fiberglass pool with diving board built on a sloped backyard in the south

fiberglass pool with diving board built on a sloped backyard in the south

Vinyl Liner & Fiberglass Pools for Arkansas

March 13th, 2024 by

Dubbed “The Natural State,” Arkansas is home to beautiful landscapes dotted with mountains, lakes, and dense forests. Miles from any beachfront and landlocked in the Heartland, Arkansas has hot, sticky summers and a humid subtropical climate. For Arkansans looking to cool off, an inground swimming pool can be a great way to escape the heat and have a little fun in the process.

Whether you live in one of the many rural or suburban enclaves throughout Arkansas, or in thriving urban areas like Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Fort Smith, there’s a pool that’s right for you, your family and your unique backyard setup.

That said, a pool is just one part of the entire package. To make the most of your pool, think about the area that will surround it and how decking, landscaping and other features can complement it. Do you picture yourself grilling up a storm while entertaining poolside guests? Or do see yourself basking on a luxurious tanning ledge, toes in the water, gazing out on your vegetable garden and climbing vines trailing up a shaded pergola? Think about everything you want your backyard to deliver and how your pool will fit into and enhance that vision! 

If you live in Arkansas and are considering an inground pool, we’ll walk you through examples of fiberglass and vinyl liner pools, share maintenance tips and thoughts on protecting your pool during Arkansas’ tornado season, and give you the scoop on various state and local regulations surrounding pool ownership in AR. Let’s dive in!

Fiberglass Pools in AR

Fiberglass pools are strong, durable and easy to maintain. And they’re pretty dang easy on the eyes, too! Their smooth, crystalline finish makes them comfortable underfoot when wading in. Best of all, because fiberglass pool shells are manufactured off-site and transported to an excavated area in your backyard, it can potentially speed up the installation process, allowing you to start enjoying your pool sooner. 

Learn more about the benefits of owning a fiberglass pool.

Designed to Resist Mold & Algae

Fiberglass pools are more than just a pretty face. They’re easy to maintain and their slick surface makes them less susceptible to algae and calcium build-up. Arkansas’ hot, humid climate can encourage algae growth, so having a pool that’s more resistant to this bane of every pool owner’s existence can enhance your enjoyment. 

Fiberglass Pool Designs to Suit Your Arkansas Backyard

Every homeowner – and their backyard – is different. Maybe you love the clean, classic lines of a rectangular fiberglass pool. Or perhaps the back-to-nature curves of a freeform pool speak to you, evoking the feel of a gently flowing stream plunked down in your backyard. Fiberglass pools come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. But when it comes to pool design, selecting a shape is just one part of the equation. You’ll want a pool that works with the layout of your backyard and your lifestyle. .

When planning your pool, think about how – and who – will use it: 

  • Do you have young children or teens? 
  • Will they bring friends over to use the pool? 
  • Will seniors or mobility compromised individuals use the pool? What features do they need to enjoy the pool safely? 
  • Do you want your pool to be the center of action in your backyard? Or will it share equal space alongside a garden or outdoor grilling/dining area? 
  • Do you enjoy entertaining? If so, how many people do you typically have at your backyard get-togethers? 
  • Do you plan to use your pool for exercise, relaxation or both?

Asking yourself these questions can help you find a pool that allows you to live your best backyard life. 

Adding an autocover to your pool package can also help you save on maintenance and energy costs. It can also add an extra layer of safety to prevent kids and pets from accidentally falling in when your pool is unattended. 

When planning your pool, be open to new ideas! You might initially be drawn to a particular style of pool. However, an independent pool builder may offer suggestions for a pool that may better work for your needs and with any property constraints. The ultimate goal is to give you a pool that you and your loved ones will enjoy for decades to come! 

Latham can help you build the pool of your dreams that works with nearly any backyard. Check out examples below of pools we’ve built throughout Arkansas. Even if you don’t see your dream pool here, it doesn’t mean it’s not possible! Contact a local independent builder to check out additional photos and videos of pools in their portfolio that might not yet be available online.

fiberglass pool in a southern backyard with safety fence
Freeform Fiberglass Pool | Photo courtesy of Brooks Malone, TN

Pool Ideas for Hilly or Uneven Backyards

Mountain ranges and lush forests cover more than half of Arkansas. The northwestern and western parts of Arkansas, in particular, are quite hilly thanks to the Ozarks and the Ouachita mountains, respectively located in those regions. For residents in cities within those areas, including Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Rogers, AK, vinyl liner pools can be a great option that can work with uneven terrain.

