Hotel and Resort Pools

Pools in hotels and resorts create not only a pleasurable pastime but also a central attraction to the guests. Having a hotel or resort without a pool is a major turnoff for vacationers. Who doesn't want to lazy by the pool on their vacation?

We at Oak Wells Aquatics help your business design, construct, and maintain a pool inside your resort. We work with brands across Florida and actualize their dreams. We focus on designing profitable pools both in the choice of materials and in the construction. Here are some activities we engage in when handling a hotel or resort pool project.

An Overview of Hotel and Resort Pools

Hotel and resort pool are commercial pools (as opposed to residential).owners of hotels or resorts create these pools to increase their returns or increase the value of their businesses.

These types of pools take a different approach and must follow the regulations for safety and sanitation. When constructing a commercial pool, you must work with a commercial pool contractor (confirm licensing). These contractors are trained in the construction of different types of pools to meet various needs.

You might also need a commercial contractor if you need to remodel or upgrade your pool. Upgrades and remodels are important for hotels or resorts whose scope and clientele has evolved. Therefore, you must adjust the pool to meet the needs of these customers. 

One of the major concerns your business might have is the eventual cost of the pool construction. From a business point of view, you must work within a budget and create a pool that will give a good return on investment.

The eventual cost of your project will depend on the size, features, materials, and accessories you incorporate in the pool. The more features, and the more high-quality materials you use, the higher the price will be. However, you should never compromise on the quality of a pool based on the cost. 

The time it takes to install the pool also matters to your business. Commercial pools take several days to several months to complete, based on the type of pool and the materials used. Concrete in-ground pools typically take about three months to complete. 

Pool Design

The heart of pool design is aesthetics and functionality. These two principles, coupled with other factors, influence the final design of a pool. Designing a pool is the first step in creating a pool that enhances the appearance of your resort, and that gives a good return to your business. 

Designing a pool includes determining the shape, size, depth, materials, and additional features of the pool. You must also evaluate the surrounding landscape, the weather condition of the area, and the safety of the pool.

A pool can either stand out or blend in with the landscape; the choice will depend on your preferences, the landscape itself, and the materials you intend to use.

Before designing a pool, you must, therefore, establish the target users (children or adults) as well as the practical issues surrounding the pool. For example, if the pool is in a wind-prone area, you must provide additional protection to prevent leaves and debris from getting into the pool.

Similarly, you must also determine the activities for which you intend the pool to be used. Most hotel and resort pools are for recreation. However, you might want to incorporate other activities to make the pool multifunctional; the final decision will depend on the diversity of your clientele.

You can choose a pool design from pre-existing pools you have seen, or combine various design elements from different pools. You can also draw inspiration for your pool design from the needs and vision for your hotel or resort.

Some of the pool types you can choose from include:

• Lazy rivers are a great diversion from the regular standing pool. These pools mimic a slow-flowing river in which you can slowly drift, enjoying your time. You can be as creative as you wish with additional amenities or sceneries to include alongside the pool.
• Waterparks offer a variety of activities, including swimming, bathing, splash pads, waterslides, and additional amenities in one pool. They can be indoors or outdoors. Waterparks can be ideal for resorts targeting families or provide specialized features such as surfing areas.
• Regular pools

The design process is the most important part of constructing a pool. You have several shots at changing the design, but once it is constructed, making changes becomes expensive. Therefore, you must work with a commercial pool construction company with a proven record of good pool design.

Obtaining Permits

The law requires you to obtain a building permit before constructing, modifying, or repairing a swimming pool. The government gives permits based on the plans, the design of the pool, the health, and safety of the pool and zoning laws.

Before starting the groundwork, the pool contractor will assemble the necessary documents, architectural plans, and licenses. The construction work begins upon the approval of the pool construction.

Land Preparation

Land preparation sets the stage for laying out the design and construction plans. The pool contractor will transfer the design on the land. Preparation will involve clearing the area and removing any debris that might affect the pool. Once the area is clear, stakes and forms will be used to mark out the design and location of the pool. These stakes will guide the excavation process.

The next step will involve the excavation of the staked area. The removed dirt will be disposed of based on the contract agreement. Usually, the contractor will excavate a deeper and wider pool than the final pool.

Pool Installation

Once the excavation is complete, the contractor will start the pool installation process. The process involves several steps, including:

• Installing the rough plumbing
• Application of a concrete mix
• Removal of the forms and stakes
• Installation of the tile, plumbing, filters and setting equipment
• Electrical installation

County officials will visit the site regularly to inspect the process and approve the progress of the construction. With the right construction process, your pool could be completed in a few weeks. However, the installation could take months, depending on the materials and amenities you need around and in the pool. 

