Blog | Sacramento Pools & Spas

Close-up comparison of pool surface finishes showing blue pebble texture transitioning to beige/tan pebble texture, demonstrating different color options for pool plaster.

Sacramento Pool Resurfacing: Smooth Plaster or Textured Aggregate Finishes?

by pooltime
Jan 30, 2026
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The texture revelation came for a family in Elk Grove when they visited two neighbor pools on the same day. The first had traditional smooth plaster that felt pleasant but showed every water spot and stain. The second featured NPT StoneScapes Mini Pebbles with a natural texture that felt amazing underfoot and somehow made the […]

A sunny backyard pool with curved edges, a red umbrella, and small waterfalls near a wooden fence.

Energy-Efficient Pool Equipment ROI Sacramento: Why Upgrades Pay for Themselves

by pooltime
Jan 23, 2026
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When customers ask me about pool equipment upgrades, they usually start with the upfront costs. I get it – nobody wants to spend money unnecessarily. But after three decades of installing efficient pool equipment in Sacramento, I’ve learned something that might surprise you: these aren’t expenses, they’re investments that typically pay for themselves within 2-5 […]

A close-up of blue pool tiles showing calcium buildup along the waterline.

Pool Tile Cleaning Sacramento: Understanding Hard Water Challenges & Professional Solutions

by pooltime
Jan 17, 2026
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After 35+ years of cleaning Sacramento pool tiles, I can tell you that what makes the difference between sparkling tiles and embarrassing calcium buildup isn’t just regular cleaning—it’s understanding how our local conditions create unique challenges that require specific solutions. Here’s what I learned from a project in Granite Bay last month: the homeowner had […]

Backyard pool construction site with a yellow excavator digging near a house, showing excavated dirt area, gravel base, stone retaining wall, and a two-story house with deck in the background.

Choosing Sacramento Pool Contractors: Avoid These 5 Costly Mistakes

by pooltime
Jan 10, 2026
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The horror story that shook a family in Granite Bay started with a contractor who seemed perfect: lowest bid, immediate availability, and promises that sounded too good to be true. Six months later, their "finished" pool surface was peeling, their warranty was void, and they faced spending another $25,000 to fix work that should have […]

Large freeform pool with clear blue water, circular shallow sun shelf area, elevated round spa with stone sides, white stone patio decking, lounge chairs with umbrella, surrounded by mature trees.

Fall Pool Care Sacramento: Understanding Mild Winter vs Traditional Winterization

by pooltime
Jan 03, 2026
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The most expensive winterization mistake I ever saw cost a customer from Minnesota $4,200 to fix. They moved to Sacramento and hired a pool company that treated their pool like it was still in Minneapolis—draining pipes, shutting down equipment, and adding winterizing chemicals. When they tried to restart everything in March, they discovered that six […]

Pool surface showing decorative mosaic tile work with diagonal stripes in alternating shades of blue, teal, and white small square tiles creating a geometric pattern.

Traditional Pool Plaster vs. Premium Aggregate Finishes: Which Lasts Longer in Sacramento?

by pooltime
Dec 19, 2025
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The tale of two neighbors in Granite Bay perfectly illustrates the durability difference. Both resurfaced their pools the same year with different materials: one chose traditional plaster for budget reasons, the other invested in NPT StoneScapes Regular Pebbles. Ten years later, the plaster pool shows obvious staining, roughness, and needs complete resurfacing, while the StoneScapes […]

A finished backyard pool with clear blue water, waterfalls, and surrounding landscaping.

Custom Pool Investment Guide: Costs, ROI & Value in Sacramento’s Market

by pooltime
Dec 12, 2025
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When families ask me about pool costs, I always start with this question: "Are you looking at this as an expense or as an investment?" Because how you frame that question determines everything about how you approach pool ownership. After building pools in Sacramento for over three decades, I can tell you that quality custom […]

Close-up of a white pool edge with deteriorating plaster showing wear and staining, bordered by blue decorative tile trim at the waterline.

Sacramento Pool Resurfacing Materials: Which Surface Is Right for Your Pool?

by pooltime
Dec 06, 2025
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The moment of truth came for a family in Roseville when they stood in their backyard comparing their neighbor’s 15-year-old pool surface that still looked stunning to their own 8-year-old surface that was already showing serious wear. Both pools got similar use and maintenance, but the materials were completely different. That comparison led them to […]

A large luxury pool glows with underwater lights and fire features, surrounded by trees and lounge chairs.

LED Pool Lighting & Smart Controls Sacramento: Transform Your Pool Experience While Slashing Energy Costs

by pooltime
Nov 29, 2025
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After working with pools in Sacramento for over three decades, I’ve watched technology transform from basic timers and incandescent bulbs to intelligent systems that can practically run themselves. But one of the most exciting changes to date is seeing how LED lighting and smart controls can completely change both the look and operating costs of […]