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A swimming pool in a backyard is a cause for celebration. You can finally fulfill your wishes to have a cool pool party or get the family together for a weekend swim. As fun as owning a pool can be, it also requires a lot of work to be put into planning and maintaining a pool.
Buying a pool for your home is a big decision, and it involves a large sum of money, both in the form of initial and ongoing costs. It is not a decision that should be taken lightly, so you need to do a lot more to plan for your pool than just pick out the first attractive pool you lay your eyes on.
Here’s a guide with 10 pointers and tips on what you should consider before deciding to buy a swimming pool.
Consider the purpose of the pool
The purpose of your pool is a good way to start to think about the size, depth, and other pool features you want. If relaxation is what you’re looking for after a long day of work, a plunge pool will be enough to meet your needs. If however, you’re looking to have a pool in your backyard specifically for the purpose of exercising, then a lap pool will be a better option.
When you’re thinking about why you want a pool, it’s also a good idea to think ahead into the future. If you plan on having kids in the near future, investing in a bigger pool is a good idea.
Decide between an in-ground or above ground pool
Your backyard land will determine whether you should get an in-ground or above-ground pool. If the land is flat, soil excavation can be done easily so it is possible to get an in-ground pool. While these pools are more rigid, they tend to be more expensive options due to the soil excavation required.
Above ground pools are an option for backyards that have uneven or sloped land. Such pools can be installed using the right decking and you will end up paying much lesser because you won’t have to spend anything on soil excavation of the land.
Check the condition of your backyard
Backyards in which the land has a high water table and rocky, sandy, or unstable soil will make pool installation difficult and result in higher costs. Several urban locations also need to comply with strict pool position requirements with regard to a property’s boundary so make sure you consider these before deciding on the type and location of your backyard swimming pool.
Choose the right material
There are three types of pools based on the material used: fibreglass, concrete, and vinyl liner pools. Vinyl liner pools are the cheapest option in the market, but they wear out quickly and need to be replaced often, so you will end up spending more on maintenance.
Concrete pools are more expensive options in the market, but they do offer greater flexibility in terms of design and style you want. However, installing and maintaining such pools over their lifetime is an expensive affair and their porous nature makes them more prone to a build-up of bacteria and algae.
Fibreglass swimming pools are the best option if you’re looking for cost-effectiveness. They can be installed quickly and have lower maintenance costs because their gel coated surface makes them resistant to bacteria and algae. You’ll also save on resurfacing and replacing such pools as they’re durable and last long.
Decide on the right location
The right location for your pool can be a game changer for your house. Your builder will need to consider where other utilities are such as water, electrical cables, gas, and telephone lines. You should also check site coverage allowance, pool fencing regulations, and how close it will be to storm water drains.
Make sure you can see it easily from inside your house, particularly so that you can keep an eye on kids. You should also protect it from wind exposure by making use of screens. Positioning it under the shade of trees will only make you spend more on heating and cleaning as the trees will block sunlight and more leaves will end up falling into the water.
Work out your budget and factor in costs involved
Your budget is the basis to determine what your available options are so plan this carefully. Make sure you factor in the initial cost of installing the pool and maintenance costs over the lifetime of the pool to get a realistic idea of how much you will have to spend.
Pay attention to pool design and features
There are several design options to choose from. These will not only be determined based on the aesthetic you want to create but also how much space you have in your backyard. Rectangular, oval, figure 8, L shaped, freeform, geometric, Roman, and kidney pools are just some of the many options to choose from.
You can also choose several additional features to enhance the look of your pool. These could be slides, pool seats, LED lights, water fountains, and more. Opting for smart pool upgrades is also a good idea as these will make maintenance easier and help you save on your energy bills.
Keep up with fencing laws
Pools are legally required to be fenced and the laws may differ from one state to another, so do your homework and make sure you’re up to date about the fencing laws in your area. Knowing this will allow you to comply with the laws and get the permits needed for your pool.
Use a qualified pool builder
DIY pool installation options are available but you’re only putting yourself at risk by choosing this option. A qualified pool builder will give you access to experts who can guide you on the best option depending on your needs and features of your property. They will also make getting permits easier and are up to date on the latest fencing laws in your area.
To hire someone you can trust, look up reviews from customers, evaluate their previous projects, and get references. A qualified pool builder will also give you the warranty you will need in case something goes wrong. You can’t avail of these benefits if you try a DIY option.
Consider your landscaping needs
The landscaping you have in mind for your backyard will also impact the size and design of your pool so make sure you pick something that complements the landscaping in your backyard.