You wake up one morning and decide, wait… I need a swimming pool in my backyard! Well, good thing, because installing a pool on your property will go a long way in improving its value, while providing your family with an added amenity where they can have fun and get active. Forgive the mumbo jumbo, but the benefits of having a swimming pool in your home cannot be overstated.
However, swimming pools are a major investment and to make sure that you get things right from the word go, you will want to sit down and plan thoroughly in advance. Among other things, you will want to think about the type of pool you want, the ideal shape, the appropriate size, and the best location to place it. Without further ado, here are some factors to consider before getting a pool in your backyard.
Location and Landscaping
You require a suitable location to install your pool. For starters, the amount of space you have in your backyard will determine the shape and size of your pool, as well as its design. Also, landscaping is of much essence. Slopes and trees growing in your backyard might also limit your options when it comes to choosing the appropriate site. So is the location you have in mind appropriate for pool installation?
Pool Type: In-Ground Vs Above Ground?
There are two main types of pools, these being in-ground and above ground pool. For an in-ground pool, you may need to work with a pool construction company, since construction involves soil excavation and removal, which can at times be a bit harsh on your wallet. However, in the ground pools tend to have a more permanent feel compared to their above-ground counterparts. As for the above-ground type, they come ready made and you only need a considerable amount of space to place it. They are also available in a wide variety of options, including inflatable pools for kids, steel, and fiberglass with a vinyl liner. The good thing with above-ground pools is that they are cheaper, portable, and some of them can even be disassembled at will. However, an in-ground pool will have a longer lifespan compared to its above-ground counterpart.
Pool Material
The material you choose to use for your pool’s construction will determine its strength as well as its longevity. However, fiberglass and concrete are the two most commonly used materials for in-ground pool building. For added strength and durability, concrete pools are sometimes reinforced with steel. Concrete is also known to provide more flexibility when it comes to size, shape, and depth compared to fiberglass. Most concrete pools are given a tile, marble, pebble, quartz, or vinyl finish, depending on your preferences. However, it is also important to note that concrete pools can take longer to install. Australian installation experts of fiberglass pools | Harvest Pools say that while it can take as little as 3 days to install a fiberglass pool, a concrete pool can take up to 3 months or more to construct to completion. These days, most homeowners prefer fiberglass pools for their quick and easy installation, affordability, low maintenance, and immense beauty, as well as the fact that they come with a considerable warranty.
Budget
Especially if you go for the in-ground type, pool installation doesn’t come cheap. On the lower side, it can cost you a good $25,000 – $50,000 or more to install a concrete pool depending on its size, shape, design, and how you want it to be customized. Other installation expenses to consider may include landscaping, decking, covers, and heating systems depending on the climate or weather conditions of the geographical location in question. It also pays to factor in the pool maintenance costs, which may include things like water filtration, cleaning, pumping, water treatment, water circulation systems, and repairs, just to name a few.
Safety and Building Codes
Last but not least, it is important to think about swimming pool safety before you even think of placing one on your backyard. For this, remember to find out what pool building codes and safety requirements are before you even embark on your project. Also, despite being a valuable addition to your home, a pool can be a safety hazard to your kids, pets, or even other people from the neighborhood. Making sure that your pool is fenced and gated can help prevent drowning accidents, thereby giving you peace of mind. Alarm systems are also available, which alert you the moment an object or a person enters the pool in the absence of supervision. It is best to factor such safety features in your swimming pool project budget even before you commence installation. One form of safety precautions for your swimming is applying pool deck coatings. This is to protect your family from a bare concrete pool deck. You can check out pooldeks.com for more benefits of applying pool deck coatings on your property.
Pools are great and pools are fun. However, installing one on your backyard can be an overly challenging undertaking, especially if you’re not well versed in this area. Luckily, with the above few considerations, your pool installation project can be fun and less daunting, so happy pool building!
