Constructing a swimming pool in your home is no ordinary project. If you intend to improve the aesthetics of your property, create a place for recreation, or enhance the value of your property, planning and executing the ideal pool project requires proper planning, careful design, and professional execution.
The following are some of the critical steps for a pool planning project that you can undertake by consulting with the best swimming pool builders:
- Determine the objective and function of your pool
Before planning for pool design, you must determine the main aim and functions of the pool. For instance, are you seeking a source of exercise, fun and frolic or a luxurious retreat to cool down on hot summer days? Determining the objective of your pool will help determine its features, shapes, sizes and design.
You might want a pool with a long, rectangular design when fitness is your primary goal. A big pool with shallow water is ideal for family activities, including play for kids. If looks and relaxation of your property is the aim, you would prefer a small pool with features such as tanning ledges, spas or waterfalls. When you determine the objective of your pool at the outset, your final design will match your lifestyle.
- Determine your budget
Now comes the step to estimate your budget. There will be wide variations in costs of pool construction based on factors such as location, design, materials and size. You must plan for a realistic budget at the outset to avoid any financial emergencies and to make the right decisions for the whole project.
You should consider both the initial construction and maintenance expenses while estimating your budget. Note that long-term expenses will increase with the inclusion of complicated features, top-quality materials and advanced systems like automated cleaning or pool heating. For this, you must conduct initial consultations with a reputed professional pool builder to choose a budget that matches your desires with pool costs.
- Select the best location.
You need to choose the location of your pool with care for both practical and aesthetic concerns. Weigh concerns like safety, privacy, exposure to sunlight, etc. Your pool will stay warm when you locate it in a sunny spot. Else, a pool framed by natural shade will serve as a wonderful retreat for hot summer days.
Other concerns about location include proximity to outdoor areas for living and to your home. Pools with attractive patios will fit nicely into your lifestyle. Another concern is the distance of the pool from other water bodies, which should be minimal. A pool that has been built in an ideal location can improve the overall design of the landscape and serve as a visually arresting point of focus.
- Shape and design of the pool
There are varied pool designs such as kidney-shaped, freeform, rectangular and geometric shapes. Every one of these shapes provides unique benefits and will complement different styles of architecture of your home.
Rectangular pools are so versatile as to suit both traditional and modern homes. They offer space for swimming many laps. Kidney-shaped and free-fall pools provide a more organic and natural look that blends in well with surrounding landscapes. Geometric pools that feature sleek lines are perfect for homes with contemporary design.
Choice of pool type is also a decision with options like in-ground and above-ground pools. In-ground pools are permanent and regular, but they need a big budget. Above-ground pools are easy to install and cost-effective, suiting small spaces.
- Ongoing costs of maintenance
The process of owning a pool requires much expenditure for upkeep. These include expenses of chemical treatments for upkeep of the quality of water, cleaning services for getting rid of algae and debris and repairs to the pool structure in the long run.
Regular maintenance is critical for keeping the pool safe, fresh and functioning optimally. While planning for the pool, consider including systems that will help in its efficient maintenance. For instance, you can invest in automatic pool cleaners like robotic vacuums to clean well while reducing manual labour.
- Investment in an efficient system of circulation
The high-quality circulation and filtration system ensures crystal clear water and lowers the maintenance effort. These include choosing between types of filters and pumps, investing in energy-saving fixtures and automation systems.
- Complying with local rules
While building a pool on your property, you must consider complying with many local laws and rules. For instance, ascertain whether your property is located in a protected zone for wildlife or a historic district and whether it adheres to regulations about pool enclosures.
Safety measures like enclosures are vital for protecting kids and pets. Also, the pool should be 100 feet away from any body of water. You must check whether the place of the pool impinges on electrical wiring or has utility lines running beneath your property.
- Ideas for landscaping
The surroundings of your pool will contribute much to the aesthetic and functional features of your pool. Ideas include setting up potted plants around the pool, privacy features like fencing or gardens, attractive lighting systems and various themes of the pool like pebble or stone design.
You can improve your pool area with special features. Water features include waterfalls or fountains. Solar and LED lights create the right ambience while ensuring safety. Greenery can be used to blend your pool with the surroundings.
- Ensure accessibility to the area for the pool.
Evaluate your area and ascertain whether there is enough room for heavy equipment to be used for pool construction. The latter includes trucks and concrete mixers. Heavy machinery involves additional expenses, like those for removing perimeter walls or fencing to enable access to heavy machines. If there is not enough space for this, the pool builder will have to cut down the size of the machinery. However, smaller machinery will prolong the process of construction, thus compromising the duration of the project.
- Selecting the right professionals
Last, but not least, it is critical to work with professional builders like Burleigh Pools in Burleigh Heads. Such builders can guide you from the start of construction to the completion of the project. To access the right professionals, consult past clients of the builders and choose a company with a good track record.
In sum, the construction of a pool on your property needs careful planning and expert execution. By following the above tips, you can gain a pool that will be a source of entertainment and relaxation for many years in the future.