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With summer just around the corner, if you are thinking about getting a swimming pool in your yard, now’s the time to do it.
With 10.4 million residential pools in the US, you will be in good company. What could be better than cooling off in your own backyard, hosting pool parties or teaching your kids to swim?
But installing a pool is a big project and takes time and money. So, before you embark on a project of this size, you need to make sure you have thought it through first.
Read these 9 key things to consider before installing a swimming pool to find out more.
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1. Are You Sure You Want a Pool?
First things first, before you start making plans to install a pool, ask yourself if this is what you really want.
Installing a swimming pool is a big undertaking. It will cause some disruption, cost quite a lot of money, and will alter the whole look of your backyard.
A swimming pool also requires ongoing maintenance throughout the year. So it does require a bit of time and effort in order to keep it safe and clean.
Before you make any commitments, talk to a friend or neighbor who already has a pool. Ask them about their pool installation experience and what they find are the pros and cons of pool ownership.
2. What Will You Use it for?
Once you decide you definitely want a pool, the next thing to consider is what you will use it for.
This might sound like a dumb question, because swimming pools are for swimming, right? But people do have different expectations about their pool.
Consider whether you want your pool to be suitable for kids, in which case it will need to be shallow. If you are using it for entertaining you will need a decent-sized area around it for seating.
Each pool installation will need to meet different requirements, so now is the time to give it some thought.
3. Is Your Yard Suitable for Installing a Pool?
The next thing you need to consider is whether your backyard is suitable for a pool.
There are a number of things you will need to take into account. These include size, access for machinery, water table, and soil type. While you can overcome many problems such as loose soil, they will increase the cost of installation.
Some pool installations will need a creative professional to help you make the most of your space. So, why not read more about luxury landscaping and design for your backyard.
4. What is Your Budget?
A swimming pool is an investment and working out your budget before you begin the project is essential.
Once you know how much you have to spend you can start obtaining quotes. Some pool builders will try to upsell larger, more elaborate pools. However, it is important that you stick to your budget.
5. What Type of Pool Would You Like?
Before you start getting quotes, check out some pool brochures and swimming pool ideas. This will allow you to get a feel for the type of pool you would like.
Your budget may mean you have to compromise on some areas, but a wishlist is a good place to start.
There are many different swimming pool features you may want to consider, such as:
- Beach entry (a sloping pool entry instead of steps)
- Infinity pool
- Wooden decking
- Mosaic patterned pool floor
- An island in the center of the pool
- Swim-up bar
There are almost endless combinations of pool features to choose from. Spend a bit of time working out which ones a must-have, and which you can live without.
6. Who Will do the Pool Maintenance?
While you’re busy having fun choosing cool features for your pool, don’t forget to think about pool maintenance.
A swimming pool does require upkeep and care, and while it is not a particularly arduous job, it is vital to maintain clean water. If you do not monitor the chemical levels in your pool you run the risk of dangerous bacteria forming. This can pose a serious health risk to you and your family.
It is also really important to remove leaves and insects from your pool on a regular basis. If you fail to do this it can damage your pool filters which will prove costly, and no one wants to swim in a pool full of debris.
Some people choose to hire a professional pool cleaning company to do this. This is something you need to think about when you are fixing your budget, as pro pool cleaners are not free.
However, there are alternatives such as robot pool cleaners, or just doing it yourself.
7. Will It Affect the Value of Your Property?
Everyone wants a pool, right? Well, not necessarily. While you probably are adding a valuable feature to your house, remember that not everyone wants the commitment of a pool.
When you come to sell your house, real estate agents will make your pool a great selling point. But be prepared for the fact that for some people it could also be a turn-off.
8. Have You thought about Privacy?
While you might have a great relationship with your neighbors, do you really want them to see you in your bikini?
Privacy is often forgotten when it comes to pool design. But if you and your family want to relax around the pool and not feel overlooked it is worth getting it right.
You can create natural screens using plants, trees, or bamboo. But make sure that you do not have too much overhanging foliage that will create debris.
If you aren’t too concerned about privacy but do value the safety of yourself and your family, glass pool fencing can be an excellent addition to your garden, just be sure to work with experts such as Seamless Fencing & Glass.
9. Who Will Install the Pool?
Finally, you need to decide on your pool builder. As with any major investment it pays to get a few quotes and not make any hasty decisions. Talk through your ideas and wishlist with potential pool builders to ensure they know your budget and expectations.
Look at online reviews and ask for local recommendations, as sometimes a company website doesn’t tell the whole story.
Backyard and Pool Ideas at Your Fingertips
So there are our 9 key things to consider before installing a pool in your backyard.
Think about the impact it will have on your property and the space you have, and consider issues such as privacy. Different pools suit different people. So come up with a wishlist of features that you’d like and talk to a few pool builders about how realistic they are.
If you found this article useful then why not check out some more posts on backyard design ideas right here.
