A swimming pool instantly transforms a boring backyard into an exciting, fun-filled space, where people of all ages can enjoy. A pool offers something for everyone. Even if you don’t know how to swim, you can enjoy a good read, lounging near the pool or dip your feet in the cool water for a relaxing effect. You can even organise a memorable party near the pool which your guests will not forget anytime soon.
Let’s take a look at these important swimming pool considerations before you install it at home.
Factors to Consider Before Installing a Swimming Pool at Home
You must look at the pros and cons before adding a swimming pool to your property. However, once you have decided on having your own pool in the backyard, then you must plan it out. From establishing the budget, learning about different types of pools, choosing the site, knowing about the zoning regulations, construction specifications and finding about pool equipment, everything requires you to think ahead before you install or build the pool. Consider these factors before you actually install a pool at home.
- Types of pool
- Picking the site
- Determining the cost
- Zoning regulations
- Circulation system
- Hidden budget busters
Let us discuss these in detail.
Types of pool
There are three main types of inground swimming pools: Concrete, vinyl and fiberglass. For your convenience, we will discuss the three types in more detail.
Concrete swimming pool
The reason why concrete swimming pools are more popular is their strength and durability and their ability to take on any form, size, shape and depth. They can be easily custom-built to suit your preference. Interestingly, this type of swimming pool is called shotcrete or gunite pool because concrete is shot from a gun onto steel reinforced walls. Once the concrete cures, the pool is plastered, painted and finished with a textured surface.
It takes longer to install a concrete pool than any other type – usually between 3 to 12 weeks. Concrete pools can last for long, even 50 years or more depending upon how you use it. They can be remodeled, enlarged and updated.
Vinyl swimming pool
Vinyl pools have a liner which is a custom-made sheet made of vinyl that holds the water within the structure. The level of the pool’s floor is leveled out by cement or sand and the wall structure is secured together after which the liner is installed and secured across the top of the pool. The best part is that vinyl inground pools can be installed in just a few weeks’ time to get you swimming.
When considering a vinyl pool for your home, remember to not use pool toys as any sharp object can puncture the liner. It should be at least 20 to 30 mm thick.
Fiberglass swimming pool
Fiberglass pools are factory molded into one giant bowl. It is then set into an excavated hole by a crane. That is why fiberglass pools can be much faster than other pool types. Since fiberglass is non-porous, it doesn’t retain any water and therefore harbours less algae. Because of its gel coat surface and stain resistant quality, it has a smooth finish.
Picking the site
Selecting a suitable site for your swimming pool is one of the most important considerations you can make. Choose a spot that is not sunny or else the water will warm up and you will not enjoy the pool water.
Similarly, if the pool is surrounded by tall trees, there will be fallen leaves and you would need to spend a lot of money on maintenance. It is also recommended to not to install the pool at a windy spot or the strong winds can make you uncomfortable when wet. If the pool is installed in a low-lying area, it could cause flooding with mud and debris.
It is also advised not to place your swimming pool under live electricity wires, telephone or sewerage lines. In case of any accident, these wires can cause fatal injuries.
Determining the cost
The cost factor plays a vital role when installing a swimming pool. It varies according to the soil conditions, water-circulation system and the type and size of the pool. Even the time of the year also plays a significant role in determining the price of a swimming pool as some businessmen offer good discounts during the off-season.
Swimming pools made of concrete are usually the most expensive ones, while vinyl and fiberglass have comparatively cheaper rates. In some cases fiberglass pools cost a lot of money than a simple concrete pool.
The cost of a swimming pool also includes underwater lights, filtration system and stone coping around the pool’s edge. However, if you create a landscape around the pool, you will have to plan its cost separately. Also, once all the pool-related equipment and items are installed, the budget is almost double than the cost you anticipated in the first place.
Zoning regulations
Generally speaking, building a swimming pool requires you to follow some building or zoning regulation, which differs from city to city. You must keep a certain distance from the pool to property, sewerage lines, septic tanks and wells etc. There are also certain codes regarding the pool barrier and gate.
A fence in the swimming pool must be at least 4 ft. tall and the fence boards must not be more than 4 inches apart. If you have elderly or small children at home, then for added safety consider installing alarms and security cameras on all doors and gates leading to the pool.
Circulation system
There are three types of filters commonly used in a swimming pool. Before installing a swimming pool, an experienced professional will guide you as to which type of swimming pool filter would be best suited for your pool. The main purpose of a filtration pump is to draw water from the bottom and send it through a skimmer, which passes through a filter before re-circulating back into the pool.
Sand filters are the oldest and one of the most common methods of pool-water filtration. You can trap dirt and debris using a special sand filter. These sand filters when trap dirt becomes loaded up and therefore traps even the smaller particles. They can be easily cleaned by backwashing through which the dirty line flushes out the system.
A cartridge filter is used to screen out dirt and must be used within 600 sq ft filter area. You don’t need to backwash a cartridge filter unlike sand filters and therefore you need to spend more water when washing a sand filter.
Diatomaceous earth is a powder that has microscopic openings. As water passes through the openings, dust, algae and bacteria are trapped. Once these filters get clogged up, they are cleaned by backwashing, but they require far less water than sand filters. You can then reuse the diatomaceous earth filter again.
Even if you have installed the right pool filter, you must use chlorine to sanitise it, which kills harmful organisms that cause water-borne diseases. Chlorine also oxidises the pool water.
Before adding any pool sanitizer, you must get the pool water tested from any local store. Maintain the pH level between 7.2 and 7.8 and keep the alkalinity level between 80 and 120 parts per million. If the weather is too hot, make sure you test the pool water more often.
Hidden budget busters
There is so much more to a swimming pool than a vacant space filled with water. Therefore the final cost of a pool is almost double the original anticipated cost. To create the ‘wow’ factor you have to invest in the fencing, landscaping, whirlpool spas, privacy screens, appropriate shades, poolside furniture and a lot more. The final arrangement is, therefore, quite expensive! So, beware of the hidden cost involved and keep a reserve for that beforehand.
We hope this guide on installing a swimming pool at home will help you go through the process swimmingly. Once you have an in-ground pool, make sure you keep it clean. Here are some quick DIY pool maintenance tips that will help you out in this regard. If you are still dubious about whether to have a swimming pool or not, then do check out these pros of building a swimming pool at home. Share your valuable feedback with us at blog@zameen.com and we will surely get back to you. Subscribe to the Zameen Newsletter appearing on the right hand side of the page. Stay tuned to Zameen Blog, the best real estate blog in Pakistan.
