Pools are an investment in many ways. A study points to a 5-8% increase in your home’s value by building a pool. However, that is only the case if you build your pool the right way and don’t make any costly mistakes.
Ensuring this project is successful requires lots of planning, you’ll have many decisions to make along the way regarding the type and size of the pool (in-ground vs. above ground pool), who to hire as your contractor (professional vs. do-it-yourselfer), etc.
This post will help you better understand what’s involved with building a pool so that you’re ready for any surprises that may come up!
#1 Create a List
If you’re building a pool for the first time, it may be tempting to jump right in and start building. However, this can result in costly mistakes later on. Before building your new pool, take some time to think about what you want from the pool so that you’ll better understand how much money will have to go into building costs upfront, as well as ongoing maintenance.
Here are some things to consider:
– Do I want an above or below-ground pool?
– What size or shape should my pool be? Are there other plans available for this type of swimming pool I could use instead?
– How many people will be using the outdoor oasis on average?
Make a list and start writing it down so you can reference this later.
#2 Do Your Research
One of the best ways to avoid costly mistakes during building is to do your research. Not only will you need to plan out what features you want in your pool, but you’ll also need to learn about building codes and permits that may be required in your area.
You can find a wealth of information online (including this post!), as well as by talking with friends or family who have built pools in the past.
If you’re hiring a contractor, be sure to ask for references and check them out thoroughly. A good contractor should be able to provide you with a portfolio of their work as well as contact information for happy customers.
#3 Start Designing
Before building, you’ll need to create blueprints of your swimming pool. This step involves some math (such as the surface area of the pool) and choosing materials that will be used in building up your pool.
If you’re building an above-ground pool on your own, you’ll still want to sketch out some plans or order building plans online before getting started, this way you’ll know how much building material is needed.
However, you won’t need to worry about this if you hire a local pool builder!
#4 Choosing a Pool Builder
This can be a daunting task, as there are many pool builders to choose from. However, taking online reviews into consideration along with verifying important information before making a final decision can help you narrow down your choices.
Hiring a professional is highly recommended as they are experts at this and can ensure they build the swimming pool of your dreams.
#5 Think About Local Weather
Depending on where you are building your pool, weather can play a big part in building. If it’s not safe to build during the winter months of your area due to snow/ice building during this time of year is probably not recommended.
Alternatively, building an above-ground pool may be best suited for summer months as heavy rain or hurricanes can make building a below-ground pool difficult.
#6 Create a Budget
There is a lot of work that goes into building a pool, so consider the cost of a pool and create a budget around that. Be sure to include the cost of building permits in your budget along with building materials and any landscaping you’ll need around the pool.
You should also discuss timelines with your contractor so that you both know when you can begin dipping your toes in the pool.
#7 Consider Going Green
There are many ways to make your pool more eco-friendly, from installing a solar cover to using energy-efficient pumps and LED lights. Not only will this save you money in the long run, but it’s also better for the environment.
If making your home eco-friendly is something you want to consider, make sure to bring this up with your local pool construction crew. They should be able to provide you with all of the information related to going green with your pool installation.
#8 Think About Saftey
One of the best things about having a pool is that it can be used for exercise and recreation. However, with great fun comes great responsibility. That’s why it’s important to think about safety features before building your pool.
If you have kids, having a pool fence and locked gate is highly recommended. Childproof locks are a great way to keep kids from falling into the pool or even being around it without adult supervision.
#9 Landscaping & Style
The last two tips are all about making your pool beautiful. After all, who doesn’t want to swim in a backyard oasis?
One way to achieve this is by landscaping the area around your pool. This can involve removing trees and shrubs or building up retaining walls to create a designated space for your pool.
Another way to achieve stunning pool landscaping is to install raised garden beds around your pool. This can be a great way for you and your family to enjoy the outdoors while building up your pool area.
#10 Have Fun
The most important tip on this list: building a new swimming pool should be fun and stress-free. If you’re considering building a pool, just follow these pool construction tips and have fun!
If you find building a swimming pool is too difficult to manage on your own, there are plenty of local contractors out there who can help you build the perfect backyard oasis. If building a rectangular or freeform pool is still overwhelming for you, make sure to check out some of the top pool builders.
Guide to Building a Pool
Building a pool is not as easy as it sounds. There are quite a few things to consider such as building permits, budget, and the weather conditions of your area to list just a few. To help you navigate this process with less stress – follow these helpful tips that will ensure building a new swimming pool goes smoothly.
If you’re ready to dive into a pool in your backyard, send us a message today. We would love to help you along with your process so that you can enjoy sitting poolside this summer.
