Putting in a pool can be a huge lift, but the payoff is a beautiful yard for years to come.
Whether you’ve just moved into a new home, or you’ve been staring off into your yard for years dreaming of putting in a pool, there is a lot of decision making and planning that goes into the final outcome. A beautiful backyard oasis, of course! But you’re probably thinking, I really want to put in a pool, what’s next? Below are a few tips to get your started and get your creative juices pumping.
Budget
Before you start planning those summer pool parties, you need to figure out your budget. Things you should plan for are construction, materials and any other pool enhancements (a slide, waterfall, etc.)
You should also think about what will go around the pool. If you’re putting in a deck or pavers, factor that pricing into your budget. Depending on the type of pool you want, you may be looking at a few hundred dollars (basic above-ground with no filtration equipment) to $100,000 or more (in-ground will full paver patio).
Type and Size of Pool
Once you have a realistic budget in place, start researching types and sizes of pools that fit within your budget. Take a look at your yard – a real look – and think about what type and size pool would work best. There’s a full in-ground, there’s above-ground and then there’s half-and-half. And there’s all different shapes and sizes. Get pricing and suggestions from different companies to see what works best for your yard, your budget and your expectations.
Picking the Perfect Contractor
Just as with anything else, ask around. Get recommendations from friends, neighbors or family members if they have pools. Get different quotes from different contractors. Ask all of your questions up front.
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How long will this take?
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What happens if there’s setbacks?
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Is your fee the total or will there be other costs?
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What is your payment schedule?
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What happens if…. (fill in the blank)
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Do you handle permits from the town?
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Do you have photos of your work?
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Who will actually be doing the work at our home? (ie. do you subcontract out)
If possible, check out their work first hand and ask the homeowners about their experience with the contractor. And make sure they are insured – ask to see their paperwork.
Town Permits
When you decide to put in a pool, do some research with your town to find out what type of permit you may need for the construction. You should also find out if there are any requirements for the pool. For example, some towns or villages require fencing around the pool. Find out if your yard fence is enough, or if you’ll need a separate fence for the pool. And remember, this could be an added expense. If this seems overwhelming, speak with your contractor to see how this process is normally handled.
Time to Install
The ideal time on Long Island to put in a pool is early spring or early fall. When you meet with the company, they will tell you the best schedule and give you a timeframe of how long it should take. If you know you’ll be having some summer parties and it’s already spring, you may want to wait until fall to put the pool in. If it doesn’t matter to you, go ahead and start that construction in the spring. Ideally, you’ll be ready to cool down in your new pool in the summer months.
Associated Costs
While most people look at the price tag for putting in the pool, you should be looking at the whole picture. There are going to be a lot of associated costs with your new pool. You’ll need chemicals to maintain the perfect water quality. Then there’s cleaning – either do it yourself, get a vacuum or hire someone. Equipment – not just the pool filtration system, but things like testing kits, thermometers, skimmers, etc. Maintenance – at some point you’ll need to replace things like filters and liners. Not to mention opening and closing costs.
Sure, this could be a good do-it-yourself project, but as you and your spouse get older, this could be draining on you physically. And don’t forget the utilities. Your water bill and electric bill will likely go up when you put in a pool.
You should also consider adding your pool to your homeowner’s insurance policy. This will likely cause an increase in that insurance.
A Yard Oasis
Once you decide you’re putting in a pool, you will need to consider what you’re putting around the pool. Will it be grass, concrete, a wooden deck, or pavers? The options are endless. Again, as you set your budget, remember to consider what you want around your pool to make it the perfect backyard oasis of your dreams.