Picture it: It’s a typically hot, humid South Carolina summer. The smell of coconut suntan lotion, pool water, and BBQ sauce permeate your backyard. You hear children’s laughter and water splashing, alongside excited yells for the home team during the summer pre-season. (Doesn’t matter if you’re cheering for the Gamecocks or Tigers, so long as you’re having fun!) Exhausted from a long afternoon of going whole hog on the BBQ, you kick back with a cold drink on an inflatable float, taking it all in from the comfort of your glorious inground swimming pool.
An inground swimming pool can be a great way to beat the heat – and beat the crowds on many of South Carolina’s tourist-saturated beaches. While you’re daydreaming of making a brand new pool a reality, remember that your pool is just one part of the bigger picture. Consider all of the little details that make your pool an extension of your home, including decking and landscaping, as well as a place to cookout or a place to get some shade – like a well-placed hammock under a canopy or an eye-catching gazebo.
You’ll also want to think about what features your pool should have in order to make the most of it. A heating element or spillover spa can warm your water when cool weather hits, while an automatic pool cover can reduce energy costs and maintenance.
Whether you’re a native South Carolinian contemplating making an inground pool a vibrant part of your backyard space in Columbia or Greenville, or a part-time transplant with a vacation home in Myrtle Beach, we’ll walk you through the ins and outs of choosing a fiberglass or vinyl liner pool in SC. We’ll cover different pool types, maintenance tips and important state and local regulations around pool ownership in SC. Let’s dive in!
Fiberglass Pools for SC
More than just breathtaking to behold, fiberglass pools are known for their strength, durability and ease of maintenance. For people who have a vacation home in South Carolina, low-maintenance fiberglass pools may be an excellent choice, given that they’re not around to tend to their pool as often as full-time SC residents.
Their smooth surface makes fiberglass pools a treat for the feet when wading in. Because fiberglass pool shells are manufactured off-site and transported into an excavated area in your backyard, prefabricated fiberglass pools can be installed faster. That means less time waiting around and more time splashing around!
Learn more about the benefits of owning a fiberglass pool.
Mold and Algae-Resistant
South Carolina’s hot, humid summers practically beg for a pool, giving residents a place to cool off. However, the Palmetto State’s balmy climate can create ideal conditions for pools to more easily develop algae and mold. All the more reason why fiberglass pools are an attractive option. Fiberglass pools’ smooth surface makes them less susceptible to algae and calcium deposits clinging to their surface. Additionally, a well-maintained vinyl liner pool also stands an excellent chance at remaining algae- and mold-resistant.
Inground Fiberglass Pools Designed for the Lowcountry
Do you love the clean, classic lines of a rectangular fiberglass pool? Or maybe a freeform pool – with its winding curves that mimic the look of a natural stream – speak to your personal pool aesthetic? Fiberglass pools come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. But when it comes to pool design, choosing a shape is just one part of the equation.
Whether you live in the lowcountry of South Carolina – places like Bluffton, Hilton Head or Ridgeland – or in bustling areas like Charleston and Spartanburg, at Latham, we firmly believe that there’s a pool for every home. In order to find the right pool for your needs, think about what you want to get out of your pool. How will it complement your lifestyle and deliver the most enjoyment?
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 safety features might you need in order for everyone to enjoy your pool safely? What features do they need to be able to enjoy the pool safely?
- How often do you plan to use your pool? Will this be for a vacation home or your permanent residence?
- Do you want your pool to be the focal point of your backyard? Or do you want to incorporate it alongside other features like an outdoor grilling station or garden?
- 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?
You’ll also want to balance those considerations with any of the natural features of your backyard, such as a smaller or sloped yard. Beyond any property constraints, think about “the finished picture” of your ideal pool and any landscaping features or required fencing or decking. For instance, South Carolina requires all pool owners to have a fence surrounding their pool to help protect against unauthorized use. So, you’ll want to be sure your pool budget includes funds for a fence that meets state and local requirements.
