When summertime comes, there’s nothing better than jumping into a pool to cool off. It’s estimated that the United States has more than 10 million residential pools and Americans love hosting pool parties in their backyard.
If you want to join that group and install a pool in your backyard, here a few things to consider before you do:
- What kind of pool: The easy choice is deciding whether or not you’re actually going to add a pool. The harder choice to make is what kind of pool to install. Are you going to go with an above-ground or an in-ground? In-ground pools look better aesthetically and are available in more sizes, but they can be expensive. Above-ground pools require a lot less labor and materials. They can also be easily disassembled.
- All about location: Before you install a pool, you need to figure out where it’s going. If you’ve got a big backyard, there’s a lot of spots to put your pool, but you’ll want to put it in a spot where you can see it from the patio, especially if you have kids.
- Pool contractors: Assuming that you choose an in-ground pool for your backyard, you’re probably going to need a pool contractor to help with the installation. A reliable pool contractor will give you a good idea of the total cost, all the equipment involved and how long the job will take to complete.
- Don’t forget maintenance: A pool contractor can help you install a pool, but after that it’s up to you to maintain it. Installing pool tile or waterline tile, such as custom mosaics, can help give you a leg up on keeping it clean. Custom mosaics can help make your pool look nice, custom mosaics can help keep you safer by creating a non-slip surface and they can help make pool maintenance a lot easier. If they are properly maintained, they can also last you a lifetime as compared to other types of material.
Be aware that pool chemicals to eliminate algae and bacteria can run anywhere from $50 to $100 per month. If you’re got an in-ground pool, you may also pay to have a contractor get it up and running for the season on an annual basis. - Beware of energy costs: When it comes to costs, you may your utility bills go up a bit if you install a pool. A pool uses water, a lot of water (think about 20,000 gallons on the high end) and it’s all got to be filtered. Your energy costs might also depend on where you live and the availability of services. In any case, be prepared for some higher bills during the summer months.
- Do it for yourself Adding a pool to your backyard can be a great source of entertainment for you and your family. In some cases, you might even get a nice return-on-investment (ROI) should you wish to sell your home. But if you’re going to install a pool, do it for you and your family alone. Do it because you want to and throw yourself into the project because it’s yours. Not every home buyer is going to be as enthused about your pool as you are. So install a pool for fun, not as a future investment. Put in custom mosaics, sea tiles or even fish mosaic tile and have fun with pool tile designs.
- Don’t forget your insurance: Owning a pool and being able to swim in your own backyard all day, every day can be a lot of fun. That said, you want to keep an eye on things that might prohibit you from that fun. Get some liability insurance and try to eliminate any potential hazards. You can never be too careful with maintain your home and that’s certainly the case if you add a pool to the backyard.
Having a pool can bring boatloads joy to homeowners and their families. Before going anything, do your homework and figure out just how this pool project is going to work. Find a contractor who can help you get it installed and keep in mind any extra insurance, maintenance or energy costs that come with maintaining your new pool.
