About to add a pool to your backyard? Talk to a contractor, and they’d probably tell you that it is the biggest investment you’ll make after building a house. Thus, you need to ensure that you get the best return on your investment. Below are some of the most common pool construction mistakes you must avoid.
Common Pool Construction Mistakes
If you have space in your yard and a few kids who are eager for a swim at any time of the day, adding a backyard pool might be a great investment. It is not only a means of entertaining people at home but also adds a lot of value to an existing home.
In fact, many buyers are specifically looking for a home with a pool for their next investment because there are a lot of benefits of investing in a property with a pool. However, it is a home renovation project that can go wrong quickly in many ways.
Here are some significant pool building mistakes that you must avoid if you want to get successful results:
- Not Having a Clear Plan in Mind
- Underestimating Finances
- Not Hiring the Right People
- Overlooking the Local Climate
- Investing in the Wrong Building Materials
Let’s discuss the dos and don’ts of building a pool in detail now.
Not Having a Clear Plan in Mind
Since building a pool is a costly investment, you have to think carefully about your long term goals to avoid critical construction mistakes when building a pool. What is it that you plan to achieve by adding a pool to your property? Do you want to create an outdoor entertainment space? Is it a private space for you and your kids to enjoy? Will you be staying in this property long enough to make the most of this hefty investment?
If you really think you might be able to justify investing a large chunk of your savings into constructing a swimming pool in your backyard, one of the major dos and don’ts of building a pool include analysing the available space and making the right decision in terms of the location and the size of the pool.
The location of the pool not only needs to add to your yard’s aesthetics but also needs to be away from the underground wiring, cabling, sewerage pipes, plumbing system, and more. After all, you don’t want to disrupt the essential systems for your home or your neighbour’s property by accidentally digging in the wrong spot.
You should also consider the route from the house to the pool, paving a path using walkways or steps to ensure a smooth and safe journey to the pool, especially for your excited and over-eager kids.
Next up, consider the size of the pool. If you do not plan on hosting large pool parties and have a family of four, a small pool will be just as comfortable and spacious, with a lot less investment. However, if you are focused on creating an outdoor entertainment space by the pool, you’ll need a much larger pool, space for an outdoor kitchen/dining area, and maybe some space for a couple of lounge chairs.
Large pools also have a deeper diving end, which might not be used as frequently by a family with kids, so the pool’s depth also needs to be considered.
Ultimately, the decisions you make should focus on your long-term goals. Have a clear plan in mind, focus on it, and build a swimming pool in your property accordingly.
Underestimating Finances
We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again. Adding a pool to your property will be one of the most costly home renovations or upgrades you will ever undertake, aside from building the house up from the ground. So, do not underestimate the financial savings you will need to complete the project.
Moreover, consider the long-term costs of owning a pool. One of the most common pool construction mistakes is that people forget that the expenses do not end with building a swimming pool. You will also need to make regular financial expenditures to maintain it over time.
Not Hiring the Right People
It’s always important to hire the right people for the job at hand. But pool construction mistakes include not just hiring inexperienced contractors for the build, but also hiring contractors who specialise only in building a pool. Confused? Well, if you are hoping to create an entertainment space around the pool, you do not need someone who is only focusing on the pool itself.
A versatile contractor who can advise you about the placement of your outdoor kitchen, your yard’s landscaping, and the pool’s placement would be the best candidate. Thus, you should opt for a general backyard-landscaping contractor, not just a pool construction specialist.
Overlooking the Local Climate
Your local climate will play a huge role in how frequently you’ll actually be using an outdoor backyard pool. If you live in a region that is cold for the better part of the year, adding a pool to your property will simply be a very costly home improvement project that will add no value to your home. In contrast, if you live in a warmer part of Pakistan, homes with a pool hold greater appeal for buyers.
Investing in the Wrong Building Materials
Backyard swimming pools can be built using a range of material, but you have to shortlist the ones best for your particular needs and local climate. Going with the wrong material means costly pool repairs later on. The container of the pool is the most important element, as it will be set into the ground and contain the pool’s water.
Popular pool building materials are concrete and fibreglass. However, both these materials have their pros and cons. While concrete pools are the most commonly used option, concrete is a porous material and requires draining annually to avoid the growth of algae and bacteria. This is why it is now primarily used for commercial and public swimming pools.
The best part about a concrete swimming pool is that you can build any shape you choose, but concrete can be an expensive option compared to fibreglass. Concrete is also prone to cracks and tears based on seasonal changes.
In comparison, fibreglass pools are cheaper and easier to maintain, as they only require monthly cleaning. They are also easy to install, seamlessly built as one piece in a mould, and will not crack or tear apart with seasonal changes. While these pools are available in a range of sizes, fibreglass is not the material that you should choose for a custom-designed swimming pool.
Avoid these swimming pool construction mistakes, and you should be able to create an amazing entertainment space in your backyard that will become the venue for many events to come. Once your construction is finished, you can use this DIY pool maintenance checklist to keep your backyard pool ready to entertain your family and friends.
Stay tuned to Zameen Blog for more construction-related tips and tricks. We can be reached via email at blog@zameen.com for your comments and queries.
