Imagine your dream swimming pool… you in a floatie or just dipping your toes in, a cute new swimsuit, perhaps a drink in hand. Maybe you envision yourself doing the world’s best cannonball off of the diving board, while your friends and family watch on in amazement. Now, imagine this experience just steps away from your back door.
It’s the summer of 2021 and the coronavirus lockdown is coming to a close. You’ve rewarded yourself and your family for surviving the last hectic year with a treat: a pool in the back. It’s a balmy 90 degrees outside and the neighbors are coming over to catch up in your newly renovated, glorious backyard.
This may seem a fantasy, but it isn’t actually so far out of reach. Whether you’re looking to spend four, five, OR six digits on a pool, there are options for any homeowner interested in installation.
It would be lovely to have a pool, of course. But before you do, here are four tips you should consider. Keep reading for our best advice on pool installation:
How you can prepare for swimming pool installation:
Though not as scary as it seems, pool installation should not be jumped into without a thought. From your budget to the space you are working with, there is lots to keep in mind.
First, we’ll teach you about types of pools so you can decide which you’re looking for. Next, we’ll talk about installation and how to choose a contractor. Third, we’ll discuss the costs of a pool and what to expect before, during, and after installation. Lastly, we will help you to make sure your backyard is pool-ready!
Above Vs. Inground: What’s the Difference?
Likely, you already have an idea as to whether you want an in-ground or above-ground pool. Both have their pros and cons, but as a whole, above-ground pools sacrifice aesthetic and convenience for a cheaper cost and a quicker installation time.
In-ground pools can be split into three categories: concrete, vinyl, and fiberglass. Concrete pools (also called Gunite) are the sturdiest of the bunch and are easily customizable, possible in any shape. The downfall? They usually take the longest to build out of all pools: from 8-12 weeks.
Vinyl inground pools, on the other hand, usually take 2-3 weeks to install. They rigid wall panels set in concrete, a concrete or vermiculite floor, and are draped with a vinyl liner. With technological advancements, it’s also become possible to customize vinyl pools with curves and other features.
The quickest to install, fiberglass pools are installed in the ground with a crane. Though they are pre-molded in a factory, fiberglass pools are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Learn more about choosing the perfect fiberglass pool shape for you.
Above-ground pools can be easily split into two categories:
Above-ground concrete pools have become trendy in recent years, and are often poured into wood forms and finished in plastic or tile. They can also be installed in 1-2 weeks, and choosing to do concrete above-ground instead of below saves a lot of labor.
Vinyl above-ground pools are what you likely think of when you hear “above-ground pool”. You could install this yourself, and it only takes 1-2 weeks as well, but we’d recommend hiring a pool contractor. There are over a dozen sizes and two common shapes (round and oval).
Who’s going to install the swimming pool?
While it is possible to install a pool yourself, it is not recommended for optimal results, especially when top-notch pool installation companies can come affordably and with exceptional customer service. Of course, an expert installing your pool costs more, but the pay-off is two-fold. A pool outside of your home is something you want to feel 100% confident about.
Plus, Procare’s been doing this since 1989. Putting your trust in a company that not only has experience, but is customer-driven and innovative won’t be a choice you regret!
Cost
The cost of a swimming pool is, of course, more than just the cost of a pool; there’s installation, pool equipment, maintenance, etc. However, it is all worth it when hot summer days approach and your house is the envy of the town!
Company websites can sometimes be misleading, advertising absurdly low prices for pools. Often, this is what they expect you to pay simply for the pool itself; elements like patios, fences, lighting, etc. are not included in these numbers, and sometimes neither is installation. In reality, the average pool installation will end up costing around 50k.
Of course, this doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to cut this down. From opting for an above-ground pool to going with something pre-designed and molded, it’s not hard to manage a cheaper, equally-high quality swimming pool. Procare can help you find the perfect balance of price and quality, so that you end up with a pool that is everything you dreamt of without breaking the bank.
Further, did you know that installing a swimming pool might actually increase the value of your home? Learn more about investing in a pool and the long term benefits.
Is your yard ready?
Now: you’re set in your decisions. You know what kind of pool you want, who is going to install it, and you’re ready to pay for it. All you have to do is prepare your beautiful outdoor space to be transformed.
Make sure the right amount of space is available for the project. Often, people overestimate the size of their yards, so it’s a good idea to take a tape measure to the space you’re thinking of turning into a pool. Additionally, make sure to check up on your local building codes, because often there are distances required from your pool to property lines or existing structures, like garages.
Additionally, some accessories and equipment might be necessary, or at the very least enjoyable! Kids love pool noodles and floaties, and some pool chairs or a hammock could add immensely to the experience. On a more practical note, a net for fishing out leaves could be helpful. In the time that you spend waiting for the pool installation to be done, consider doing a DIY project as a family to add to the outdoors, like planting flowers or building a fire pit! Not the D.I.Y. type? Let the experts at Procare Landscapes design & build the perfect pool-ready yard for you.
And now: sit back and enjoy.
Whether this new addition to your home will be solely for you or entertainment for the whole family, there won’t be a day you regret installing a gorgeous, tropical-feeling swimming pool only steps from your bedroom. Your outdoor paradise will be the talk of the town and your child’s favorite present of all time. And let’s be real… after the last year, you deserve it.
There’s no better time than the present to make a change for the better of your home! Talk to Procare today about your options or ask for more information. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.