From lush greenery to cute villages that retain “The Nutmeg State”’s Revolutionary-era charm, there’s a lot to admire about Connecticut. One of the best ways to take it all in is from the comforts of home with your toes in the water of a brand new inground pool. Whether you’re coming home from a long work day – or a long commute to NYC, as Stamford and Greenwich, CT are just a stone’s throw from The Big Apple, or wrap up an afternoon of biking or hiking along one of the state’s many trails, a pool gives you a place to unwind. It can also offer you a space to pump up the party, gathering friends and family together to celebrate summer.
There’s a pool for every backyard – and for every lifestyle. If you’re thinking of buying a new pool or remodeling an older one, we’ll get you up-to-speed with tips for planning your pool, as well as answer commonly-asked questions around owning a pool in Connecticut, including any regulations that may apply. Let’s dive in!
Inground Fiberglass Pool Design Considerations for CT
If you’ve got pool fever, chances are, you’ve been seeking out inspiration for the layout of your pool and dreaming of afternoons spent grilling while the kids play, or going for a soothing soak under the stars. However, planning your new pool involves more than just aesthetics. To make sure you invest in a pool that truly complements your lifestyle, think about how you plan to use your pool and who will use it, alongside the practical aspects of pool ownership:
- Do you have young children or teens?
- Will they bring friends over to use the pool?
- Will seniors or individuals with compromised mobility use your pool?
- What safety features will you need so everyone can safely enjoy your pool?
- What does your budget look like? If so, what are some must-have features you want your pool to have?
- Are you prepared to learn more about balancing water chemistry and commit to a routine maintenance schedule to keep your pool in good working order?
- How large is your backyard?
- Do you want your pool to be the focal point of your backyard? Or would you prefer your pool to be part of a larger multi-use space? Maybe you dream about planting bright blooms or a vibrant veggie garden? Or maybe you want a swing set and sliding board for the kids alongside an outdoor grilling station?
- Do you plan to use your pool for entertaining? If so, how many people typically attend your backyard get-togethers? This can help you determine how big a pool you’ll need to comfortably accommodate your guests.
- Do you plan to use your pool for exercise, relaxation or both? If you love sneaking in a few laps before or after work, a pool can be a great way to incorporate gentle exercise into your daily routine. Adding an inground or spillover spa can up the relaxation ante, giving you a place to soothe sore muscles after a long day, too!
Once you know how you plan to use your pool and the type of experience you want it to deliver, you can more easily align the visual elements of choosing a pool with practical aspects!
Pool safety should also be top-of-mind when choosing your pool. Be sure to save room (in your backyard and in your budget) for features to ensure your pool is compliant with state and local laws, such as proper fencing. Another feature that can add an extra layer of safety, as well as savings on energy and maintenance is an autocover.
Working with a licensed professional pool builder can help you explore your options to make the most of your pool. In this guide, you’ll see just a few of the many pools that Latham builders have helped create throughout Connecticut. Don’t see your ideal pool here? Don’t worry! Speak with a local independent builder to feast your eyes on more images and videos of pools that might not be available in their online portfolio just yet.
Smaller Pools
Even if you have a smaller yard, that doesn’t mean a pool isn’t a possibility! Pools come in all shapes and sizes, including more compact pools that can bring just as much fun as their larger counterparts!
If you live in an urban area where houses are clustered closer together, your backyard may be on the smaller side. That’s where a classic rectangular pool like the enchanting Enchantment can liven up your backyard! This 9’ x 17’ pool is equally at home for entertaining as it is for squeezing in a quick water workout before work. Its ultra-wide tanning ledge gives you a place to relax without getting too wet, or can pull double duty as a shallow wading spot for the kids.
Maybe you don’t have a smaller yard, but still want less pool to take care of. Or, if you own a beach house near Long Island Sound, you may only spend part of your year on the property. A smaller pool can fit the bill in either case! A compact pool like the 10’ x 20’ kidney-shaped Jamaica comes loaded with features made for play and minimizing upkeep. The Jamaica offers plenty of swim-up seating, perfect for entertaining guests and keeping the conversation going. It also has slip-resistant steps, improving accessibility for kids who are still wobbly on their sea legs or individuals with compromised mobility.
Spacious Pools
If you’re blessed with a big, beautiful backyard, a larger-sized pool can help you make the most of your space, giving you a place to lounge, entertain guests, a play area for the kids, and even a spot to recharge after a long work week.
Rectangular-shaped pools can be a fantastic option for fitness enthusiasts who want a change of scenery from the gym or or yoga studio – instead, opting to swim laps at home. The Astoria is an ideal choice for folks who enjoy a thrilling, water-based workout as much as they do hosting guests. The Astoria offers a kid-friendly wading area along with multiple entry/exit points for swimmers who tire easily and want to gracefully exit the pool. Tons of swim-up seating rounds out just a few of the fun features built into the Astoria, making it a great place for friends and loved ones to congregate.
