A pool could be a great feature in your home. But before you get started on this project, there are a few important considerations that you should make. Below are 5 of the most essential things to consider before building a pool.
Is a pool worthwhile?
Many of us love the idea of relaxing in a pool in summer, but what about the rest of the year? Are you going to make good use of your pool, or is it going to stay untouched for most of the year?
A pool is generally best for people who love swimming or who have kids that love swimming. Pools also tend to get more use in warmer climates. If you live somewhere cooler, you may be less tempted to regularly use your pool (unless it’s heated or indoors).
Pools also require a lot of maintenance. You may spend as much time cleaning your pool and treating the water as you do swimming and lounging in it. Of course, for those who are passionate about owning a pool, this upkeep could be worthwhile.
How much will you spend?
It’s important to consider your budget and the type of pool that you want. You can buy and install a decent above ground pool for as little as $700. A high-quality custom in-ground pool with lights, heating and a hot tub is meanwhile going to cost you upwards of $60,000.
Most basic in-ground pools cost between $20,000 and $40,000. You should consider whether this is something that you can stretch to – many people take out a home improvement loan or remortgage their property to pay for it. A good quality swimming pool will add more value than it costs, which is something to consider if you think you may sell one day.
Build yourself or hire a pro?
Building a swimming pool yourself is possible, but not easy. You need to dig a hole large enough and then surface your pool, while also installing filters and pumps. A concrete pool using a waterproofing solution is one of the easiest DIY pool options. There are also DIY pool kits that can help make things easy.
When it comes to intricately tiled pools, heated pools or complex shaped pools, it’s generally a better idea to hire a professional. When you hire professionals, you can be certain that your pool isn’t going to leak and that all components will have been installed correctly.
What size and shape?
Your pool could be very small or large. Plunge pools are small pools that are very popular – you cannot swim in them, but they’re good for cooling off in. A larger and deeper pool may be necessary if you want to practice lengths, add a diving board or host epic pool parties.
You should also think about the shape. Many pools are rectangular, but you could also consider opting for an oval-shaped pool or teardrop-shaped pool or something more unusual.
What surface will you choose?
There are so many different surfaces that you can choose for a pool. These will affect the look of your pool and how long it lasts.
The most basic surfaces are plaster or waterproofed concrete. High-end pools may use stone tiles or fibreglass. You should consider your budget and the look you want to achieve.