Adding an autocover to your pool package can also serve as a convenient safety barrier to prevent kids and pets from accidentally falling in when your pool is unattended. This is especially helpful if you own a vacation property in South Carolina and are not there to monitor your pool at all times. An autocover can also help you save on maintenance, by reducing water evaporation and maintenance. Over 67% of South Carolina is covered in trees. With that in mind, an autocover can help keep leaves and pollen out of your pool, reducing the risk of pool algae and pollen clogging your filters. Given Tennessee’s abundance of greenery – and that a backyard tree can offer natural cover from hot summer sun when enjoying your pool – an autocover can also help lessen time spent skimming fallen leaves and pollen from the surface of your pool.
While you may have an ideal pool shape and vision in mind, it’s important to be open to new ideas. When working with a licensed professional pool builder, they may help you realize that a different pool shape or size may work better with your backyard and give you what you want out of it.
Latham can help you design a pool that works with nearly any type of yard. Below, you’ll see examples of some of our favorite pools we’ve built throughout South Carolina. And even if you don’t see something that resembles your ideal pool, that doesn’t mean it’s not possible! Contact a local independent builder to see even more photos and videos of pools in their portfolio.
Considerations for a Smaller Pool
A small pool has just as much fun and enjoyment to offer as a larger pool. From budget to space to less pool to take care of, there are a variety of reasons why a small pool can be an attractive option for South Carolina homeowners.
For instance, folks who live in larger, more densely populated areas of the state may have smaller backyards. A small pool, like the 10’ x 20’ kidney-shaped Jamaica can easily tuck into a smaller space, while still sporting exciting features like a swim-up seating that doubles as a beverage bench. It also has slip-resistant steps, making it a great fit for older or mobility-compromised individuals.
Another reason to consider a smaller pool is your stage of life. Many retirees dipping a toe into the waters of inground swimming pool ownership gravitate towards smaller models because it means less pool to take care of. A smaller pool means treating yourself to a luxury item that you can enjoy in your golden years. Not only does it give you a place to enjoy the water without hauling all of your stuff to the beach, but it’s a great incentive for the grandkids to visit and play in the pool!
For instance, the rectangular-shaped 12’ x 25’ Corinthian can be a great option, with swim-up seating, and slip-resistant steps. Its ultra-wide top step can serve as either a tanning ledge or a wading area for smaller kids – or anyone who doesn’t want to get too wet!
Additionally, if you own a vacation home in South Carolina, a pool can make your home more attractive to renters. However, if you are planning on renting out your home and allowing visitors to use the pool, be sure that you carefully review any state and local laws around pool safety – including proper maintenance and fencing, as well as how doing so may impact your insurance policy and any leasing agreements.
Considerations for a Larger Pool
If you have the space for it, a large pool can be a fantastic addition to your backyard. For instance, if you live in a suburban enclave or rural part of South Carolina, you may have a bigger backyard, giving you ample room to install a pool with plenty of space to spare for gorgeous landscaping, a vegetable garden and even a set of swings for kids to enjoy. If you live in South Carolina year round, a large pool with add-ons like a spillover spa, like either the Astoria or Cancun Deluxe, can help you take advantage of the state’s mild climate and get more use out of your pool through the seasons.
On the flip side, if you only live in SC part-time and rent out your vacation home as a beach house to tourists, a big pool can be a great way to stand out among the crowd of rental properties and attract more bookings. The freeform Caribbean can be an outstanding option for a large pool that offers built-in swim-up seating, as well as ample room for add-ons if you choose.
Another reason to consider a larger pool is South Carolina’s lower cost of living and its status as one of the Top 10 lowest taxed states, with lower taxes on property, personal income, and purchases than many other states throughout the US. This can make purchasing a pool a more attractive option, with lower taxes at the point of sale compared to other states.
Pools for Irregular or Sloped Yards in SC
South Carolina has a variety of terrain scattered throughout. While areas like Charleston are typically flat – with some parts of this thriving historical and tourist town actually sitting below sea level, parts of upstate South Carolina (including Spartanburg, Gaffney and Rock Hill) are dotted with mountainous terrain. Even cities like Columbia, smack dab in the middle of the state, feature gently rolling hills. While beautiful to look at, hilly terrain can sometimes pose a challenge to installing a pool.