The Cancun Deluxe is another spacious pool that lets you lean fully into an active lifestyle. It features a spillover spa, perfect for easing sore muscles or relaxing after the sun goes down and temperatures take a tumble. Its ultra-wide top step can also serve as a tanning ledge, giving you multiple options for lounging poolside or for guests to soak up some sun.
Depending on what you’re looking to get out of your pool, there are countless fiberglass pool options that have tons of amazing features already built-in. However, a larger pool gives you a bigger canvas to customize your pool with even more breathtaking features that make your pool as fabulous as it is functional. Depending on what speaks to you, you can outfit your pool with fun water features like fountains, spouts and bubblers that can make your pool a kid-friendly place to play. On the flipside, eye-catching fire features like built-in torches and fire bowls can create a festive atmosphere and offer an added lightsource while enjoying your pool after dark. Colorful LED pool lights are another customization option that can make your pool a treat for the senses!
No matter your aesthetic and how you plan to use your pool, there are nearly limitless ways to make your pool your own with a variety of add-on features designed to enhance your enjoyment.
Landscaping Considerations for Connecticut Pools
Your pool is just one part of your backyard. The right landscaping ideas can offset your unique vision for your pool, giving you a relaxing place to get away from it all – without ever leaving home!. Connecticut is ripe with natural beauty, giving you plenty of inspiration to harmonize your pool with its surroundings
- Vintage vibes and colonial charm: Connecticut residents who live in older, more historic parts of the state may want their pool and surrounding landscaping to embrace a more classical style that harmonizes with the Cape Cod and Colonial Revival architecture that’s been preserved. Look to decking that includes cobblestone-like pavers or stamped concrete, for a less-expensive alternative that delivers a similar look. Colorful flower beds and well-appointed shrubs can lend color without veering into ultra-modern territory that contrasts with historic features.
- Creatively coastal: From Greenwich to Niantic, from Milford to New Haven, Connecticut is loaded with beautiful beach towns. If you live in or around one of these areas, you may want your pool to evoke more of a coastal vibe. Look to light colored decking for an airy feel and outdoor furniture made from weathered woods, wicker or rattan. Pops of color like cobalt blue for a nautical feel or soft pastels for a breezy look can help you put your own twist on things!
- Pool shapes to work with your surroundings: If you live in one of the many densely wooded parts of Connecticut, the shape of your pool can work beautifully to reflect your natural surroundings. A simple and elegant rectangular pool can serve as a mirror for trees in full springtime bloom or colorful autumnal foliage with the change of seasons. By contrast, a freeform-shaped pool with its winding curves can create the look of a gentle stream nestled in your backyard, making it feel like your own private nature preserve.
Inground Fiberglass vs. Vinyl Liner Pools: Finding the Best Pool Material for Your Home
The material you choose for your pool makes a big difference in terms of maintenance, as well as longevity – and keeping your pool looking beautiful longer! Two of the most popular options are fiberglass pools and vinyl liner pools. Both offer durability and ease of maintenance alongside cost savings over time.
Concrete (or “gunite”) pools are still popular, but fall short when compared to modern materials like fiberglass and vinyl liner pools. Concrete pools require a more diligent maintenance schedule and also need to be resurfaced approximately every ten years. Over time, concrete pools can become rough and chalky. Not only does this make for an uncomfortable feel when wading in a concrete pool, but concrete’s more porous nature makes these pools more prone to developing algae.
Pool algae isn’t just an unsightly source of stains on your concrete pool’s surface. It also makes it more difficult to properly maintain your pool’s pH. This can translate to wasting a sunny afternoon attempting to rebalance your pool’s water chemistry instead of kicking back with a cold beverage on a float in the deep end!
Take a look at how fiberglass, vinyl liner and concrete pools stack up against each other to choose the right pool for your lifestyle.
Fiberglass Pool Benefits
Nothing catches the eye like the smooth, shimmering surface of a fiberglass pool. This smooth surface makes them less prone to algae clinging to their surface, making them easy to maintain and giving you more time to enjoy your pool instead of taking care of it.
But what’s even smoother is the installation process of a fiberglass pool. Because carefully engineered, high-quality fiberglass pool shells are pre-manufactured and ready to install in your backyard, it saves time on the installation process, allowing you to enjoy your new pool sooner.
Learn more about the benefits of a fiberglass pool
Vinyl Liner Pool Benefits
Vinyl liner pools are loaded with their own benefits, making them an outstanding and cost-conscious choice for homeowners. Although they require a little extra maintenance compared to fiberglass, they’re still easy on upkeep and offer tons of flexibility in terms of customization. Fiberglass pools give you plenty of options for different shapes, sizes, and vivid liner colors and patterns to make a splash.
