Questions To Ask Yourself Before Building a Pool
Pools are great for exercise and entertainment while adding value to your property. However, going from pool dreamer to pool owner is a substantial journey that requires thoughtful planning and consideration. Here are some questions to ask yourself before building a pool, whether you want to create an oasis for family fun or a lap pool for your daily workouts.
Why Do You Want a Pool?
An important thing to consider when designing a swimming pool is its purpose. And the only way to know its purpose is to determine your reason for wanting the pool. Is it for family activities, hosting pool parties, enhancing your property’s aesthetic, or for personal relaxation? Knowing your “why” will help shape your pool project to match your lifestyle needs.
Furthermore, your reasons for wanting a pool will significantly influence its design, size, and features. For example, you may prioritize a large pool with fun water features, such as slides or fountains, if you want a family-friendly space.
Do You Have Enough Space?
Assess the available space in your yard—not just for the pool itself but for essential features and safety barriers. You’ll also want to consider the pool’s positioning to ensure privacy and optimal sun exposure, and how it will integrate with your current landscaping or future garden plans.
Ideally, the pool and its surrounding area should occupy approximately 25 percent of the total available outdoor space. For instance, the pool should be less than one-third of the overall yard if your backyard measures 1,800 square feet, leaving ample room for other activities and landscaping.
Did You Budget for Construction and Upkeep?
Having a comprehensive financial plan that extends beyond the initial installation is essential when considering the cost of building a pool. You must consider ongoing maintenance, repairs, heating, and cleaning in your budget.
Additionally, consider the costs of additional features such as lighting, decking, and accessories. You can effectively plan for the financial commitment of a pool by clearly understanding the full scope of expenses.
Can You Commit Long-term?
A pool is not just a one-off purchase; it’s a commitment. Therefore, “Can I commit to a pool long-term?” is an important question to ask yourself before building a pool. Can you handle the routine cleaning, chemical balancing, and seasonal upkeep? Pools require consistent care, and neglect can lead to larger, more expensive problems.
For example, prioritizing weekly skimming, vacuuming, and emptying skimmer baskets will contribute to the overall cleanliness and functionality of the pool. Without these tasks, you may risk compromising the water quality. Doing so could lead to expensive repairs and potential health hazards for users due to imbalanced chemical levels and the presence of debris.
Did You Research Local Regulations?
Unlike some home projects, you need permission to build a pool. Familiarize yourself with local building codes, zoning laws, and pool barrier regulations before construction begins. These can affect various aspects of your pool installation, including its size, depth, fencing, and more. You can ensure your pool meets all requirements and contributes to a safe environment by staying up to date on these and other local regulations.
