Like many Florida homeowners, you may be dreaming of creating the ultimate backyard retreat, including a luxurious, custom pool with sparkling water, lush landscaping, and cascading waterfalls. But even the most stunning pool design relies on one critical element: the right equipment. From energy-efficient pumps to automated cleaning systems, selecting the best pool equipment can ensure long-term enjoyment, safety, and peace of mind.
Whether you’re just beginning your search for custom pool builders in St. Petersburg or evaluating quotes from pool contractors in Parrish, Florida, understanding your equipment options is essential. At Winway Pools, our commitment to quality craftsmanship goes beyond aesthetics. We engineer luxury pools to perform with precision and efficiency—so you can spend more time relaxing and less time worrying about maintenance.
In this blog, we’ll outline the key equipment systems every Florida pool owner should consider and how to choose the best options for your unique lifestyle.
Pump It Up: The Right Pool Pump
Just as your heart circulates life-giving oxygenated blood throughout your body, a pump works as the “heart” of your pool’s circulation system. It keeps water flowing through the filtration system and helps distribute chemicals evenly—ensuring crystal-clear water.
However, not all pumps are created equal. Conventional one-speed pumps are configured to run at higher speeds, often faster than necessary, wasting energy as they circulate water. This is why the U.S. Department of Energy recommends variable-speed pumps (VSPs) for their superior energy efficiency.
Unlike single-speed pumps, VSPs can adjust speed based on your pool’s needs, significantly reducing electricity usage. Florida building codes now require all new residential pool pumps to be energy-efficient models.
Pool Pro Tip: Look for ENERGY STAR® certified pumps, which can save you hundreds annually in utility costs.
Crystal Clear: Pool Filtration Systems
A high-quality filter is key to maintaining clean water in your luxury pool. Filters remove dirt, debris, and contaminants from the water. When paired with pool sanitizer, they also help remove bacteria.
If you search for pool filters online, you’ll find that there are three main types, based on the size of debris they filter from the water, going from the largest particles to the smallest: cartridge filters, sand filters, and Diatomaceous Earth (DE) filters.
So how do you choose? Experienced pool professionals prefer cartridge filters for luxury pools in tropical climates such as St. Petersburg and Parrish, Florida. This is because they strike the perfect balance between performance and upkeep.
Why Cartridge Pool Filters Are Ideal for Florida Climates
Cartridge pool filters are highly effective for trapping large particles, as well as smaller debris down to 10 to 15 microns. Compared to DE filters, they are easier to maintain because they don’t require backwashing (which wastes water) and only have to be cleaned/rinsed a couple of times a year.
Cartridge filters also operate at lower pressure than sand units, which means less wear and tear on luxury pool systems that may include variable-speed pumps, water features, heaters, and automation systems.
Sand pool filters are relatively inexpensive, but are generally less effective at trapping fine debris. DE filters are designed to filter out small particles, but they require backwashing to clean the filters. DE filters are more common for pools in non-tropical areas where pools get winterized (winterized pools accumulate more dirt and various types of particles when not in use).
Heating It Up: Pool Heaters and Heat Pumps
Even in Florida, the temperature can drop low enough in the winter to turn your luxury pool into a chilly experience. The right heating system can help you enjoy your custom pool year-round.
Here are just a couple of pool heating options from the Department of Energy:
- Electric Heat Pumps: Heat pumps draw warmth from the air, making them energy-efficient even during cooler months.
- Gas Heaters: Gas pool heaters provide rapid heating, which may be ideal for spas or occasional use.
- Solar Heaters: These are popular with environmentally conscious Florida homeowners who want to take advantage of the sunny climate.
Winway Pools can help you select an advanced pool heating system so your luxury pool is always ready for a relaxing swim, regardless of the season. We can also pair your heater with a smart control system to schedule heating cycles and save energy.
