Hi Boox Popular Magazine 2024
Having a swimming pool can be a great addition to your property, but also a huge investment that could increase the value of the real estate. With this in mind, it’s obvious that careful and detailed planning is necessary for the process to go smoothly. Installing a pool is not something that you can fix if you don’t like the end result, so make sure that you hire the right contractor for the job once you have an idea of what kind of pool you would like. So, before the construction crew arrives to start digging up your back yard, here are a few things to consider.
Determining the main purpose of the swimming pool
The main function of the pool will determine its form. Do you need the pool for exercise, backyard entertaining, relaxation or do you just want to listen to the calming sound of the water? Do you have any children that need shallower side? Once you have a clear picture of what is it that you need a swimming pool for, the communication with the contractor will go much easier. Even if you don’t have a crystal-clear concept of how you would like it to look like, a contractor or an architect might offer you some great solutions.
The number of people who would be using the pool
This decision is closely related to the previous point. Large families with small children are looking for shallow pools, with a lot of playing space and possibly one deeper side for the slide. Elderly couples can use regular-depth pools but with some extra side-rails installed. Single people are usually up for some major socializing around the pool, with a lot of barbeque parties and wet decks for the tanning in style. The size of the pool is going to depend on the number of people who are going to be using the pool on a regular basis. If you’re making parties once or twice a year, you certainly don’t need huge swimming pools.
Ground conditions
Can you even have the swimming pool in your backyard? If your property is sitting on sandy or rocky soil, the construction might be impossible or significantly raise the cost of installation. Further, in many subdivisions, there are rules for having a pool, regarding how far you would have to stay from the neighbor’s fence. Utility lines are going underground through your yard, so make sure to double-check the plan. Also, consider neighbor’s trees, are they throwing a shade in your yard? Plan ahead in detail to avoid problems and disappointments down the road.
Think about the location of the pool
Building laws can limit the available locations for the pool in your backyard. Beforementioned utility lines are just one of the problems; some subdivisions also required for the pool to be fenced, is it going to affect the water runoff, and even the size of it especially if you already have a huge deck in your yard. Your contractor is probably very familiar with the majority of the local and state laws, so feel free to communicate your concerns.
One of the things that many contractors agree upon is that people like to enjoy the look of having the pool in the backyard rather than using it. Having this in mind, choose the spot that’s going to make the pool visible from your favorite places in the home, like the bedroom, or balcony.
Choosing the style
Not every homeowner has the knack for design. Personal preferences are certainly taken into the account by the contractors and landscape architects if they complement the whole property. To be more exact, the swimming pool needs to fit the style of the house in order for it to add to the value and not stand like a sore thumb in the backyard. If in doubt, listen to the suggestions of the contractors. Their experience and knowledge can steer you in the right direction and potentially give you some fresh ideas.
Features and amenities
The swimming pool experience can be enhanced by a variety of features. Families usually put safety first and ask for shallow ends and gradual depth increase, as well as the automatic covering of the pool, when not in use. Single guys and gals might wish for a swim-up bar, lounges, or nets for playing volleyball. To use the full potential of the pool for exercise some might consider installing underwater benches and handrails. The possibilities are many, it all just depends on your needs and wants, and of course your budget.
Amenities include things around the pool that can make improve your enjoyment, like gazebos, showers, pool house, outdoor kitchen, lighting, the path from the house, and plants that will add to the experience. Even if your budget at the time can’t stretch that far, just leaving a spot for the features and amenities can majorly reduce your expense later when you decide to go ahead and install them. It’s so much easier than making the adjustment where you will need the use of the heavy equipment again or the addition simply won’t be possible due to the lack of space.
The budget
Swimming pools don’t come cheap. Sure, they add value to your property, but they also carry a hefty price for installation and maintenance. Installation cost will depend on the size of the pool, the soil it will be built on, features, amenities, lighting, heating, and the architectural landscape. Concrete-based pools are more expensive, from $20,000-25,000 up to infinity, but they are highly customizable when it comes to the shape of the pool. Further, if you want some unique tile mosaics on the bottom, that could raise the price for a few hundred thousand.
Every addition will cost a bit more, so plan your budget accordingly. Maintenance is absolutely required without cutting corners. There is a cost of filtration, including but not limited to servicing water pumps, filters, self-cleaning systems, and suction cleaners. Further, there are chemicals that need to be used every couple of years to maintain a healthy balance of the pool water. The biggest hit on your budget is going to be the maintenance of the lining system. Concrete pools need to be washed with specific acid solutions every 5 years. If you’re looking for more durable pools go with the fiberglass lining that is low-maintenance and have a long-lasting warranty. Click here for the details about the cost and the different options available.
