POOLSCAPES VERMONT IS BORN

In 2024, Landon Roberts and I launched Poolscapes Vermont, driven by a noticeable surge in demand within the landscape industry. With our combined four decades of experience in landscaping, including my extensive work designing pools through Ginkgo Design and Landon's experience in all things related to excavation through his company, Land and Rock Works, we were aware of the complexities involved in pool installation and ready for the challenge.

My first landscape architect mentor in New Jersey vividly described pool installations as the most challenging and expensive undertaking for clients, often leading to significant stress. He advised managing client expectations by presenting it as “the worst thing they’d ever do at their house,” hoping they might be pleasantly surprised if it wasn’t.

My own experience affirmed that the complex nature of pool installations requires meticulous management for successful outcomes. Landon and I observed that local pool companies were overwhelmed by demand, either unable to meet client expectations or booking new installations one to two years out.

Confident in my ability to creatively design pools into landscapes and Landon's expertise in efficient and professional installation, we decided to establish Poolscapes Vermont.

 The project that was the genesis of the company. David and Landon collaborated on this installation in the summer of 2023 in South Burlington. Although Poolscapes did not install this pool, David designed its placement in the surrounding landscape and Landon installed the hardscapes.

FIBERGLASS MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

We specialize in fiberglass pool installations for a number of reasons, but the first is that they are relatively easy to install. Whereas, gunite and liner pools require multiple phases for installation, we can have the majority of a pool-related installation completed in under two weeks. Plus, fiberglass pools don’t require a liner, which can wear out or tear. And fiberglass pools don’t contain concrete or steel, which can react negatively to the saltwater we recommend for sanitizing. I am often asked if fiberglass pools hold up in Vermont. I just received a call this week from a local who has had their fiberglass pool for over thirty years and was ready to replace the concrete around it, rather than needing to replace the pool itself.

WHY VERMONTERS WANT POOLS

There are two main reasons there is heightened demand for pools in Vermont: First, since COVID, families want to spend more time at home and have an increasing desire to enhance their backyards. This shift makes the investment in a pool more justifiable for many.

Secondly, our summers are getting progressively warmer, allowing people to enjoy their pools for longer, even up to six months of the year. if they utilize gas, propane heaters, or heat pumps.

Then, of, course, there’s the pure joy of owning a pool, especially for children. Throughout the summer, I see my four kids in and out of the pool multiple times a day. It’s a fantastic way to cool off and have fun.

Additionally, swimming is a great form of exercise. One of my clients initially envisioned her pool as a place to enjoy time with her grandchildren, but she soon discovered that swimming laps was an excellent way to stay active and improve her overall health.

POOLS GO HIGH TECH

Saltwater chlorination systems is one notable high-tech advancement that has significantly improved the pool experience. When I first heard about saltwater pools, I mistakenly thought the salt itself was the sanitizer. However, the process involves breaking down salt into chlorine at a consistent rate by way of electrolysis through a salt cell.

This eliminates the need for frequent “shocking,” and reduces spikes in chlorine, which can irritate skin and eyes. The salt concentration is actually less than that found in the ocean or even human tears, making the water much gentler. While there’s a higher initial expense, the long-term savings on chlorine tablets and shock make it a worthwhile investment.

Automatic pool covers are another big step forward for pool technology. Because they extend automatically over the pool, they create a vital barrier for safety. They also offer other benefits, such as reducing water evaporation and, depending on the color, acting as a solar blanket to increase pool temperature.

Many municipalities mandate a barrier to entry for in-ground pools and allow this cover to fulfill that requirement. This means there’s no need for a pool fence, which can decrease the overall aesthetic of the yard.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

When planning a pool, it’s crucial to think beyond its mere placement in the yard and consider how it integrates with other outdoor living areas. Many of our clients are interested in incorporating features like outdoor kitchens, pergolas, fire pits, and lighting into their landscape. We have the experience and expertise to assist them in achieving that goal, as well.

Other items that clients include in their poolscapes are fences and pool houses or pool sheds. Styles and locations of these can be greatly improved by a designer’s eye, which we are happy to provide.

Things to Remember

When Selecting a Location for a Pool

• It will require more “flat” space than you might realize. Use a stringline or level to measure how     flat your yard truly is.

• If there is a significant change in grade, think about how a wall can be used to your advantage       to terrace the space.

• Consider where to put the pool equipment. This should not be an afterthought, but rather,             intentionally placed to be accessible for gas and electricity but also hidden.

• Don’t forget the storage. With pools comes stuff, including: cleaning equipment, pool floats,         furniture, towels, etc. Some forethought on how to store these items will make having a pool         that much easier. Consider a pool house or shed in close proximity. Outdoor storage trunks           also can come in handy.

• Will you need a fence? Thinking about the style and location of a fence is important for both           aesthetic and budgetary considerations. A well-designed fence blends into the landscape and       provides practical benefits like a convenient place to hang a towel.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF POOLSCAPES VERMONT

POOLSCAPES VERMONT

2639 US-2,

Colchester, VT

www.poolscapesvt.com