Concrete vs. Vinyl Liner Inground Pools

Phoenix pools can install either concrete or vinyl lined custom inground pools. But you might be wondering what the difference is and which one is best for you. Like most things, there are pros and cons to consider with both concrete and vinyl. As your Omaha pool company, we’re here to answer your questions and help you make the best decisions for your unique situation. Let’s dive into the differences between concrete and vinyl-lined inground pools.

Customization

Concrete pools are perfect if you want an extremely deep or large pool. They can be customized in fun shapes and with custom features like tanning ledges.  Vinyl liner pools are mostly rectangular, but it is possible to customize the shape, size, and depth.  Both can be customized, but it’s more expensive to customize a vinyl liner pool and concrete has more available features.

Installation Time

Concrete pools can take three to six months or longer to finish depending on the complexity of the design. A vinyl-lined pool can be completed in as little as four to eight weeks.

Surface Texture

A basic concrete finish can have a rough texture. However, you can upgrade to a polished aggregate finish that will be smooth and looks great. Vinyl liner is smooth aside from where one piece meets another. Both types of pools can be installed to have a smooth texture.

Durability

Concrete, as you may imagine, is incredibly durable. You’ll never have to worry about a concrete pool getting damaged. Vinyl liner is expectedly less durable than concrete. It will still last many years if properly cared for, just not nearly as long as a good concrete pool.  

Maintenance

Both our inground concrete and vinyl lined pools can come with a Vanquish in-floor self-cleaning system. Self-cleaning systems save a lot of time, money, and reduce the cost of pool chemicals. They keep your pool temperature more consistent and extend the life of your pool.

Which One is Best for You?

Budget is a big factor along with your long term plans when deciding if you want a concrete or vinyl lined inground custom pool. If you want a larger and deeper pool with a custom shape and custom features that will last decades go with concrete. If you think you might move or sell your home in 10 years or less, have a smaller budget, and don’t want customization, then a vinyl-lined pool may be your best option.  

Give us a call, and we can go into more details about what you need to consider when deciding what type of inground pool is best for you. 

(402) 707-2710

Spring Time is Pool Preparation Time

The snow is melting, the birds are chirping, and the temperature is rising. Spring officially starts in March. It’s the perfect time to get your Omaha summer pool plans ready. If you’re thinking about enjoying this summer with a custom built inground pool or a classic Doughboy above ground pool Spring is a great time to buy. Our annual Spring sale is coming up in April. It’s the best time of the year to pick up a customer favorite Bullfrog Spa.

Bullfrog Spas

Bullfrog Spas are top of the line spas – that’s why we carry them. Bullfrog uses a patented technology called the JETPAK therapy system. The system has been said to give you the sensation and benefits of a personal masseuse. These spas are designed to accommodate all shapes and sizes and give the most relaxing and personalized experience possible. The spas come equipped with adjustable ergonomic seats, and the jetpacks are removable, allowing you to easily move them around to create a custom spa experience. Bullfrog Spas are some of the most energy efficient spas available and come with an industry best warranty package. 

Self-Cleaning Pools

Did you know Phoenix Pools can build you custom inground self-cleaning pool? The most obvious benefit is you don’t have to clean your pool or pay somebody to clean it. The system ends up paying for itself when you consider the maintenance costs of a traditional inground pool. Another thing our customers love is the system efficiently circulates water which reduces the need for chemicals and reduces heating costs.

  • Improved Circulation
  • Save on Chemicals
  • Save on Energy
  • Extend your Swimming Season
  • Save Time & Money

Doughboy Above Ground Pools

Not ready to invest in a custom inground pool, but still want a pool? No worries. For more than 65 years Doughboy above ground pools have been bringing joy to Omaha family back yards. They’ve earned a reputation for their high design standards, engineering, and durability. Start making memories for a lifetime with your family and get a Doughboy for your yard. 

Our 8th Annual Spring Sale is Coming!

April 26th – 28th the Phoenix Pool Annual Spring sale. These are some of the best deals any Omaha pool company offers for the entire year.

  • 15% off E-Z Pool and all other pool chemicals.
  • 15% off E-Z Spa and all other spa chemicals.
  • 15% off maintenance equipment.
  • $500 off all Doughboy Above ground pools.

