Durango have a unique opportunity to reflect the natural beauty of their surroundings. A rectangular pool can mirror sky, mountains and trees, while an infinity pool can create the illusion of an extended horizon in your backyard.
Inground Fiberglass vs. Vinyl Liner Pools: Choosing the Right Material for Your Colorado Home
Both fiberglass and vinyl liner pools are durable, easy to care for, and offer limitless potential when designing the pool – and backyard – of your dreams. Although concrete (or “gunite”) pools have been around for decades, they’re a lot more labor-intensive compared to fiberglass and vinyl liner pools. As concrete pools age, they can become rough and chalky, requiring resurfacing once every ten years. This rough surface makes concrete pools more susceptible to algae, diminishing the beauty of your pool and making it harder to balance your water’s chemistry and pH.
If you have an older concrete pool, replacing it with a new fiberglass or vinyl liner pool can give you more enjoyment from your pool and save you money in the long run. For instance, while you’d need to resurface a concrete pool once every ten years. replacing a vinyl liner costs a lot less and can be completed faster than resurfacing.
Take a side-by-side look at fiberglass, vinyl liner and concrete pools to choose the material that works best for you!
Fiberglass Pool Benefits
Fiberglass pools come in a variety of colors and finishes, giving you the look of glimmering Caribbean seas or tranquil Mediterranean expanses in your own backyard. Their smooth surface makes them easy to maintain and less susceptible to algae clinging to pool walls. This smooth surface also makes fiberglass pools comfortable to wade in, without worry of snagging your swimsuit.
When it comes to the varying climates and elevation of Colorado, fiberglass pools are an excellent choice, capable of withstanding freezing temperatures. Some parts of Colorado see very little snow, but mountain areas can see up to 60 inches. Similarly, the varying elevation levels and winds make for varying temperatures throughout the state. The Eastern Plains region of Colorado experiences freezing – and sometimes subzero – temperatures. With this in mind, fiberglass pools are an ideal fit, as they’re resistant to fluctuating temperatures and can withstand freezing and thawing without cracking or compromising their structural integrity.
Learn more about the benefits of fiberglass pools.
Vinyl Liner Pool Benefits
Vinyl liner pools can help you stretch your pool budget further, plus give you tons of options for customization. They’re a great backyard addition as both a new pool or a replacement for an older concrete pool. Although vinyl liner pools require a little more maintenance than fiberglass pools, their lower up-front cost makes the extra elbow grease worth it!
In terms of design flexibility, there are a variety of vinyl liner colors and patterns to choose from. Vinyl liner pools also lend themselves to even more possibilities with add-on features like tanning ledges, slides and LED lights. Your vinyl liner pool can change with you and your family as time marches on. The kid-friendly water slides today can be replaced with a spillover spa tomorrow when the kids have grown. When the time comes to add or remove features, you can save time and money by planning renovations to coincide with replacing your liner.
Learn more about the benefits of vinyl liner pools.
Installing an Inground Pool in Colorado
Whether you’re planning to install a new fiberglass pool or gearing up for a vinyl liner pool installation, Colorado’s diverse terrain makes it all the more important to consult with a professional pool builder. One noteworthy geographic feature of Colorado is its heavy clay soil, which can prove challenging when installing a pool.
Clay soil offers poor drainage and can hold water to the point of causing the soil to expand and swell. This can make it difficult to remove when excavating an area for your pool, and also cause the ground to shift. Your pool builder will need to first assess your backyard and soil to determine viability. From there, your builder can recommend solutions to combat the effects of clay soil, including backfilling with a more stable material or other building techniques to make sure your pool works with your surroundings and terrain.
While it’s possible to build a pool in an area with clay soil, it does add extra expense to your pool project due to the expertise required to get it done right. All the more reason to consult with a builder to get an assessment of what’s required to create a pool you’ll love and that works with your lifestyle and backyard features!
Colorado Inground Pool Maintenance
If you’re new to owning a pool, both fiberglass and vinyl liner pools are easy to maintain. Depending on the material you choose, your maintenance routine will differ slightly. However, once you have a grasp on the basics of pool maintenance, it’s a breeze!
Fiberglass Pool Maintenance
Fiberglass pools aren’t just easy on the eyes. They’re easy to take care of, too! Once each week, be sure to give your pool a good skimming, empty filter baskets and test your water chemistry. Carve out time once each month to backflush your filtration system to keep your pool running at peak performance.
Get more tips for maintaining your fiberglass pool.