When choosing a new pool, it’s important to take stock of your backyard and any naturally occurring features. If you’re in close proximity to mountain ranges, your backyard may be slightly sloped or more rocky than others in flatter, plateau-type areas of the state. Considering how your geographic area and backyard features may impact your yard can help you make a smart choice for a pool that works with – not against – the natural elements of your yard and works with your terrain and lifestyle. 

For irregularly shaped yards, the curves of a freeform or kidney-shaped fiberglass pools can nestle nicely into your landscape. These shapes differ from model-to-model, giving you a more diverse range of options and flexibility to work with your space. 

For instance, the Aruba is a modern freeform pool that offers plenty of swim-up seating for entertaining guests, all in a compact 11’ x 22’ package. This makes it a great choice for folks with a smaller backyard or who may not want a big, “splashy” pool dominating the space. 

For those with uneven or irregularly shaped backyards that may want a bigger pool, the Genesis has a more narrow 16’ width and a longer 40’ length, offering ample space for add-ons or for getting in a good workout swimming laps! 

On the kidney-shaped side, the 12’ x 24’ St. Lucia or the slightly larger Valencia can be great options for relaxing, amping up the fun and working with the contours of your yard. 

In instances where your yard may have a steep incline or seriously rocky terrain lurking beneath your soil, it may require your pool builder to grade your land to help pave the path to a brand new fiberglass pool. However, a custom-made vinyl liner pool can be another option for those with irregular or sloped yards. Because vinyl liner pools can be designed to fit a given space and poured into place, they can offer greater flexibility compared to prefabricated styles. Your builder can help you learn more about your options, so keep an open mind! Ultimately, regardless of material or shape, your builder can help you find or design a pool that works with your yard and brings your wildest pool dreams to life. 

fiberglass pool with diving board built on a sloped backyard in the south
Genesis Shape | Photo courtesy of Brooks Malone, TN

Styles for Every Backyard: From Urban Centers to Rural Retreats

Arkansas is home to both urban areas, like Little Rock, Conway and Fayetteville, as well as more rural locales throughout the state, bordered by mountain ranges. Your personal style, as well as your geographic location may inform the type of pool you choose. 

For those in more densely-populated urban areas, you may have a smaller backyard. The sleek, straight lines of a compact rectangular pool – like the Enchantment 9.17 or the slightly larger Tuscan 11.20 – can offer plenty of built-in features like tanning-ledges and non-slip steps. For urban families with young children, these tanning ledges can also serve as a more shallow wading areas for kids to splash and play! 

Freeform pools, on the other hand, can look beautiful in a larger rural or suburban backyard. Depending on how lavish or understated your tastes may be, the gentle curves of a modern or traditional freeform pool can integrate into your space and give the impression of a natural pond, or erupt in a dazzling display of color and water arcs, outfitted with LED lights and water features. 

Compact freeform fiberglass models like the Bermuda can work well for smaller yards, while deluxe models like medium-sized Laguna Deluxe and larger Cancun Deluxe, have built-in spillover spas in addition to other fun and functional features. A spillover spa can be a great way to get even more use out of your pool when autumn chill sets in or for enjoying a moonlight soak after a long day.

Latham Fiberglass Phoenix | Pebble Beach inground pool
Fiberglass Phoenix in Pebble Beach | Photo courtesy of Brooks Malone, TN

Pool Designs to Complement Your Backyard and Lifestyle

Your backyard is an extension of your home. And as the crown jewel of your backyard, your pool is a reflection of your personality and ambiance of your home itself. The right features can help you get even more enjoyment out of your pool and help you transform your backyard into a welcoming oasis. 

Built-in features like a spillover spa or tanning ledge can help you enhance your enjoyment. However, hand-selected add-ons you choose can also help your pool fit your vision. For instance, if you live in a bustling area like Fort Smith, you might be accustomed to the sound of cars whizzing down the street, interrupting the solace of your backyard sanctuary. Custom features like a soothing waterfall or bubble jets can help mask the noise, while adding an element of excitement to your pool. 

