There’s little more refreshing in life than a dip in the pool to start or end the workday. For both your mental and physical health, there’s nothing better than swimming. So it makes sense that you’re excited to get to work on the custom swimming pool you’ll be installing in your backyard.
But don’t get so excited that you forget to think!
There’s a lot to research and consider before jumping straight into the deep end of custom pool shopping. Buying a pool isn’t exactly something anyone has a lot of experience in before doing it. As such, it’s fairly easy for future pool-goers to go about things the wrong way.
But that won’t be you, right? That’s why you’re here. Read on, and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about custom swimming pools before you make the big leap.
What’s Your Budget?
The first thing you should decide before even going down the long road of pool building is how much you’re ready and willing to spend. Pools can vary widely in pricing, and it’s best to get a number locked in before you get lost in the planning.
Many people also make the mistake of only thinking about the initial cost of pool construction. When making plans for the pool, you’ll also want to factor in the cost of lifetime upkeep and maintenance.
Pricing for your pool will depend on a variety of factors. Size, material, landscaping, electrical work, fencing, and retaining walls all can add up to create a final figure for your pool.
Custom pool construction for an inground pool can typically cost anywhere from $30,000 to $100,00 depending on these factors.
What Size Should Your Pool Be?
The size and shape of your new pool will depend on the dreams you have for it. Consider what activities you’ll be using it for. Are you a big lap swimmer? Do you think your kids will be having many pool parties? Do you just need a little area to dip in and relax?
Understanding the future use of your pool will allow you to better select a size and shape that will fit your needs.
If you want a big patio area for grilling and hanging out, you’ll need to ensure you leave the proper amount of room.
You will also need to watch the boundaries of the property line and the natural geography of your yard. You won’t want to build into any areas with decent elevation. And you won’t be able to build any part of your pool on any kind of property line.
Make sure to keep all these factors in mind when planning out the size and shape of your new pool.
What Material Do You Want to Use?
Inground pools are most commonly made of one of three materials: fiberglass, concrete, and vinyl liner. The material you choose will determine the cost and time it takes to build your pool.
Fiberglass pools are quite popular and are made of a mixture of elastic and solid materials. They are built in layered form, which means choosing shape sizes might be more limited.
Fiberglass pools are generally more affordable and take less time to install, which might account for their popularity.
On the flip side, concrete pools allow for the most variety when it comes to pool shape and design. Concrete design allows for almost any shape for your pool. If you can dream it, you can probably do it.
The disadvantage of concrete pools is that they take a very long time to install and have to be made very carefully to avoid leaks.
Vinyl liner pools are made of polypropylene plates made of outer ribbing. They are generally the quickest to get installed, as the pool comes to your home partially pre-made. There are a variety of shapes and sizes to choose from, though it’s rare to be able to completely customize a vinyl liner pool.
They tend to be smaller in size, but can be affordable as a result.
Understanding the Construction Process
There are a few various steps you’ll need to take so that the construction of your pool can begin. These may vary slightly by your location, so you should always discuss with a licensed pool professional to understand what is needed for your location.
Before construction can begin, you’ll need to obtain the proper permits. These permits will vary depending on the city and county you live in. They also might vary depending on what kind of pool you’re having installed.
Working with reliable professionals in your area can help you best determine what kind of permits you’ll need.
A certain amount of land work will need to be done before the construction of the pool can begin. A great deal of your backyard will need to be excavated and rough grading for the pool and surrounding area will need to be done.
Only once excavation and grading is done can the actual construction of the pool begin.
Building a Custom Swimming Pool
Laying out the plans for a brand new custom swimming pool can be exciting. But there’s a lot of work and planning to be done, and it’s important that you fully understand the process and what it entails before setting any money down.
With the proper knowledge in hand, you can start building your pool with confidence and clarity on your side.
Need help bringing your dream pool to your backyard? Contact us anytime for a free consultation.
