It goes without saying that a pool is one of the most satisfying purchases a person can make. There’s something that just feels right about owning your own pool. For some people, it’s a symbol of them achieving a more comfortable lifestyle, and for other people, it symbolizes all of the summer fun and chilling poolside that they’re going to enjoy. Of course, owning a pool isn’t all fun and games, and there are some serious things that you need to think about before purchasing a pool.
Unfortunately, if you go to many pool installation companies, they’re too busy trying to push you into making actually buying a pool to give you the information that you need. We, on the other hand, can provide you with the information you need before you purchase. In this article, you’re going to find some of the things that you need to think about before you commit to purchasing your pool. Keep the following in mind and you’ll be poolside chilling in no time flat.
Consider Your Budget
Before you even begin to consider your options, you need to first consider your budget. Swimming pools come in a wide variety of different price ranges and you need to keep in mind not only your budget but also the price range of the types of pools you’re thinking about. Inflatable pools are available for under $100, above-ground pools are generally available between $1,000 to $5,000, and in-ground pools can cost upwards of $30,000+.
Think About The Regulations In Your Area
Another thing to think about before buying and setting up a pool is the regulations in your area. In some areas, putting up or building a pool requires the consumer to also build a fence around the pool. Some areas require the consumer to get special permits to have a pool installed, and still, other areas require the consumer to carry special insurance. Educating yourself on the rules in your particular area will save you some headaches down the road.
Check Out The Background Of The Pool Contractor
If you are hiring a professional service to put up your pool, then you’re going to want to do your research on them. When you are looking to hire a Minneapolis pool builder (or one in your local area), you will want to make sure that they’re accredited and experienced in their field, and you can find testimonials about their work online. Check out their reviews and previous projects, just so you know what quality of service they provide, and ask for a quote for an idea of what they charge for their services.
Factor In The Cost Of Regular Upkeep
When thinking about buying a new swimming pool, it’s important to think about how much the pool is going to cost you in the long run. In areas where water is metered, you’re going to want to think about how much it’s likely to cost to fill the size pool that you want. You’ll also want to estimate how much the pool’s chemicals are going to cost you according to the volume of the pool that you want. Remember, the bigger the pool, the more chemicals that pool is going to need to maintain a proper balance.
Consider The Size Of The Space You Have Available
It’s also a good idea to consider the size of your yard before investing in a fiberglass pool, or indeed any other type of pool. You will want to make sure that your yard is large enough not only for the pool itself but also for the pump, ladders, side rails, heaters, or other accessories that you will need for the pool. We’ve seen plenty of people put huge pools into small yards and not have any space available for them to set up chairs or anything else for that matter.
Will You Need A Heater?
It’s also a good idea to think about whether you’re going to need a heater or not. In some areas, it’s almost mandatory to have some kind of pool heater hooked up to keep the water warm enough for swimming. In other areas, a solar blanket is all that’s necessary to keep the water warm. When considering the necessity of a heater, it’s essential to factor in the pool heat pump cost. While a pool heat pump may entail a higher initial investment, it can offer significant advantages in terms of efficiency and reliability, especially in regions with cooler climates or unpredictable weather patterns.
Think About The Safety Of Children & Pets
Another thing that’s extremely important to think about is how you’re going to keep your pool from being a hazard to children and pets. At the very minimum, the pool area should be in a fenced-in yard that has signs indicating the presence of a pool. But that’s only the bare minimum level of safety. If you want to ensure that your pool doesn’t become the focus of an unfortunate incident, then you are going to want to make sure gates are locked and that pool alarms or other safety features are around the pool.
Keep In Mind The Pool’s Depth
Although the standard pool is approximately 3 to 4-feet deep, there are variances between different pools. When deciding how deep your pool should be, you should think about the age of your children and try to select a pool depth that’s safe for them.
Does The Pool Come With A Warranty?
It’s also a good idea to check out whether the pool you want to buy is covered by a warranty. And you’ll also want to make sure that if it does have a warranty, it’s going to cover the parts of the pool that you want it to cover.
Can You Set The Pool Up Yourself?
Although there are plenty of people who want to have a contractor install their pool, there are some people who want to do it themselves. If you are one of these DIY pool installers, then you’re going to want to make sure that the pool is easy enough to set up that you can do it without professional help.
How Much Time & Work Is Needed To Maintain The Pool
When it comes to the amount of time and work a person needs to put in to keep their pool functioning properly, not all pools are the same. Some pools are relatively easy to maintain and others can be a real pain. That’s just something to keep in mind while you’re shopping for a new pool.