For irregularly shaped yards, freeform and kidney-shaped fiberglass pools can be a great choice. These pools differ from model-to-model, each with their own unique curves and contours, giving you more options to find one that works with your backyard measurements. For example, the modern freeform Coronado has a narrow 15’ width and longer 34’ length, offering lots of room to play alongside ample swim-up seating and slip-resistant steps.
Smaller irregularly shaped yards can benefit from more compact freeform or kidney-shaped offerings. For instance, kidney-shaped St. Lucia features elegant non-slip wedding cake tiered steps (that are non-slip!) with more than enough space to install fun, add-on features.
If your backyard has rocky terrain lurking beneath the soil or sits on a slope, a professional builder can grade your land or install a retaining wall to make it more hospitable to installing a fiberglass pool. However, in some instances, a vinyl liner pool may be another excellent, more economical option for folks with less-than-level backyards.
Your builder can work with you to educate you on your options. The important thing is to keep your options open. Whether you wind up with a beautiful fiberglass or vinyl liner pool, your builder can help you make sure your pool delivers all the fun and enjoyment you want from it in the years to come.
Inground Vinyl Liner Pools in SC
Inground vinyl liner pools are another excellent option for South Carolinians in the market for a new pool. Known for their durability and low maintenance, vinyl liner pools also offer oodles of customization potential.
Vinyl Liner Pool Designs for Lowcountry Homes
Whether you live in the southernmost part of South Carolina in the coastal Lowcountry or in upstate SC with its breathtaking hills, vinyl liner pools are a budget-friendly option to owning a pool that can work with nearly any type of terrain. In addition to being an economical investment, vinyl liner pools’ flexibility of design lend themselves to custom upgrades like tanning ledges, multiple entry points and even diving boards or water features. You can have the pool of your dreams, leaving more room in your budget for add-ons while still reaping all the benefits of a vinyl liner pool.
Benefits of Vinyl Liner Pools for South Carolina Homes
There are almost countless benefits to choosing a vinyl liner pool. Not only are they affordable, but they’re highly customizable. You can work with a professional builder to customize the look of your pool, choosing everything from its shape and size to liner colors and patterns.
Although vinyl pools come in many of the same shapes and sizes as their fiberglass counterparts, these pre-designed options can serve as a starting point for your imagination to run wild. Your builder can help you select add-ons that will help you get the most excitement out of your pool, including pool lights, multiple entry points and thrilling water features.
Their highly customizable nature also makes vinyl liner pools a perfect fit for irregularly shaped or sloped yards. These pools are poured into place and designed to work with the natural contours of your space.
Vinyl liner pools also are relatively easy to maintain. Although they require slightly more maintenance than a fiberglass model, they require considerably less maintenance compared to older materials like concrete or gunite.
When you factor in the cost savings of a vinyl liner pool, the slightly extra effort is worth it. Not only are vinyl liner pools a less-expensive option up-front, they translate to greater savings in the long run. Older concrete pools require resurfacing once every 10 years, as these materials are porous, more prone to developing algae, and can get rough and chalky with age. By contrast, a well-maintained vinyl liner can last roughly 10 years, but you can replace it sooner. It’s a much less costly proposition to replace a liner than to resurface an entire pool!
Take a look at some of our favorite vinyl liner pools throughout South Carolina. These are just a few examples of dream pools that the Latham team has brought to life. And if you don’t see an example that speaks to you, don’t worry! A visit to your local builder can help you unearth even more images and videos of custom vinyl liner pool creations not found online just yet.
Flexible Designs for Any Lifestyle
A vinyl liner pool is equally at home in crowded neighborhoods, as it is in more spacious rural backyards. One of the most attractive features of a vinyl liner pool is its unparalleled flexibility to work with any homeowner’s lifestyle – both now and in the future.
