Come summer, and most of us fancy relaxing by a pool. Some may even consider installing one in the backyard to gain a private oasis to chill away. However, installing a pool in the backyard is a huge project involving a lot of money and time.
So, before you hit upon ideas about Burleigh Pools on Pinterest and decide to embark on the project, you should ensure that you have thought about the following considerations in detail:
Deciding whether you want a pool
First of all, prior to deciding on starting a pool-building project, do a reality check on whether you truly want a pool. Installation of a pool is a huge project. At the very least, it will disrupt your life, cost a fortune and will change the overall appearance of your backyard.
Swimming pools also need continual maintenance all through the year. Therefore, it will involve much effort and time to keep it clean and safe.
So, before committing to the project, it is good to consult friends, neighbours and family who have ‘been there and done that’. Question them in detail about their experience in installing a pool as well as the pros and cons of owning a pool.
Utility of pool
After deciding that you truly desire a pool, the next factor to consider is about what use it will be put to. This may seem like a no-brainer- a swimming pool is meant for swimming, right? But the fact is, different people have varying expectations about their pool.
For instance, is the pool meant for your kids to have a fun time? You will need a shallow pool in this case. But if you intend the pool to be a focus for entertaining guests, you will need a seating area of decent size around the pool. Thus, the design of the pool depends on its utility. So, this point is important to consider.
Suitability of yard
The next factor to consider is the suitability of the backyard for a pool. For this, you must consider many factors. These include soil type, water table, access of machinery and size of the yard. Though you can solve issues like loose soil, this will impact the cost of installing the pool.
In the case of some pool projects in the backyard, you might need the service of a creative professional to design the pool and the landscaping around it. Only she can conceive how the flora in the backyard will merge into the pool design.
Determination of budget
Swimming pools involve major investments, so it is vital to have a budget in mind before deciding on the project. After determining how much you are ready to spend, you can start soliciting quotes. Certain pool builders will attempt to market their costlier, more elaborate pools. However, it is critical to adhere to the budget you have in mind while deciding on Burleigh Pools Gold Coast.
Costs of maintenance
The expenses related to pools persist after installation. Consider the following costs before building a pool:
- Chemicals: The cost for these depends on the frequency of use of the pool, size of the pool and climate.
- Closing and opening pool: Though this is often a DIY task, at times, you may want to hire professional help.
- Routine maintenance: The biggest expense for maintaining a pool is its interior finish. Painted concrete needs a fresh coat every five years, while vinyl liners can endure for around six to ten years. Plaster finishes can last for ten to fifteen years, while cutting-edge products coated with cement (Pebble Tec) will last a lifetime.
- Equipment: The lifespan of equipment varies a lot on the basis of quality and brand. It may also be impacted by other factors like the location of equipment and the proper chemistry of water.
- Utility bills: Note that these tend to rise during the open season of a pool because of the electric current required to power the pump. More energy is needed by heated pools.
Kind of pool
Prior to soliciting quotes, check out ideas about swimming pool design and ideas in pool brochures. This will help give you an idea about the kind of pool you would like to be installed in your backyard. The limiting factor may be your budget, but a good starting point could be your wish list.
Some of the features of pools you consider could be: Beach entry, Wooden decking, Infinity pool, Pool floor made of mosaic, Island in the centre of the pool, fountains etc. There are innumerable combinations of pool features to opt for. Devote some time to determine which features are must-haves and which are not that urgent.
Responsibility of maintenance
While deciding on the kind of pool and its features, don’t forget to decide on its maintenance. Swimming pools need care and upkeep. Though this is not a very tough job, it is crucial to keep the water clean at all times. If you don’t monitor levels of chemicals in the pool water, there is a risk of the formation of dangerous bacteria, which is a major health risk for the family.
Also, take regular care to remove insects and leaves from the pool. Neglecting this can lead to damage of pool filters; an expensive situation as no one wants a pool filled with debris.
The responsibility for maintaining a pool can be assigned to a professional company for pool cleaning. This is an issue that must be factored into your budget since professional services never come for free. But there are alternatives like DIY tools or robotic pool cleaners.
Issue of privacy
You may be quite friendly with the neighbours, but are you comfortable with them seeing you in your swimsuits? The issue of privacy is often neglected during pool design. However, this poses no problem if you are not much concerned about privacy while you and your family relax by the pool.
You can always create visual barriers using trees and plants. At the same time, make sure that these do not add debris to the pool. If safety is a bigger concern rather than privacy, it is good to invest in glass pool fencing to be installed by professionals.
In sum, different pools are suitable for different persons. So, it is good to consider the above factors while deciding to install a pool in the backyard. Draw a list of features you like and consult the right pool builders on how practical they are.