Vinyl Liner Pool Maintenance
If you own a vinyl liner pool, they require a little extra love but are worth it when it comes to cost savings and enjoyment. Make time each week to skim your pool, empty filter baskets and test your pool’s pH and water chemistry. You’ll also want to devote time once per week to give your liner a gentle scrub with a soft-bristled brush. This prevents dirt, stains and calcium build-up from setting in. It also takes a proactive approach to preventing algae from clinging to your pool walls, preserving your water chemistry and the lifetime of your liner.
Speaking of liners, it also pays off to inspect your liner once per month. Look for any small tears and patch them immediately. Making it a rule to only use soft, pool-safe toys can also help minimize the risk of accidental punctures or tears to your liner. So, load up on all the foam pool noodles, inflatable rafts and other pool-safe toys to crank up the fun factor without compromising your liner.
Get more tips for maintaining your vinyl liner pool.
High Altitude Maintenance
If you live in Colorado, the Centennial State’s geographic features can translate to special considerations when it comes to maintaining your pool. From a topographic standpoint, Colorado is the highest state in the US. Even its lowest point is higher than the lowest elevation levels of the remaining 49 states.
Higher elevation also means higher levels of UV rays. Not only does this mean you’ll want to bust out the SPF while lounging poolside, but UV rays can play a role in water and chlorine evaporation. Here are a few tips to keep in mind for keeping your pool looking and performing its best if you live in a high-altitude area.
- Test your water more frequently: In higher altitude areas, the atmosphere is thinner and offers less filtering of UV rays. This can cause water to evaporate more quickly and throw off the balance of your pool’s chemistry and pH levels. Testing your water on a regular basis can help you maintain proper water chemistry so you can enjoy your pool on hot Colorado days!
- Shock your pool more often: Increased exposure to UV rays can reduce the amount of chlorine in your pool by up to 90% in as little as two hours. Chlorine is one of the chief chemical additives to your pool that helps keep algae at bay. Shocking your pool and adding chlorine more often may be part of your pool maintenance routine in higher-elevation areas to keep your water crisp and clean.
- More frequent pool cleanings: If you live in a higher-elevation region, stay on top of weekly skimmings and cleanings. Fluctuating temperatures can kickstart the algae growth process, creating an environment hospitable for this bane of every pool owner’s existence to thrive. Be sure to run your pool vacuum regularly to get rid of any of “nature’s leave-behinds” that could contribute to algae growth.
- Run the pump longer: Running your filtration pump longer can also help keep water circulating and help counteract some of the problems that UV rays can cause with maintaining proper water chemistry.
- Use a pool cover: You don’t have to be a fan of the Denver Broncos to know that sometimes, the best offense is a good defense. The best defense for your pool against UV rays and evaporation is to use a properly-fitted automatic pool cover when your pool is not in use. One of the best ways to guard against UV rays and evaporation is an automatic pool cover when your pool is not in use.
Pool Covers in Colorado
If you live in Colorado and own a pool, an automatic pool cover is a great investment and the most important accessory you can have to help you squeeze as much enjoyment out of your pool as possible. The Centennial State’s varying temperatures and high-altitude can impact water levels and pool chemistry. An autocover can help reduce water evaporation and also help you save between 50% to 70% each year on energy costs.
While cost and energy savings are an incentive, the most important benefit of automatic pool covers is that they can save lives. Autocovers can help prevent children and pets from accidentally falling into your pool when unattended. It can also serve as an added deterrent against unwanted visitors hopping the fence and attempting to use your pool when it’s left unattended.
Winter Maintenance
All good things must come to an end – and that includes pool season. Although adding a heating element to your pool or a spillover spa can help you extend pool season into early fall when temperatures start to tumble, you’ll want to close your pool before freezing temperatures set in to prevent damage to pumps, water lines, and filtration systems.
Some pool owners feel comfortable closing their pool themselves, while others enlist the aid of a professional to prepare their pool for winter frost. If you plan to go the DIY route, your pool winterization plan should include balancing your water chemistry, adding a non-toxic antifreeze agent, and reducing water levels to roughly 1” below skimmers. You’ll also want to take special care to remove water from any pumps or pipes to prevent water from freezing, expanding and cracking these components when cold temperatures hit.
Get more tips for how to winterize your pool.
Inground Pool Costs in Colorado
The cost of building a new pool will vary based on a number of factors. Both the size and materials you choose play a role in the process, as well as any geographic constraints – such as clay soil – that might require special handling and expertise on the part of your building team. This can result in additional labor costs to construct your pool.
