At Advanced Pool & Spa we are happy to serve both residential and commercial customers. From time to time, those who own residential pools may also be involved in the remodel of a commercial pool, such as a homeowner who also serves on an association board or someone who oversees a pool renovation as part of their employment such as a hotel manager or otherwise. While there are some similarities between residential and commercial pools, there are also some important differences in Florida. In this blog, let’s dive into some of features that distinguish commercial and residential pools.
The Interior Finish
n-ground, concrete commercial and residential pools often use the same products for the interior finish, either a quartz based or stone (pebble) based product, however commercial pools are extremely limited in the colors that can be used. Florida Commercial Code requires pools finishes that pass a light reflectivity test and here are a limited number of finishes that meet that requirement and are approved for commercial use. The approved pool finishes are white-based finishes such as Marquis Quartz in Bluestone or Oyster or Stonescapes Mini Pebble in Aqua Cool or White. The reasoning behind this rule is to make commercial pools safer by increasing visibility. In contrast, Residential pools can be finished in a myriad of different colors ranging from white to charcoal or black.
Pool Lighting
Similarly to the limited finishes that can be used, commercial pools may only have two different types of light fixtures: white LED or incandescent. Again, the thought behind this requirement is based on safety. White pool lights allow for more visibility at night than color or color-changing lights. Residential pools on the other hand, can use Incandescent lights, white LED, or color (color-changing) LED lights.
Tile
In the commercial context, there is more leeway when it comes to tile selection than for the interior finish or lighting. If the commercial pool does not have a gutter, the tile options are almost as diverse as they are for a residential pool; however, non-skid tile (typically a non-skid 2×6 single bullnose tile) must be used at the entry and exit points of the pool (stairs/steps, benches, etc.). If the commercial pool has a gutter, most often, a 6×6 bullnose tile is utilized. The 6×6 bullnose tiles are only available in a handful of different colors such as blue, teal, black, and brown. Pool tile options for residential pools are nearly endless: glass tile, porcelain tile, ceramic tile, mosaic tile, natural stone tile, etc. There are so many ways to customize your residential pool with different tiles.
Signage
To comply with code, commercial pools must have proper signage including (but not limited to) depth markers and universal no-diving symbols. These depth markers and symbols must be placed on the outside edge, beam (if the pool has a beam), and the inside edge of the pool. Residential pools do not have this requirement.
Equipment Systems
There is a huge difference between commercial and residential equipment systems. Most commercial pools have a large Vak-Pak system that runs 24 hours a day, seven days per week. The typical residential pump runs approximately eight hours per day. Additionally, commercial pools are gravity-fed to a filter pit and equalizes between the pool and the pit. Residential pools in contrast are direct suction systems.
While there are certainly more distinctions that can be drawn between commercial and residential pools—these are just a few of the major ones.
Advanced Pool & Spa is a family owned and operated, fully licensed, bonded, and insured pool remodeling company located in Land O Lakes, Florida. We have been in business for 39 years and specialize in commercial and residential refinishing. We hope to be able to help answer your pool related questions and would love to help make your remodeling dreams a reality! Give us a call or send us an email today for an estimate on resurfacing or remodeling your residential or commercial pools and spas. We can be reached at 813-995-2939 or aps59246@gmail.com.
