A home pool installation can be exciting news! After all, having your own swimming pool offers a lot of fun days and memories to be had. Pools are a significant investment, however, so the decision-making process doesn’t start and stop at wanting to have one. Installing a pool in your home requires a certain amount of research before settling on the one that’s right for you and your family.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the important things you need to know and consider when buying a pool.
1.Type of Pool: Inground vs Above-Ground
One of the first questions you need to ask when deciding to purchase a pool is whether you should have an inground or above-ground pool. Deciding on what type could depend on either personal preference or your budget. Nevertheless, it’s good to note that in-ground pools are more costly because of soil excavation and removal requirements. But generally, an in-ground pool provides more permanence than most above-ground pools.
Above-ground pools that are prefabricated are the cheaper alternative. But if you’re looking to have one made from fibreglass with additional safety and water features, you may be expending more than what your budget allows. The ideal way to get expert opinion is to talk to trusted pool contractors who can give you insights on the best options for your home.
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2. Material: Fibreglass vs Concrete
Pools come in different materials. The most popular ones are fibreglass pools and concrete pools. A fibreglass pool is easy to install as they come pre-moulded. In just a few days, you can have your swimming pool ready to use. They’re strong, durable, and are ideal options if you don’t want to worry about calcium build-up and chemical imbalances in the water.
Concrete swimming pools are reinforced with steel, making them the most durable option. While it’s the strongest of the bunch, concrete pool installation can take as long as three months to complete. A concrete pool, however, will give you more room to make it your own when it comes to choosing the depth, size, shape, and interior finishing.
3. Costs
Swimming pool installation costs will vary depending on material and type. If you’re working on a tighter budget, above-ground pools made from vinyl and steel are possible options for you. These can cost you around NZ$5,000.
In-ground pools made from fibreglass is far more expensive and can cost around NZ$60,000. Bespoke concrete pools are the most expensive of the bunch as they offer a wide range of finishes and landscaping packages. These can cost you around NZ$70,000.
4. Risks
Before buying a pool for your home, you must know about the potential risks and hazards that come with owning a pool so you can keep your family safe from harm.
Below are a few suggestions for keeping your pool safe:
- Never leave underage kids unattended.
- Enforce strict pool rules and make sure there’s adult supervision when children and non-swimmers are using the pool.
- Consider building a fence or one that has a self-closing gate.
- Make sure lifesaving floatation devices and first-aid kits are nearby and accessible.
5. Surroundings
As you add safety and aesthetic features to your pools, keep in mind that fencing, paving, and landscaping can equal the pool cost. Take into account how much space you’re allowed to play with and whether or not your pool surround meets with your existing paving.
6. Maintenance
Pool maintenance is a huge consideration. Apart from routine cleaning, you also have to think about the type of pool you have and the type of maintenance work your pool will require. Remember, properly maintained pools can be a significant asset when it comes time to sell your property.
7. Local Regulations
For good measure, contact your council to get advice regarding the laws and regulations concerning backyard pool installation. Every city or town will have safety compliance requirements such as pool enclosures. Your jurisdiction may also require you to obtain a permit before beginning pool construction.
8. Ground Condition, Property Size & Location
Ideally, swimming pools are best on a level site. If your property is dealing with steep slopes, expect more expenses. You also have to take into account ground conditions. If you’re living on sandy, rocky, or unstable soil, building your pool will prove to be more challenging and more costly to make it happen.
Your property size will also determine the size, shape, and overall design of your pool. To make sure your land is suitable for the kind of swimming pool you want, you can contact pool contractors and builders to review the site and get an expert opinion on whether your pool plans are feasible.
9. Features and Lighting
Pools come with different water features and lighting. You can choose to have a simple and straightforward design or have one with cascading waterfalls or underwater lighting to achieve the ambience you desire. Make sure to be flexible with your initial budget if these features fall under your non-negotiables list!
10. Pool Builders and Contractors
Your pool is only as good as those tasked to build it, that’s why it’s crucial to partner with pool contractors you know have years of experience under their belt. Run your research of pool builders or ask for recommendations from friends and family. Only settle with pool builders who can transform your dream pool into one you can take a plunge in with the least amount of worry!
Work with Freedom Pools!
Pool installations can be daunting, especially with so many factors to consider. But with the right pool professionals to guide you throughout the process, there’s no reason to worry!
At Freedom Pools, we want to make sure you get the most out of your investment. We offer a no-obligation site assessment to make sure the pool installation process goes as smoothly as possible. What are you waiting for? Let us make your vision into a reality by getting in touch with us today!