The Top Ten Questions to Ask Yourself Before Digging an In-Ground Pool

Having a swimming pool built into your backyard could be a great idea. Before deciding on a pool contractor, there are (at least) ten factors to consider.

Do not kid yourself, first and foremost. It’s not cheap to do this. An in-ground pool installation can begin at around $10,000 and increase dramatically. As the old adage goes, you get what you pay for, and this couldn’t be more true than with swimming pool contractors. Do not attempt this on a tight budget.

Second, you must consider how this drastic alteration would affect the marketability and value of your home. It would be best if you didn’t assume that whatever you put into the pool will automatically become part of your home’s equity. In some areas, having one installed could even lower the value of your home. Pool buyers are a distinct demographic. A home with a pool is either desirable to a buyer or not. As one moves northward, swimming seasons become shorter. Therefore, fewer people are interested in purchasing a home that includes a pool.

Third, a backyard can only accommodate so much of a pool. If putting in a pool leaves you with no grassy area, you might settle for a smaller pool. When done right, a pool can be a stunning addition to a property. They come in every conceivable form and can serve practical and aesthetic purposes in the home. Don’t try to rush things. Make sure your choices are well-considered and advantageous in the long run. Your house will never be the same again.

As a fourth piece of advice, consider how long you’ll be in the house before making such a large purchase. Do not waste your time if you expect to be transferred within the next two years. If, on the other hand, you have planted your roots deeply and see no reason to uproot your family any time soon, then by all means, go for it.

Fifth, remember that every pool you build has an ongoing maintenance expense. You must dedicate yourself to doing all maintenance tasks or budgeting for a professional service. Once a pool is installed, the homeowner is responsible for its upkeep indefinitely or for as long as they own the property.

Sixth, consider the wide range of options for dealing with pool water quality. Older designs typically employ older technology, making them less effective or costlier to operate over time. Trust me; you must research and get a seasoned contractor. The goal should be to use the least amount of chemicals with the least amount of maintenance.

Seventh, before signing a contract, thoroughly investigate your prospective contractor. Contractors anticipate that the pool installation will be one of several bids for a given project. Don’t let the contractor pressure you into deciding on the spot or give you a deal that’s only good for the day. Take that as a warning and act accordingly. Don’t overlook the necessity of remembering any supplementary materials. The water in a pool doesn’t clean itself. The variety of possible vacuums is mind-boggling. This may be the meat of another article.

Eighth, stress the importance of safety and security to an appropriate degree. Having young children at home makes this a top priority. If so, invest the extra money into a sturdy childproof fence. If you want to keep your deck cool on sunny days, avoid using dark decking material or color. Don’t go for a decking material that becomes dangerously slippery when wet. Some flooring is naturally more secure than others. A few things have a longer shelf life than others. So, pick wisely.

Ninth, it’s crucial to consider privacy and liability concerns while considering buying a pool. You could be held responsible if you don’t have a fence and someone falls into your yard and drowns. A high fence with a secured gate, on the other hand, has a decent chance of reducing the severity of this risk.

Finally, it would be best if you gave severe consideration before installing a pool heater. All pool heaters have the same extreme energy consumption and high operating costs. The value of many people is reflected in their hourly wages. They usually don’t survive very long and tend to break down regularly. Think twice about installing a pool if the local environment won’t provide enough heat. If you have a shorter swimming season than most people, you can acquire pool coverings that double as heaters and utilize them every spring.

Interested At home, in a pool enclosure, or outdoors? Go ahead and get in.

The Backyard Steward, run by Greg King, is a website dedicated to power tools, outdoor furniture and design, and family fun & entertainment.

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