Your Guide to Swimming Pool Scuppers

 In Custom Pool Design, Pool Installation

If you have a pool, you certainly often think of valuable additions you can make to your backyard paradise. These features typically fall into two categories: aesthetics and functionality. Lighting effects and pool floats surely elevate the look of your sanctuary. However, they do not provide much in terms of how your pool runs.

Alternately, investing in a skimmer and a new chlorine stock do not owe much help towards the look of your pool. Ideally, you want to save money and have a pool that looks good. Shoreline Pools might have the perfect solution for you. Let us introduce to you: the pool scupper.

What is a Swimming Pool Scupper?

A tool derived originally from the maritime and building worlds, scuppers are a relatively new addition to the swimming pool sphere. Customarily utilized on boats, scuppers are openings on either side of a boat that collect seawater and rain to prevent water from overflowing the deck. In the building and architecture fields, the scupper drains water from roofs. In swimming pools, scuppers direct the flow of water from one pool area to another. This function is necessary for moving water from a raised spa or hot tub section to a pool’s main area which prevents overspill.

Installation & Materials for Swimming Pool Scuppers

Scuppers have evolved immensely. Initially, they were much simpler and served the mere practical purposes outlined above. However, they have increasingly become about design and now are an integral ingredient in the luxury pool aesthetic. Still carrying out the same function, pool builders install scuppers in conjunction with attractive features like water bowls and fountains.

This evolution of scuppers has also brought more scupper material diversity. Materials now range from copper, stainless steel, oil-rubbed bronze, and stone, so you have a variety of options to choose from if you opt to install this structure. Concerning their placement, scuppers can be a standalone water feature alongside the pool, attached to a spa, or a retaining wall next to the pool, among other variations. Finally, scuppers also take a variety of shapes. Possible styles include small pipes, larger troughs, or sheet-like flows with a thin opening at the front.

The Pros of Installing a Swimming Pool Scupper

Keeps Water Cool

As new water rushes into your pool, it introduces oxygen which cools older water down as it circulates. A major plus of this scupper effect is that it improves the longevity of chlorine. Since chlorine degrades quickly, as a pool owner, you must replace it every two to three years and shock it every week to two weeks to prevent algae and bacteria buildup. What’s important to note here is that this antimicrobial activity increases with temperature, so keeping your pool water clean will slow that degradation process. Therefore, water cooling is a huge asset since chlorine that lasts longer will save you on your pool costs.

Provides Lovely Sounds

While the look of pool scuppers alone can add to the spa-like aesthetic of your outdoor oasis, another aspect of this mood-setting effect is their auditory production. Specifically, the relaxing sound of flowing water can further contribute to the relaxing aura in your private oasis.

The Cons of Adding a Scupper to Your Pool

Hefty Costs

Unfortunately a scupper installation can quickly become expensive. Costs accrue because scuppers require a structure custom-built for your pool. Although the price of the scupper itself can be as low as a few hundred dollars, this necessary aspect of installment can run up your pool budget. Secondly, an additional costly requirement is that scuppers must run with a separate pump since they need enough flow to fully circulate the water. So, you’ll need to purchase another pump as well, and the price range for these is anywhere between $500-$1,500.

Time-Consuming Maintenance Needs

To prevent the accumulation of bacteria and algae, you must clean your scupper regularly. A key consideration here is that cleaning needs vary by scupper type. For instance, natural stone scuppers will rapidly accumulate these types of pesky pathogens. Another variation appears in how you clean different scuppers. While you scrub stone scuppers with dish soap, cleaning copper and stainless-steel scuppers requires a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice.

Shoreline Pools Can Customize Any Request

Pool scuppers might very well be a perfect addition to your pool’s functionality and aesthetic. If you need something to direct water flow or would just like to heighten the spa-like feel of your backyard, this feature could be a worthwhile investment. However, as with any pool decision-making, this choice is highly individual and should involve consideration of the cost and maintenance needs of these scuppers.

Whether you choose to make this addition or not, Shoreline Pool is here to help with all your swimming pool needs. Call (203) 357-1544 to schedule an appointment for your pool’s design, construction, or maintenance today!

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