On the flipside, for folks who live in more rural or suburban areas of Arkansas, the right add-ons can maximize the fun and create the right ambience. Owing to the fact that more than 56% of Arkansas is heavily forested, if you live in a region with heavy tree coverage, those shady oaks, hickories and hawthorns can block light – or deposit leaves and pollen into your pool, making it a bit of a bear to balance water chemistry. 

Features like pool lights and a fire pit can help enhance visibility for those in tree-lined rural areas, making it easier and safer for you and your guests to get in, out, and around your pool area. And while those features can add a warm and welcoming ambiance in addition to functionality, add-ons like an automatic pool cover can also serve a purpose by keeping your pool cleaner and reducing time spent skimming leaves out of your pool!

fiberglass pool at night with LED lights and tanning ledge in southern backyard
Freeform Fiberglass Pool | Photo courtesy of Brooks Malone, TN

Small Pool Designs for Urban Living

For Arkansas residents who live in vibrant, urban areas like the state capital of Little Rock or in Conway – “the city of colleges” – a smaller-sized pool can help you make the most of tighter spaces, with homes in closer proximity to one another. 

Compact cocktail pools and plunge pools like the Milan are ideal for those with small backyards living in urban city limits. Clocking in at a tidy 10’ x 16’, the Milan still offers ample space to float or swim laps, not to mention entertain guests! For those who crave a slightly more unusual shape, the 10’ x 20’ Jamaica packs a lot of pool into a neat kidney-shaped frame, bolstered by built-in features like swim-up seating and slip-resistant steps.

compact fiberglass pool in small southern backyard
Rectangular Fiberglass Pool | Photo courtesy of Columbia Pool and Spa, MO

Pools to Make the Most of Your Wide-Open Yard

For Arkansans living in suburban or rural areas, you might have the luxury of a bigger backyard, which can allow you to choose a bigger pool if you’d like. If you plan on entertaining or making your yard the place to be for family, friends and want to treat the kids to an outdoor water park smack dab in their own backyard, a larger pool can be a fantastic option. 

A style like the freeform Axiom 16 can fit the bill, stacked with pre-made features like beverage benches and a wide tanning ledge. Whether you have a young family and want a designated splash pad for little ones or are easing into your golden years, this large-and-in-charge model can be the perfect addition to your space. 

The St. Thomas is another excellent choice to consider, giving you ample room to swim and entertain in a sophisticated, streamlined rectangular shape. While still considered a large pool, the St. Thomas can also work well for Arkansas homeowners who prefer to incorporate their pool alongside a host of other backyard features, such as beautiful landscaping or gardens, as well as a covered patio to beat the heat! 

If you’re considering a larger pool, Arkansas is certainly the place to do it! Arkansas has the fourth-lowest cost of living in the US, boasting lower housing costs and utilities, as well as ranking among the top 10 states with the lowest property taxes. Not only does this offer more room in your budget for a pool, but the cost of running your filtration system can be lower across the lifetime of your pool. 

large fiberglass pool in spacious Missouri backyard
Freeform Fiberglass Pool | Photo courtesy of Bi-State Pool, MO

Inground Vinyl Liner Pools in AR

A vinyl liner pool can be an excellent and affordable choice for Arkansas residents looking to dip a toe in the cool waters of pool ownership. Durable, relatively easy to maintain and highly customizable, vinyl liner pools have a lot to offer! 

Why Choose Vinyl Liners for Your Backyard?

When exploring the benefits of a vinyl liner pool, their endless potential for customization is at the top of the list. With the Ozarks in the northwest and the Ouachitas in the west, many Arkansas residents have property that gives a breathtaking view of mountain ranges. While the scenery is beautiful, rocky and sloped terrain can sometimes pose a challenge to installing a pool. Thankfully, the highly-customized nature of a vinyl liner pool can offer Arkansans creative options to enjoy a pool that works with the contours of their backyard. 

Vinyl liner pools come in many of the same shapes as fiberglass models. But you’re not limited just to pre-fabricated designs! You can work with a builder to design a completely bespoke vinyl liner pool, selecting everything from liner colors and patterns to exciting features like bubble jets, LED pool lights and spacious tanning ledges. 

