A swimming pool is a great addition to your home since it can significantly boost its appearance and value. But before having one installed, there are a few important things you must consider first so you can get the most out of your investment.
Swimming pool design, construction, and maintenance will entail a huge commitment. A pool should certainly not be an impulse purchase. It requires the modification of your outdoor living space, so you really need to put a lot of thought before making a final decision.
To help you make a well-informed decision, here are six important things to consider.
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Table of Contents
The Purpose
Knowing the reasons for having a pool installed in your house will help you decide if it is really the best move to undertake this home renovation project. Also, this purpose will have a huge impact on the pool’s depth, size, shape, and type of construction.
Did your physician recommend that you swim regularly for therapeutic reasons? Would you use it for swimming laps or do you simply want to take a dip? It is for entertaining your kids and guests? By having a clear purpose, the other decisions you will be making, later on, will be a lot easier to sort out.
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The Construction Site
When built on a level site, a swimming pool installation project will be finished in no time. But if the site has steep slopes, the construction can be time-consuming and more expensive.
Other things that will make building a pool trickier include the presence of sandy or rocky soil and a high water table.
Furthermore, you need to check building regulations about pool fencing requirements, site coverage allowance, and its distance from stormwater drains. In urban sites, for instance, you should be aware of strict requirements when positioning your swimming pool, especially if you have near property boundaries.
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In-ground vs. Above-ground
As pricey as excavating and removing soil can be, in-ground pools offer a more permanent feel than above-ground pools. But if you have a steep site, installing an above-ground pool can be a lot cheaper, easier and faster, especially when ease of accessibility is a problem.
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Your Budget
Before looking into different swimming pool designs, it is crucial for you to set your budget first. Expert pool builders say that there is always a pool to suit any budget. This means that pool contractors will work around your budget without compromising its quality.
Just like any home improvement project, expect that it will cost you more than what you have calculated. Thus, you need to allocate a part of your budget towards unforeseen expenses.
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The Pool Contractor
With several pool contractors to choose from, choosing who to work with can be a daunting task. Not all pool contractors are the same, so you have to be meticulous when making a choice.
Generally, you need to choose a pool contractor that has been installing pools in your area for decades, with a positive track record. Look into their past projects. Also, find time to speak with the homeowners that the pool construction company has worked with lately.
Still, a great service provider for your neighbor might not be the right one for you, so make sure to interact personally with the pool contractor so you can get a feel of how they’ll be dealing with you.
Take this opportunity to ask any question you might have in mind. A reputable pool contractor will be happy to answer all your queries, listen to your concerns, and even provide you with some recommendations to make sure the pool matches your needs and budget.
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The Required Maintenance
Maintenance is crucial in keeping your pool clean and safe at all times. You should be ready for the monthly costs and time commitment that comes with regular pool maintenance. Otherwise, you will just be installing a home addition that will lower the value of your property. Of course, you have the option to hire a trusted contracting and maintenance company to take care of the essential task of keeping the finished pool in excellent condition for you.
A swimming pool can be an enticing addition to your outdoor space, but this investment decision entails a lot of thought and consideration.
Things will become a lot easier if you work with reputable pool contractors. They can help you come up with a design that suits your lifestyle, needs, and financial capability. In other words, these pros can help you in every step of the pool installation process to achieve the results you want, from planning to implementation.
AUTHOR BIO
Rachel Hennessey manages the Pools and Landscaping Division of Hennessey LLC. She also works on Tender and Pre-Qualification and brings in new business to the company’s Construction, Interiors and Civils Division.
