Things To Remember Before You Install A Swimming Pool

Before installing a swimming pool, you have to consider a number of factors -- some of them are painfully obvious while others might require a bit of pragmatic thinking to come up with the right decision.

Budget is a huge factor, but not the only consideration. First, evaluate your reason for installing a pool. Is it purely for recreation? Do you have a family member who has a health condition that might benefit from daily swimming? Does your property have enough space for the pool installation? Is the pool something seasonal, or is it for year-round usage? Does your city or state have building codes and ordinances that need to be followed? Is this an exercise-only pool? Do you plan to include a hot tub or spa?

Exceeding one's budget is quite a common phenomenon in many home improvement projects, including this one. But you can mitigate the financial stress caused by these costs by planning soundly and in advance. Give some consideration to how you would like the area around the pool landscaped and plan on that expense. Give pause to the costs of maintenance, which could be significant. 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. Normal pool usage, on the other hand, could lead to expensive water loss, so guard against this possibility as well.

The choice of swimming pools will be largely dependent on your answers to the previous questions. Swimming pools come in two different types -- in-ground or above-ground. And there are pros and cons to each individual type.

The first type, above-ground, can be dismantled if you are moving elsewhere. They also cost less. In terms of aesthetic matters, above-ground pools can be landscaped and accentuated with decking that can compete fairly with in-ground pools' more expensive options. Often, the dealer you purchased from will offer setup and in some cases even decking and landscaping services.

Compared to above-ground pools, in-ground pools will cost you much more and may be more laborious to install. However, they usually increase the value of the property. If you have decided that an in-ground pool is best suited for your purposes, here are some steps you need to take:

Look for a contractor to do the installation.
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.
Be very insistent in asking for a previous customers listing.
Do not be inveigled into rushing your decision. There is no rush in signing a contract, don't let anybody convince you otherwise.
Check with the Better Business Bureau to determine if the contractor has any outstanding complaints.
Be certain that the contractor has the required license.
Never pay the contractor in cash. Use anything that will allow you to have a tangible proof of purchase -- credit card, check, money order, even PayPal, as long as it results in a written proof.

Purchasing a swimming pool is a major expenditure. Preventative measures should always inform the planning and decision-making stage. Plan your project properly and you will enjoy years of pleasure.

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