It’s common to want a home with an inground swimming pool. For most homebuyers, it is only a dream. If years have passed and you’re in a better financial position, you can have a pool installed.
Homeowners that plan wisely understand the benefits of purchasing the home they can afford that also has room for additions. Whether it is an extra bedroom or a dream pool, it is never too late to finish your wishlist.
The best part is, you can now build a custom designed pool with everything you like.
Adding a swimming pool to an existing home only requires the land for the pool of your dream, a little inspiration, and the funds to pay for it. If you have all three there is no reason not to move forward and make your dream a reality.
Keep reading if you’re ready to build the dream pool you’ve always wanted.
Make Sure it’s Still a Realistic Goal?
Having a pool installed may be something you have wanted for a long time but is it a realistic goal at the current time. A pool may have been a great idea when the kids were really young. Now they are graduating high school and heading off to college.
Has your neighborhood changed since you bought your home? Is having a luxury swimming pool in line with homes in your community.
Are you planning on being in the home for longer than 10 years? If you make an investment of this magnitude you want a return on your investment when and if you decide to sell. Checking with a realtor regarding improvements to your home is worth it.
The First Step to Getting Your Dream Pool
Before you begin laying out the design for your new swimming pool, you will first need to figure out your budget. If you’ve been saving for the project you know how much money you have to work with. If the plan is to take out a loan, you’ll first need to know how much you will qualify for.
Other options include taking out the equity you have accumulated in your home.
Once you have a solid idea of the money you will have to finance the project, the next step is to determine the type of pool you want. Regardless if you finance or pay cash, the addition of a pool is sure to increase the resell value of your home.
Hire a Pool Contractor
Chances are you aren’t an expert on swimming pools and there will be a lot to learn about the process from start to finish. Once you know how much money you have to work with it will be time to look for a contractor. Word of mouth is always a good option as well as subscribing to home improvement sites.
Narrow the list down to three to five contractors and meet with each one. There are important questions you will need to ask.
Get a written estimate from each contractor. After the meetings take a few days to absorb the information. Next, sit down with someone whose opinion you trust to do a comparative analysis.
Here are a few things you want to ask to make an informed decision.
Concrete vs. Fiberglass vs. Vinyl
There are three directions you can go when it comes to your pool surface. A prefabricated vinyl pool will be the most cost-effective. Concrete and fiberglass are more expensive but will give you the luxury look you want.
Plus, designing a pool using concrete gives you more flexibility in the design. Fiberglass will come in limited shapes.
The Size Pool You Want
Regardless of the size pool, you’re looking to install doesn’t have to take away from the aesthetics. The bigger question comes down to what size pool you can get based on the size of your yard.
Inground residential swimming pools typically go up 40′ in length and as narrow as 10′ in width. Depending on who will be using the pool you can start with a depth of three feet and go as deep as 12′.
There are also lap pools that are less about having a dream pool and more about fitness and a cool way to work-out.
Add-ons
There are several types of add-ons you can bring to the design to make your pool more fun and engaging. These include a slide, spa with jets, tanning or kidding pool, and a diving board.
These add-ons will increase the cost of the project. They will also impact your homeowner’s insurance.
If you have young children consider the pros and cons of adding some of these features.
Including a Deck and Patio Area
We’ve seen homes with boring swimming pools in the middle of a yard. Proper planning for your swimming pool will take into consideration the overall appeal. This includes decking and the pathway to the pool.
Things to consider when planning your layout are whether the pool will be an extension of an existing patio. Will it be covered by a lanai or outside an existing lanai?
Will it be a part of a Landscape Design?
Since this is your dream pool you want to make sure it is everything you ever wanted. As with the decking and patio area, landscaping plays a part in the design.
There are plants such as palms that accentuate a pool area. If your home is on a lake shared by others, you may want to incorporate tall shrubs to increase your privacy.
Stones are another embellishment to pool areas, as well as fire pits.
Underwater Lighting for the Pool
Are you planning to entertain your guest at nighttime? Installing pool lights will provide an added level of safety. If you want to add ambiance to the setting consider color lights.
Illuminating the pool in the colors or a themed party is a special touch. Even if you only have one colored bulb it can cast off an enchanting glow throughout the length of the pool.
For extra splash, you can paint the surface of the pool or have a mural painted on the bottom.
Special Pool Features
For safety, your pool should include steps at the shallow end, as well as railings.
Make your pool luxurious with sheer waterfalls that stream from the area where the pool’s spa is located. Or you can create spillways to keep the flow of water going with the relaxing sound of running water.
If money isn’t an issue, create a swim-up bar that extends out over the pool from the lanai. This is an awesome feature to have if you host a lot of parties.
Pool Cleaning Costs
After your dream pool is installed you’ll need to keep it clean. If you add all the bells and whistles you may also need a landscaper to care for the area outside the pool.
Ensuring the pH levels are safe for swimming is only part of the process. You will also want to make sure filters aren’t clogged and debris is kept out of the pool.
There is new technology on the market that utilizes robots. Simply drop the device into the pool and press the clean button. Say goodbye to algae and other bacteria that can form in water.
Additional Things to Consider
Aside from the design of your pool and ensuring you get all the bells and whistles you wanted, there are other considerations. Building a pool at your home will come with legal requirements. It can also increase your monthly living expenses.
Let’s look at a few:
Who Will Pull the Permits?
Building a swimming pool will require permits. When talking with the contractors it is important to understand who will be responsible for pulling those permits at your local municipality.
Some services will require inspections at certain intervals. Understand what these inspections mean and what you will need to do in the event the work isn’t up to code.
Will You Need a Fence or Safety Features?
Most municipalities have codes regarding the requirement of pool fences. These fences are a safety requirement implemented to protect children that may wander into your yard. This expense is another line item for the cost of installing a pool.
You should also consult with your homeowner’s insurance provider to see what other measures are required.
Will the Pool Impact Your Monthly Water or Power Bills?
The biggest utility expense associated with having a pool is filling it with water. Once the pool is filled, you should not see much of an increase with your water bill.
You can expect to pay an increase to your power bill. Pools require a pump and those pumps run on electricity. The increase will be based on the size of the pool.
Are You Ready For a Pool Party?
You’re ready to move forward with the dream pool you’ve always wanted. We hope we’ve answered the basic questions to help you with your decision.
If you’re ready to move forward, reach out to us today and speak to a Premier Pools & Spa representative.
