Should You Install a Swimming Pool?

by Home Improvement Tips on February 26, 2010

Is swimming pool installation something you have been thinking about? Are you unsure of the factors which need to be taken into consideration before undertaking this type of venture? If so, this article will provide you with information that will help you with your swimming pool efforts.

Although budgeting plays a big factor in choosing a pool, this is not the only thing that needs to be considered. Primarily, you need to figure out why you want to install a pool in the first place. Do you want one for fun or for exercise? Will someone in the family benefit health-wise from everyday swimming? How much space exists for a pool? Will the pool be in use all year round? Do you know your city’s building codes? Would you want an additional spa or hot tub?

Planning ahead will aid you in decreasing extra and unnecessary costs. In general, people tend to spend much more compared to their original intentions. Therefore, you must take into account the overall landscape of the pool area and make plans for those expenses, as well. Have you thought about how much it would cost to maintain a pool? Chemicals, filters and pumps are common costs that need to be fit into the budget. The first fill of your pool will also increase the water bills within the very first month. The cost of the loss of water by regularly using the pool will also need to be considered.

There are only two kinds of swimming pools available for choice: above-ground or in-ground, and both come with their own advantages and disadvantages.

Above-ground pools can be taken apart once you decide to move to another location and are therefore less expensive. Looks-wise, an above-ground pool could be planned with landscaping and decking that could compete against in-ground pools that cost much more. A lot of times, dealers that you buy the pool from will provide you with complete set-up and sometimes even services for landscaping and decking.

Cost-wise: in-ground pools definitely cost much more compared to above-ground pools that are portable. But they can also increase your property’s value. If an in-ground pool seems ideal for your personal purposes, you will have to take several steps before proceeding:

  • Look for a dependable contractor
  • Ensure that all of the materials and labor are included in your estimate from the contractor
  • Talk to a prospective contractor’s previous customers
  • Check on any previous complaints about the contractor
  • Ensure that the contractor is properly licensed
  • Never pay any portion of the payment with cash, even the deposit. Checks, money orders or credit cards provide an appropriate trail so that you can prove payments if necessary.

Many things need to be considered before making a huge investment with potentially huge costs that come with getting a swimming pool. However, if you plan properly, it can really be worth having something you can enjoy for years to come.

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{ 6 comments }

Golf Gps Reviews February 27, 2010 at 7:09 pm

As a homeowner who has had both types of pools i would have to say that if you can afford it then to go with the in ground pool. Above ground pools require more to maintain them.

Eddy March 4, 2010 at 5:59 am

I have been thinking about pool deeply.
I have a great desire to get this one but I have a problem,my land remain is too small.
This article is usefull to me.
Thank you so much

Jessica March 9, 2010 at 9:23 pm

Also don’t rush into deciding on a pool. Unless you can afford to have a company come in and clean on a weekly basis, a pool adds more house hold chores to your list.

camelia123 March 11, 2010 at 5:17 am

Hi all,
We are first time home buyers looking for houses in Katy, TX. We found a house we really like, except that it has a pool. Since neither of us have any experience with owning a pool I thought of posting on the forum, hopefully someone will be able to educate me
1. Does a pool negatively effect resale value/prospects?
2. How much does it cost to maintain a pool?
3. How does a pool impact home insurance, etc.?
4. Does a pool increase peoperty values in Houston? Houses comparable to the one we like are selling for 30k less (altough some of the difference might be due to upgrades in the kitchen, etc.)

Tarp Guy March 15, 2010 at 1:39 am

Getting a pool is definitely not something that you should rush into. Not only do you have to think about cost issues but you have to think about the future and safety issues as well. In some areas a pool adds value to a home when trying to sell while in other areas it may actually devalue the home and property or have no value at all. Great article and beginning point on researching pools.

123camelia March 17, 2010 at 11:33 pm

Pool owners become part-time pool cleaners and full-time lifeguards. You’ll find yourself spending part of every day either cleaning the pool, checking filters and baskets, and checking and adding chemicals, not to mention being present while any child is in the water.
Doing your own pool cleaning, however, has a side benefit advantage. A backyard pool is cleaner and more sanitary than a public pool.

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