Having a swimming pool in your own backyard is the ultimate upgrade you can give to your home. It not only increases the overall beauty of your house, but it also dramatically increases the property value. Swimming pools can serve as a good place to exercise and train. It is also an excellent place to hold parties, relax and enjoy time with your friends and family.
Since having a backyard pool has so many benefits, everybody wants one. But before starting to look for a pool, the first thing to consider is whether your backyard is suitable for a swimming pool. It is not necessary to have a really big backyard to have a swimming pool. You can have your dream pool in your small backyard since pools come in numerous sizes. There are numerous factors that come into play while deciding whether your backyard can have a swimming pool.
Check out our post here on just how much value a pool brings to your property!
What is the appropriate size of a pool?
Because home backyards vary in size, there is no hard and fast rule for the appropriate size of a swimming pool. Several manufacturers offer pools of varying sizes and shapes so that people can choose them according to the size of their backyard. One general rule followed while installing a swimming pool is that the pool should not take up more than one-third of the yard space. The main reason for this rule is to avoid the swimming pool taking up the entire space in the backyard, leaving no space to lounge or relax. The swimming pool should be just one feature of your backyard. Having a large pool alone may not make your backyard look beautiful. Other elements like floral beds, patio furniture, and landscaping should also be incorporated along with the pool to accentuate the beauty of the backyard.
Safety is another reason for the size restriction. If there is little space in the backyard apart from the pool, there is a high risk of people, especially kids, accidentally falling into the pool. Lack of space will also hamper rescue operations if needed.
Factors to consider during swimming pool building
Even though swimming pools are available in numerous sizes to suit customer needs, not all backyards are suitable for placing them. There are several other factors that need to be considered before a backyard can be deemed suitable to erect a swimming pool. Some of them include:
The size of the backyard
Homeowners with larger backyards can go forward with any design of their choice. But for people with awkwardly shaped or small backyards, pool design is tricky and essential. Fibreglass pools are usually suitable for most kinds of backyards, which makes them a safe bet. During the pool design, you should also consider the space needed for other activities like gatherings and entertainment.
If you are interested in landscaping, adequate space should be allotted to it during the design stage. Ample space should be provided for decking and storage areas. Some people have a lot of other elements in their backyard, like trees, sprinkler systems, and septic tanks. All these features should be considered before drawing up a final plan.
Don’t let your backyard size stop from considering purchasing a pool. We tackle the most frequently asked questions about small fibreglass pools here!
Access to the backyard
When you are constructing a swimming pool, numerous pieces of heavy equipment and building materials need to be transported to your backyard. This means your backyard should be an accessible place. You should also be mindful of power and utility lines and fences that are situated near your backyard. Installation of fibreglass pools requires cranes. Make sure you have space to comfortably operate a crane without causing damage to nearby structures. Limited access to the backyard can be detrimental to the construction of the swimming pool.
Level or slope of your backyard
Flat slopes are best for building swimming pools. The installation work is relatively easy, and the erection cost is also lower. It is a bit tricky if your backyard has a sharp slope. Experienced builders are needed in such cases, and the erection costs will also be considerably higher.
Ground conditions and soil quality
Building a pool in a backyard with a high water table can be a bit difficult. Sometimes during excavation, water can show up on the surface, needing dewatering before installation. This will considerably increase building costs and cause unnecessary delays. You may also need to install a drainage system to remove groundwater from around the pool shell.
Soil quality is also a critical factor that affects pool construction. Numerous elements, like subsurface drainage, excavation, and maintenance depend on the soil’s nature. Soft and sandy soil can cause the excavation sides to degrade or collapse, requiring extra support. Blasting is needed in backyards with rock ledges to facilitate proper excavation.
Your neighbourhood
If there are too many trees or buildings near your backyard, your pool may not get enough sunlight. Your pool can also be easily dirty if trees from your neighbour’s backyard are extended over your swimming pool. In such cases, it is advisable to remove those branches before starting the pool construction.
The availability of sunlight
Your pool needs an adequate amount of sunlight to keep the pool water warm. If there are any obstructions like trees, you may need to remove them before starting construction.
Property regulations
Your local authority may have put in place several rules and regulations to govern the installation of new swimming pools in your area. The rules usually involve details concerning the distance between the swimming pool and other structures like boundaries, fences, and stormwater drains. There may also be safety regulations pertaining to gas, cable, or electric lines. Make sure to consider all the safety regulations before deciding to install a swimming pool.
A swimming pool surely adds charm and elegance to your backyard. But, a lot of homework and research are needed before you can decide whether your backyard is suitable for a swimming pool. You can also take the expert advice of engineers and professionals and request a site inspection before making a decision. Contact us to today so we can help you make your dream pool become a reality!
