Before You Find a Contractor for Your Swimming Pool Project

Before you make an investment in a swimming pool, there are several factors which you should consider, which we will examine in the following article.

Why do You Want a Swimming Pool?

The first thing you need to decide is the reason why you want a pool at all. Is it for entertainment and relaxation or exercise and physical therapy? In the first case you will want a large shallow end, a large deck around the pool, maybe a hot tub and perhaps a fun shape. On the other hand a pool designed for exercise should be long and rectangular, even one or two lengths will suffice, with enough depth at both ends to negotiate turns. Or you may choose to work with a pool designer to create a hybrid, such as an ‘L' shaped pool, which accommodates both of these goals. At this stage you should also consider whether or not you want to include a diving area. This will be a major factor in determining the depth of your pool's deep end. The purpose of your pool, and the climate of your neighborhood, may also influence whether or not you choose to heat the pool since heating is the most expensive on-going expense involved with owning a swimming pool.

Costs of Owning a Swimming Pool

Installing a pool, and the maintenance of said pool, are significant expenses. A pool may increase the value of your property, but it is unlikely that your home's value will rise enough to cover the cost of installation of the pool, so if you are considering adding a pool with a view to sell your house at a higher price, your dollars will probably see a better rate of return renovating the kitchen and updating the bathrooms. In fact, some homebuyers may be reluctant to buy a home with a pool due to the maintenance costs and the legal responsibilities of pool ownership.

In addition to maintenance costs, which will be discussed later in this article, there are additional expenses which you should keep in mind. These include a potential increase in your property taxes if the pool raises the value of your home. Tax assessors generally treat in-ground pools as permanent structures which are taxed on the same basis as your home. Above-ground pools may also be taxed as permanent structures, particularly if there is a deck around the pool. You may consider consulting your local tax authorities for more information on this subject before you decide on what kind of pool to install.

As with most responsibilities in life, insurance is an expense which you should be prepared to pay. You should speak to your insurance agent before work on your pool even begins as you should have adequate coverage in case of accidents during the construction period. Your contractor and subcontractors should carry liability and property insurance, you should still insure that your coverage is adequate for any eventualities. Once the pool is built, there are further insurance implications, which you should discuss with your insurance agent before deciding to install a pool.

When budgeting for the construction of your pool, you should factor in additional expenses such as the cost of a fence around the pool for safety purposes. Fencing requirements are governed by your local government's zoning laws, health and safety codes, and building codes. Further optional expenses may include pool toys, flotation devices for small children, deck furniture, a pool safety cover, a pool warming blanket and other such items.

Pool Maintenance Costs and Tasks

An obvious financial consideration for a future pool owner is the maintenance costs involved. These include the cost of utilities and the cost of routine maintenance. A pool will increase your utility bills as it will require water, electricity for filtration and if you choose to heat your pool, then gas, oil or electricity for heating. These costs will vary depending on the size and depth of your pool, the water temperature you want to maintain, the climate of your area, and the cost of utilities in your area. Your local utility company, local pool builders and other pool owners in your neighborhood may be able to give you rough estimates of the utility costs you should anticipate.

Regular pool maintenance is necessary to keep your pool in good order and to ensure that it is safe for swimmers. On a daily basis you will need to ensure that the water is chemically balanced, sanitized and free of debris. While this is not hard labour, it is time consuming, and you should factor in spending about 4-8 hours a week during the operating season on daily maintenance chores unless you hire someone to take care of this for you. Fees charged by pool maintenance companies vary, so you should get several estimates. In northern climates winter maintenance is easy as you will simply need to close the pool for the winter.

Deciding on the Size and Shape of Your Swimming Pool >>