A swimming pool is a great addition to any property and will also add value. But there are many factors to consider before you decide to go ahead. First, we strongly advise you to speak with a professional pool building company – EverClear Pools & Spas is an example with a strong reputation – who will advise you as to the suitability of a pool on your land. Then there are the questions you need to ask such as:
- What size pool do I need?
- Will it be a regular shape or an unusual one?
- Do I build an in-ground pool or buy an above-ground example and should I use water softeners?
- How will the weather and climate affect my pool?
- What about ease of maintenance?
- How much space will I need for pool accessories?
The final question is, of course, what is your budget? The pool that will add most value to your home will be an in-ground design, yet this will also be the most expensive option. In this article we want to walk you through three key areas that will influence the type of pool you choose, where you should put it, and other considerations that have an effect on the decision. Let’s begin by talking about available space and pool sizes.
1: Size and Space Considerations
How much space do you have to work with? If you have a small area in which you can place your pool there is good and bad news: the good, is you pretty much know right away the size and shape of the pool you can install, the bad is that you are strictly limited in shape.
However, if you have a large plot you can decide on an ideal space. Most homeowners choose to have their pool as close to the house as possible as this is the most convenient option. However, as we shall see in our third section, there are reasons you may want to put it somewhere away from the building.
The space you choose should also be appropriate for pool accessories. A bathing hut, for example, or a patio are both popular choices for pools. Then there is the plumbing and the other building necessities to consider. You should get your land surveyed by a professional before you make the final decision to build a pool.
Also, you need to consider – as we mentioned – whether to go in-ground or above ground. For smaller spaces, the choice of an above ground pool may be the most sensible and is also the less expensive option. If you are set on a permanent in-ground pool you definitely need to talk to the experts. So, size, and available space – as well as type and shape – are your first considerations.
2: The Lie of the Land
An in-ground pool will need a flat piece of land. An above ground pool will also need to be placed on a level surface. If you have a sloped yard, then you will need prior groundworks to level the pool area out. This can actually make for an attractive solution as you are effectively creating a landscaped surround to your pool.
However, it will add – perhaps quite considerably – to the overall cost.
It’s not only inclines that you need to think about. The nature of the location is also important to think about. Is your yard prone to flooding? If so, a pool will be difficult to keep maintained. Do you live in an area of high and commonplace winds, as this will result in exaggerated evaporation of water?
An absolute must is to have a survey done for underground power lines, telephone lines, and other utilities such as sewers and drains that may be buried there. If these are present in your yard you need to find a spot where there are none under the ground.
A couple of further points to consider: is there access to the pool location for the construction equipment, because building a pool is quite a big job? Also, are there planning rules on installing pools in your area, as this can affect where you can place your pool as well as its size. The professional pool company will be able to help with all of the above. The third key is that of the aesthetics of the pool, and its relation to your home and those around it.
3: To Be Seen or Not to be Seen?
Most people choose to put a pool next to or close to the house. But will that mean it is overlooked by your neighbors, and is this something you are concerned about? If it does, you may wish to put your pool in a corner of the plot where it is hidden from view. This is also a factor you should discuss with your neighbors as it is only polite to let them know you are putting a pool in and ask if they have objections to the chosen spot.
You also need to think about how things look when you are in the pool, as well as the safety aspects. What can you see from the pool and is it what you want to see when lounging on the water? You can, of course, fence the pool in if this is your choice. Is the pool in a suitable spot where you can supervise children? Is the level of privacy acceptable to you and others?
These are all influential factors that will help you decide where your pool is going, and the type and size you have the space for. Let’s have a quick summary.
Conclusion
To be honest, once you have had your surveys done and talked to the professionals, as well as taking into account all the influential factors we have mentioned above, you will find your choice of pool location limited and never around a quartz fireplace. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as it means you know where the best and most suitable spot for your dream pool is. Have fun deciding and enjoy your new pool.
