So, you’re thinking about putting in a pool. It’s a great idea. It’s like having a vacation all summer in your own garden.
There isn’t anything much more relaxing than coming home after a long day at work, throwing on a swimsuit and floating in your private pool.
Relaxing by your swimming pool is great for stress relief
Not only that, you can actually boost the property value of your home! However, there are some nuances that you may need to be aware of when it comes to having a pool. Here are a few things to think about:
1. Cost
Depending on the type of pool that you are thinking about, the actual cost of installation can vary quite a bit. It’s a significant investment in your property and quality should be a focus throughout the process.
Cutting costs on materials that may need to be replaced won’t save you any money in the long run and can cause other damage to your property.
Increase the value of your property with the right kind of pool
You may also need to factor in a fence surrounding your pool area, as well as any decking or concrete. If you are planning a costly pool installation project, you might want to consult with your banker about a home improvement or pool loan.
The interest rates might be lower than what you would lose by moving the money you’ll need from somewhere else.
2. Check with Your Council
Take the time to either get online or go to your local authority and find out if there are any restrictions for pools where you live. Some communities may have restrictions in place where pools are not allowed.
You may also need planning permission for the work or at least be familiar with the rules and regulations to ensure the builder has complied and it will get signed off as satisfactorily built.
3. Hiring a Contractor
If it’s a small, do-it-yourself, above-ground pool, you can easily install it yourself. But, if it’s an in-ground pool, you’ll be hiring someone to complete the project. Take your time and find a reputable contractor. Ask neighbours, your friends and your family for recommendations.
Maintaining your pool is essential to keep it running smoothly
Check out online resources like find a tradesman websites. Then, meet with a few different contractors and make the best decision for who is going to be making alterations to your home.
4. Maintenance
There is a little ongoing maintenance that needs to be performed to keep the water looking beautiful and crystal-clear blue all summer.
Preferably, you can pay someone else to take care of it. But, it really doesn’t take that much time. You can easily keep it in tip-top shape on your own. It only needs a little attention.
- Cleaning: Leaves and debris will drop on top of the water and will need to be skimmed off occasionally. The floor will also need to vacuumed if it gets dirty. Skimming takes very little time, and you can buy a little robot vacuum to clean the bottom for you.
- Chemicals: There is a delicate balance of chemicals that keep the water sparkling and safe to swim in. The main thing that the pool will need is plenty of chlorine. The other chemicals will depend on the quality of the water in your the pool. You’ll quickly find a pool store that will test your water and tell you exactly what it needs.
Cleaning leaves from the water surface is an essential maintenance chore
You’ll also need to think about the surrounding area, like the decking. You can use a high quality pressure washer to remove dirt and build up quite easily.
5. Opening and Closing
If you live in a climate that gets below 0 degrees in the winter, you will be closing your pool every Autumn and reopening it every spring.
You’ll want to make sure that you have a good-quality pool cover that will withstand the elements during your particular winter season. You can either hire a professional pool service to open and close your pool or you can do it yourself. It’s a fairly simple process to learn.
While there is a little due diligence required on your part, as well as a bit of work to keep it beautiful, at the end of the day, you’ll have something that you may have been yearning for your entire life, your very own swimming pool. Enjoy it!