Despite being highly customizable, vinyl liner pools offer a budget-friendly option to pool ownership and can also be an attractive option to replace an older concrete or gunite pool. Although vinyl liner pools require slightly more maintenance than fiberglass models the extra effort is worth it when you factor in the overall cost savings. 

If you’re thinking about making a vinyl liner pool your own, feast your eyes on some of our favorite photos of vinyl liner pools that Latham has built throughout Arkansas. This is just a sampling of custom creations, meant to be a springboard for your imagination. Even if you don’t see your dream pool here, your local independent builder will have even more images and videos of vinyl liner pools in their portfolio to share! 

vinyl liner pool with custom water features in Missouri backyard
Vinyl Liner Pool | Photo courtesy of Pools Made Possible, MO

A Perfect Choice for Hilly or Forested Terrain

They don’t call Arkansas “The Natural State” for nothing! With vast mountain ranges like the Ozarks and Ouachitas overlooking miles of rich forestation and greenery covering over half the state, Arkansas is abundant with natural beauty. However, those majestic mountain ranges can sometimes translate to hilly, rocky terrain that can create obstacles to installing a pool.

Highly customizable inground vinyl liner pools can be a great way to work around those  barriers. Working with a knowledgeable pool builder can help make your backyard more hospitable to a new pool. Professional pool builders are well-versed in a variety of techniques, such as grading your yard to make it more level to support a pool or building a retainer wall. The end result is a pool that works with the natural features of your yard and gives you years of enjoyment!

large vinyl liner pool in sloped Missouri backyard
Vinyl Liner Pool | Photo courtesy of Bi-State Pool, MO

Adjust Your Vinyl Liner to Your Lifestyle

Vinyl liner pools are a great choice for those who may want to change their pool over time. As the years pass, you may want your pool to better match your changing lifestyle.  Vinyl liner pools allow you to add or subtract features that better meet your needs.

For instance, if you have young children, you may want your pool to feel like a thrilling poolside playground! Think: spouting water features, slides, and flashing LED lights designed to delight kids of all ages!

But once the kids have grown, you may want to turn your pool into a place for grown-ups to kick back and let their hair down. You can remove the slides and instead install a tanning ledge or swim-up seating.

If you’re thinking of giving a vinyl liner pool a makeover, be sure to time those upgrades to coincide with replacing your vinyl liner. This can help you save money and added maintenance, as any reshaping, adding or removing features can be invasive and would require you to remove and replace your liner anyway. 

Speaking of replacing your liner, a well-maintained vinyl liner can last approximately 10 years. Moreover, swapping out your liner for a new color or pattern can give your pool an entirely new look and feel at a fraction of the cost of other updates. 

In terms of overall cost savings, vinyl liner pools can’t be beat. They make an ideal replacement for older concrete or gunite pools, which can become rough and flaky with age. This porous texture isn’t just less-than-comfortable underfoot when wading in, but can make it more prone to algae overgrowth – especially given Arkansas’ hot, humid summers that create the conditions for algae to thrive in a pool, throwing off your water chemistry. Even a well-maintained concrete pool can be a drain on your finances, requiring a full resurfacing. If saving time on maintenance and money over the long haul is a priority for you, it may be time to renovate an older pool and consider upgrading to a vinyl liner pool instead. 

compact vinyl liner pool with waterslide in small Mississippi backyard
Vinyl Liner Pool | Photo courtesy of Reeds Paradise Pools, MS

Installing an Inground Pool in Arkansas

Mesmerized by the prospect of installing a new fiberglass pool? Or are you already dreaming of all of the custom features to include with a vinyl liner pool installation? Regardless of whichever type of material most appeals to you, a little planning and understanding what the process entails can go a long way. 

If you’re planning on building a pool in Arkansas, the summer months are typically the busiest time for builders. Planning ahead and starting your pool project within the window of November to March can not only ensure your pool is ready for you to enjoy when Mother Nature cranks up the heat in summer, but you may not be competing with other prospective pool owners clamoring for the skills of pool-building professionals. . 

Fortunately, even Arkansas winters are mild enough that the ground will likely not be frozen, with temperatures ranging between the low 50s and low 20s.

