Tuesday, March 26, 2013

REPOST: Break Out the Speedos! See 10 Amazing Indoor Pools

Real estate is often made a status symbol. Adding to the value of a home and garden are improvements made to the facilities. Installing a swimming pool is one of the best ways to establish that one's property is of higher value than the rest on the block, as this Forbes article suggests.

When it comes to over-the-top real estate amenities, having your own yoga studio, football field, or heliport can earn you some pretty serious bragging rights among your friends. Mention “indoor swimming pool” and your friends will love you even more.
Perhaps the image that springs to mind is a warm, enticing space where a deep blue body of water can satisfy the need to swim a few laps, or simply serves as a place to relax — without ever leaving your home.
Found in homes for sale from $49 million all the way down to a few million, these magnificent pools in these magnificent homes offer a little of both: Great places for R&R or getting in some cardio.
But please, let’s not think about the water bill.
1. Park City, UT – $49,500,000 (below)
5000 Royal St, Park City UT
Tucked away in Utah’s ski haven of Upper Deer Valley on nearly 60 acres is the ultra-private Huntsman estate belonging to Jon Huntsman, Sr. (father of former Republican presidential nominee Jon Huntsman, Jr). The 20,000-square foot home, which is on the Park City real estate market, was built in 1989 out of reclaimed logs from the forest surrounding Yellowstone Park. It features 12 bedrooms, 16 bathrooms, a dining room that seats 20, not to mention a gym, library, 2-car garage and massive, lodge-like indoor pool.
2. Greenwich, CT – $13,995,000 (below)
16 Hurlingham Drive, Greenwich CT
With median home values in Greenwich currently $1,134,500, it’s no surprise that this property on the Greenwich real estate market is loaded with over-the-top homes similar to this one, which features a stone-rimmed indoor pool and spa. Set off by an informal gathering room, the spectacular 2-story glass-and-timber garden atrium creates a resort-like setting and captures the picturesque view of Converse Lake from its tiered terraces.
3. Telluride, CO – $19,900,000 (below) 
113 Highlands Way, Telluride CO
Boasting over 23,000 square feet of living space, this extraordinary and extra-large estate on the Telluride real estate market is in a league of its own. Not only does this 7-bedroom, 10.5-bath chalet have its own AMF bowling alley, 2-lane indoor commercial shooting range, golf fairway and putting green with bunker and a 7-person hot tub, but it also features a 75-foot indoor pool.

4. Telluride, CO – $18,500,000 (below)
111 Autumn Ln, Telluride CO
Here’s another Telluride estate, but this one is a contemporary situated on over an acre with prime ski-in/ski-out access. The brand-new lodge includes 6 bedrooms, 10.5 baths as well as a home theater, wine cellar, and ski locker room. The unique indoor pool wing features a hot tub, dry sauna, steam shower and mountain views through the walls that retract.


5. Mercer Island, WA – $15,500,000 (below)
3051 84th Ave SE, Mercer Island WA
This sprawling Northwest estate that is part of the Mercer Island real estate market sits on over 5 acres and is surrounded with organic orchards, rare fruit and nut trees. It took 16 years to finish and, according to the home’s listing description, the pool area alone took five years to build. It features Japanese Shinzuka trusses and a copper exterior roof.

6. New York, NY – $10,995,000 (below)
232 W 15th St, New York NY
One of the most extraordinary town homes in the Chelsea neighborhood, this 5-floor private oasis features a rare and no longer permitted 26-foot long indoor swimming pool with a swing. And if that’s not enough, the home also has a sauna, hot tub, rooftop sun deck and a 16-foot-high solarium sanctuary.
7. Grants Pass, OR – $4,950,000 (below)
429 Sierra Lodge Dr, Grants Pass OR
The 14,586-square foot Grants Pass estate includes a long list of luxury amenities but the indoor “cave” pool has to be the most notable. The attention to detail is hard to miss and puts the additional 100,000-gallon outdoor pool with slide, waterfall and spa to shame.
 
8. Andover, MA – $6,500,000
151 Haggetts Pond Rd, Andover MA
 (below)
If you’re wondering what $6.5 million gets you in Massachusetts real estate, take a quick peek at this 20,000-square-foot family home. Despite the home’s custom cherry and mahogany built-ins throughout, this pad is as far from traditional as possible, boasting 9 bedrooms, 9.5 bathrooms, a full-size basketball court, bowling alley, theater, arcade, putting green and an indoor pool atrium equipped with a waterslide and a bar.
9. Park City, UT – $6,595,000 (below)
1500 Red Fox Rd, Park City UT
The listing description says it all: “Imagine every detail you would expect from the highest caliber home — those are all here plus more.” Inside the home’s nearly 16,000-square foot interior you’ll find some extremely unique features including a golf simulator, sports bar with 4 TVs, a pizza oven and heated porches. More importantly, the luxury ski chalet also boasts a stunning indoor pool overlooking 10 acres of mountainside vistas.
10. Atlanta, GA – $3,900,000 (below)
7460 Wildercliff Dr NW, Atlanta GA
This contemporary Atlanta home for sale takes the definition of luxury master suite to the next level. Though most master bedrooms may feature a swanky bathroom and walk-in closet, this custom estate has an exercise room and state of the art indoor lap pool as well.

The dream of owning a private pool becomes a reality with Blue World Pools.  Visit this website to read about the available types of pools, prices, and maintenance tips.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Blue World Pools (Photos)

Since 1982, Blue World Pools has been delivering and installing above ground pools to homes across the United States.














Visit  www.blueworldpools.com for more information.

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Inground or aboveground: Which swimming pool is better?


Image Source: themaisonette.net


A swimming pool at home is great for large families, especially those with kids. Taking a dip in the pool is a fun way to beat the heat without going to a pricey resort.


The two most common types of home pools are inground and aboveground swimming pools. An inground pool rests its sides with the earth, and an aboveground pool is removable and easier to maintain than the former. An article on FOX News asserts that there are things to consider when choosing which type of pool will be used at home: practicality, cost, and appearance.




Image Source: archiexpo.com


Inground pools can be used for diving, unlike aboveground pools, which are too shallow. However, inground pools require a longer time for installation than aboveground pools because the process involves excavation, framing, and finishing. The installation process and the materials used–concrete, vinyl, and fiberglass–also make inground pools more costly to construct than aboveground pools. In some states, inground pools can also be taxed as part of home improvement.


Aboveground pools are perfect for small yards because they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They can also be effortlessly installed with a little help from the installation manual. And because they are removable, they can be dismantled when desired.




Image Source: ebarah.com


When it comes to presentation, inground pools look more presentable than aboveground because they do not protrude on the yard. Inground pools can also add value to the home. However, they require landscaping and renovation. Meanwhile, aboveground pools can still be finished with a variety of liners for a customized look. Blue World Pools suggests that the design should complement the architectural style of the home.


Inground and aboveground pools both have their advantages and setbacks. In order to pick the best one, homeowners must decide based on their personal needs and preferences.

To request a free swimming pool site inspection and consultation, visit this website.