A pool can be an excellent addition to your home, and it’s one that most homeowners will have fantasised about. After all, who wouldn’t want to take a dip in their own pool every morning, or spend lazy weekends by the water? But if you’re thinking of adding a pool, it’s important not to just dive in and start building. There are a few things that need to be done first.
Get the kids into swimming lessons
There are plenty of ways to kid-proof your pool, from fences to gates and high-tech pool alarms, but the sad truth is, you can’t always prevent a child from getting into your pool. It’s important that everyone in the house takes lessons, so they can learn to swim before the pool is installed. This can also be useful if you have non-swimmers over, as it’ll ensure there are always people around who can swim, in case of an emergency.
Overhaul your garden
Unless you have massive amounts of land, a pool is going to take up a lot of garden space, so you may need to overhaul it before you get building. Firstly, doing a serious garden declutter and cleaning the exterior of your home will ensure you have a blank canvas to work with. You’ll also need to make space for the installation, which may involve removing things like flowerbeds or existing landscaping features. You should connect with an excellent inground swimming pools company that can work with what you already have to create the perfect space.
Think about the logistics
There are a number of practical considerations when you build a swimming pool:
- Budget – a pool certainly isn’t cheap, and you’ll need to think about how you’ll cover the build cost
- Maintenance costs – many pool owners don’t think about the ongoing costs of cleaning and maintaining their pool, which can also be pricey
- Planning permission – it’s not always easy to get permission to add a pool, so you should start your application as early as possible
- Different seasons – what will you do during the winter months? You’ll need to winterize your pool to stop it getting damaged, which again, is time and money
It’s important to think not only about the build, but also the day to day running and costs of your pool, and whether you want to take on the commitment until you move.
Learn about pool safety
Pools are fun, but if things go wrong, they can be deadly, which is why there are such strict rules around pool safety. You should read up on pool and spa safety regulations in your area, which often include requirements for fencing, even if you live in a house without children. If you’re planning to sell your home in the future, an unsafe pool can jeopardise sales, so avoid this issue.
Final Thoughts
Pools are expensive and require a lot of maintenance, but they are great for your home and can even add value. Make sure you get your house ready before you build a pool and follow the above steps before you break ground.
