GCU News & Blog

Tag: Pool installation

  • Ways to Improve Your Chicago Home’s Curb Appeal

    Image Source: https://www.sunsetpools-spas.com/portfolio/arrowhead

    Whether you are selling your home or you are just looking for ways to increase its value, you need to be aware of some of the most effective ways to improve the value of your home. There are lots of improvements that you could opt to make, but you probably only want to invest in the ones that will make your home more valuable and more fun to spend time in.

    The interior of your home has a lot to do with its value, but you cannot neglect the exterior if you want to increase curb appeal and value at the same time. Many people tend to forget that the exterior of their home is what makes the first impression on people who are looking at it to buy, or on guests who are visiting. Improving the appearance of your home can be beneficial for so many reasons, and you should never snooze on this important means of making your home look its best and have an increased market value.

    Ways to Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal

    Caring for your home’s curb appeal matters. You want to feel excited about coming home to relax and unwind after a long day, and you also want guests and family to feel welcomed home each time they drive up. Improving the curb appeal of your home impacts its value but it also changes the way that your home feels to you and your loved ones in the best ways.

    1. Install a Swimming Pool

    It’s no secret that a swimming pool looks nice and is highly beneficial to homeowners and guests alike. If you are tired of looking at a boring lawn and a few shrubs in your backyard, you need to reach out to an experienced Chicago pool builder to get a quality pool installed on your property. There is so much to love about having a swimming pool. Not only can you cool off during the peak of the summer’s heat, you can also create usable spaces around the pool that are ideal for entertaining, sunbathing, and so much more.

    Swimming pools can be customized to your specific needs and desires, and they can also include a spa and other areas that can be used even during the coldest part of the year. There is no reason to think that a swimming pool isn’t an option for your property. You should reach out to a skilled pool builder and find out just how much is possible for your swimming pool project.

    2. Repaint

    Paint can make a huge difference when it comes to curb appeal. While it can be tedious to repaint your home’s exterior, the investment is well worth it. Repainting freshens up the appearance of your home, and you will also be protecting your home from damage due to rain and snow.

    When you live in a place like Chicago, where the seasonal shifts are pretty extreme, your paint can take a beating. Your paint might need more attention due to the harsh winters and hot summers in Chicago. You should be sure that you are paying attention to the health of the paint on your home for a host of practical reasons, but also to be sure that your home looks its best.

    3. Take Care of Your Grass

    While it can be a lot of work to take care of your lawn, you need to be sure that you are doing so. A dead, dried-out lawn is a hallmark of a house that is not being cared for, and this can immediately impact your home’s value. If you don’t have the time to care for a lawn or are not able to irrigate reliably all summer long, you should consider installing a faux lawn that will not need much upkeep to stay green and lush-looking.

    Green swaths of lawn are ideal for allowing kids and pets to play, and they look really sharp when they are carefully mowed and edged. You also have the option of removing your grass in favor of bark and shrubs or a rock garden that is carefully planned out. Keeping the landscaping up at the front of your home matters for its value as well as its overall appearance.

    Image Source: https://www.sunsetpools-spas.com/portfolio/arrowhead

    4. Install a Patio or Deck

    When you have a backyard that isn’t usable, your home’s value and beauty will be impacted. Mud might impact kids playing and come into the house on puppy feet, and you might not even want to roll up the blinds on that side of your home. Adding a patio or a deck can increase the footprint of your home and create usable outdoor spaces that didn’t exist before your investment.

    You have lots of choices when it comes to the materials that you can use for your patio or deck as well. From imitation wood that doesn’t need to be sanded or stained to products like marble or paving stones, there are lots of ways to create a patio or a deck that speaks to you and matches the rest of the aesthetic of your home.

    Image Source: https://www.sunsetpools-spas.com/portfolio/arrowhead

    Improving Your Home’s Curb Appeal Improves the Way Your Property Can Be Used and is Viewed by Others

    The curb appeal of your home doesn’t have to be something that you struggle to maintain. You should feel inspired by the idea of creating usable spaces and cleaning up the exterior of your home, especially if you have budgeted for these activities to take place. Be sure that you have routine processes on your radar, such as cleaning out the gutters and caring for the lawn. Being able to keep up with these routine tasks can help keep your home looking great throughout the year.

    If you want to create usable spaces that you will fall in love with over and over again, you need to consider adding a swimming pool, a patio, or a deck to your property as well. Creating a space that can be enjoyed for entertaining and relaxation is important to the value of your home.

  • Essential Features to Include When Designing a New Pool

    Putting in a new pool is one of the most exciting upgrades you can make to your home. It’s all about lazy summer afternoons, kids splashing for hours, and having your own shimmering oasis just steps from the back door.

    Then comes the hard part: design. Suddenly, you’re hit with a tidal wave of choices: saltwater or chlorine? How deep? What exactly is a Baja shelf? The whole thing can go from dreamy to daunting real fast.