Covers and Winterizing Options for Arkansas Pools

Whether you choose a fiberglass or vinyl liner pool, budgeting to include a pool cover in your package can pay dividends! An automatic pool cover can help you save time on maintenance, as well as money on energy costs. Most importantly, a pool cover can help save lives. 

While an automatic cover is highly recommended for Arkansas residents, a winter pool cover is optional, given the state’s mild winters and 3.5” average snowfall. However, Arkansas isn’t without its surprises, having received a record-breaking 11.8” of snow in 2021! 

Do I need a cover for my pool?

Over 56% of Arkansas is covered in forests, with 11.9 billion trees dotting the landscape of “The Natural State.” And while this means beautiful springtime greenery and jaw-dropping fall foliage, it can also mean a deluge of leaves and pollen landing in your pool. An automatic pool cover can help you cut back on time spent on skimming pollen and fallen leaves. 

An autocover can also help you save between 50% to 70% on energy costs. It can also help you reduce water evaporation and the need to rebalance your water chemistry more often than not. 

But perhaps most important of all, autocovers can save lives, preventing kids and pets from accidentally falling in when your pool is unattended. It can also serve as an added layer of protection against uninvited guests hopping the fence and using your pool without your knowledge. 

If you’re working with a smaller pool budget, keep in mind that many rectangular pool models are autocover-ready. More intricate shapes, such as freeform pools, may require a custom-cut autocover, which can cost more than a prefabricated cover.

Do I need a winter pool cover in Arkansas?

While an autocover can provide a safety barrier and reduce maintenance and energy costs during prime time pool season, a winter pool cover is designed for use after you’ve closed your pool for the season. These covers are specially designed to fit your pool and protect it during colder months until you’re ready to reopen your pool next year. 

A winter pool cover is able to support the weight of a heavy snowfall that could potentially compromise the delicate mechanics of an autocover. And while Arkansas has mild winters and averages less than 4 inches of snow each year, recent years have seen almost a foot of snow deposited in major metropolitan areas like Little Rock. While those record-breaking piles are an outlier, investing in a winter pool cover can help protect your investment in the event of a major snowfall should nature throw Arkansas a curveball!

Maintaining Your Arkansas Pool

Both vinyl liner and fiberglass pools are beloved for their low-maintenance vibe. The result being, you get more time to splash around in your pool instead of caring for it. Depending on the type of material you choose for your new pool, your maintenance schedule and checklist can vary slightly.

Vinyl Liner Pool Maintenance

Vinyl pools require just a little more routine maintenance compared to fiberglass. However, the slightly extra TLC is worth it when you consider the cost savings. 

Each week, devote time to skimming your pool and testing your water’s chemical and pH levels. You’ll also want to give your liner a gentle scrubbing with a soft brush once per week. This can keep your liner from accumulating dirt that can detract from its appearance, as well as minimize potential for algae bloom. Your liner will thank you for it!

You can also be kinder to your liner by using only soft pool toys. Inflatable floats, foam pool noodles and beach balls are a few examples to keep the fun atmosphere flowing without fear of accidentally puncturing or tearing your liner in the process. 

Once each month, check your liner for any small tears. If you find any, patch them ASAP to prevent them from getting bigger, leading to a leaky liner.  

Take a look at our vinyl liner maintenance checklist to help you keep your pool looking its best! 

Fiberglass Pool Maintenance

One of the many benefits of a fiberglass pool is its ease of maintenance. Once each week, test and balance your pool’s water chemistry. You’ll also want to skim your pool and empty filter baskets. 

Every month during pool season, check your filter and back flush your filtration system. This will help keep your pump running smoothly so you can continue to enjoy your pool. 

For more helpful tips, check out our list of fiberglass pool maintenance tasks! 

Preparing Your Pool for Arkansas’ Tornado Season

Like many states in the Heartland, Arkansas experiences a tornado season, with an average of 39 twisters ripping through The Natural State annually. Tornado season in Arkansas reaches its peak in the spring between March and May, although tornadoes also touch down in fall. If you own a pool in Arkansas, an ounce of preparedness can help you better protect your pool and help to minimize damage. 

When a tornado looms, the most important action to take is to turn off all power to pool equipment, including your pump and filtration systems, pool lights, and heaters. Please note that this may not prevent damage to the equipment itself, but can help prevent serious electrical issues from happening. If you are able to relocate your pool equipment to a basement storage unit, that can also help minimize damage. At the very least, you can attempt to protect them with a secure waterproof covering. 