With a vinyl liner pool, you’re not locked into a particular size or shape forever. You can also easily remove and add new features in time. For instance, if your kids want a water park of their very own, a vinyl liner pool makes it easy to add slides, a diving board and fabulous fountain features to turn your pool into a fun-filled hub of activity. When the kids are grown and have flown the nest, you can remove a slide and replace it with a tanning ledge or other features more conducive to entertaining guests.
If you want a larger or smaller pool down the line, a vinyl liner pool can also give you that option. This makes them an attractive option for vacation home, especially if you purchase a South Carolina residence as a vacation home, then decide to retire and enjoy The Palmetto State year round. A vinyl liner pool can accompany you through any season of life, able to provide you with many joyful, lively, and even relaxing moments at every turn.
Transforming or Replacing Your Current Pool
If you purchased a home with an older concrete or gunite pool, a vinyl liner pool can be an ideal replacement if you decide it’s time to renovate an older pool.
Typically, even the best-kept concrete pools can be costly and challenging to maintain. Because concrete pools are porous, they’re more susceptible to developing algae. Not only can algae leave behind unsightly stains on your pool’s surface, but it can make it more difficult to balance its water chemistry. They also need to be resurfaced periodically to get rid of that rough, chalky feel and protect your pool from developing algae.
When should you replace your vinyl liner or update your pool?
A well-maintained vinyl liner can last for up to 10 years. If your liner develops a small rip or a tear, it can be patched. Larger tears can lead to leaks and should be replaced immediately, as a leak can throw off the balance of your water chemistry.
While you can expect to swap out your liner once every 10 years, vinyl liner pools do not require resurfacing the way concrete or gunite pools do. This translates to lower cost in the long haul with a new vinyl liner pool.
In addition to needing to change your pool, there are times where you may want to make changes to your pool. Lifestyle changes, aesthetic evolution, and wanting either a smaller or large pool can prompt you to consider a renovation project. Vinyl liner pools are a great choice for those who may want to add or subtract features over time, or even change your pool’s shape. These tweaks may require additional excavation and reshaping, but vinyl liner pools can give you added flexibility for your changing tastes and lifestyle.
As a tip to save you time and money, be sure to plan any pool upgrade or renovation projects alongside replacing your vinyl liner. Add-ons such as adding pool lights, new steps and other features are invasive. In order to make those changes, your pool professional would need to remove and replace your liner anyway. A little planning ahead can go a long way!
Installing Your Inground Pool in SC
Whether you’re leaning towards a fiberglass pool or dreaming of a vinyl liner pool, it’s a good idea to be prepared for what a new pool installation entails. We’ll walk you through some of what you can expect throughout the installation process.
Installing a Fiberglass Pool
One of the best parts of opting for a fiberglass pool is how quickly they can be installed. Fiberglass pool shells are manufactured off-site and transported to a newly-excavated space in your backyard. That means less time that you have to spend with your backyard looking like an archaeological site and more time you get to spend enjoying your beautiful new pool once it’s installed!
Learn more about the fiberglass pool installation process.
Installing a Vinyl Pool
Installing a vinyl liner pool starts with measuring your yard to create a precise, custom build that works with the contours of your yard. It ends with filling the pool with water to help seal your liner into place. In between, you’ll see your pool taking shape – and your building team digging up your backyard to properly situate your pool. But in the end, it will all be worth it when you find yourself enjoying your pool year after year!
Learn more about vinyl liner pool installation.
Rules and Regulations for Installing an Inground Pool in South Carolina
If you live in South Carolina and are planning to install a brand new pool – congratulations! But before you take your first celebratory splash, it’s important to understand some of the state and local requirements for owning a pool throughout the Palmetto State.
Because state and local laws periodically change, it’s important to do your homework to better understand your responsibilities as a good pool-owning citizen even before the construction process begins. Although South Carolina has overarching laws that apply to the entire state, your city, town or municipality may have additional regulations around pool ownership that may be even more stringent than those of the state.
Consult with your local building office to get more information on these laws and ensure your pool is compliant. Working with a licensed professional builder can also help you better understand any state and local regulations so that your pool is up-to-code.
