Enhanced Pools

Enhanced Pools Transform your backyard with Enhanced Pools. Specializing in auto cover pools for safety and beauty.

04/15/2026

An expert excavator is important for the construction of a concrete swimming pool. Seemingly little things make a huge difference.

When setting the form, we use 2x6 boards so that the top of the bond beam is thick enough to be protected against damage from freezing temperatures.

I have heard people over the years express frustration that their pool builder did not build a pool as deep as they had planned. The most common reason is that the builder plans the pool depth from the top of their forms, which approximates the top of the tile. The waterline is normally 3" below the top of the tile, so 3" needs to be added to the excavation to ensure it finishes at the planned water depth. I realize that some will consider this a small difference, but to some people it matters.

Other things to consider when planning excavation depths include the amount of fall (or slope) from an existing patio, the thickness of the deck material, and the thickness of the swimming pool floor.

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If you need ideas for upgrading your house come down to the Boise Spring Home Show at the Idaho Expo center!Outdoor Ligh...
03/21/2026

If you need ideas for upgrading your house come down to the Boise Spring Home Show at the Idaho Expo center!

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives
Garage Force of Boise
Enhanced Pools
Gutter Done Idaho
Treasure Valley Pet Doors
Idaho Concrete Lifting
Door Renew of Treasure Valley
Cabinet Tune-Up
Bloomin' Blinds of Boise
Trinity Bath & Design, LLC
Pure Works Carpet Cleaning
Four Seasons Spa and Pool

Fiberglass pools are beautiful and have colorful, attractive finishes. Some people think fiberglass pools are only offer...
03/09/2026

Fiberglass pools are beautiful and have colorful, attractive finishes. Some people think fiberglass pools are only offered in white. There was a time when a white fiberglass pool was common, and white remains an option because it offers a classic appearance, but there are several color choices these days.

The ability to choose your color fiberglass pool from several options provides customization so your pool will appeal to your personal preferences. Each color influences the appearance of the water color as well, some making the water appear blue or green.

Combine the fiberglass color customization with adding tile (or not...tile is not required on a fiberglass pool, but looks great when it is used), and your pool can be truly custom-made for you.

Are you ready for a swimming pool? The season is upon us, and a fiberglass pool can be installed more quickly than other options, so you can be swimming sooner. If you prefer a gunite/shotcrete pool, we specialize in those, too. Give us a call to schedule your consultation. 208-231-9911


We recently met with a customer about building an indoor plunge pool. In Idaho, indoor pools are typically completely se...
03/04/2026

We recently met with a customer about building an indoor plunge pool. In Idaho, indoor pools are typically completely separated from the living space.

In this instance, the customer found pictures online with pools in the living space and wants one for his house. However, those pools are in places like California, where the owner can leave windows or doors open to help mitigate the moisture content in the air.

Indoor pools are great, but when the water is warmer than the room temperature, evaporation can cause massive problems if not handled correctly. There have even been instances across the country of water evaporating and then collecting on the ceiling before dripping into the pool area... raining indoors!

Of course, the concern with failing to manage the moisture is mold, rust, corrosion, and other related issues.

An automatic pool cover is a virtual requirement because it dramatically reduces evaporation when deployed over the pool.

The HVAC system typically needs to be improved to manage moisture in the air and strip it out to an appropriate level.

Finally, the ability to open windows is very helpful in managing the moisture level. But, in Idaho, that is not ideal outside of the summer months.

If you are considering an indoor pool, it can be wonderful, enabling year-round fun and entertainment, but you must include measures to manage the moisture level.


We also provide some pool services, including vinyl liner replacements.Vinyl liners for in-ground vinyl pools typically ...
02/17/2026

We also provide some pool services, including vinyl liner replacements.

Vinyl liners for in-ground vinyl pools typically last 7 to 10 seasons. Manufacturers say they can last longer, but in reality, a normal lifespan is around 7 to 10 seasons for normal wear and weathering.

Unfortunately, replacement may be required sooner because vinyl is susceptible to tearing and holes. We replaced one this past season because the owner's teenage kids were in the pool with friends playing with something they shouldn't have, which caused a 6" tear in the floor of the pool. The hole was too large to patch, so they had to replace their entire vinyl liner.

Whether replacement is expected or not, we can help. We use a manufacturer that employs some of the best vinyl experts in the industry.


There are two ways to build the top of a vanishing edge wall (also called an infinity edge). The pool wall with a vanish...
02/11/2026

There are two ways to build the top of a vanishing edge wall (also called an infinity edge). The pool wall with a vanishing-edge top is called the weir wall, and it can be built with the top surface sloped toward or away from the pool. Both styles can incorporate an automatic pool cover with planning and modifications.

The most common method these days is sloping the top of the weir wall toward the pool. This method provides the best visual appeal because water flows to the outer edge of the pool walls and then drops into the catch basin. This method allows water to cover the entire top of the weir wall. This method also best hides the automatic pool cover track, even though the top of it is only installed about 1" from the top.

