Constructing a swimming pool is a long-term decision. Once constructed, a swimming pool will become an inseparable part of your house. It can add fun moments to your life. It can increase or decrease the value of your property during resale. But how do you get it right? How do you build a swimming pool which makes you proud and adds to the value of your home? We offer you some points which will guide you in making an informed decision regarding the construction of the swimming pool.
- Purpose
All our life decisions should have a clear purpose, and building a swimming pool is no different. You should carefully think about the uses of your pool. Is it going to be used for exercises? Do you plan to use the pool as an entertaining space? Are your family members interested in playing games in the pool? Or is your pool meant to add aesthetics to your house with not much practical use? Answers to all these questions will determine the size, shape and design of your pool.
If you intend to play games in the pool, then you will have to build a deep pool. If your pool’s primary function is to add to the house’s aesthetics, then you will want to spend more on landscaping and lighting features.
- Budget
Building a pool is an expensive activity. Maintaining a pool involves recurring expenditure. You must set aside a specific amount for the initial construction of the swimming pool. Concrete pools can sometimes overshoot the budget due to the period involved.
If you want extensive landscaping and lighting features, they will further drain your budget. Arrange for the required funds before starting pool construction. Concrete pools may involve tiling expenditure for making the surface smooth. Fibreglass pools have a smooth surface due to the material used.
Your budget will determine the material used for the construction of your pool. Fibreglass is less expensive and easier to maintain as compared to concrete pools. Vinyl pools are vulnerable to punctures. You will have to set aside funds for their repairs every 5-10 years.
You must budget for additional expenses such as heating system, pool cover etc. If you are living in an urban area, then you would have to undertake shading from other buildings for privacy.
- Quality
As mentioned earlier, a swimming pool is a long term addition to your house. Insist on good quality construction material while building the pool. Repairs and renovation can be a messy affair and are best avoided.
With improvements in technology, there are plenty of manufacturers offering superior quality fibreglass pools. Many reputed dealers also offer an extended warranty on their fibreglass pools. Do proper research on the various manufacturers and products sold by them. Take your time and find a well-known builder or manufacturer. Spending a little more initially to ensure high-quality construction is better than undertaking repairs at a later stage.
- Soil terrain and climate
The location of your house and the quality of soil in your backyard affects the time and expenditure of your pool construction. If your house is located in a low-lying area which is prone to flooding, then you will have to actively consider an above ground pool.
It is easier to construct a pool on an even site. If your house is on a steep slope, it can increase construction costs. If the soil in your backyard is extremely loose, powdery or stony, then the construction will require more time and expenditure. You will need an expert pool builder to navigate such difficult terrain. It would be better to conduct a soil test to assess the suitability of the soil.
If your house is located in a windy area, then you will have to look for pool covers. Wind will speed up water evaporation. If your pool has access to sunlight, then it will keep the water warm. If you live in icy climates, then do proper research about the available heating system. Fibreglass pools are easier to heat, and they retain heat for a longer time. Concrete pools require more energy to heat.
- Safety
It is especially important to concentrate on the safety aspects of your pool. If children are supposed to use the pool, then you would want shallow ends in the pool. You may also want to consider fencing and automatic pool covers. Concrete pools tend to have rough surfaces which can cause abrasions. Fibreglass pools have smooth interiors, so you don’t have to worry about scratches and cuts.
You would also want to install fencing or handrails as additional safety features. Most of the fibreglass pools are fitted with anti-skid steps which makes them very safe.
- Zonal laws
Do some research regarding the rules and regulations of your zone. Some areas may have limitations regarding water use and fencing. Gather information regarding any underground utilities like gas, electricity and water that may be passing below your yard. You don’t want to end up paying fines for damaging public utilities.
- Maintenance
Maintenance of a pool is inevitable. Absence of regular maintenance makes your pool useless. The effort and expenses required for maintenance of the pool will vary greatly according to the material used for construction. Generally, concrete pools are difficult to maintain. Maintaining fibreglass pools is easier in terms of effort and expenditure involved. The maintenance costs will also depend upon the size of your pool.
Concrete pools require regular maintenance in the form of surface scrubbing, resurfacing and water cleaning. Maintaining water quality is difficult in a concrete pool. Fibreglass pools are immune to such problems.
A well-maintained pool increases the resale value of your house.
- Pool filtration and cleaning system
Every pool needs an efficient filtration system. The quality of water will depend on the efficiency of the filtration system. There are plenty of options available for energy-efficient filtration and cleaning techniques. There are natural cleaning and filtering options available for those who dislike the use of chemicals.
- Location
A pool cannot be shifted after construction so you will have to carefully select the location of your pool. If there are children in your family, then it is better to locate the pool where it can be seen from other parts of the house.
The location should provide easy access to heavy equipment during the construction stage. You would need to allow space for easy entry and exit from the pool. There should also be space for storing cleaning equipment, filtration system, changing area and seating. If you intend to use your pool for entertaining purposes, then you must consider plenty of seating area inside and outside the pool for your guests to hang out.
- Pool builder
A simple internet search will throw up the names of plenty of pool builders. But you must do your research to find a reputed pool builder. A good pool builder will give you proper information regarding the available materials, the latest technology and proper building process. They will also be conversant about the laws and permissions required for the building process. An experienced builder will be able to guide you properly through the complex process of swimming pool construction. If you need more inspiration or tips, you can always see the blog and get inspired from there.