To help you start your research, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common questions we hear around pool ownership in South Carolina.
How far does a pool need to be from the house in South Carolina?
The distance between your swimming pool and home varies depending on where you live in South Carolina. Different cities, towns and jurisdictions have their own requirements and many of these laws are dependent upon the size of your property.
For instance, Aiken, SC requires that all residential swimming pools must be located in either the side yard or rear yard of a residence and “shall be set back not less than ten feet from the side or rear lot line.” In certain districts, the city’s Planning Director determines the specific distance a pool can be set back from side and rear lot lines, depending on how the rest of the property lot is used, the scale of the pool and its proximity to adjoining lots.
Given that state laws around pool ownership can change at any time and that requirements can vary from town to town, it’s important to check with your local building office to confirm how far your pool needs to be from your home and any neighboring property lines. Working with a knowledgeable professional pool builder can help you better navigate these requirements and ensure your new pool is compliant.
Do I have to have a fence around my pool in South Carolina?
South Carolina pool fence regulations require that all residential pools must be surrounded by a fence or barrier. The state’s definition of a residential swimming pool encompasses any water-containing vessel that can hold more than 24 inches (2 feet) of water. This definition applies to inground swimming pools, above-ground pools and even spas, hot tubs or jacuzzis with a depth of more than 2 feet.
How tall does a fence around a pool have to be in South Carolina?
Throughout the state of South Carolina, all private residential swimming pools must be completely surrounded by a fence or barrier at least 48 inches (4 feet high). Although this law blankets South Carolina, be sure to check with your local building office, as your city or town may have additional requirements around pool fencing.
For instance, the city of Columbia, SC has more specific guidance around compliant fencing, noting that any openings in a fence or barrier should not be wide enough to allow a four-inch diameter sphere to pass through them. Similarly, Columbia also has strict requirements around maximum mesh size for chain link fencing surrounding a pool, requiring that mesh size “shall be a 2 ¼-inch square unless the fence is provided with slats fastened at the top or the bottom, which reduce the openings to no more than 1 ¾ inches.”
Do you have to have a permit for a pool in South Carolina?
Not only do you need to have a permit to construct a pool in South Carolina, but a state law passed in 2023 requires additional licensing to construct a pool. In order to build or repair a residential pool, builders must hold either a general contractor license with a “Swimming Pools” classification or a license from the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission.
In addition to obtaining a permit and working with a pool professional who is properly licensed in the state of South Carolina, you may also want to consult with your local municipality around additional permits that may be required.
For example, Goose Creek, SC requires additional zoning, electric, plumbing and HOA permits, while Charleston requires separate electrical, gas, and sub permits to construct a residential pool. Similarly, Lexington, SC requires electric and gas permits for any in-ground swimming pool that may use a pump, heater, or motor. The city also requires inspections to ensure gas lines, electrical sub panel and power installations, as well as an approved bonding grid are up-to-code.
Some areas, such as Summerville, SC also require residents to submit a building plan for review and inspection before construction begins. They advise that this can take up to three weeks, depending on volume, weather and other factors.
Do your homework beforehand to ensure your pool meets all state and local regulations. Working with a licensed professional builder can also help you more easily navigate these laws and obtain the correct permits.
Pool Covers and Winterizing Options to Protect Your Pool
Whether you choose a fiberglass or vinyl liner pool, be sure to save room in your budget for an automatic pool cover. There are numerous benefits to automatic pool covers, including savings on energy costs, maintenance, and an added layer of protection against accidents.
Given that over 67% of South Carolina is heavily forested, an autocover can help reduce time spent on skimming leaves and pollen off the surface of your pool. If left unattended, leaves and pollen can contribute to algae growth in your pool – especially important since South Carolina’s hot, humid temperatures create prime conditions for algae bloom. Even for part-time residents with a summer home in SC, an autocover can prevent you from having to spend your vacation getting your pool in shape instead of actually enjoying it.
