Are you thinking about building a new swimming pool? Not sure where to start or what to look for? Then you’ve come to the right place! Here is a Pro Guide to help you decide when, how and why to install a new swimming pool.
Why do I want a Swimming Pool?
While this may seem like a silly question, it’s an important first step. Knowing and understanding why you want a pool will help you decide what you want it to look like and what materials you want it to be made out of. Pools have many different uses including fitness, aesthetics, hydrotherapy, and play/entertainment. Are you going to use your swimming pool to exercise? Do you want it to be a place to entertain or for your kids to have fun? These are all important questions!
Who Will Use the Pool?
Knowing who is going to be using your pool and the purpose for your pool will change the material, location, size, and construction. Swimming Pools can be for everyone (with appropriate adult supervision), and there are many options to accommodate different needs. You can benefit greatly by discussing your ideas and vision with a pool designer. They will be able to paint a clear picture for you.
Because buying a new swimming pool is such a large investment, have each person in your household write down what they want from the pool and if they are going to use it. This will help shape your vision and give you an idea of who is going to be using the pool and why.
Is My Yard Suitable for New Pool Construction?
Once you have decided that you want to build a pool and who will be using it, you need to see if your yard is suitable for construction. Have a builder conduct a soil test to determine if the soil is suitable for new pool construction. Different soil types can present unique building concerns. For example, sandy, expansive, or rocky soil can be more difficult for pool construction, while thicker, denser soil types, like clay, present its own challenges. A high-water table can significantly increase construction costs. Furthermore, a proposed site may not work because it is inaccessible to the heavy machinery needed to dig the hole for the pool project.
Where Will the Swimming Pool be Located?
When choosing where to locate your dream pool, keep a few things in mind. Consider where people will enter and exit. Is it an easily accessible location? Do you like the way it looks? The majority of the year you will be looking outside at your swimming pool, so you want the location to be aesthetically pleasing. Make sure to check zoning codes and your construction plans. Your pool construction project location could be affected by gas, electrical, telephone, cable, and water lines. There may also be restrictions on decking and/or fencing. Make sure to take all of this into consideration when choosing a location for your new backyard oasis.
Check Zoning Laws:
Before you break ground for your new swimming pool, you have to check your local zoning laws. Verify that you are able to build and install a swimming pool on your property. Find out if there are restrictions regarding your plans such as the placement or size. Are there any safety requirements such as fencing? There may also be restrictions on how much of your yard can be covered in decking and which direction it has to slope in order to control water runoff. These are important things you need to know! You also need to obtain the correct permits before building your pool. This can quickly become very stressful and mistakes are expensive or even detrimental to the success of a new pool project. We recommend that you talk to a local pool expert to make sure that all of this is done correctly. Here at Backyard Pools we have built, installed, and consulted on hundreds of pools over the last 14 years. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff of experts can help you make the best-informed decision during such a confusing process.
What Shape and Style Is Best for Swimming Pools?
Luxury pool builders suggest choosing a shape and style that complements the architecture of your home and existing landscape. However, it is ultimately up to you and your family. If you are building your home or considering an in-ground pool, consulting with your builder about a matching pool is definitely a worthwhile option.
Does Having a Swimming Pool Raise the Value of a Home?
Overall, having a pool can increase the value of your home anywhere from 7%-15%. Typically, a pool does not raise the value of your home as much as renovating a bathroom or kitchen would. However, if you live in a higher end neighborhood in a warmer climate where most of your neighbors have pools, not having a pool may decrease the value of your home.
What Is The Best Time to Build a Swimming Pool?
There are pros and cons to building in different seasons. Here’s a brief overview:
- Spring: Building your pool in spring allows you to enjoy your pool in the summer. Installers and builders tend to have busy schedules during this time, so plan accordingly. Rain in the spring months can also cause floods and softened grounds, resulting in installation delays.
- Summer: Summer is the busiest time of year for pool builders and installers. If you need to schedule a pool installation in the summer, it may need to wait until near the end of the season. You also have to wait an entire year before getting to enjoy the pool.
- Fall: Installation prices begin to drop in the fall. The autumn weather is also more stable and the ground tends to be drier, making installation quicker. However, you will have to wait months before you can enjoy your pool.
- Winter: Installation prices are the lowest in the winter (before January). Hazardous weather and snowstorms may cause delay in the installation of your pool.
What Special Features Can I Get For My Pool?
This goes back to knowing what you want for your swimming pool. Understanding your pool’s purpose will give you the direction for extra features. To increase the aesthetics of your pool, even when you’re not swimming, you can add water features and lighting. There are also underwater benches, shallow beach-style entries, a swim-up bar, and areas to play volleyball or basketball. There are even slides you can add to make your pool a more fun and entertaining area. If you are looking for a functional option, you can add an automatic pool safety cover that will provide protection for your pool when it is unsupervised. Interested in fitness? You could add in handrails or a variable speed current system to help you swim in place. While this may be a lot to consider, it’s important to determine what features you want for your pool before installing it. Adding them in later can cost you more in the long run, and can be an extremely time-consuming and challenging process.
What Other Backyard Amenities do I Want?
When planning your perfect poolscape, make sure to list everything you want, even if you aren’t going to install it now. It’s cheaper to plan for what you want in the beginning, rather than to modify the landscape after you’ve built the pool. For example, if you want to add a firepit or outdoor kitchen later, it’s best to run the gas lines to those areas in the beginning. This will unify your landscape and allow for proper lines to be run without interfering with other amenities. Some ideas to consider for your poolscape could be a pool house, outdoor kitchen, firepit, gazebo, and children’s play equipment.
How to Find the Best Swimming Pool Builder
There are many different pool builders and installers, and sometimes it can be difficult to navigate the sea of people who may be in your area. The important thing is that you trust the contractor/builder/installer that is going to be building your new swimming pool.
Word of mouth referrals are usually the best way to locate a high-quality pool builder. Ask for referrals from friends and colleagues who have pools that you like. You can also ask your builder and landscape architect for suggestions. If you are going to Google local pool installers and pool builders, make sure you check the reviews! Look at their website. Is it a bare bones website with only basic info or do they offer expert advice? Do your homework!
Determine Your Budget:
Remember, a swimming pool isn’t just about the initial cost to install it; you also have to think about longevity, maintenance, and accessories, not to mention any upgrades you would like to add later on. This is big investment, and while a pool can bring you fun and enjoyment for years, if done incorrectly it can cost you a bunch of money. We work with families of all income levels and even offer financing. Reach out to Backyard Pools today to see if building a new swimming pool is right for you.