By Robert Barron Staff Writer

With temperatures in the 100s, finding the perfect way to relax often is difficult.

But many Enid residents have the idea that works for them — relaxing by the swimming pool. Many pools today are not just place to take a dip. They are complete spas and outdoor family rooms.

Jerry Castor, owner of Caribbean Pools, recently completed two such pools that have actually changed the lifestyle of their owners, Dr. Joe and Teryl Snodgrass and John and Kip Suter.

Castor started the Snodgrass pool in October, and the project was completed in spring. The playpool, measuring 36 feet by 18 feet, is a little over 5 feet deep in one end and about 3 feet on the other. It is deep enough to have a swim, and kids can even dive into it. But, it also is a pool designed for just playing around. While Castor built the pool and spa, the rest of the work was done by Keith Dungan, who built a patio cover and a small shed. Landscaping was by Plants A Plenty, and all was under the direction of Teryl Snodgrass.

In the 25 to 30 years Castor has been building pools, the Snodgrass pool is the most elaborate he has done in Enid.

Teryl said she had to talk her husband into the pool, but now he loves it.

“I had to talk my husband into it. While we were building it, he always called it ‘my pool,’ but now it’s our pool,” she said.

Pools are more common in Enid than people often think, said Butch Vickers, of Complete Pool and Spas. The pool business is competitive, and customers will get the best deal locally, he said.

“The Enid rate is pretty high. We have built a lot of pools, and some other people around here have built them, too,” he said.

The largest pool he has built was a 24 feet by 44 feet in Woodward.

Teryl said the family uses their pool every evening, even the hot tub. The water flows over the hot tub and into the pool, but when it is in spa mode, the water stops flowing and heats up.

The pool also has a filtration system utilizing a computer-controlled mechanism that can be adjusted from inside the house or by a cell phone. The salt generator turns salt into liquid chlorine, which sanitizes the pool and cuts down on maintenance time.

The design was inspired by the Big Cedar Lodge, which is one of Joe Snodgrass’ favorite places. Teryl said they especially love the gas-powered outdoor fireplace. The spa area has made their house bigger and created an outdoor family room, she said.

After a hot day, the pool lowers body temperature and the waterfall is relaxing, Castor said. The flow of the waterfall can be adjusted if the owner wants a softer sound.

“The landscaping is the key to the pool,” Castor said.

The pool color is a dark charcoal, which becomes a Grecian blue when filled with water.

“This is the first pool we’ve had, but it took me three years to talk him into it,” Teryl Snodgrass said.

The pool was started in October, and the family was swimming in it heated by December, but the entire project, including landscaping and woodwork was not completed that early. Among the decorations are a pair of stadium seats from old Busch Stadium, a gift to Joe Snodgrass, who is a St. Louis Cardinals fan.

The pool is especially popular with the three Snodgrass children, ages 15, 12 and 8.

Castor used a crane with a 100-foot boom to set boulders in place before he poured the concrete walls. The boulders held the walls firm.

“We still learn on every pool we build,” he said.

Castor said Enid has as many pools per capita as Phoenix, Ariz., and he predicts more because of high fuel prices. People are selling their boats and trailers and staying home, he said.

“The pool creates a family atmosphere, it’s great entertainment,” Teryl said.

John and Kip Suter also created a playpool in their yard. They moved to Enid from Houston, where they had a natural pool and opted for a different type in Enid.

The pool features stamped concrete and natural stone brought in from Mexico. Castor started the pool in August and completed it in August. The area also features a gas-operated outdoor fire pit that can be used in cooler weather when swimming may not be as enjoyable.

“It’s good family time. The kids talk more,” Kip Suter said.

Kip did her own landscaping in the pool area.

Vickers also services pools, and said his busiest time of the year is in the spring when they open pools. He also does construction work through mid-February.

Vickers also is preparing to build a new kiddie pool for the city of Enid. The pool will be large, but very shallow with a number of water features.

“It will be nice for the kids,” he said.

The important thing to consider before starting to build a pool, is digging it properly. Vickers said it is like the foundation of a house, everything must be started right or it just doesn’t go well. Vickers and Castor have jobs lined up through winter.

Vickers prefers to build pools from the end of July through mid-February, because the weather is drier.

“The pool business is very competitive. The want is there. ... and it’s very competitive pricewise,” he said.

Vickers has built pools in Edmond and Ponca City and other places around the state, and said metropolitan area prices are twice the amount he can build a pool for here.

Inground pools start at about $15,000 and will go up depending on what the customer wants. There are many new features that make owning a pool easier, including automatic pool covers, pool cleaners, chlorine generators and a number of automated features.

“Value wise. Enid is as cost-effective as anywhere in the world,” Vickers said.