An autocover can also help you save between 50% to 70% on energy costs, accompanied by the added benefit of reducing water evaporation and the need to rebalance your water chemistry.
Most importantly, autocovers can save lives, preventing kids and pets from accidentally falling in when your pool is unattended. An automatic pool cover can also help prevent uninvited guests from hopping your fence and using your pool without permission. 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.
Winter covers are used to close your pool for the season. These covers are specially designed to fit your pool and protect it during colder months until pool season begins again the following spring. While automatic pool covers can help make your pool safer and more energy-efficient, they aren’t made to support the weight of a heavy snowfall that could potentially compromise the delicate mechanics of an autocover.
That said, South Carolina has mild winters. In the Lowcountry, residents typically see less than an inch of snow each year – if at all. The northeastern part of the state sees considerably more snow – although it’s still less than one foot of snow each year.
How to Maintain Your South Carolina Pool
Both vinyl liner and fiberglass pools require minimal upkeep. Depending on the type of material you choose for your new pool, your maintenance schedule and checklist can vary in order to keep your pool looking and running its best.
Fiberglass Pool Maintenance
One of the reasons why fiberglass pools are so beloved (beyond their striking good looks) is that they’re low maintenance. Set aside time each week for routine maintenance tasks, including testing your pool’s water chemistry, emptying filter baskets and skimming your pool. Periodically, you’ll want to check your filter and back flush your filtration system to keep it in good working order.
Although South Carolina has very mild winters, many residents choose to close their pools in late fall, preparing for colder weather. Even if your area receives little to no snowfall, if your pool isn’t winterized and water removed from its pipes, freezing temperatures can damage them. When it’s time to close your pool for the season, be sure to follow best practices for pool winterization to avoid any hiccups with reopening your pool the following spring.
For more helpful tips, check out our checklist of fiberglass pool maintenance tasks!
Vinyl Liner Pool Maintenance
Although vinyl liner pools require slightly more maintenance than their fiberglass counterparts, the extra effort is well worth it when it comes to their cost savings. Once you get the hang of them, weekly maintenance tasks like skimming and testing your water’s chemical and pH levels are a cinch!
You’ll also want to set aside time each week to give your pool a gentle scrubbing with a soft-bristled brush. This can help keep dirt and algae from staining your liner, as well as preventing algae bloom and calcium deposits. While fiberglass pools are often touted for their resistance to mold and algae, a well-maintained vinyl liner can give you comparable resistance to these banes of every pool owner’s existence. Just be sure to stay on top of weekly skimming and give your pool a gentle-yet-thorough scrubbing to keep algae away!
Periodic or monthly tasks, such as checking your liner for leaks, are also relatively simple and help you stay on top of keeping your pool and liner in good condition.
Beyond routine maintenance, you can prolong the life of your liner by making sure to only use soft pool toys. Think foam pool noodles, beach balls, and inflatable floats to pump up the fun without accidentally puncturing or tearing your liner.
For more tips, download our vinyl liner maintenance checklist to help you keep your pool sparkling!
South Carolina Inground Pool Costs
The cost to install an inground pool in South Carolina can vary based on a number of factors. Your pool’s size and materials are just one part of the equation. The total cost of a pool package also includes decking, coping and any add-ons that you envision will help you maximize enjoyment, including tanning ledges, water features or a spillover spa.
When budgeting for your pool, you’ll also want to take into account practical features that are either required by state and local ordinances, or that can help make caring for your pool a lot easier. For instance, South Carolina requires that all pools must be surrounded by a fence or barrier at least 48 inches (4 feet) high. And while it’s not required by the state, a pool cover can deliver a return on investment in terms of saving money on energy costs and saving time on pool maintenance.
Purchasing a pool is a sizable investment. However, South Carolina’s lower cost of living and lower sales and property taxes make it an attainable goal. And even if you don’t have the savings to purchase a pool today, there are multiple financing options available to help you start enjoying a pool now and paying later.
