Top 6 Factors to Consider Before Installing a Pool

Have you always dreamed of having a pool in your backyard? Depending on where you are located in the country, this could make a significant difference in your property values. At the same time, you need to think carefully before installing a pool.

Photo of an inground pool being installed

Pools come in all shapes and sizes. You need to make sure you can take care of them. Before you put a pool in, what are a few of the most important factors to consider? Take a look at the list below, and remember to reach out to a professional who can help you.

1. Think About the HOA in Your Area

The first thing we need to think about has to do with your HOA or property management company. Even though you may want to put a pool in your home, you need to make sure this is allowed. Of course, it is your property, and you may think you can do what you want; however, this is not always the case.

You need to make sure you do not have restrictive covenants that may put a limit on what you can do with your property. If you have questions about whether you are allowed to put a pool in your home, you should reach out to your HOA for help. That way, you don’t end up with a serious problem if you get going on construction without permission.

2. Think About the Type of Pool You Want

Next, you need to think about the type of pool you want. There are several options you have available. One option is a vinyl pool. Essentially, this is going to be a hole in the ground with a vinyl liner. This is the least expensive way to put a pool in your home; however, it is also the least durable. Vinyl liners can tear, leading to significant problems.

Another option is a fiberglass pool. This might be the fastest way to put it in the pool, but it is not as durable as a concrete pool. A concrete pool is the most durable and aesthetically pleasing option, but it is also the most expensive.

Photo of a backyard lawn and swimming pool

3. Consider the Maintenance Costs of the Pool

Before installing a pool, you also need to think about swimming pool maintenance. Consider how much money a pool is going to cost every year.

You may want to include a heater in your pool, which can be expensive. Everyone will want the pool to stay clean. That’s not free. Lastly, you also need to make sure the water is safe to use. That means you need to test the chlorine content, the pH of the pool, and the alkalinity of the water. All of this is important if you want to keep your pool in good working order.

4. Consider a Saltwater Chlorination System

When you are thinking about putting in a pool, you should also consider whether to go with a saltwater system or the standard chlorine route. There are pros and cons to both.

The saltwater chlorine system is a little bit cheaper and gentler on the people and their belongings who use it. While the traditional chlorine system isn’t as hard on the pool itself and requires a little less maintenance. If you are curious about learning more about a saltwater chlorination system, you may want to reach out to a professional contractor who can help you. This could be a way for you to save money on your chlorine expenses.

5. Think About How You Will Use the Pool

Before installing a pool you need to think about how you are going to use it. For example, are you going to end up lounging by the pool most of the time? Or, do you think you will be throwing parties in the pool? Are you going to have a bunch of kids over to use the pool?

All of this is going to impact the final design you choose. Make sure you talk to the contractors about how you are going to use the pool. This will help them figure out exactly what type of design you should use for your cool.

6. Make Sure the Pool Has a Fence Around It

Finally, when you are going through the process of designing your pool, you need to make sure your pool has a fence around it. In the vast majority of locations, this is required by law.

If you do not put a fence around your pool, you could end up with several regulatory issues. There has to be a fence surrounding your pool on all four sides.

Then, there has to be a gate in the fence. When the gate is opened, it needs to have the ability to close on its own. If you have questions about what you need to do with the fence surrounding your pool, you need to consult your local regulations and talk to a contractor who is familiar with them. That way, you can avoid getting fined by the HOA.

Think Carefully Before Installing a Pool

In the end, you need to consider many factors when you are thinking about adding a pool to your home. Because there are so many options available, you should work with a professional who can let you know what your choices are.

There is no single best option out there if you are looking for a fool. Instead, you need to think about how you will use the pool and find the best option for your budget.

Tre Pryor, Realtor

Tre Pryor is the leading real estate expert in the city of Louisville. He is a multi-million dollar producer and consistently ranks in the top 1% of Louisville Realtors for homes sold. Tre Pryor has the highest possible rating—5.0 stars on Google—by his clients and is routinely interviewed by the local NBC news. Tre Pryor is a member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame.