A Rundown Of Things To Consider Before Investing In A Swimming Pool

If you are thinking about installing a swimming pool on your property there are some obvious and some "not so obvious" factors to consider.

Budget may be the most important thing for you, but there are so many other factors involved. Why am I installing the pool -- that is what everybody should ask themselves first. Is it mainly to keep the kids happy and allow for some good, clean fun? Do you have a family member who has a health condition that might benefit from daily swimming? And are you even sure that your location has enough space for your pool to be built? Do you have intentions to use the pool every day of the year? Do you need to research building codes in your city so that you know whether this is legal or not? Is this an exercise-only pool? Can you afford a hot tub or spa to be installed by the poolside?

Exceeding one's budget is quite a common phenomenon in many home improvement projects, including this one. Proper planning can help to minimize those "extra" expenditures. A good number of things have to be considered, such as the potential costs of landscaping any area adjacent to the pool. Have you considered you might be charged for the cost of maintenance? You also need to budget things for items such as pumps, filters and cleansing chemicals for the pool. Filling your pool initially will cause your water bill to rise significantly the first month. Moreover, it is also important to recognize that water loss through everyday use might be costly in terms of your water bill.

The choice of swimming pools will be largely dependent on your answers to the previous questions. In a nutshell you have two choices, either in-ground or above-ground. Each of these types has its share of credits and debits.

The first type, above-ground, can be dismantled if you are moving elsewhere. They are also less expensive. On a landscaping standpoint, above-ground pools are inexpensive to do so, and with the right decking set up, it can rival most any in-ground pool appearance-wise. Often, the dealer you purchased from will offer setup and in some cases even decking and landscaping services.

In-ground pools are, in comparison to the aforementioned above-ground pools, more costly to install and more difficult to prepare for. But on the other hand, they add value to your property, which is a benefit that definitely outweighs all others. Here is a quick run-through of the different steps that have to be taken if you are planning to install an in-ground pool:

Do your research and look for a contractor.
Do not stop until you get THREE written bids or more.
Do not settle for anything less than EVERYTHING inclusive in the arrangement -- labor, materials, building permits.
Ask for a list of previous customers.
Avoid acting on impulse. Take your time and don't be pressured into signing a contract.
Check with the Better Business Bureau to determine if the contractor has any outstanding complaints.
Confirm that the contractor has the proper license.
Do not even think of paying the contractor in cash. Always use a check, cashiers check, money order or credit card so you have proof of purchase.

It is neither cheap nor easy to purchase a swimming pool or decide to do so. The old adage of "an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure" applies. If you make certain your project is properly planned, your investment might last you a good few decades.

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