What You Need To Consider Before Having A Pool Installed.
Everyone loves a swimming pool! If you are about to have one installed in your home, you should be aware that there are several things to consider before going ahead with the swimming pool installation. Let’s take a look!
1.) Consider the reason you want a pool.
Swimming pools can differ greatly in terms of size, shape and design. Therefore, before you discuss your requirements with your pool company, you need to be clear on what exactly it is you require from a pool.
For instance, will you be using the pool for entertainment, exercising, the kids or will it simply be something aesthetically pleasing? Answering these important questions will help you in deciding on the design, size and shape of your swimming pool.
2) Who is going to be using your swimming pool?
To follow on from the previous point, the people using the swimming pool will more or less determine the design.
If you have young children making use of the pool, for instance, you would not want it to be too deep.
If the pool will be used by the elderly, you would want to consider installing steps and handrails.
Are you a fan of suntanning? Consider having a tanning ledge for your pool!
Swimming pools today even have the option of underwater speakers for music lovers, so these are all aspects that need to be considered!
3) Is my yard actually suitable for the installation of a pool?
Before even going ahead with construction of installation, a reputable pool company would probably want to conduct a soil test in the area of your yard that you have set aside for your swimming pool.
If the soil turns out to be rocky, sandy or otherwise expansive, your yard may unfortunately not be suitable for a pool. In Cincinnati, I have only had a few pools where I had to bring in special equipment to remove gigantic rocks, boulders, etc.
Another factor in your backyard that could work against you is a high water table. Most modern subdivisions have great drainage, but some of the older houses will have a hard time with drainage. This usually requires a a big catch basin which catches all the water and then a sump pump removes that water out to the street and prevents any water issues.
Additionally, you need to ensure that the proposed site can be accessed by the heavy machinery that is needed in order to dig the hole for your swimming pool. I still haven’t found a backyard I couldn’t a build a pool in because of the small side-yard. It might require taking down a fence, more labor and smaller machines, etc, but if there is a will, there is a way.
4) Do I require any special features in my swimming pool?
Swimming pools today can consist of amazingly beautiful features that are there purely for your enjoyment! Do not, however, make the tragic mistake of regretting having not had something installed at a later stage. Instead, work through the list of features beforehand and decide on what you want and what you don’t want, rather than being disappointed later!
Features you could opt for include: lighting, underwater benches, water fountains and features, a swim-up bar, a shallow beach-style entrance and areas in the pool large enough to play water sports (such as water volleyball).
5) Where exactly will the swimming pool be positioned?
This is a crucial decision to make! Depending on where you live, you may need to consult with and gain the permission from your local municipality as there may be local by-laws governing building and water runoff. Normally for southwest counties around Cincinnati, Ohio the pool has to be ten feet away from the house, the property’s border and a septic system (if you have one).
Another important factor to consider is how many people will be using the pool and whether or not they will be tanning alongside it. This will help you decide if the pool should be located in a sunny or shady area.
Should the swimming pool be positioned away or close to the house? Remember that many people consider their swimming pools to be a wonderful esthetic feature to their homes so that even when they are not in use, they can be visually enjoyed through windows during the cooler months.
6) What shape should you choose for your pool?
Swimming pools really do come in all shapes and sizes! However, when selecting the shape of your pool, try not to choose it in isolation but rather in conjunction with your home’s architectural style so that you create a harmonious accessory.
For example, if you live in a traditional and stately home, a classic, rectangular swimming pool would suit your home far better than a contemporary-shaped pool would. If you can draw the pool on paper, I can build it. However for inspiration here is a link with some pre designed ideas. http://www.hydrapools.com/resource/books