A pool at home is not merely a place to cool down during hot and humid days. There are also other incredible benefits of considering this worthy investment.
- Fitness – Instead of staying cooped up inside the house all day, a pool allows the family to have a venue for fun and relaxing exercise in the water.
- Family Time – With today’s technology, family members tend to spend more time on gadgets and television. Having a pool allows the family to bond together and share quality time.
- Higher Property Value – Most concrete pools increase the value of a home by about 5 percent.
But before you get over-excited about the idea of building a pool, there are things you should consider first. After all, when it comes to modern luxury living, investing in a swimming pool doesn’t come cheap. It’s one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make in your property, and it’s only wise to make sure it lasts.
Below are 5 things you should never neglect before building your own backyard pool paradise.
Budget
There are various types of swimming pools and the costs may differ for each one. Because of the significant cost that comes with building a pool, it’s important to set your budget first. Once you have one in mind, consult with a reputable swimming pool design contractor on how you could work with that budget.
It’s okay to dream about having a grand swimming pool, but you also have to realistic about what you can afford.
Location
It’s not enough that you have the cash to build your dream pool. You also have to check if your yard can suitably accommodate a swimming pool. You should also inquire about the zoning restrictions in your area.
Before the construction process, you have to determine where you intend to place the pool. You need to have an outline to map out your pool’s orientation and size. Also, observe your chosen pool area throughout the day, and check for any unattractive vantage points.
Who and What
You have to determine what the pool is for and who will be using it. The answer to these questions will help you decide on the pool design, shape and size.
Knowing the primary users and purpose of your pool will help you give better specifications to your chosen pool contractor. In turn, the contractor will be able to create the exact swimming pool that’ll fit your needs.
Special Features
Aside from the swimming pool, you may also want to think about adding other amenities such as a diving board or slide. Some people also dream of adding bubblers and waterfalls to make their swimming pool look more appealing. The special features you choose to build into the pool will help improve its overall look.
Take note that special features are not really necessary. Only add them if your budget allows it.
Contractor
You may have pool design, the budget, and everything in place already. But without a reputable swimming pool contractor, you won’t be able to create that dream pool. In choosing a contractor, don’t solely rely on the information you get from someone or from the internet.
Tips on Finding the Best Pool Contractor
- Research local pool contractor websites. Go online and find pool builders that have designs and styles that suit your taste. List down those that catch your interest and call them for an appointment.
- Look at customer reviews. Read and ask for customer references to have an idea of the contractor’s pool building process. Examine if the contractor’s services were able to meet the requirements of previous customers. It’s also a good idea to look at the contractor’s portfolio to check their work experience.
- Check for certifications. Make sure that the staff of your chosen contractor has undergone intensive training and testing. This will give you an assurance of the quality of their work.
- Always take your time. There’s nothing good that comes in rushing your decision. Take your time, research and compare prices between contractors to get the best value.
Building a pool at home is not an easy process. Make sure to remember the things above so that you can make the right choices. Once you do, you can finally take the plunge and have fun activities with your family within the comforts of your home.
Later in life you might decide that a swimming pool is too much maintenance for you and you don’t really use it anymore. A company such as Reverse Pools can fill in your pool and convert the space into a garden, lawn, deck or entertaining area. So when you’re first considering a pool, always know that if you change your mind down the track there are options to reverse it.
AUTHOR BIO
Rachel Hennessey manages the Pools and Landscaping Division of Hennessey LLC. She also works on Tender and Pre-Qualification and brings in new business to the company’s Construction, Interiors and Civils Division.
