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Pool Opening Checklist: 8 Things To Consider

by | May 11, 2022

Imagine it’s the middle of summer, and your kids are splashing around in the pool. It sounds idyllic, doesn’t it?

The good news?  You can make it happen! The bad news though, is that there’s more to it than you might think. Before you can even begin thinking about building a pool, there are many things you need to consider. In an effort to make things easier, we’ve compiled this checklist of things to think about before construction starts on that pool!

Know Your Zoning Requirements

Before your contractor starts digging, you need to make sure that you actually have your city’s permission to build a pool in your backyard. Different regions, boroughs, and even streets can have different rules. Some allow pools while others don’t. And even if they do permit swimming pool development, you may have to get insurance to protect against liability laws, or submit to regular maintenance and inspection protocols. 

Choose The Right Type Of Pool For Your Setting

There are many different types of pools available in the US: fiberglass, concrete, vinyl-lined and others. Each has a specific set of advantages and disadvantages. For instance, fiberglass pools are among the most durable. However, because they are made in factory-controlled conditions, the range of pool designs is sometimes limited.

When choosing a pool, you will need to determine which set of pros and cons is most palatable to you to make a decision. And if you need help, Procare is happy to offer assistance!

Find A Quality Water Circulation System

The next step is to consider the type of circulation system that’s best for your pool. Regardless of the antimicrobial system you use, every pool requires motorized apparatus to regularly pass water through a filter and keep it fresh.

Unfortunately, circulation systems can vary in quality substantially. Some are excellent, while others break down in a matter of months. 

Your best bet is to speak with an experienced pool builder and ask them for their recommendation. They can point you in the direction of systems with proven longevity!

Think About How Much Maintenance You Want To Do

Pool maintenance can take up a lot of your time. Proper maintenance includes:

  • Removing sediment and algae from pool walls
  • Vacuuming the pool floor
  • Checking the filter and backwash as required
  • Skimming off leaves and other debris
  • Checking your pump health
  • Adding water and new chemicals as required

As you might expect, the amount of maintenance that you have to do depends on the size, type, chlorination system, and features of your pool. Saltwater fiberglass pools require relatively little maintenance, while freshwater concrete pools need more regular attention. Likewise, larger pools require more scrubbing and maintenance care than smaller ones.

Pricing

Moreover, swimming pools are often entirely bespoke, meaning that designers frequently design them from scratch. Even if they are cookie-cutter, quoted prices can vary considerably from one provider to another.

Therefore, before you start building, put a firm budget down in writing. Commit to spending less than the amount you set, and tell your contractor that it is your upper ceiling. Don’t let them take the price beyond that by promising additional features or other items that you don’t need. Be ruthless. If a contractor doesn’t keep prices down, then you can always choose another.

Be Honest About Installation Times

Fiberglass pools are easy and quick to install. In some cases, builders may be able to get the job done in just a couple of days. 

However, if you go for concrete, construction may take considerably longer. You could be waiting up to six weeks for your new pool. Therefore, it’s important to be frank with yourself about how long you’re willing to wait. 

Ask Whether You Need Any Extra Features

Features such as dynamic lighting, cascading waterfalls, and wave machines can make pools considerably more interesting. However, they also come with additional costs. Installing any of these features could be expensive and time-consuming, and they will increase your energy bills over the long term.

In return though, you add interest to your pool! Furthermore, by being proactive, you avoid the hassle of retrofitting them at a later date.

Collect All The Tools You Need

Lastly, if you’re planning on opening a pool, you’ll want to collect the tools you need to service and maintain it. Essential items include:

  • Skimmer attachment
  • Telescopic pole
  • Vacuum head and hose
  • Pool filter and media
  • Pool pump
  • Pool brush attachment

Make sure that you have all of these tools at the ready before anyone gets in the pool.

Conclusion

If you’re considering installing a pool, always work with seasoned pool installers like Procare Landscape. If you don’t have a pool yet but would like one, get in touch with our team and use our pool installation service today!