There are 10.4 million residential swimming pools across the United States. That’s more than the number of public pools available.
There’s nothing quite like your own private pool for relaxing, swimming, and having parties during hot sunny days. Are you planning on buying a swimming pool for your yard this year?
Read on for 7 key things you must consider when you buy a pool.
1. The Time and Cost of Regular Maintenance Tasks
Owning a pool comes with two costs: the start-up cost and the ongoing price for maintenance.
You can either do the regular maintenance tasks yourself or hire them out. Either way, you need to consider the cost and time of these.
There are various weekly tasks you need to do to keep your pool sparkling clean and in good working condition. You will need to skim the pool to remove debris, empty the skimmer baskets, brush the walls and vacuum the pool floor.
You will also need to manage the water level of your pool, run the filter and check the pool pump, chlorine and pH levels. On average, you can spend 4-8 hours a week on these tasks.
If you hire a pool company to do these, you can expect to pay around $75-$100 per hour.
2. The Shape of Your Swimming Pool
Certain pool shapes, like many things, are trending for a while and later become old-fashioned.
Kidney shapes were huge in the ’90s but not stylish now. To ensure a good resale value of your home down the line, be sure to choose a shape that is timeless.
Pools with straight edges and rectangular pools have and will continue to stand the test of time.
You can ask your pool company to show you pictures of the most popular styles installed in the last several years. That will give you an idea of what others are choosing.
3. Consider Depth
Do you really need a 12-foot deep pool? Think about what depth will suit you and your family best.
Most people spend most of their time in a pool standing and chatting. Or they might play volleyball or frisbee or float on a pool float.
For all of these activities, shallow is best. Most pool companies can accommodate your needs by making pools that run from shallow to deep.
It’s up to you how deep you want your pool and also how much of the pool you want deep and how much you want shallow.
Keep in mind that your pool uses may change over time. You might have toddlers at home now who only sit on the steps to splash. But in the blink of an eye, those small kids are teenagers who want to do tricks off a diving board.
You want a pool that will work for your family now and in the future.
4. Location of Pool
Take time to think about the best spot for your pool. Make sure you think about the ways the sun moves across your yard from morning to evening.
Consider the noise from the street, the wind, the proximity to your house and of course, aesthetics.
A beautiful pool is a great backyard ornament. It should look appealing from the windows of your home.
5. Landscaping
When you buy an inground pool you automatically need to think about landscaping. Landscaping and hardscaping go hand-in-hand with buying a pool.
You’ll have to think about what material will surround the pool. Do you want a deck? What about a path leading from the house to the pool?
You’ll have to do your research and consider if you prefer travertine vs pavers.
The landscaping cost can quickly double the cost of your pool so make sure you plan accordingly.
6. Items that Can go On Your To-Do Later List
There are so many extras and add-ons when you buy a pool that you can quickly blow through your budget.
At some point, you have to rein in the spending. One way you can make buying a pool more affordable is to put some extras on a to-do later list.
For example, slides, waterfalls and so on can be added in down the road. Just be sure to let your pool contractors that you plan to add those elements in. That way, they can install the plumbing for it when they put in your pool.
7. Safety
Every year, thousands of American families deal with the drowning or near-drowning of young children. The majority of deaths and injuries in pools happen in residential settings and involve toddlers aged 1 to 3.
Heartbreakingly, many of the 350 children under 5 who drown each year in backyard pools could have lived if those pools had been fully fenced and had self-latching devices on the gates.
Make sure that you understand how serious and necessary a fenced enclosure around your pool is. Even if you don’t have children at home. Do it for the safety of your neighbors, small visitors, and the future homeowners of your property.
With so many stylish and discreet fencing options available, there’s no reason why you wouldn’t install a fence around your pool.
Make sure to talk to your contractor about fence options for you to consider.
Final Word on Considerations When Buying a Swimming Pool
Thanks for reading! We hope this article has given you a lot of things to think about when buying a swimming pool.
Remember, the more thought you put into your inground pool, the more likely you are to be totally satisfied with the end result.
Be sure to come back again soon for more great content for you to read.