Self-Cleaning In-Ground Pools

What’s the biggest drag about owning an in-ground pool? Cleaning and maintenance. In the past, pool maintenance was costly and time-consuming.  It’s why the pool cleaning service business was so big. But today is different. Technology has changed the cost of in-ground pool maintenance. Now you can get an in-ground pool that self-cleans and does an outstanding job.  If you’re looking for an Omaha pool company to install a self-cleaning in-ground pool, you’re in the right place. Let’s find out more about why a self-cleaning in-ground pool is the pool everyone has been waiting for.

Not Robot Cleaning

A “pool robot” is an out the box, one-size fits all device for pool cleaning. An in-floor self-cleaning system is what we’re talking about – not robots. The in-floor system is customized and built into the floor and walls of your in-ground pool. Unlike robot systems, In-floor systems require no work on your part.

Custom Built for Your Inground Pool

An in-floor system is custom built for your in-ground pool’s size, shape, and unique type. The system is designed as your pool is designed for optimal efficiency. A series of nozzles, fixed or rotating head and drains are built into your pool at specific locations, including the floor, benches, steps, etc.

How Self-Cleaning Inground Pools Work 

Using water pressure generated from your pool’s pump, the system’s nozzles and jets push dirt and debris to the deep end of your pool. There it is drawn into was is called a debris removal drain. These are different from common pool drains. Larger materials like acorns, twigs, and leaves go in a debris canister which is easily and quickly emptied. 

Phoenix Pools New Address

If you want to learn more about our self-cleaning in-ground pools or take advantage of our Bullfrog Spa rock bottom prices come see us at our new location. The new store location has officially opened.

8603 G Street, Omaha, Ne 68127

Attention! 2019 Special Announcements

Happy New Year to our Phoenix Pool family. A big thanks to all of our great customers for making us the number one Omaha pool company once again. 2018 was a fantastic year and 2019 looks to be even better. Here’s the latest information about what’s in store and how you can take advantage of some New Year specials.

Bullfrog Spa Special!

We are currently offering One Year of FREE Chemicals with all in stock spa purchases. All in stock spas are currently listed at the lowest prices possible. When you buy an in-stock Bullfrog Spa, you can save up to $2,000 off the Retail Price. If you’ve ever considered getting a spa, there is no better time to buy than now. Bullfrog Spas are one of, if not the top rated spas on the market.

Inground Pool List Sign Up

Now is the time of the year to get on the list for our inground pools. We still have a lot of slots available, but they will fill up fast. Nothing comes close to a top of the line inground pool for swim season. Our custom built inground pools are equipped with self-cleaning systems that make them nearly maintenance free. Custom built means you get the size and look you want. These pools last for generations. Call for questions and to get on the list while we still have availability for 2019.

New Store Location Opens February 1st

The new store location opening is February 1st. After five years at our S. 72nd St location, we’ll be relocating to 8603 G Street. The new site is only a short 2.5 miles or 8-minute drive from our current location. We’re moving, but not far!

Our new Elkhorn location is staying where it is; we’re just moving our Omaha location a few miles down the road.

We’ll see you at 8603 G Street starting in February.  Before then come by our 72nd St. shop and pick up a Bullfrog Spa. We’re lowering the prices this month because we don’t want to move them to our new location. These are the best deals we will ever offer! See you soon!

Why You Should Consider a Shotcrete In-Ground Pool

When you’re considering a pool for your Omaha home you’ll want to consider working with the only Omaha pool company that specializes in building custom in-ground shotcrete pools. It’s one of the services we’re known best for and have a lot of experience doing. In this article we’re going to break down the benefits of in-ground shotcrete pools and why you should consider them if you’re looking to get a custom pool installed. 

What is Shotcrete?

Shotcrete is a method of applying cement. When somebody says shotcrete they mean the method of spraying cement at a high velocity to reach a certain compaction or density level. Shotcrete is applied wet as opposed to “gunite” which is applied dry. To make sure your pool is structurally sound, you want to make sure you’re working with a builder who follows the guidelines outlined by the American Concrete Institute (ACI) and the American Shotcrete Association. Both suggest wet-shot concrete should be water-tight and between 4,000 and 8,000 psi. We test and make sure our concrete strengths pass these standards. This ensures that your pool will not crack or leak and remain water-tight throughout its lifespan.