Smarter Swimming: Pool Automation Systems
Want to control your pool’s lights, temperature, and jets from your smartphone? Advanced pool automation can make that dream a reality. These “smart” automation technologies can enhance the functionality and sustainability of your pool while saving you energy costs.
Just a few of these smart features include:
- Remote monitoring and maintenance scheduling
- Voice control integration with Alexa or Google Home
- Leak detection and alert systems
- Automated chemical balancing (via integrated sensors)
These automation systems offer many benefits, such as reducing manual upkeep, protecting your custom pool investment, and enhancing your outdoor experience. They’re a must-have for luxury pool builders designing for the modern homeowner.
Sanitation Made Simple: Saltwater Systems and Chlorinators
Sanitizing your pool properly is critical to swimmers’ health. Chlorine is the standard, but saltwater chlorinated pools are gaining popularity for their gentler feel and reduced chemical usage.
There are many health benefits from saltwater chlorinated pools, including:
- Saltwater provides continuous sanitation via electrolysis. This is a natural process of producing chlorine to neutralize bacteria and algae, so your pool stays clean and sanitary.
- Saltwater is soothing to sensitive skin and is less irritating on the eyes and lungs than many other types of chlorinated pools.
- There are safety benefits because you don’t have to store solid or powdered chlorine on your property. Improper storage or use of chlorine can be hazardous, posing risks of poisoning, corrosion, and fire.
However, salt can be corrosive to certain pool components, so proper material selection (e.g., titanium heat exchangers) is essential during your custom pool’s design phase. It’s also important to properly maintain your pool to prevent water-related illnesses. Fortunately, Winway Pools maintenance specialists can advise you on the best way to maintain the right balance of pH and chlorine levels to keep your pool water safe and clean.
Luxury Add-Ons: Lighting and Ledges
Beyond basic operation, equipment upgrades can take your pool from standard to spectacular. Some of the most popular add-ons for our custom pools include:
- LED Lighting Systems: LED lights are energy-efficient, color-changing, and perfect for magical nighttime swims. They also improve safety!
- Water Features: Imagine elevating your outdoor space to a new level of sophistication with a cascading waterfall or soothing bubblers.
- Tanning Ledges and Swim-Up Bars: Tanning ledges and swim-up bars provide the ultimate relaxation spot in your pool oasis. These ledges also create safe and fun play areas for young children.
Note that some of these add-ons may require customized plumbing, structural reinforcements, or additional control systems. You should discuss these features early with your luxury pool builder to integrate them seamlessly into your design and equipment plan.
Before You Take the Plunge: Getting Your Pool Swim Ready
If you’re ready to invest in a new inground pool, choosing the right equipment and features can help you get more value from your investment. It is also important to know when your new pool is “swim-ready.”
At Winway Pools, our clients sometimes make the mistake of thinking that their new pool is ready for swimming as soon as the construction is complete. However, there is a “curing time” required before the pool is ready for swimming.
Curing time is the period after finishing your pool when the new surface (such as a plaster or aggregate finish) undergoes critical chemical and physical changes. This process transforms the finish from fresh application into a durable, sealed surface that’s safe for swimming.
This curing time can range from a couple of weeks to a month, depending on the type of materials used to create the surface of your custom pool. Your Winway Pools professional can advise you on when your pool is ready for you to enjoy.
Partner With a Luxury Pool Builder Who Can Recommend the Right Pool Equipment
At Winway Pools, we don’t just install equipment—we help you build an ecosystem of comfort, control, and beauty.
Our team works closely with top manufacturers and engineers to specify pool equipment and advanced solutions that comply with Florida energy and safety codes, optimize efficiency for hot, humid climates, and fit seamlessly into your custom pool’s design.
Whether you’re building in St. Petersburg, Parrish, or anywhere along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Winway Pools is your trusted source for luxury pool design, construction, and equipment integration. Contact us today to discuss how we can transform your backyard into a beautiful, high-performance retreat.
