So, you have decided to get a sparkling pool installed in your backyard. As exciting as this is, buying a pool involves a huge financial commitment. And, the thing about swimming pools is, once you have them installed, they are going nowhere and become a permanent part of your home. This means you have to live with all the decisions you make at the purchasing stage further down the line. Safe to say, you wouldn’t want to go wrong here.
Multiple factors need considering before you install a pool. If you leap in without doing your homework, you could end up with a pool that requires more maintenance than you like. Or, overpay for the purchase. Or, you could hire the wrong pool designer for the job in last-minute haste. To avoid these blunders, we have rounded up the top 10 tips that you should bear in mind before buying a pool for your backyard.
1. Establish A Budget
You may have been wanting a pool in your backyard for years and may already know what you want. But, it’s best to chalk out your finances to know exactly how much you can spend. Once you have a workable price range, you can see the options that are available in your range.
It is also important that you get on a call with your pool builder to get a sense of what the project will cost you. Based on their initial estimates, you can see if there need to be any adjustments to your budget or your plan.
2. Know How You Want to Use Your Pool
Determining what your pool is going to be used for is a crucial part of the pool buying process. Is it for your kids? Is it for a relaxing retreat for you and your spouse? Are you planning to use it for fitness or therapy? Or, do you simply want to indulge and recreate a resort-like pool experience at your home? Identifying why you are installing a pool gives you a clearer head. It also makes the job easier for the pool builder.
3. Research the Types of Pools
There are three main types of swimming pools to choose from – concrete, vinyl and fiberglass. It is best to speak to a pool builder to try to understand the pros and cons of each pool type. Or, the internet has made it easier for us to do our research.
Remember, depending on the pool type you choose, there will also be variations in its cleaning systems, filtering systems and finishing touches, among other things. This could have an impact on your maintenance cost in the long run.
4. Decide the Location of Your Pool
If you are blessed with a decent sized backyard, it can be tricky to decide where to install the pool. Often, homeowners choose a spot where it’s the easiest to install the swimming pool or easiest to access. Unfortunately, that’s not the right approach. More so, if your backyard has a lot of trees that can block direct sunlight, you could end up spending more on the heating costs. Not to forget, the daily leaf litter and debris that will be a pain to clean.
5. Consider the Shape, Size and Design
When you are investing in an in-ground pool, know what size will go best in your backyard. Do you want an outdoor patio or lounge space in the pool area? Then, you’ll need to save some space to construct these items. When determining your pool’s shape, consider your backyard’s size. If you want a good seating area, a curved pool may look good. Whereas, a straight pool makes more sense if you want an open swim lane or tanning ledge.
6. Consider the Long-term Costs
While it is important to know beforehand how much upfront investment your pool would require, long-term costs are just as important. Many pool owners commit the error of not factoring in maintenance costs down the line when purchasing a pool. For example, determine pool cleaning and maintenance costs, electricity costs to run the motor pumps, any accessories such as pool covers and more.
For instance, if you have a vinyl liner pool, it requires vinyl liner replacement every five to ten years. Paving, heating, lighting and fencing in the future can become an added burden if you don’t prepare for them.
7. Decide When You Want the Pool Installed
Contrary to popular belief, winter is the best time to install a pool, not summers. This is because, in summers, the pool companies are swamped with projects and may not be able to book you a slot in the timeframe you had in mind. In the colder months, they are relatively free- winter being the off-season. This can result in extra discounts and better deals for you. Plus, if you start your pool installation in winter when the summer comes your pool will be ready for a splash.
8. Think About Additional Features
Keeping your overall budget in mind, you may want to delay some optional features for the next stage. For example, you may include a plumbing provision for a heat pump but purchase and install the heating system after some years. So, make sure you know what you want to be installed right away with the pool and what you want to wait for. Some features can’t be added on at a later stage. It is good to be updated about your options.
9. Spare A Thought for Landscaping
Most pool owners are so fixated with the pool that they tend to ignore the landscaping around it. With the perfect landscaping, you can transform your pool area into an outdoor oasis. If you are trying to make your backyard colorful, you can use planters or potted plants. Avoid messy trees like sycamore and pecans near your pool.
10. Look for A Credible Pool Builder
Lastly, find out if your pool builder is licensed and authorized for pool installations. Have a look at their past projects, their success rate, and the previous clients’ feedback. Check in your neighborhood if anyone has used the same pool builder for the project. Did they have any complaints or were they happy with how it turned out? A reputable pool builder will be able to provide references and answer all the relevant questions you may have.
Closing Thoughts
We hope the above-mentioned tips are useful to you before you buy a pool for your home. Remember, it pays to do a thorough groundwork before you commit as installing a pool is a long-term investment decision. If you don’t plan well, you could end up being dissatisfied with the result. So, even though it may seem time-consuming, take the time to research.
If you are looking to have a fibreglass pool installed in your backyard, you can get in touch with us.
Or, in the case of any pool-related inquiries, give us a call. We have been installing world-class pools for our happy customers in Australia. We can have a look at your backyard space and suggest the best pool solutions that tie harmoniously with your home environment.
