When building your dream swimming pool, it’s essential to do your research. A pool is a significant investment, and you want to be sure you’re hiring the right contractor.
Ask friends and neighbors about their experiences with their pool builders. Getting referrals is one of the best ways to find a reputable contractor.
Size
The pool size is one of the most significant decisions affecting your use and enjoyment. It will also determine your backyard’s overall look and feel and can impact your home’s value.
Your family’s needs should be the main factor when choosing your pool size. Will it be used mainly for exercise, lap swimming, diving, or a mix of uses? This will help you choose the best pool shape and size to accommodate your needs.
Local residential pool regulations, including setbacks, should be the first thing you consider when planning your pool. These requirements will limit your pool size. However, a creative designer can sometimes work around these limitations to create an incredible backyard oasis.
Design
Owning a swimming pool allows you to enjoy fun family time any day of the week and to expand your aerobic exercise routine. It also increases the value of your home and makes backyard living even more enjoyable.
A skilled professional from swimming pool construction St. Louis County MO, can design a pool that fits your property and vision. Some factors to consider include zoning laws, building restrictions, and locating utilities such as water, gas, and electricity.
You must also determine what materials you want in your poolscape, including a deck, lounging areas, unique, specialized options, and more. Building those features into your pool design during construction is much cheaper than changing the landscape later. Consider whether you want a tropical feel, the look of natural pond water, or an artful tile mosaic.
Materials
Once you have a general idea of your ideal pool, consider what materials will be used. Your choice will affect your new pool’s price and maintenance requirements.
You can opt for a fiberglass or vinyl liner swimming pool, depending on your budget. These are cheaper options that offer a variety of customization opportunities and can be installed quickly.
On the other hand, concrete pools offer extreme durability and customization but come with a higher up-front cost. To help you narrow down your choices, read reviews of pool builders before deciding. This will give you a clear idea of what each builder can do for your project. A good pool builder will also be able to explain the timeline for the project.
Budget
A pool is a significant investment in your home and yard. Before you build, determine if the cost fits your budget.
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the total project costs, including any ongoing maintenance expenses.
Consider all the features you want to include in your ideal poolscape, even if your budget doesn’t allow them now. It’s much cheaper to accommodate plans in the initial design than to add them later.
For example, if you want to add a firepit or outdoor kitchen, run gas lines for those now rather than later. Including a pool house, swim-up bar, and gazebo also saves money in the original plan. A poorly-placed swimming pool that’s difficult to get around or needs a comfortable deck and paved areas will be costly to maintain in the long term.
Maintenance
As with any home improvement project, there will be upkeep costs for your swimming pool. Depending on your pool’s design, materials, and location, you may need to pay for water, energy, and cleaning products. You’ll also need to budget for opening and closing the pool each season.
Ensure your pool has a high-efficiency circulation system to keep up with maintenance costs. This will help to prevent dirt and debris from entering the water and reduce the need for chlorine and other maintenance chemicals.
Finally, ensure that you know your homeowner’s insurance policy regarding pools. Adding one can often raise insurance premiums and require a special rider. Talk to your insurance agent before beginning the build process. Also, remember that your community’s zoning laws may impact the pool’s location and require a permit.