As times change, so do tastes and lifestyles. Vinyl liner pools can be a brilliant canvas to take you from kid-friendly features like water features, to replacing those features when the kids have grown. Think colorful LED pool lighting and tanning ledges made for entertaining on summer afternoons or autumn nights spent poolside.
Vinyl liner pools also present an attractive alternative to the expensive and intensive resurfacing associated with concrete or gunite pools. A well-kept vinyl liner only needs to be replaced every ten years, making it a cost-conscious way to refresh your pool’s look. If you’re thinking of an even more dramatic pool remodel, timing a labor-intensive project like adding or removing an existing feature to coincide with a routine liner replacement can save you time and money on your renovation.
Installing an Inground Pool in Connecticut
Once you have an idea of the type of pool that fits your needs best and add-ons to make it further complement your lifestyle, you’re one step closer from planning a pool to making it happen! A licensed builder can advise you on what type of pool will work best with any constraints of your yard, such as sloped or rocky terrain lurking beneath the soil.
So, when is an ideal time to begin your pool installation project in Connecticut? Although its winters aren’t quite as cold as some of the other states in the New England corridor, The Nutmeg State still sees noteworthy amounts of snow and cold temperatures. This can put a damper on installing a pool during winter months, but fall and spring can be ideal times to start breaking ground on an inground pool. Working with a licensed builder can help you better plan your pool project to account for unexpected hiccups and have your pool summer-ready!
Installing a Fiberglass Pool
The first step to installing your brand new fiberglass pool involves your builder excavating a space in your backyard. From there, a high-quality, pre-engineered fiberglass pool shell makes its way from the factory to your backyard where you’ll enjoy it for many years to come!
Learn more about the fiberglass pool installation process.
Installing a Vinyl Pool
Your building team will measure the precise area for your new vinyl liner pool and begin breaking ground. Step-by-step, your new pool will begin to take shape before your team seals your pool’s liner in place. Now your pool season can officially begin!
Learn more about the vinyl liner pool installation process.
Connecticut Inground Pool Maintenance
Both fiberglass and vinyl liner pools are known for their easy upkeep. However, your pool maintenance schedule and checklist may differ slightly, depending upon the material you choose.
Fiberglass Pool Maintenance
Fiberglass pools aren’t just easy on the eyes. They’re easy on maintenance, too. There are a few routine tasks you’ll want to tend to each week to keep your fiberglass pool running and looking its best. Plan to skim your pool, empty filter baskets and test your pool’s water chemistry on a weekly basis. Once each month during pool season, back flush your filtration system for optimum performance.
Learn more about maintaining your fiberglass pool.
Vinyl Liner Pool Maintenance
Vinyl liner pools require just a bit more maintenance than their fiberglass cousins. Give your pool a good skimming at least once per week and test your water chemistry and pH. Using a soft bristled brush, give your liner a gentle scrub each week. This can prevent stains from settling into your liner, as well as remove any dirt, algae, or calcium build-up from accumulating on your liner. This can give your liner a longer lease on life!
Once each month, carefully check your liner for any small tears and patch them before they get any bigger. To minimize the risk of any punctures or tears in your liner, make it a practice to use only soft toys in and around your pool. Think: foam pool noodles, beach balls, inflatable rafts and toys to crank up the fun factor without potential damage to your liner!
Get more tips for taking care of your vinyl liner pool.
How to Prepare Your Pool for New England Winters
Connecticut residents typically close their pools in September or October, before brisk New England winters sweep the state. Although there are some steps to take to close your pool before winter yourself, some people prefer to enlist the aid of professionals.
If you’d prefer to close your pool yourself, our pool winterizing checklist can help you stay on top of what’s required to bring your pool season to an end so it’s in peak condition come next spring! At the top of the list, be sure to remove all air from your water lines and pool equipment. This can prevent cracks when temperatures drop. Additionally, investing in a special winter pool cover can protect your pool from heavy snowfall.
Pool Covers
No matter what size, shape or material you choose for your pool, an automatic pool cover is a wise investment that can not only help save on expenses, but can help save lives, preventing kids and pets from accidentally falling in when your pool is unattended. An automatic pool cover can also act as a preventive barrier against people attempting to hop your fence and help themselves to your pool when you’re not watching.
An autocover can help you save between 50% to 70% on energy costs annually. From a conservation standpoint, an autocover works to reduce water evaporation, keeping your water – and water chemistry levels – more stable.
And with Connecticut’s beautiful greenery and tree coverage, an autocover can lend a hand by reducing the amount of pollen and seasonal foliage that lands in your pool. If not skimmed off, pollen grains can clog your filtration system. Similarly, wet autumn leaves lingering on the surface of your pool can contribute to algae growth. An autocover can serve as a barrier against nature and your pool, making upkeep a little easier.
