Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before Building a Pool
Building a swimming pool in your own yard can be a source of enjoyment, relaxation, exercise, and making memories with those closest to you for years to come. It’s also a sizable investment, and if you’re not careful and do the right kind of legwork before your pool builder arrives to begin construction on your dream pool, that dream can quickly turn into a nightmare. We don’t want this scenario to happen to anyone, so we’re sharing our top 6 questions you should ask yourself and spend some solid time answering before you sign on any pool contract dotted lines.
Question #1. Why do you want a swimming pool?
There’s a reason this question is #1, and your answers to this question can affect all the other questions we’re sharing. The WHY naturally goes into the WHAT of having a home pool, so it’s important to answer this question first.
Why do you want a pool and what will your pool be used for?
Exercise? Playing with friends and/or family? Relaxation? Rehabilitation? A private pool experience (versus sharing pool time with strangers)? Increased property value? Improve the look of your landscape? A combination of any of these? When answering these questions, think about both your current and any future needs.
Who will be using your pool: Kids? Adults? Older adults? Swimmers or relaxers?
Once you know the purpose behind your pool, the rest of your decisions will be much easier, and your answers to #1 can help you figure out the shape, style, features, and other aspects of your pool. We’ll be covering these creative aspects of pool design in question #5 below.
Question #2. Can you afford a swimming pool?
Yes, a swimming pool can add to your home’s value, but enjoying a home pool also adds some additional expenses to your budget over and above the additional up-front construction costs. In Arizona, the average cost to build a pool can range anywhere from $17K-$46K and beyond depending on the size, finish, amenities, and so on that you choose. On top of that initial cost, pools require regular maintenance and upkeep as well as an increase to your utility bill and potentially even an increase to your homeowner’s insurance rates. Some of these tasks you can do on your own (like regular upkeep), but others will require a professional. And unfortunately, all of these costs can add up quickly. So, before you make the final decision to build a pool, make sure that the additional expenses won’t detract from the enjoyment of your pool.
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Question #3. Can you build the pool you want in the space you have?
If your yard isn’t easily accessible for pool-constructing equipment, this could add some additional expenses to that bottom line in question #2. There are some other things that will need to be considered too: Soil tests, water table levels, and other things (like the location and access points of your pool) that can determine whether your dream pool will fit into your current yard’s reality or if you need to change some aspects of your pool plan. And don’t worry, the pool builder you choose can help you figure out all of these things.
Question #4. What are the current zoning laws for your area, and are there any HOA covenants that need to be addressed?
It’s important to be familiar with what safety measures you’ll need to provide once your pool is built like fences, access doors, covers, and so on. If you belong to an HOA, it’s also crucial that you understand your HOA covenants, including any necessary approvals that you must receive before building a pool in your yard.
Question #5. What do you want your pool to look like and feel like?
Here’s where the whole pool construction process can be both exciting and overwhelming. You’ll need to answer questions like the following:
Remember: A pool is not a short-term addition to your yard, one that can be changed on a whim or as your life changes. It’s a long-term addition to your life and your yard, and the last thing you want to experience is buyer’s remorse now or anytime in the future. So, take the time to do some research, ask those you know who have pools about their experiences (both positive and negative), and really think about everything you want from your pool. Because like we said, building a pool in your yard is a very permanent and expensive decision. Here are some things to think about for your dream pool design:
Question #6. Who will build your dream pool?
Building a pool can be one of the best decisions you’ll make for yourself and for anyone who will enjoy your pool for years to come. Spend some time asking and answering these 6 questions, and the pool-building process will be that much easier. Here at Salten Pools, we do all the work so you can have all the fun in your pool. Contact us today to see how we can help your pool dreams come true.
Once you’ve answered all the other questions and you’re ready to get the pool-building process underway, it’s now time to decide who you’ll choose to build your pool. We’d suggest getting a few estimates and be sure to ask for references from others who have built pools as well as previous customers of the pool builders you’re considering. It might be tempting to skip this step and just get the pool-building ball rolling, but please don’t. The pool builder you choose can either make or break your ideal pool dreams, and the latter is something you want to avoid at all costs. So, get some estimates, carefully consider every aspect of those estimates, ask questions as needed, and then choose the pool builder who will meet your needs the best.
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