    This guide is here to help you figure it all out. It walks you through the process, starting with safety must-haves, then moving on to the fun stuff, the features that turn your pool into the memory-making machine you’ve always wanted.

    The Seriously Important Stuff (Safety First)

    Before you even think about waterfalls or fancy lights, the first conversation has to be about safety. Safety should always come first when designing a new pool. It’s not the flashiest part of pool planning, but it’s the foundation for every good memory you’ll make out there.

    And the stats are sobering. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) consistently reports that drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in young kids.

    1. A Four-Sided Fence

    This is the number one must-have, and it’s not just about fencing in the yard but about creating a dedicated, isolated barrier.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that a four-sided isolation fence can reduce a child’s risk of drowning by 83 percent compared to a standard three-sided property-line fence.

    That stat says it all. The fence should be at least four feet tall and have a self-closing, self-latching gate.

    2. Layers of Protection (Alarms and Covers)

    Think of safety as a series of layers. After the fence, a pool alarm is your next line of defense. These alarms can be installed on the gate, float on the water, or even be worn as a wristband by a child.

    An automatic pool cover pulls triple duty. It acts as a barrier to prevent accidental falls, keeps debris out, and holds in heat, which can lower heating costs in a big way.

    According to the U.S. Department of Energy, pool covers can reduce evaporation by 90 to 95 percent. That’s where most heat loss happens, so the savings add up fast.

    How Your Pool Actually Works

    With safety covered, now it’s time to focus on what keeps your water sparkling and clean. This is the equipment you don’t always see, but you’ll definitely notice when it’s not working right.

    Circulation and Filtration

    Think of these as the heart and lungs of your pool. They work together to keep the water moving, clear, and healthy. This isn’t the area to cut corners. A good system can save you hours of maintenance and a ton of frustration later on.

    Saltwater vs Chlorine

    This topic gets a lot of attention, so here’s the quick breakdown. A saltwater pool isn’t like swimming in the ocean. Instead, a salt chlorine generator uses a small amount of salt in the water to create chlorine gradually and consistently. With a traditional chlorine pool, you’ll need to add the chemicals yourself to keep things balanced.

    The Trend

    There’s a reason saltwater systems are becoming so popular. Industry reports show a clear shift in consumer preference.

    Many people say the water feels softer and is gentler on the skin and eyes. It also cuts out the need to constantly handle and store strong liquid chlorine.

    While the upfront cost is higher, a lot of homeowners feel the steady water quality and lower day-to-day chemical expenses make it a smart trade-off.

    Design Features That Elevate Your Pool

    This is where your personal style gets to shine. These features take a pool from a basic swimming spot to a full-on backyard retreat.

    1. The Tanning Ledge (also known as a Baja Shelf)

    If there’s one feature that has defined pool design over the past few years, this is it. It’s a wide, shallow area—usually 9 to 12 inches deep—designed for lounging in the water without diving all the way in. It’s the perfect place for a couple of in-pool lounge chairs and while you keep an eye on the kids as they play.

    This isn’t just a passing trend. Industry sources like Pool and Spa News say it’s one of the most requested features from new pool owners because it completely changes how people use their pool.

    2. LED Lighting

    Never underestimate what lighting can do. It completely transforms the mood of your backyard at night and gives you more hours to enjoy the space.

    Today’s LED systems are energy-efficient and can be set to show a full range of colors. Picture a calming blue for a quiet night or a bold magenta for a lively get-together. It adds a touch of magic.

    3. Water Features and an Integrated Spa

    The gentle sound of a waterfall or bubbling jets adds a calming, sensory experience. And adding a built-in spa or hot tub? That’s the ultimate two-for-one.

    This trend is a big part of the outdoor living movement, where backyards are designed to feel like true extensions of the home.

    While data from the National Association of Realtors shows that a pool’s return on investment depends on the region, turning the space into a full entertainment and wellness zone—with a spa and a stylish patio—can seriously increase a home’s appeal.

    Designing the Space Around Your Pool

    A pool is only as good as the space around it. These days, it’s not just about building a pool, it’s about designing a complete outdoor living area.

    • Deck and Patio: Think of this as your poolside living room. It’s important to plan for plenty of room to lounge, dine, and entertain.
    • Landscaping: This is what gives a pool that true oasis feel. It adds privacy, brings in natural beauty, and helps the pool blend into the environment. Spending on high-end outdoor spaces has soared in recent years, showing that this part of the project isn’t optional, it’s a key piece of the overall experience.

    This trend goes beyond just pools. Houses with outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and lounge areas are redefining backyard living.

    Finally, a quick reality check on budget, local rules, and maintenance. Be honest with yourself about what you can afford and keep up with. And always check your local zoning laws before any digging begins.

    Building a pool is a big project, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Start with safety, get clear on the basics, and then have fun with the features. You’re not just putting in a pool, you’re setting the stage for years of memories.

    So now the real question is: What does your dream pool look like?