Getting a pool built in your backyard is a fairly common practice. A lot of people love the fact that they can relax in water in the comfort of their own backyard any time they want. According to the Association of Pools & Spa Professionals (APSP), there are over 10 million residential pools in the United States.
Getting a professional pool designer is not an issue when it comes to getting a pool built. Perfect Pools have experienced pool contractors who’ll build pools of the latest designs for you. What’s important is that you know that pools are a long-term commitment. This means that they require time, money, and regular maintenance.
In this blog, we’ll mention the basics of getting a pool built in your backyard.
Space
First and foremost, you need to have enough space to get a pool built. The amount of space you require depends on whether you choose an in-ground pool or an above-ground pool. Your pool designer will explain to you the dimensions of the pool, and the minimum required space for it to be built. You might have to clear off some part of the backyard if you have something built there, or some stuff lying around.
Squeezing in a pool when there isn’t enough space will not only ruin the look of your outdoor landscape, but will also not allow the pool designer to do their work at full capacity, and some features of the pool might have to be removed.
Upfront Cost and Running Costs
When we say pools are a long-term commitment, it refers to the costs of having a pool. People assume they’d have to pay some money upfront and have a pool built in their backyard. This is not the case. A lot of processes are involved before a pool is built. You’ll have to hire a professional pool contractor to build your pool. Material costs like tiles, cement, and other requirements like machinery required for pools is also an investment, with motors, filtration systems, etc. Any other added features like the heating system, waterfalls, and water jets cost additional money.
After the upfront costs, there are some maintenance costs involved as well. Regular maintenance of the pool, plumbing, filters, and water is required. Chemicals to be used in water like chlorine and salt are to be bought frequently, although not very expensive. Electricity and water bills might get slightly affected.
These costs might seem excessive, but they are not. If a pool is well taken care of, the machinery and the filtration system will last longer and won’t need repair or replacement. Other costs are insignificant.
Apart from this, having a pool in your own backyard will save a lot of money and time. You won’t have to go out and enroll your kids in a swimming academy for them to swim. You won’t have to pay for having to relax in a pool. There won’t be any limitation on when you’d want to dive in, and the best part is you’ll be able to do it all in the privacy of your own home.
Construction Time
Another aspect of long-term commitment is the duration of building a pool. The time of construction depends upon what type of pool you’re getting, an in-ground or an above-ground pool, and the type of material being used for the pool, for example, vinyl, gunite, etc.
On average, a pool can take anything from up to 6 weeks to 3 months. This is because there are a lot of processes to be completed before construction can start. At first, your backyard will have to be cleared. After clearing the space, the soil will be tested in a particular area. If the soil tests are satisfactory, you’ll need to get approval from the relevant authorities to start the construction of the pool. The approval can take some time, even up to 4-5 weeks. After getting the approval, your professional pool contractor will inspect the place, dig up the site, get engineers to inspect and approve the designs, and then start the construction.
The construction is not simple either, because all the water filtration systems, plumbing, motors, and any other features have to be fitted. This is why pools take a long time to get done, and it’s recommended by experienced pool builders to start the processes before summer in order for your pool to be ready by the hot season.
But if you ask if all this hassle is worth it? It definitely is. Pools are not only good for entertainment, their good for physical and mental health as well. And what’s better than having one in your own backyard you can access any time?
Pool Safety
Pool safety is one of the most important aspects when it comes to having a pool built in your backyard. Making your pool safe requires a couple of necessary steps. First of all, you need to build a fence around the pool area. This is super important if you have kids or toddlers in your house. The gates of the fence should be locked at all times, and there should be no way for the kids to climb or go through the fence unsupervised. Secondly, make sure you have inflatable tubes and life jackets around.
Pools are a great spot for adults to relax, and a great source of entertainment for the kids. Pools are generally considered safe, which is evident from the fact that around 16% of the houses in the United States have one in their backyards.
If you want to get a pool built in your backyard in Virginia, Perfect Pools is the best place for you. Our team of professional pool designers and contractors build pools with the latest pool designs. We also provide services like pool renovation, which includes filter replacements and other plumbing and maintenance needs to be addressed. Contact us now or book a consultation with us today.