You’ll also want to factor in the cost of custom add-ons like slides, an autocover or even water and fire features, which can tack on additional costs. Thinking of your pool as one part of a bigger backyard picture, be sure to budget for decking, landscaping and fencing to offset your pool.
While buying a pool is a big-ticket purchase, it can be a welcome addition to your backyard – and lifestyle. A pool can give you a place to kick back and relax, stay active and entertain loved ones. Chatting with a local builder can help you formulate a plan and budget for a pool that lets you live your best backyard life. Pool financing options are also available, giving you the chance to start enjoying a pool today while paying it off over time!
Reasons to Install an Inground Pool in Colorado
Colorado has a lot to offer, from breathtaking natural beauty to pulse-pounding city life blazing with culture. Whether you’re a full-time resident of The Centennial State or a part-timer with a vacation home, owning a pool makes living in Colorado even better. Here are some more reasons to consider adding an inground pool.
A better way to bask in the sun: Colorado has an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, prompting Centennial State pool owners to get outside and spend time poolside. Although Colorado experiences all four seasons, adding a heating element can help extend pool season into early autumn to take full advantage of those sunny days.
A soak after skiing or hiking: After a hard day of hiking or hitting the slopes in Vail, Winter Park or Steamboat Springs, there’s nothing like a soothing soak for sore muscles. Adding a spillover spa to your pool can give you even more ways to enjoy your pool and unwind after enjoying outdoor activities.
A treat for tourists: If you’re one of the many folks who own a vacation property in Colorado, a pool can be an added attraction to tourists looking for a great place to rent while enjoying skiing, scenery, and sun. A pool can give you a competitive advantage over other rental properties, enticing visitors to visit at times other than ski season.
Colorado Pool FAQs
If you’re thinking about taking the plunge into purchasing a pool, it’s important to ask thoughtful questions as you’re diving into research mode. Here are some of the most common questions our team hears from pool buyers in Colorado.
Is installing an inground pool in Colorado a good investment?
A well-maintained pool can do more than just add curb appeal and a healthy dose of fun. It can also increase your home’s resale value between 5% and 8%. Prospective homebuyers may more strongly consider your property against others due to having a pool already installed. The work has already been done for them and they don’t have to worry about the cost of installing a pool themselves or the hassle of installation.
Even if you’re not planning to sell your home, the real value of installing an inground pool is in the enjoyment it provides. A pool can enhance your lifestyle, making your backyard the place to be for relaxing, swimming laps, or getting together with family and friends.
Do you need a permit to build a pool in Colorado?
According to the Code of Colorado Regulations, a permit is required before construction can begin on a residential pool. This is to ensure your pool complies with all zoning requirements. While a building permit is universally required for all Colorado pools, depending on where you live, you may also need to obtain zoning and sewer use permits, as well as electrical or plumbing permits.
Colorado also has specific codes for wiring associated with pools, spas, hydromassage tubs, and hot tubs. So, if you have a winter residence in Vail or Winter Park and plan to add a hot tub, you may also want to confirm your wiring and grounding is compliant with the Colorado Residential Code in addition to any more stringent local laws that apply.
All residential pools in Colorado must also be surrounded by a fence or barrier at least 4 feet high with a self-closing gate.
Because laws can change periodically and differ from city to city, check with your local building office to confirm what permits you need before breaking ground on a new pool. Working with a knowledgeable pool builder can help you better understand which permits you’re responsible for to ensure your pool is compliant with all state and local Colorado building codes.
Can you have an inground pool in Denver?
Yes! You can certainly have an inground pool in Denver, CO, but the city requires residents to adhere to certain rules and regulations to ensure their pool is compliant and safe. Denver residents will need to obtain a construction permit, as well as trade permits before the pool installation process can begin.
Applications for Denver pool permits must be accompanied by a site plan, boundary survey (if your pool or any equipment is within 3 feet of an adjoining property line), shoring plan for excavation, as well as drawings of electrical and mechanical equipment your pool will need to function properly.
Colorado Inground Pool Installation Areas
At Latham, we believe there’s a pool for every backyard and to enhance every lifestyle. We’ve helped build countless pools in various parts of Colorado, including:
- Aurora, CO
- Boulder, CO
- Castle Rock, CO
- Denver, CO
- Erie, CO
- Grand Junction, CO
- Longmont, CO
- Westminster, CO
Start Building a Pool for Your Colorado Backyard Today
A new pool can transform the look and vibe of your backyard, turning it into a true extension of your home. Speak with a licensed professional builder to start making memories in your brand new pool today.
Contact us to learn more.
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