When individuals decide to buy a home, many prefer one with a swimming pool. In some cases, if there isn’t one, they will opt for a home with a yard then install the pool. Designing a pool for your backyard offers a trendy and attainable lifestyle. Deciding between inground pool designs or above ground options depend on your budget and your residential area. Which option will save you the extra coin?
An inground pool can save you money
Inground pools are made from vinyl, concrete or fibreglass. Having a permanently installed pool adds value to your home, especially if you live in a warm place most of the year. Besides adding value to your home, it enhances your landscape by providing a water feature. These pools vary in shapes, sizes and designs, giving you different options to choose from.
·Choose a simple deck
The goal is to save money on constructing a pool, so choosing a basic concrete deck is best, then adding a fancy patio later.
Consider the site of the pool too. If your yard has room for excavating equipment, that is a plus. Figure out if the pool site is flat or if it will have to be levelled. Is the soil on the site sandy, or is it rocky? Soil issues and limited access to the pool site increase the cost of installation.
To save money, you should avoid having a deep end. Most people consider smaller pools to be an excellent intimate location when guests come over. Such pools save you space, but more importantly, they are cheaper to install and maintain. To save money, consider keeping the dimensions as modest as possible. In pool construction, size is not everything: choose a great pool design over a large size. Once you have made savings in the construction, you can incorporate some extra features, like slides, colour-changing lights, and spas. These will immediately turn your pool into a focal point in your backyard.
·Do the upkeep yourself
The pool drains, skim baskets and filters should all be cleaned every week. Another weekly chore is checking the pool’s pH and chlorine levels. For significant savings, do the upkeep yourself instead of paying a maintenance person to do it for you.
·Insurance
Get homeowners insurance cover. Most insurers refer to pools as an ‘attractive nuisance’ because – in as much as they are desirable – they can be dangerous. Having a pool increases the chances of someone getting hurt in your property and, at the same time, raises the price of your homeowners’ insurance.
·Carefully choose the pool location
A pool located under trees will have more shade, making it a perfect spot to hang out for a dip when the sun is too hot in the afternoons. However, the pool will end up with more debris and leaves, thus increasing cleaning costs. The distance of the pool from the house is another factor. Well-planned pools are closer to the home, reducing costs associated with water and energy.
·Less time, less money
If the weather allows, the pool contractor will build you a pool in two weeks or so. In this case, the pricing will consist of labour, project management and excavation. They will include underwater lights, pool heaters, a pool edge, bond beam and three entry steps.
Choose building materials based on your budget
As mentioned earlier, inground pools are constructed from three materials. Vinyl is easily customised, so using it for your pool reduces the cost compared to fibreglass or concrete. However, vinyl will have you changing the lining regularly, which is costly over time.
Compared to vinyl, fibreglass is more expensive, but its installation process is easy. Fibreglass has a low maintenance cost and quickly heats the water. Unlike vinyl, it cannot be customised in different shapes and is limited to sizes. If not properly installed, it will crack and get damaged.
Concrete is the preferred option for many; it is durable and lasts longer than vinyl and fibreglass. It can also be customised into different shapes and sizes to suit the design you want. However, it is costly at installation but will save you money in the long run as you only have to resurface it every ten years.
Ensure you buy quality
Pool construction is a project executed by different professionals. Reduce costly mistakes by working with a construction company you can trust; one that works with quality manufacturers offers quality work with quality materials. Reducing costly mistakes prevents expensive regrets.
