Installing a swimming pool can be an expensive and work-intensive endeavor, but the value it adds to your home and the enjoyment you get out of it often make it worth it. Just make sure you do your research and planning before you start so that you end up with the perfect pool for you. Here are some things to keep in mind before you build.
1. How Much Are You Willing To Spend?
While thinking about the budget for your pool isn’t very exciting, it’s important to know how much you want to spend so that you don’t end up regretting the investment later. When you’re setting your budget, make sure you start by researching the different price ranges of pools in your area. Custom pools in Montgomery, for example, won’t cost the same as those in other areas. Looking at pricing can help you get a better idea of what features you can and can’t afford before you get too attached to any of them. While you don’t want to put yourself in a hole because of the pool, you also want to make sure you’re purchasing the features you need up front so that you don’t have to install them later. This is often not only a time-consuming process, but it can also end up costing you more in the long run. Make sure you budget for additional expenses such as maintenance and cleaning, towels, lawn chairs, and repairs as well.
2. What Features Do You Want or Need?
Once you’ve established how much you want to spend, you can figure out what you want to spend that money on. You’ll need to decide what type of pool you want (fiberglass, vinyl or concrete) and what size, shape, and depth you want it to be. Start this decision process by asking yourself what you want out of your pool. Is it going to be a fun spot for the kids, or do you want it to be a relaxing escape for adults? Are you going to want to swim laps? How many people are going to be in it at a time? The answers to these questions can help you decide how to design your pool. If you want your pool to be a fun gathering place, adding a diving board and a deep end might be a good idea, as well as making sure it’s large enough to handle all the people you’ll have over. If you want it to be a relaxing addition to your backyard, fountains and natural-looking materials might be a good investment.
3. What Additional Requirements Do You Need To Meet?
Each state has different requirements for pool safety. From zoning laws to fencing requirements, it’s important to look into these before you finalize your design so that you can incorporate them into your design and budget instead of being surprised by them. In addition to these standards, you’ll also need to consider your climate and the factors that come with that. If you live in a hot climate, you might not need to heat your pool, but if you live in an area where your summer season is shorter, it might be worth the money to heat it so that you can enjoy it longer. You might also need a cover to protect your pool from debris and keep people from falling in, so take that cost into consideration as well.
4. How Will This Fit Into the Rest of My Yard?
It may sound obvious, but adding a pool to your backyard will change it drastically. Consider the space around your pool and what you want that to look like. Do you want the pool area to meld into your lawn, or do you want it to be a shady grotto? Plan the landscaping you want to have around the pool before you build it so that you aren’t struggling with it later. Keep in mind that the plants will drop leaves into your pool and will be splashed with chlorine and other chemicals, so choose them carefully. You’ll also need to decide if you want to pay to have them planted at the same time that your pool is constructed or if you need to add them later.
Having your own pool can open the door for family fun and relaxation, as well as increasing the value of your home. It can also bring additional challenges, though, so make sure you do your research and take your time thinking through your decisions. If you do this, you’re more likely to end up with a beautiful area that you can enjoy for years to come.
