Including a swimming pool in your new home definitely adds house value. In addition to the added beauty and entertainment value, other benefits include health factors. Many people exercise in their pools at home by swimming or doing water aerobics or jogging. The sounds of moving water are very pleasing to the ear, as well. But the visual appeal of a backyard pool is what draws many homeowners in.
Once you decide to build a pool, consult with both a pool designing professional, landscaper and your contractor on where to place the pool. The pool contractor can determine the best way to work with the land, while the landscaper can determine how it can complement your home's design while still maintaining your privacy. Most pool contractors work alongside a landscaping company, but you can choose your own or do your own landscaping to save money. You will want a paved area or deck. The surface surrounding a swimming pool can be as visually appealing as the pool itself. Masonry, stone, tile, stained concrete or the look of wood planks with concrete can make your home look great and keep dirt out of the water and prevent the garden from becoming waterlogged. Landscapers can estimate the cost of retaining walls, pool decks, privacy fences and greenery. Homeowners with small backyards shouldn't get discouraged from installing a pool. In fact, smaller yards often provide the most intimacy. Adding pool lights and a sound system can turn your backyard into an entertainment haven. If you choose to build an in-ground pool, plan ahead -- getting on a builder's list can be difficult. With homeowners' interest at a peak in the spring, many builders open their season with nearly a full slate. Because inclement weather can further delay jobs, it's best to inquire with companies six months to a year in advance or have the pool installed in the fall when the demand is lower. To decide which pool best suits your household, consider how your family will be using the pool.
Lap lane pools are becoming more popular for people who want a no-impact cardiovascular sport. Non-diving or sports pools, typically about 4 or 5 feet deep, are perfect for water sports and families with young children. These pools can be either above-ground or in-ground, a big difference in cost and installation time.
Beach-entry pools, in which the pool starts at zero depth and gradually deepens, are rarely built for residential use since the length of the pool typically needs to be extended.
Still the most common is the in-ground diving pool, great for diving, waterslide use and water sports.
A less expensive alternative is the above-ground pools, which typically last between 15 and 30 years. They come in round, oval and rectangle in nearly as many sizes as in-ground pools. Installation of your pool is almost immediate, taking only two to three hours to put up a pop-up version of your pool. And in some instances, a deck can be attached to your pool and that will make the pool appear built into the ground.