Pondering a Pool? Think About These Things First

A swimming pool is a fantastic addition to a home. It’s especially good for anyone who lives somewhere with a warmer temperature who could potentially use an outdoor pool all year. Of course, there also the possibility of an indoor pool, but it is likely to be much more expensive. While a swimming pool could be an amazing thing to add to your home, it’s not the right choice for everyone. You have to look after it, and you have a responsibility to keep it safe too. If you do decide to get a pool, it could be a great place to hang out or a way for you to keep fit. But there are lots of things that you’ll want to think about before getting a pool.

The Cost of Installing a Pool

The first thing you’ll probably want to start with is the cost of installing a pool. You might choose to pay for a new pool with a loan but, no matter how you pay for it, you need to make sure you can afford it. You’ll have to come up with a budget, which will require a little research. You need to know the costs of the pool itself, as well as how much it’s going to cost to install. It’s essential to think about this first because there’s no point going much further if you won’t be able to afford what you want. Of course, there are various price points, so you might be able to find something to fit even a small budget.

Most people think of a pool for your home as an outdoor improvement. However, there is the possibility of an indoor pool. You might want to consider this if you live somewhere that doesn’t get a lot of sun. You don’t want to spend a lot of money on a pool that you can’t use for most of the year. An indoor pool might require an addition to your home or it could be in an existing space, such as a barn or another outbuilding. Another possibility is to get the best of both worlds and have a retractable roof and even movable walls so you can open up your pool. Whatever option you choose to go with, just make sure you take into account all the auxiliary costs like installing trench drains, proper plumbing and piping work and everything else that needs to be covered.

In-ground or Above-ground

You should also consider whether you want an in-ground or above-ground pool. Several things are going to influence this, from your budget to how much space you have and what you want the pool for. Some above-ground pools can be dismantled and put away when you’re not using them, which is useful if you don’t have a lot of space. They’re easier to put in place but will also limit you on size. If you want something an adult can swim in properly, an in-ground pool is your best option. It might take more work to install but it’s worth it if you want more from your pool.

The Purpose of Your Pool

Another thing to think about is what your pool will be for, as well as who it will be for. There are a few ways you might decide to use your pool. The main things you’re likely to use it for include hanging out and having fun, having somewhere for the kids to play, and actually swimming. Obviously, a larger pool can be used for all of these things, whereas a smaller pool isn’t going to be so great for swimming. But if you’re looking for a pool for the kids, you might feel that a smaller pool is safer and more suitable.

What It Will Look Like

The style of your pool is important too. There’s a lot to think about, and even more if you decide to have an indoor pool. Some of the stylistic points that you might need to consider for an in-ground pool include the shape, the material, color and pattern for the floor and walls, and the lighting. You could choose a pool that will be constructed from a plan or blueprint, or perhaps work with a contractor to design your own. Above-ground pools tend to be out-of-the-box, but it is possible to design a customer option too.

Extra Pool Features

There are a number of pool features that you might be interested in to make your pool a bit more exciting. For example, you can have a current system, which allows you to keep swimming in one direction. It’s a good choice if you want to have a small pool but you still want to be able to swim regularly. You might want to have graded steps or a shallow entry for getting in or even underwater benches and a swim-up bar. You can do lots of fun things.

Other Backyard Features

Don’t forget to think about other backyard features that might go with your pool. Or, in the case of an indoor pool, and indoor features that you might like. Perhaps a hot tub next to the pool, a home bar, a barbecue area, patio or deck. You might want to have a shed or storage space, where you can keep any supplies you need to look after your pool. If you have plenty of space, maybe you’re even considering a pool house.