19 Apr Is your Spring Building Project a Pool?

So many people are installing pools or want to install a pool – here are 10 items to review before making decision:

1. Know your zoning laws. Before you break ground—or even schedule a consultation—make sure your property is abiding by zoning ordinances for pools. Many cities have strict maintenance and liability laws regarding swimming pools and do not make exceptions.
2. Decide on the type of pool you want. There are three main types of in-ground pools available in the United States: vinyl-lined, fiberglass, and concrete. Weigh the pros and cons of each pool carefully before deciding to build. A qualified pool builder can walk you through the options and help you make the right choice for your backyard.
3. Look toward longevity. With the temperatures starting to rise, the quick installation times of fiberglass and vinyl-lined pools can be tempting. But if you’re looking for a durable pool customized to suit your vision, you may find that the longer installation time of a concrete pool—generally, between 4 to 6 weeks—is worth enduring. You should also consult with your insurance agent about extending your home policy to your pool or spa in the event of damage.
4. Seek out a quality circulation system. Chlorine or saltwater, indoor or out—every pool needs a water circulation system to keep it fresh and sparkling. With advances in energy efficiency, automation, and heating, an experienced pool builder can help you find a reliable, high-efficiency aquatic system for your pool.
5. Think about how much can you maintain. If properly maintained, pools can be a valuable asset when selling your house. However, if not properly constructed and maintained, the opposite can be true (a poorly kept pool can actually decrease your property value). Hire trained and certified pool technicians to keep your pool sparkling for years to come.
6. Weigh water features and lighting. When it comes to swimming pools, dynamic jets, underwater lighting, and cascading waterfalls can create the ambient atmosphere you crave. Take time to consider what additional features you want for your pool before you build. They will increase your initial budget, but adding them in later—or retrofitting—can be messy, time-consuming, and very costly.
7. Don’t forget landscaping. Do you want palms shading you from the afternoon heat or a pebble border around your pool deck? Like water features, lighting, and other accessories, proper landscaping can enhance the aesthetic pleasure a pool offers. Seek out inspiration online and consult with a landscaping company to create a pretty—yet manageable—green space around your pool.
   

   Swimming pool with outdoor view and beautiful Architecture building with tuscany style – Vintage Filter

8. Determine your budget. With longevity, maintenance, and accessories in mind, it’s time to determine if you can budget for the pool of your dreams. A pool can be a wonderful way to relax, but if you can only see the expenses in your head you close your eyes, it may not be the right move for you just yet. Talk with a financial advisor about the costs and benefits of adding a pool to your property.
9. Compare prices. If you’ve checked off the last 8 items, it’s time to start comparing prices. Be diligent in this step. In order to make a deal, some contractors may not include everything in their initial bid, which is why the following item is so important.
10. Know your contractor. Any construction project can have unforeseen costs or setbacks, and pool construction is no different. You want your pool to be the destination for your family and friends, so hire a reliable pool construction company you trust.

Cost factors to consider when deciding on adding a pool:

• Pool Size: The price difference between a small pool (200sf) and a large pool (650sf) starts at $25,000 to cover the additional materials required.
• Pool Location: Location affects the amount of work the crew must do to prepare the soil and install the pool. Sandy soil is easier to dig than layers of rock, and flat land requires less preparation than a sloped yard. The position of the house within the neighborhood also makes a difference; the crew may need additional equipment if they don’t have easy access to the yard.
• Features: Many homeowners choose to customize their pools with lighting, rocks and plants or features like slides, waterfalls and spas. Prices for these items vary greatly; you can add features that fit your budget. Fun add-ons like diving boards and slides cost between $300 and $14,000. Prices for specialty lights start at $100 per light, and a basic waterfall installation costs between $1,500 and over $5,000. You can also add a spa to the pool for between $5,000 and $8,000 for a basic model.