Building an in-ground swimming pool is on the top of most homeowners’ wish lists, and for a good reason. A home swimming pool is a great place to relax, have fun, and create enduring memories with your loved ones — all without ever having to leave your front door. If you ever decide to sell your home, it’s also a feature that’ll add a ton of resale value to your property. However, building and maintaining one is a hefty investment and requires a lot of commitment from you. Neglecting to do your research and planning will result in a failed investment and a potentially compromised and dangerous structure that you wouldn’t want your family to swim in. Here’s what you need to consider before deciding to build one.
What are your state’s zoning laws?
Certain states have limitations regarding what you can or can’t build on your property, and there are special regulations for swimming pools, especially. You’ll have to ensure that your property is in compliance with your state’s zoning ordinances for building swimming pools before you can break ground on your backyard.
Why do you want a pool?
Think about your reasons for wanting to build a pool. These factors will impact the depth, shape, size, and materials of your pool. Once you identify its intended purpose, it’ll be easy for you to figure out exactly what you want and why you want it. Certain things you should consider include whether you’re going to use it for leisure or fitness if you want it to serve as more of a cosmetic fixture, and who will be primarily using it.
Is your site conducive to a pool?
Your property should be large and sturdy enough to handle a swimming pool. The quality of the ground should be stable. The area should be unlikely to experience strong earthquakes, hurricanes, and storms. There should be enough space to accommodate the pool’s size and shape and the pump and circulation system underneath it, which can be checked by companies like Allied Pumps. To make sure that your site can handle a swimming pool, you should hire an engineer to evaluate the property’s suitability.
What kind of pool do you want?
There are two main types of swimming pools: in-ground and above-ground. Building an in-ground pool is more costly, time-consuming, and labour-intensive, but they’re ideal if you want a more permanent fixture in your home. Above-ground pools are easier and faster to install, and they’re also much cheaper. However, they can look quite bulky if you have a smaller space and more difficult to access. You should go over your options with your contractor to see which option works for your needs and preferences.
Do you have the budget for it?
One of the most important things to think about is whether you can actually afford to build a pool on your property. You don’t want to discover halfway through construction that you’ve run out of money to complete your swimming pool. Otherwise, you’ll be left with a large, gaping hole in your backyard where a pool is supposed to be. Think not only about the costs of building the structure but maintaining it as well, then decide whether you have the financial means to go through with the project.
Who will build the pool?
As with any construction project, you’ll need a reputable contractor or construction company that can help you design your pool’s layout, calculate an estimate for the budget, secure the required permits, and acquire the necessary materials, labour, and equipment. It’s important to thoroughly explore your options, ask for recommendations from trusted family and friends, and compare all candidates’ skills, abilities, and portfolio before you commit to one.
What features do you want your pool to have?
While adding extra features and accessories to your pool isn’t essential, it’s still important to consider, especially if you’re using the pool for a specific purpose. You may want to add lighting fixtures, a diving board, a slide, spa jets, or a deck for seating. Weigh the cost of each feature and accessory you want to install and whether it’s a worthy and cost-effective addition to your pool.
How will you maintain the pool?
Pool maintenance is one of the most costly and cumbersome aspects of owning a pool. You can make things easier for yourself by planning and figuring out how exactly you’ll go about keeping your pool clean. This includes investing in skimmers, filters, plants, and chemical cleaners. You may also want to factor in how much pool maintenance services are and how often you’ll get them done.
While having a pool in your backyard for your friends and family to enjoy is certainly the dream, you’ll have to be realistic about the responsibilities and costs associated with building and maintaining a pool so that you won’t end up wasting your time and money in the long run.
