Most property owners these days desire to have a backyard swimming pool and if you are one of them, here’s a beginner’s guide to building your pool. The existence of a swimming pool enhances the beauty of the property, and it also makes your kids happy as they spend hours playing there!
No doubt, building a swimming pool is one of the biggest investments you would make in your lifetime. This blog is here to tell you 12 key points to consider before embarking on building your backyard paradise.
1. Purpose of building the pool
First and foremost, you must be clear on the purpose of the pool and be able to justify its expense. Is it for exercise, relaxation, sports, entertainment, enhance property value and aesthetics or a combination?
2. Suitability of the site
Consider a geo-technical engineering report before building your swimming pool. Conduct soil tests to assess the suitability. The site must have the right conditions for long term support and sustainability.
3. Size plays a role
The size of the pool isn’t only dependent on the amount of space available in the area. It also depends on the zoning restrictions and your budget. Call up your contractor to seek guidance and comply with the zoning accommodation.
4. Budget consideration
Having and securing the budget first is crucial. It is extremely important to be realistic before you set on your grand dreams. It would cost $55,000 approximately for a concrete pool and $35,000 for a pool made of fiberglass composite. Besides, there are several other expenditures to consider including covers, heating, landscaping, and decking. Maintenance cost must also be added to the list.
5. Estimate the site’s requirements
Construction needs to be done as per the size, shape, and location of your swimming pool. The location will help determine if it needs shading from the neighboring area (like usage of sun umbrellas) or should be kept open. The temperature of the pool will be dependent on its exposure to the sun and wind. You can also decide to construct block screens to provide shelter to the pool.
6. Building the pool above or below the ground
Soil removal and excavation are required for pools that are built above the ground whereas in-ground pools provide more permanent home. Hence, you ought to decide the kind of construction you would consider in building your pool.
7. How do you want your pool to look like?
You must determine if you want your pool to be like a statement piece so that it becomes the first thing that people notice as they enter your backyard. You may also want to blend it more with the environment so that it gives a subtler artistic impression. The location decides the view of the swimming pool from your home as well as how it would look like from the rest of the garden. Personalize the pool and the surrounding deck with interior finishes such as colored quartz, tiles, pebbles, marble plaster.
8. Anticipate the number of people who would be using the pool
It is important to estimate the size of the swimming pool you are planning to build. Are you building it for large parties and social occasions or is it just for you, your significant other, and kids? Consequently, decide the circulation routes (entrance and exit) and keep space for the guests to hang out.
9. Materials to be used for construction
Fiberglass composite, concrete and vinyl pools are quite common types of swimming pools. They are mostly attached to a reinforced wall frame such as aluminium, a non-corrosive polymer or steel. The landscape and the surrounding architecture are enough to offer clues regarding the kinds of materials to be used. It depends whether you want your pool to blend with the natural landscape by making rock waterfalls and natural stone pavers. In case you want an urban, contemporary setting for your pool, you may opt for arcing jets of water or glass tile that would produce an artistic flexibility.
10. Special features you would want in your pool
Lightning and water features are always meant to maximize the enjoyment of a pool. Depending on your usage, you can go for shallow-beach style entries, underwater benches, a swim-up bar and play areas for basketball or volleyball. Another convenient way to protect an unsupervised pool is to opt for an automatic pool safety cover.
11. Backyard amenities you would like to add
Depending on the budget you’ve considered, you can include a wide range of things (firepit, pool house, outdoor kitchen, gazebo, swim-up bar, kids’ play equipment and outdoor shower) to plan your ideal poolscape.
12. How would you maintain the pool?
Every pool comes with the responsibility of maintenance. You need to ensure that your pool is energy-efficient with substantial filtration and sound hydraulics. Other kits include usage of adequate skimmers, variable speed pumps, pool pump enclosures, larger pipes, sanitizers, chlorinators and more.
Do’s of building a backyard swimming pool
- Conduct a thorough research before consulting a builder.
- Select the right location.
- Choose durable materials.
- Consider the environmental factors that come into play.
- Have a clear estimate of the building plan and budget.