You could also have pavers installed at the same time as your pool. Pool pavers come in different shapes, sizes, materials, and textures. The choice you make will depend on the overall appearance of the pool and your goals.

Some of the pavers include:

• Basalt pavers
• Bluestone pavers
• Brick pavers
• Clay pavers
• Concrete pavers
• Granite pavers
• Limestone pavers
• Sandstone pavers
• Travertine pavers

The guiding principle when choosing the material for pavers is safety. These pavers must be as safe as possible to prevent slip and fall accidents. They must be non-slip even when wet. You can also factor in the durability, affordability, appeal, and strength of the paving material.

Paver installation follows almost a similar process as the pool. The first step involves planning and designing the pavers. This stage will involve creating diagrams of what the pool should look like with the pavers and furniture on the deck. The plan will also show the shape, design, and measurements of the deck.

The next step involves the excavation of the paver area and the installation of the pavers. Pool pavers must incline away from the pool to prevent water from flowing into the pool.

The next steps involve preparing and applying the sand base, installing the edge restraints, leveling the sand base, and the pavers.

Once complete, the final step involves finishing up by sanding over the area and spraying down water to hold the pavers down.

Choosing the Pool Material

Pools come in different designs, shapes, and materials. The material you choose for your hotel and resort pool will depend on the use of the pool and your preferences. Other considerations might include:

• The durability of the materials
• The safety of the materials (are they slippery?)
• The appearance
• The comfort of the material

The best guide to choosing pool material is the final look or impression you want your clients to have. For example, you might want a pool that looks as natural as possible or one with an exotic and luxurious appearance.

Another consideration is the weather conditions of the area in which the resort is located. Different materials react differently to changing weather conditions. You will, therefore, have to evaluate the weather changes and select a material that adjusts well to both winter and summer weather conditions. 

The material you choose will also determine the time it takes for the full construction and installation of the pool.

That said, you have several materials from which to choose, including:

• Concrete is the most expensive pool construction material. It is, however, the most durable pool material. It can withstand temperature and weather variations. Pools made of concrete typically take a longer time to install but can offer great flexibility in the design of the pool. Concrete also offers the chance for remodeling, enlarging, updating, and making other changes to the pool.
• Fiberglass: This is a relatively strong pool material. It lacks the flexibility of concrete since it comes in a premade design. They take a shorter time to install. Fiberglass pools can withstand earthquakes, temperature changes, and are easy to maintain. They also have a smooth surface, which discourages the growth of algae.
• Vinyl is another commonly used pool material that offers higher flexibility compared to fiberglass. Vinyl is a cheaper construction material especially ideal for areas that experience freezing. Vinyl pools take a shorter time to install.

If you are having difficulties with choosing the best material for your pool, visit other hotels and resorts in your area to see the materials used. You can also contact several pool contractors to get advice.

You want to know the durability of the materials, their flexibility, costs, and maintenance requirements. If you might need to make future changes to the pool, be sure to select materials that accommodate such changes.

Additional Features for Hotel and Resort Pools

The amenities surrounding a pool add to the life and attractiveness of your resort. The more amenities there are, the more likely people are to stick around the pool (and probably make your resort their go-to destination).

This does not mean that you need to cram every pool feature you can find into your resort. Instead, choose amenities that match the vision of your hotel and resort and personality of your clientele. 

For example, a resort targeted for couples should have facilities that encourage social interactions, closeness, privacy, and romance.

Some of the features you can include in a hotel and resort pool include:

• Size: we covered the size of the pool in the design stage; however, it is one of the most important features of a pool. The size of the pool depends on the purpose of the pool. For example, an Olympic pool will have to meet a specific length requirement; also one that encourages relaxation will be smaller as opposed to a public pool
• Pool furniture: adding
• Water lounging features such as Baja shelves, beach entries, built-in pool, Jacuzzis and spas
• Shades such as sun sails and cabanas
• Tropical ambiance (you can create a tropical atmosphere including bright flowering plants)
• Outdoor dining areas
• Seclusion (hotels and resort pools must offer privacy away from the public)

Find a Jacksonville Commercial Pool Contractor Near Me

Nothing beats a carefully designed and well-built resort pool. Your goal as a hotel or resort owner is to create a pool that has more people talking about, and more visits (read increased profits). Achieving a balance with aesthetics, uniqueness, and functionality takes skill and expertise.

Oak Wells Aquatics focuses on bringing your vision for a pool into a reality. We work with hotel and resort brands across Florida, executing their plans, and creating a pool that serves their needs.

We understand the differences between each pool, but we strive to maintain durability, quality, and safety. We, therefore, use top quality and durable materials to provide your hotel and resort with the best pool possible. Contact us today at 904-619-3281 for more information.