The Right Type Of Pool For Your Home

We’ve all spent a great deal of time home in the last year and a half and while the world is opening up a bit, it’s highly likely we’ll continue to spend a good deal of time more in our homes in the next short while. Many homeowners with large gardens dream of having a pool of their own as swimming is not only a relaxing hobby but is also a great whole-body workout. A pool at home adds ample activity to your home life, helps keep the kiddos active, and offers somewhere to relax and have fun with the family as well as for smaller, outdoor gatherings. If you’re thinking of putting in a pool, here are some things that you should consider. 

Consider Your Budget

A swimming pool in your yard is a luxury to have and the price often matches. Costs of pools will vary a fair bit depending on location, depth, size, type, and the extras that you choose. Get a quote at the start of the process so you don’t get stung later on when you’re being charged for something that you hadn’t made room for in the budget. 

As well, when deciding on your budget, allow for some extra contingency costs that can come up during the building. As well as the cost of the pool itself, don’t forget you will probably need to pay for safety features like a fence or pool cage. You might want to put in a spa or a patio, some extra landscaping or walls around the pool, etc etc. Get a quote for everything that you have in mind to avoid budget shocks later on - and don’t forget about heating etc. It’s safe to say one should never assume one knows what is included in a quote to build - so get that itemized! 

Remember as well, that the cost of the pool isn’t just building it. You’ll will also have to pay for the accessories to go with the pool and pay to maintain it. Yearly maintenance on an outside pool can also get expensive. You will need to pay for and upkeep motors, pumps, filters, and chemicals for the water as well as cleaning the pool. 

Choose The Right Size And Style

Make sure that the swimming pool that you choose fits well into the space you have. If your garden is smaller, you could have a plunge pool - which just so happens to be far more affordable to keep up as well. If you have more space, you could choose a lap pool, which is longer in length. Larger pools can have more features in them like waterfalls or cascades powered by water pumps to create relaxing sounds and water movement. 

Also, do your research about the material. Fiberglass Pools are common options, but ask your pool builder what they recommend given your specific space, style, taste, and budget.

What shape of pool do you want to have? A classic rectangle is the most common and obvious choice and works well both for swimming laps if you want to use the pool for exercise and for giving plenty of room for the children to play in too. An oval has the same advantages but with a softer finish. If you want a long pool to swim laps, but also need a shallow area for young children to play, then an L-shaped pool can work very well. A kidney-shaped pool has a more natural look, or you could choose a free-form pool for a design that fits the landscape of your garden.