A pool can serve a variety of purposes for different people. For some, investing in a pool means creating a soothing oasis where you can relax after a long day. For others, it means improving fitness and health. Still others dream up extravagant pool builds that will become the focus of a fun-filled party patio. Regardless of your vision, adding or replacing a pool on your property can be just what you need to create a backyard you love to visit.
It can also be a major investment of time and money, so careful planning before building is the best way to end up with the perfect pool that meets your needs, fits your budget, and adds value to your home. Before you jump in the deep end, take the time to think about the following questions.
1. Consider Your Goals for Building a Pool
Considering your goals can help organize your inspirations and ideas about your future oasis. When you fully understand your overall goal for building a pool, you'll be able to base your next planning decisions on your reason for having one. Some of the most popular reasons people choose to add or replace a pool include:
- Family Fun - Whether it's just your immediate family or a gathering place for friends, a pool with fun features can keep the family enjoying their time together. If you have kids, you may want to choose a single-depth pool for a more even play area.
- Exercise and Health - Aquatic exercise for fitness or hydrotherapy after a workout can be an enjoyable way to improve health. If this is your goal, you might want a lap pool or a pool with jets that create a current you can swim against.
- Relaxation - Who doesn't like to take a dip in the pool, float for a while, and relax with those poolside vibes? Consider a spa component like a hot tub or a spa pool combination called a spool.
- Party Spot - Pools can create an instant party spot for kids or adults, making your place a popular location for fun memories. For adult parties, trendy pool lighting and a hot tub might be at the top of your design list.
2. Consider the Style and Pool Features You Want
So you've decided why you want to invest in a pool. Now the fun part comes in: imagining all the details. Sure, not everything will fit into the space and budget you have available, but dream big and discuss your ideas with a professional pool builder who can offer you the best solutions for your resources.
Pool Size and Shape
How big a pool would you like? Do you need something massive to train a future Olympian, or is an intimate spool more your style? Is a classic rectangular pool the best fit, or do you want a freeform shape that blends with your surroundings?
Style and Design
Your pool can make a grand design statement with unique and creative elements, or it can look like it's always belonged there by matching your home's style and architecture. Is sleek, smooth concrete or rough, natural rock your style? You can choose elegant tiles with a unique mosaic design or a single, peaceful color.
The Perfect Location
Does your yard have a space with a good view of the sunset you'd love to enjoy from your pool? How about a cozy spot where you can keep an eye on the kids as they're splashing and swimming in the water? Do you want to keep your pool more private and a bit secluded from curious neighbors?
Lighting Features
The lighting in and around your pool can add ambiance and contribute to safety. Consider adding small LED lights on the pool floor to create a starry-night effect or lighting around the pool walls for nighttime dips.
Custom Features
Do you want a pool that's a showstopper? As part of your pool planning, consider additional features such as landscaping, wet decks, infinity edges, and custom elements like a waterfall, deck jets, or a waterslide.
3. Consider the Practical Details of Building and Owning a Pool
Of course, much of planning a pool comes down to the small details that determine how your plans accommodate your imagination. Some of these are details you have little or no control over, but most are choices you and your pool builder will need to take into consideration.
Location and Terrain
The physical aspects of the property can affect pool installation and how much it costs. A conveniently flat, open yard may make for a more straightforward installation, but a sloping yard may require a stone retaining wall on one side. Soil that's too sandy, rocky, or has too high a clay content may require extra work and materials.
Water System, Filtration, and Heating
Your pool's water system will probably be traditional chlorine, bromine, or salt water. All three provide clean, safe water, but bromine and saltwater systems are typically less drying and irritating to the skin and eyes. Your pool's heating needs will depend on your climate, preferences, and how much of the year the pool will be used.
Financing
How much a pool project will cost is one of the most common questions when you're getting started. Many factors affect costs, but as the saying goes, you usually get what you pay for. Since a pool is a long-term investment, speak to your builder about your budget and the top priorities for your dream pool.
Utilities
At a minimum, your pool equipment will require electricity. In some cases, this may require an electrical panel upgrade. If you have a propane or natural gas pool heater, those connections must also be made.
Maintenance Needs
Unless you hire a pool maintenance company to do all the work for you, all the time, pool ownership isn't a build-it-and-forget-it kind of project. Before installing a pool, think about how much maintenance you can handle and how often.
Zoning, Fencing, and Setbacks
Almost all municipalities have regulations regarding pool installation, including required fencing, setbacks from property lines, and safety features. Your pool builder should be well-versed in local codes and help you navigate the permitting process.
