Consider These 10 Things Before Installing a Pool

Building a pool is a fun addition for all ages to enjoy and experience the addition of water. Installing a pool takes planning and budgeting of finances and time before, during and after the actual construction. There are ten steps to consider when deciding on the additional of a pool.

1. What is the budget? Building a pool is not only the cost of building but also the maintenance and other amenities that come with it. The size, materials and other features can range from $30,000 to hundreds of thousands depending on the choices selected.
2. What age groups are utilizing the pool and for what purpose? It is nice to include all ages in the design of the pool that plans to participate in the activities. Small children will need a shallow area where teens prefer islands for sunning. Sports are also a consideration if volleyball or water basketball are desired. Does someone want to exercise? A deeper end or the length of the pool should be included in the design as well. Is there someone that needs water therapy? Easy access that is safe is required. All these questions help create the proposal of the pool, determine that amount of space needed and features.
3. Where will the pool go? Determining all the features desired can be limited by the available space. For instance, a beach entry requires 14 extra feet in addition to the pool square footage. Damage to the surrounding areas is also something to consider. The installation requires access to the backyard where most pools are built. Heavy equipment is used for digging and removing soil, so repairs after the pool are built is usually a necessity. Also consider existing features like irrigation pipes, landscaping, and hardscape that is in the pool area and the equipment needed to maintain it. What pre-existing above and below ground needs removing and what is salvageable?
4. What shape and style of swimming pool is desired? Today there are many different options for pool shapes according to the size of space and the imagination of the owner. The styles may include saltwater, waterfalls, slides, swim-up bars, and even swimming with live fish. Knowing what features are desired will help with the design process and the needed materials.
5. What other amenities are wanted? A master plan of the entire space is really the best place to start. When a pool is built it is common for hardscape to surround it with at least one patio and sidewalks. Other building structures might contain the pool equipment plus storage for cleaning supplies. Outdoor showers are nice and a cool place under an awning or pergola are usually in order with the total master design.
6. What materials? First, consider if an above ground or in-ground pool is being built. Before building an in-ground pool, study the pros and cons of the materials used. Concrete is the most common but other options include fiberglass and vinyl too. These days the selection for coping and sidewalls plus the pool hues for in-ground pools range in colors and styles. Tiles are used to form shapes and accent features while creating the individuality of the pool for each owner.
7. Who is doing the maintenance? A pool is only as beautiful as the maintenance provides. This is a very important question because these water additions do require basic daily, monthly and yearly maintenance. There are companies to help with the cleaning and general maintenance, but water additions due to evaporation are an additional cost for the homeowner. The materials chosen will also dictate how often maintenance is required.
8. Have you chosen a designer or builder? Once the aforementioned questions are answered, it is time to bring the professionals. Ask around and find a reputable designer and builder of the pool. They can be the same firm but occasionally someone else does the design work and may hire a subcontractor to do the actual installation. Find someone that is willing to install the vision created with the materials desired. A pool is an investment that should last for many years, and it is worth the time and effort to find the right person to build it.
9. What are the zoning laws? Usually, pool companies are aware of the zoning laws, but it does not hurt to do a little investigation prior to hiring help because it might limit some of the features or amenities in the master plan. For instance, some areas limit the number of gallons of water use which will determine the size of pool allowed. Research the zoning laws for the neighborhood and municipalities to avoid costly mistakes. In some states like Florida and Pennsylvania to name a few, sinkholes are also part of the research before building a pool.
10. How long do you plan to live in the current home? Pools are a great investment for the existing family but consider how long you plan to live there. Pools are desirable for some buyers where many may not want the maintenance. They also do not retain their full value when selling a home, and with the investment made it is something to consider.

Adding a pool for family enjoyment takes time and research long before installation. Preplanning will help with the budget and the design. Pools are fun and can add entertainment for years to come, so these questions will help with the process!

Need help adding landscaping or hardscape features around your new pool? Please contact the experts at The Grounds Guys® to schedule a free estimate in your area today!

For Further Reading:

Health Benefits of a Salt Water Pool

4 Ways to Make the Front Yard Fun

How to Build Your Own Backyard Pond