The second method used to be the most popular but has declined in popularity because the top surface of the weir wall and the pool cover track are more visible, especially if the pool builder makes the angle of the slope too shallow, which is a common mistake with this method. When it is made too shallow, it diminishes the value of a vanishing edge because you can see the slope and track very well. It becomes a cool water feature rather than a true vanishing edge when the slope is too shallow. Even when built correctly with a steep angle, the first method is more visually appealing to most people.



Adding a raised wall to a swimming pool enhances the design aesthetic, provides dimension, and enables the use of water ...
02/03/2026

Adding a raised wall to a swimming pool enhances the design aesthetic, provides dimension, and enables the use of water features that fall into the pool.

A raised wall can be added to pools with automatic pool covers, provided modifications are made.

First, the steel needs to be set back more than normal. If this is not done, then the steel can become exposed in the next step at best and even cut at worst.

Second, the concrete material needs to be cut at the same height as the standard bond beam with a large enough opening to allow the pool cover encapsulation to travel on the same plane along the raised wall. If the steel was not set back, it may require cutting, which is undesirable.

Third, vertical notches must be cut that extend to the back of the notch so that screws can be used to affix the encapsulation to the structure. Many builders skip this step, relying on the grout they place around the encapsulation and the screws on each end to hold it in place. Best practice requires securing the encapsulation with screws and then filling the voids with grout.

Fourth, the notches must be filled with grout to prepare for the material to be installed on the wall face.

We have seen encapsulation glued in place. We have seen encapsulation grouted in place. We have seen it installed every other screw or a few screws through the wall.

Planning modifications must be undertaken, or the structure may be compromised. Enhanced Pools will always set back the steel, notch the concrete correctly, ensure the encapsulation is installed with sufficient screws, and fill the voids with grout.


Lighting provides one of the most dramatic changes to beautify a yard, yet many neglect it when considering ways to impr...
01/24/2026

Lighting provides one of the most dramatic changes to beautify a yard, yet many neglect it when considering ways to improve their home.

We have all seen the serene landscape that is so perfectly lit, and the way we feel so relaxed when we are surrounded by beautiful landscaping with perfect lighting.

We can experience that feeling every day with professional landscape lighting. Don’t try to do it yourself! Yes, you can buy landscape lights at Home Depot, but good lighting is much more than simply buying a light. You need to know where to place lights, the lumins for each light, the warmth of the lights, and so much more.

If you want to transform your yard, you need a professional. Bill Ravenscraft of Outdoor Lighting Perspectives is my go-to for outdoor lighting. If you are looking for more curb appeal or better landscape lighting, call Bill.



Concrete pools, made with gunite or shotcrete, are the most common type worldwide due to their ability to be customized ...
01/21/2026

Concrete pools, made with gunite or shotcrete, are the most common type worldwide due to their ability to be customized in shape and features, as well as their strength and durability. In Idaho, the durability is diminished in certain respects due to our freezing temperatures.

The waterline tile, or the tile just below the coping, is commonly prone to durability issues in Idaho. Waterline tile can "pop" due to freezing. It happens because the grout used to install tile develops micro-cracks. All concrete develops cracks, so this is not a defect but rather a known issue that creates conditions for problems with concrete pools. Water can seep into these micro-cracks and get behind the tile. Then, when the freezing temperatures come, the water freezes, expands, and pushes outward on the tile until it "pops" loose. It may not fall out, so people may not know it is loose, but they will pop out eventually and require repair.

Fiberglass pools use expandable material to apply waterline tile when it is added to the pool. Vinyl liner pools don't have waterline tile, although they are much less durable than concrete or fiberglass pools.

Many people still prefer a concrete pool over other options because they are so customizable. They are willing to accept the additional maintenance. That's great! We love concrete pools too. We just think buyers should know things like this so they are making an informed decision.



An in-ground vinyl liner pool is constructed by assembling walls to form the pool's perimeter. There are many technical ...
01/12/2026

An in-ground vinyl liner pool is constructed by assembling walls to form the pool's perimeter. There are many technical steps to ensure this is done well. In addition to assembling the pool walls, they must be aligned with the home, pool deck, or fence, as preferred by the homeowner or as specified in the pool plan.

Many pool builders prefer free-form pools because the alignment requirements are easier, sometimes not applicable. However, aligning a rectangular pool is easy. Simply measuring from the reference point to the pool walls is clear evidence that the pool is square to the reference point as planned.


Meet Josue Montenegro. He and his brother own Montenegro's Painting & Construction. They paint commercial and residentia...
01/12/2026

Meet Josue Montenegro. He and his brother own Montenegro's Painting & Construction. They paint commercial and residential projects. They are also general contractors, so they can help with work beyond painting. They are even the GC's for a couple of Wing Stop locations right now, so their knowledge and experience are extensive. If you are looking for a painter, we highly recommend Montenegro's Painting and Construction. They are friendly, knowledgeable, and experts in their trade.

Address

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Nampa, ID
83686

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+12082319911

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