As the summer days heat up, you may be thinking about what a refreshing bonus a backyard pool would be for your family and friends. Putting in a pool is a considerable undertaking and financial expense that should be considered seriously before digging begins.
While having a pool can add value to your home and provide endless entertainment and enjoyment, it is also a lot of work and can only be used seasonally. Along with the required maintenance, you need to consider safety issues that will protect your family and neighbors.
Pools can be the perfect addition to your home, and you can probably imagine yourself sitting on the deck or enjoying a bit of exercise in the mornings. Before you decide on one of the uniquely designed fiberglass pools, you need to consider a few important factors.
Inground or Above-Ground?
When considering adding a pool to your home, your first task will be to decide on a style. Do you want to dig into your yard and have an inground pool, or would you save on some of the labor and put in an above-ground unit? There are pros and cons to each type of pool. If you are living in your permanent home and want a pool to last a lifetime for your children and grandchildren, you may want to consider an inground pool. If you are thinking about a pool for your kids but aren’t sure if you are in your permanent home, an above-ground pool could be the perfect solution for now.
Installation
The installation process for a pool can be extensive. Not only will your contractors need to dig the initial hole for your pool, but you will need to consider decking and landscaping around the pool. The construction process will take a few weeks, and your backyard will look like an average construction site.
It’s best to deal with a professional pool installation company for your construction project. You may want to use a general contractor for the whole project, but they will often bring in an expert in pools for that part of the job. When a pool is not correctly installed, it can cause maintenance and structural problems in the future.
Pool Materials
The best material to use is concrete if you want a specific shape and design pool. A concrete pool will last the longest and have the least maintenance. Other pool materials include fiberglass formed into a shell for easy installation. If you live in the north and experience cold winters, vinyl is a great pool material to withstand the freeze and thaw cycles.
Time and Maintenance
Beyond the time it takes to install and landscape your pool, you will need to dedicate time to the maintenance of your pool. Whether you choose a saltwater or chlorine pool, you will need regular water testing and adding maintenance products. Your pool must be regularly cleaned, skimmed, and the liner scrubbed. Add to that the manual labor it takes to open and close your pool in the spring and fall.
Outdoor Space
Putting in a pool will limit the living space that you have in your yard. When you consider the measurements of your pool, then add in the necessary decking and fencing, you may not have much room left in your yard.
Adding a pool to your home can be wonderful, but it can also be a lot of work. Consider these factors before you decide if a pool is right for your family.
