So you want a pool – hey, who doesn’t? But simply deciding that you’d like a pool on your property is just the first of several key decisions you’ll want to make in order to get the perfect pool for the best possible price. Here are a few things to consider.
What kind of pool should you get?
Pools come in all shapes and sizes. Which is right for you?
Above-ground pools are affordable, but they have a few drawbacks: they’ll be shallower, tend not to allow for varied depths, tend to be smaller than in-ground pools, and, of course, are less attractive than in-ground pools.
In-ground pools are attractive and functional – but not always the same! In-ground pools come in all different types of shapes, styles, depths, and sizes. They can be rounded and naturalistic or rigidly rectangular.
And then, of course, there are hot tubs and spas, which are smaller and great for relaxation.
Consider your space, your tastes, and your budgets (more on this later, but for now just note that different types of pools come with different upkeep costs and different impacts on your property’s value). Think of how you’ll use your pool and of your health: there’s a reason you see spas in physical therapy offices and accident recovery centers, just as there’s a reason you see lap pools in gyms.
What is your budget?
The price of your pool will have a major impact on your decision. The fastest way to get a sense of how much a pool will cost is, of course, to get a quote from a reliable contractor (or two, or three).
Beyond the price tag, remember that pools require annual maintenance. Speak to your contractor about that question, and check online for feedback from others who own the type of pool you want. Some maintenance needs are constant across all sizes and types of pools, but others will scale with your purchase.
Finally, don’t forget to consider the impact a pool can have on your property’s value. Pools can lower the value of a home (in some areas more than others) – but, of course, they add to the utility you get from your home while you live there. In other words, the longer you’re planning to stay in your current home, the more sense a pool makes.
Local laws, neighborhood associations, and other red tape
You wouldn’t be happy if your neighbor headed outside with a shovel and dug a huge pit in his backyard. That’s why we have local laws and, in some cases, neighborhood associations that regulate this sort of thing. There are rules about pools and how you must guard them from those who might fall in (a heavy, lockable lid on a hot tub is a must, as is a fence around an in-ground pool).
Laws and regulations are no fun, of course, but you can make this part a lot easier by relying on a great contractor.
Choosing the best contractor
A huge part of getting a great pool is choosing the right contractor. Rely on peer reviews, recommendations, certifications, and comparison shopping to find the most affordable and reliable pool contractors in your area. A great contractor will make each consideration listed here a whole lot easier, and they’ll help you get the perfect pool faster and for less. So choose wisely!
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