Benefits of Shotcrete Pools

  • Precision – Concrete is composed of 3 basic ingredients – sand, cement, and water. With shotcrete, the water, sand and cement are all pre-measured precisely at the factory and monitored as it’s poured into the truck. The concrete that is used to build your pool is consistent throughout.
  • No Rebound – When building with cement anything that falls off and hits the ground is called “rebound.” Using the rebound material forms a “cold joint” which has a high probability of failure. Pool builders who use the gunite process instead of the shotcrete often times knowingly or unknowingly use the rebound. With shotcrete there is no rebound, so the problem cannot occur.
  • Hard as a Rock – Shotcrete pools are harder than gunite pools. Gunite can be drilled through. Shotcrete is impenetrable.
  • Faster – Building a pool with a skilled shotcrete builder takes less time. This reduces cost and gets you and your family in the pool faster.

If you’re considering a custom in-ground pool give us a call and we’d be more than happy to answer any questions and give you a free estimate.  Currently, our Doughboy above ground pools and Bullfrog Spas are on clearance. Stop by either one of our stores and take advantage of the great deals we have going on.

New Location Opening Soon

We’re excited to announce that Phoenix Pools, your favorite Omaha pool company, now has TWO locations. In April, you’ll be able to find us at our second location in the Pacific Pointe Shopping Center. The shopping center is located fairly close to Elkhorn, Nebraska. We will now have stores conveniently located at each end of town! Here’s the official address:

Pacific Pointe Shopping Center
1405 South 204th Street
Suite 105
Omaha, NE 68022

Second Store Same Great Products

Our second store will be carrying the famous Bullfrog Spas Omaha has come to know us for. In-ground self-cleaning pools will be another product you can inquire about at our new location. We’ll also have our full line of pool and spa chemicals and supplies for both in-ground and above ground pools available.

 

Self Cleaning Pools  

As we mentioned, our in-ground self-cleaning pools are going to be a featured product at the second store location. A lot of people don’t even know such a thing exists. Well, it does, and we can build you one. The obvious benefit of a self-cleaning pool is… you don’t need to clean it! Or pay somebody to clean it. We use a system by Paramount called Vanquish. The system is built into the pool and is designed to clean the entire pool floor and walls. There’s not robots or anything that is aesthetically unpleasing. The cleaning nozzles retract into the pool when they are not cleaning. It’s guaranteed to clean 99% of your pool.

The cleaning nozzles, which are strategically placed shoot a strong stream of water which push all debris to the deepest part of the pool. Wall mounted down jets create a sweeping motion that pushes debris into the safety drain. From there, debris is transferred to a hidden collection canister. And just like that, in a matter of minutes, your pool is clean. In addition to having a clean pool, the system circulates the water more efficiently which reduces chemical use and heating costs.

Give us a call or come into the shop and we’d be more than happy to answer any of your questions. We look forward to seeing you!

Planning Ahead for Inground Pools

It may seem like an inappropriate time of year to talk about inground pools. But, just in case you’re considering giving your family an inground pool for the holidays – let’s talk about planning ahead for the summer months.

Planning and building a swimming pool isn’t something you should do on a whim. It’s a big-time investment that can both dramatically alter your landscape and lifestyle. Starting the discussion with our Omaha pool company in the spring won’t get you swimming by Memorial Day. So, consider the following:

  • If your space is suited for a pool – Is there enough room? Are you willing to give up a large portion of your yard?
  • Zoning restrictions
  • Budget
  • Time management for pool maintenance
  • Safety
  • Insurance

Figuring out the logistics and finding a trusted Omaha pool company to plan and install an inground pool takes some thought. Meeting with our inground pool experts can help kickstart ideas, or even assist in deciding if an inground pool is right for your family.

The planning and installation of an inground pool should be trusted to a professional with a large portfolio. Our Omaha pool company has planning and installed pools across the Omaha-metro, and we are marked by quality work and excellent customer service.

So, don’t wait until April to begin planning for an inground pool. Call our Omaha pool company today to begin the process, and maybe even surprise your loved-ones with the good news this holiday season!