In the event of an advancing tornado, do not drain your pool water. It may seem like a good idea that will help maintain your water chemistry, draining your pool leaves it more vulnerable to scratches and scrapes. 

Similarly, do not store pool or patio furniture in your pool prior to a tornado. Instead, store any furniture that is not securely held in place either indoors or in a safe, enclosed area outdoors. 

After the storm has passed, remove any debris in or around your pool. You’ll also need to rebalance your water chemistry or even shock your pool

Factors to Consider When Determining the Cost of a Pool in Arkansas

The total cost to install an inground pool in Arkansas depends on a variety of factors. While your pool’s size and materials play a role, the total cost also includes decking, required fencing, landscaping and add-ons like fountains, slides and tanning ledges. 

You’ll also want to consider practical elements, like an autocover. While it’s an additional line item that contributes to the total cost of your pool, it can save you on energy costs and pool maintenance in the long run. 

While a new inground pool is a big purchase, Arkansas’s status as the state with the fourth-lowest cost of living in the country and lower utility costs can contribute to making it far more accessible than you think! Even if you don’t have the funds to pay for your pool up-front, you can explore financing options to help you start enjoying your pool today as you pay it off over time. 

Arkansas Regulations for Installing an Inground Pool

If you live in Arkansas and are planning for a new pool, it’s important to get a handle on state and local laws around pool ownership before taking the plunge. This can ensure your pool meets all safety requirements and regulations. 

State and local laws can change over time, so be sure to investigate these regulations for yourself. While there are laws that apply throughout Arkansas, your city, town or county may have additional pool regulations that may be more prohibitive. Consult with your local building office to be sure your pool meets the most recent codes. Working with a professional builder can also help you more easily navigate these building codes. 

Here are some of the most common questions we hear around state and local regulations for pools in Arkansas.

Do you need a permit for a pool in Arkansas?

While the state of Arkansas requires permits for commercial pools, it does not require them for residential pools. However, your city, town or county may require you to obtain the proper permits and licensing before breaking ground on your new pool. 

For instance, Maumelle, AR and Centerton, AR both require a permit for all inground swimming pools. (However, Centerton does not require permits for above-ground pools!) Similarly, Fort Smith, AR also requires a permit to construct a swimming pool, which will also need to be inspected. 

Hot Springs, AR requires a permit for any pool, including prefabricated models, that are more than 24 inches deep. This extends to hot tubs, spas, and above-ground pools, which are defined as “swimming pools” under state regulations. In addition, the city of Hot Springs also requires a permit from the Engineering Department for any retaining walls higher than 4 feet. So, if you are building a pool with a retaining wall as part of the structure (for instance, to grade sloped or rocky terrain), you’ll want to be sure you have an approved permit for this portion of your pool, as well. 

In Benton County, Arkansas you’ll need a pool permit, but may also need to have additional permits for decking and any utilities your pool may use, including electrical and plumbing permits. 

Be sure to look into any local Arkansas requirements for a pool in your area. Working with a licensed professional builder can also help you more easily navigate these laws and secure the proper permits. 

Do you need a fence around your pool in AR?

Arkansas requires that all residential pools must be completely surrounded by a fence or barrier at least 48 inches (4 feet) high. The state defines any structure that holds more than 24 inches (2 feet) of water as a swimming pool, which extends to spas, above-ground pools and jacuzzis. 

In addition to height requirements, Arkansas also has a variety of specifications for any spaces for vertical or diagonal openings depending on the type of material used to construct your fence (wood, vinyl, metal, chain link, etc.).  

Although this law applies throughout the state, be sure to check with your local building office to confirm any additional specifications your pool fence must meet, as different areas can have more stringent requirements. 

Do you need a cover for your pool in Arkansas?

While Arkansas does not universally require pool covers, there may be a few instances where a pool cover is listed as an option in order to meet regulations. For instance, if a wall of a home serves as part of a pool barrier Arkansas building codes require that that home owners either have a compliant automatic pool safety cover, that doors that provide direct access to the pool are equipped with a compliant alarm system that “produces an audible warning when the door and/or its screen, if present, are opened” or that another layer of protection is installed, including self-closing and self-latching doors. 

