Having a pool in the backyard is a dream for many homeowners, but if your house didn’t have one when you bought it then incorporating one into your existing space might seem like an overwhelming task. There is so much to consider, and you might even have a hard time imagining what a pool would actually look like when it’s installed. If you’re thinking about putting in a pool for your family, here are a few basic things to consider before you write the cheque.
- Your Budget
Pools, like many items, can range greatly in price depending on what kind of pool you want. The first thing you need to do for this major purchase is to figure out how much you are comfortable spending on this home project. You’ll also need to consider how much you’re willing to spend on regular maintenance as you will either need to do regular upkeep of the pool, or pay a company to take care of it for you.
- Above Ground? Or Below?
When you think of a pool, most people will think of an in-ground pool but that doesn’t mean above ground isn’t a great option for you. If you have a property that incorporates a walkout basement, or raised deck already then you could be in the perfect situation to add a large, above ground pool.
- Shape and Size
Pools come in all different shapes and sizes. You might need to consider the extras you’ll want to add when thinking about this point. For example, do you want to add a slide in later? If so, you’ll likely need at least a certain depth and size to accommodate that. Do you want it to be a rectangle, or maybe round? The answers to these questions may also depend on the amount of space you have in your backyard.
- Current and Future Landscaping
If you’re putting in a pool, especially an in-ground one, you have a fantastic opportunity to redo some of the landscaping in your yard that you might not like. You can work with a professional landscaping company to determine, when the pool is in, what would look best and what matches with the maintenance you are comfortable with.
- Fencing
Many cities have specific rules around homes with pools for safety reasons. If you don’t already have a fenced yard or one that doesn’t meet the requirements you need to be prepared to make this happen. This might require hiring a company to fix your current fence, or put a new one in. This should be included in your budgeted costs.
Decks and Patios
Do you have an existing deck or patio you’d like to keep when this pool goes in? Or are you going to replace anything current with something new? If you are putting in an above ground pool you might want to consider building a raised deck surrounding the pool. If you are going with the inground style, are you going to have a patio with non-slip stones around the pool? It’s important to envision the end result, and what you want your space to look like.
Overall, incorporating a pool into your backyard is an exciting project but it can seem overwhelming. If you take it one step at a time and don’t make any choices until you’re completely comfortable then it can be a project that goes really well and you’ll enjoy the end result even more.