When escaping the heat this summer, there’s nothing better than having a pool.
On the Gulf Coast, that means going to the ‘South’s Oldest & Largest Pool Builder’ – Cox Pools.
Michael Lovett—owner for over thirty years and with the company since 1980—has seen many pool trends come and go over the years and has a little insight into what new pool buyers are looking for in 2023.
“Water features, swim systems, and outdoor entertainment areas,” Lovett said of the company’s bestsellers. “Recently, we’ve seen big increase in orders for smaller pools, but with more accessories and outdoor recreation areas,” he said, recognizing a shift from larger designs to compact ones with more features and personality.
The owner also noted the growing popularity of features sun shelves, stationary swim innovations—such as the Badu swim-jet system—and poolside dining areas, among recent trends. “We really only see a handful of pools over 6’ deep compared to fifteen or twenty years ago.”
“The big, deep pool, with multiple slides and diving board features, are more of a rarity these days,” he admitted, saying most private buyers are more interested in comfort, quality of life components, and ease-of-use features instead. “Most are looking for better entertaining and uncomplicated operation more than cumbersome slides or pools over 8’ for diving.”
Green pools are also very trendy nowadays, and I don’t mean with algae,” he said with a laugh. “LED lighting, salt and ozone instead of chlorine and other harsh chemicals and better cartridge filtration systems do a lot to bring operating costs down and are much better for the environment and the client, themselves.”
According to Lovett, smart pumps with variable speed settings that can heat and cool are also current big sellers. “Buyers are very excited by the option to run it from zero to a hundred, saving them a lot of money in power and upkeep, especially in the winter,” he said, as variable speed pumps are perfect for the erratic weather we are familiar with along the Gulf Coast.
“Another of our most popular ease-of-use features is a smartphone app to control your pool lights and temperature. Say you want to change the temperature of your pool while you’re out at dinner; now you can do just that with a few thumb presses,” Lovett said, expressing how much he adores this feature on his private pool at home.
Outside of private contracts, Cox Pools does also does a lot of commercial work all along the Gulf Coast, with construction and renovation work stretching from Texas to Miami, including contracts in Mississippi, Alabama, and northern Georgia.
“Locally, we just finished the water work at OWA,” he said. “We’ve worked with the Poarch Creek on water feature projects in Atmore, Wetumpka, and Montgomery, so when it came time to put a 31’000 sq-ft wave pool, an expansive lazy river, and a long list of water and play features at OWA, we were top of the list.”
For Lovett, the company’s success is a family thing: “My son, Logan – who’s 32 now—was raised in pool business. Someone recently asked him how long he’d been in the trade.” After thinking about it for a moment, he answered: ‘Well, I was born in it.
“He’s my partner in crime,” Lovett said fondly, going on to say how much it means to him to have family involved and sharing in the company’s success.
From bubbling stone grottos and outdoor kitchenettes to eco-friendly and cost-saving innovations, there’s really is little Cox Pools can’t do regarding pool personalization and ingenuity.
With summer in full swing all along the Gulf Coast – and showing no sign of letting up – the humidity and heat won’t feel so bad when you’re only a few feet away from the water. especially where you can always see the bottom.
We’ve worked with the Poarch Creek on water feature projects in Atmore, Wetumpka, and Montgomery, so when it came time to put a 31’000 sq-ft wave pool, an expansive lazy river, and a long list of water and play features at OWA, we were top of the list.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
(866) 711-7665 • coxpoolsse.com