Enjoying South Carolina Pools Through the Seasons
South Carolina has long, hot and humid summers with the southernmost Lowcountry enjoying subtropical temperatures year-round. Even in the northeastern part of the state, temperatures are relatively mild and winters are typically accompanied by less than a foot of snow each year.
That said, South Carolina winters still aren’t quite warm enough to keep your pool open year round, past October. Adding a heater or spillover spa to your pool can help you extend pool season into fall, allowing you to enjoy your pool in cooler weather. Additionally, features like pool lights can also up the ante in terms of enjoyment, especially when daylight hours are shorter or when using your pool after sundown.
In addition to incorporating features that can help you squeeze in as much pool time as possible, here are a few seasonal pool maintenance tips for South Carolinians:
- Spring: South Carolina is loaded with beautiful trees and foliage. That means heavy pollen when greenery is in full bloom. In addition to triggering allergies, pollen can clog your pool filter. Be sure to skim off any of these tiny, yellow or green rice-like pollen grains as soon as possible, as they can clog your pool filter or contribute to algae growth.
- Fall: A heated pool can help you maximize your pool time, extending the season until late October or even early November if you’re lucky! Choosing a fiberglass model that has a spillover spa or adding one to a vinyl liner pool can help you enjoy your pool when autumn weather sets in before it’s time to close up shop for winter. If you live in a heavily forested area in South Carolina, be sure to continue your weekly skimming routine, fishing out any fallen leaves. If left in your pool, leaves can contribute to algae growth and throw off the balance of your water chemistry. An autocover can also help prevent leaves from accumulating on the surface of your pool.
- Winter: When it’s time to close your pool for winter, make sure to remove all air from water lines and pool equipment. Although many South Carolina pool owners close their pool themselves, you can also recruit a professional to help you properly winterize your pool. This is especially helpful if you have a summer vacation home in South Carolina and may not be there to attend to your pool yourself.
South Carolina Pool FAQs
What type of inground pool is best for South Carolina?
There’s no right answer as to what type of inground pool is best for South Carolina residents. Both fiberglass and vinyl liner pools have their merits and substantial benefits. Rather, the best pool is one that offers you the most enjoyment.
Fiberglass pools have a smooth surface, making them less susceptible to algae bloom. This is especially meaningful given South Carolina’s hot, humid climate creates optimum conditions for algae to develop. And because fiberglass pools are prefabricated off-site before being transported and installed to an excavated spot in your backyard, it can speed up installation times.
If properly maintained, vinyl liner pools can offer similar resistance to developing mold or algae bloom. Stick to a regular maintenance schedule to keep your vinyl liner pool looking beautiful and staying algae-free! Another area vinyl liner pools can be a great option for South Carolina residents, is in instances of those who have a sloped backyard or rocky terrain lurking beneath their soul. Because vinyl liner pools can be fully customizable, they’re also ideal for homeowners who may want to change the look and shape of their pool over time, adding or subtracting features to accommodate lifestyle changes.
When should I close my pool in South Carolina?
Even though South Carolina has mild winters, temperatures still aren’t quite warm enough to keep your pool open year-round. Most residents close their pools in October or late fall. Even if you live in a part of the state that receives little to no snowfall, colder temperatures can damage your pool’s pipes if you don’t properly winterize your pool. Taking care to close your pool before colder weather can ensure a smooth reopening when spring rolls back around!
South Carolina Inground Pool Installation Access
If you live in South Carolina and are dreaming of a brand new pool, Latham has the expertise and options to help you make that dream a reality. We’ve helped countless homeowners throughout South Carolina, including those in:
- Charleston, SC
- Colombia, SC
- Florence, SC
- Myrtle Beach, SC
- Lake City, SC
- Hartsville, SC
- Lancaster, SC
- Awendaw, SC
- Summerville, SC
- Beaufort, SC
- Lexington, SC
- Augusta, SC
Start Building a Pool for Your South Carolina Backyard Today
A new pool can give your backyard even more character and help you make countless memories with loved ones. Speak with a licensed professional builder today to become one of the many happy South Carolinians who love their Latham pool.
Contact us to learn more today.
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