In addition, your local municipality may have their own requirements. For example, Paragould, AR has several laws on their books around proper pool usage and maintenance in order to reduce the likelihood of attracting mosquitoes. Paragould requires that any pool that has water that does not circulate for more than 12 out of 24 hours must have a pool cover. In addition, the city requires that “water must not be allowed to accumulate and stand on the pool cover between April 1st and October 31st. 

Check into any local laws in your neck of the woods in Arkansas to be sure you do not require an approved pool cover in order for your pool to remain up-to-code!

How far away does your pool have to be from your home in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, the distance between a swimming pool and a home may vary depending upon a number of factors, including the size of your property and best practices to ensure “that drainage from the surrounding area will not wash contamination into the pool/spa during rains.” 

Cities and towns throughout Arkansas – including such areas as Jonesboro and Little Rock, among others – have their own zoning standards related to location and setback requirements. Be sure to check with your local building office to confirm how far your pool needs to be from your home and any neighboring property lines. A licensed professional pool builder can help you better understand your responsibilities and ensure your pool meets local requirements.

Enjoying Your Arkansas Pool

Arkansas has a mild year-round climate, with the exception of hot, humid summer weather. Although “The Natural State” often tops out at under 4 inches of snow each year, Arkansas isn’t immune to cold snaps and occasional getting dumped on with close to a foot of snow, however rare.

In Arkansas, pool season can start in late spring – as early as March or April. For those with heated pools or spillover spas, you can manage to squeeze in some extra pool time, keeping the party going until late October or early November. Who needs to visit the Hot Springs when you have one in your own backyard!

To help you make the most out of your pool through all seasons in Arkansas, here are a few tips to keep in mind: 

  • Spring: Arkansas is heavily forested, which makes for beautiful scenery from nearly any vantage point in the state. However, more trees means more pollen when greenery is in bloom. If you’re starting pool season early in spring, be sure to be diligent about skimming your pool regularly to remove floating pollen grains, as they can clog your pol filter or contribute to algae growth.
  • Fall: A heated pool can help you extend pool season until late October or early November. A fiberglass model with a spillover spa or a heating element can help you enjoy your pool longer. Just be sure to stay on top of routine maintenance tasks, as fall foliage can deposit leaves in your water, making things messy and potentially contributing to algae bloom. An autocover can give you an added layer of protection from autumn leaves landing in your pool and making your maintenance regimen a little leaner!
  • Winter: Before cold temperatures set in, plan to close and winterize your pool for the season. Take care to remove all air from water lines and pool equipment to prevent cracks or leaks under freezing conditions. Although many pool owners choose to close their pool themselves, you can also recruit a professional to help you properly winterize your pool. 

Arkansas Pool FAQs

What type of inground pool is best for Arkansas?

There is no right or wrong answer to what pool is best for you if you live in Arkansas. Both fiberglass and vinyl liner pools are stacked with their own merits. Rather, it’s just a matter of what appeals to you now and in the future, as well as any property constraints.

Fiberglass pools can be a great option for those who want a pre-made pool shell that helps them get the fun started sooner and keep it going with a low maintenance schedule.

For those who value the ability to fully customize every aspect of their pool, vinyl liner pools can be a great option. Similarly, if you live near any of Arkansas’ fabulous mountain ranges, in a hilly or rocky part of the state, vinyl liner pools can work exceptionally well in circumstances where your backyard is less-than-level.

Arkansas Inground Pool Installation Areas

If you’re thinking of buying a new pool, Latham has the experience and options to help you make it happen. We’ve helped countless homeowners throughout Arkansas build the pool of their dreams, including those in: 

  • Beebe, AR
  • Fayetteville, AR
  • Hot Springs, AR
  • Jonesboro, AR
  • Siloam Springs, AR

Start Building a Pool for Your Arkansas Backyard Today

A new pool can be a great place to start making years of happy memories with friends and loved ones – all without leaving the comforts of your own backyard. Speak with a professional builder today to become one of the many happy Arkansas residents who love their Latham pool. 

Contact us to learn more today.

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A unique group of talented individuals with years of industry experience, the Latham Editorial Team brings together the best and the brightest in order to deliver diverse perspectives on how to make your backyard the center of your Latham lifestyle.

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