Winter Pool Covers
Because Connecticut receives varying amounts of snow – from as much as 58 inches in New Hartford to as little as 15” inches annually in Fairfield, CT, investing in a winter pool cover in addition to an automatic pool cover can be a smart move.
While automatic pool covers can help make your pool safer and more energy-efficient, they aren’t made to support the weight of a heavy snowfall that could potentially compromise the delicate mechanics of an autocover. When it’s time to close your pool for the season, a winter cover can protect your pool until it’s time to reopen next year.
Inground Pool Costs in Connecticut
The cost to build an inground pool in Connecticut will vary, based on a wide range of factors, including the size of your pool and costs of materials in your area. The cost of labor also plays a role in the total cost to build your pool. If your backyard isn’t quite level or has rocky terrain beneath the soil, it may tack on added labor costs to grade your land for a properly installed pool. Additionally, custom features like an automatic safety cover, LED pool lights, water slides should also be considered in the total cost to install your new pool.
When determining the final cost of your new pool, remember that your pool is just one part of your backyard. Be sure to factor in the cost of fencing, decking and landscaping surrounding your pool to bring your vision to life.
Although it can be a big-ticket item, owning a brand new pool is certainly within reach. Sit down to evaluate how much you’re willing to spend. Your pool builder can help you find a pool that works for your needs and budget. You also have the option to finance your pool, paying it off over time while enjoying a new pool today!
Reasons to Install an Inground Pool in Connecticut
If you’re thinking about owning a new pool or updating an older pool, Connecticut residents have a few good reasons to take the plunge:
- Enjoy the water without braving beach crowds: Connecticut has a number of beautiful beach towns like Greenwich, Mystic and Westport. While sand and surf can be nice, sometimes you just don’t want to contend with crowded beaches and tons of tourists. Having a pool of your own allows you to reel in those summer vibes without the hassle.
- Soak in the scenery: Bursting with beauty – from historical buildings to colorful red maple trees, Connecticut has something for every aesthetic. An inground backyard pool gives you a serene spot to enjoy the outdoors and appreciate the breathtaking New England views.
- Relaxation & refuge: Adding a pool with a built-in spillover spa is the perfect way to unwind after a long day at work, a hard workout or session on the ski slopes. When temperatures dip, a heated pool can give you a place to kick back.
The perfect addition to a beach house: If you have a summer home in Madison, Old Saybrook or any of CT’s beautiful beach towns, a small pool can liven up your beach house backyard.
Connecticut Pool FAQs
If you’re considering purchasing a new inground pool, you probably have a lot of questions about securing the proper permits and making sure your pool adheres to local regulations. Here are some of the most common questions we hear from prospective pool owners in Connecticut.
Do you need a permit to build a pool in Connecticut?
According to the 2022 Connecticut State Building Code, The Constitution State requires a permit for any new pool construction or renovations to an existing pool.
It’s important to check with your local building office to better understand what additional permits, if any, may be required in addition to a pool construction permit. In Connecticut. You may also need to secure an electrical or plumbing permit, as well as submit building plans and drawings along with your permit application. Working with a knowledgeable pool builder can help you more easily navigate the process and obtain the proper permits.
Do you have to have a fence around a pool in Connecticut?
The 2022 Connecticut State Building Code’s adoption of the 2021 International Swimming Pool Code requires that all residential swimming pools be surrounded by a fence. Additionally, during the construction process, any excavated areas must be surrounded by a fence that stands a minimum of 4 feet high.
How high does a pool fence need to be in CT?
Connecticut requires that all residential pools have a barrier that meets the statewide minimum of 48” (4 feet) high. Pool gates that grant access to the pool must be self-latching and self-closing, with the gate swinging outward from the pool. If the release mechanism is located less than 54” from the bottom of a gate, it must be located on the pool side of the fence, at least 3” below the top of the fence.
While this law applies throughout the state, different municipalities throughout Connecticut may have more stringent requirements around pool fencing. Be sure to consult with your local building office to be sure your pool and all associated fencing is compliant with state, as well as local codes.
Connecticut Inground Pool Installation Areas
At Latham, we believe that there’s a pool for every backyard. No matter what the pool of your dreams looks like, our team is here to help you make it happen, no matter where you live in Connecticut, including:
- Bloomfield, CT
- Danbury, CT
- East Lyme, CT
- Hartford, CT
- New Milford, CT
- Norwalk, CT
- Shelton, CT
- Stamford, CT
- Vernon, CT
- Windsor, CT
Start Building a Pool for Your Connecticut Backyard Today
A new pool can give you a place to relax, exercise or enjoy many happy hours with loved ones through the years. Get in touch with a licensed professional builder to start making memories in your brand new pool today.
Contact us to learn more.
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