When you renovate or improve your home, it’s best to focus on the things that will have the most impact on your lives. If you plan to sell your property, this means improving things that will boost the value of your home.
If you want to improve it for your quality of life, think about the things you want and need.
Once you’ve made sure that everything is in good repair and condition, you can think about larger changes.
For example, you might be considering installing a swimming pool on your property. In this case, here are some things to consider beforehand.
Space
As you might expect, swimming pools take up a lot of space. Some properties simply don’t have enough room to accommodate a pool, especially if they don’t have any outdoor space.
However, you might be surprised at what you can manage with seemingly limited space.
The first step is always to measure the dimensions of your backyard or the spare space you plan on turning into a pool. This will let you know what you have to work with.
Remember that the footprint of a swimming pool involves more than just the pool itself, you should also have room around the pool.
The most popular option in this case is a paddling pool. Paddling pools are usually temporary structures and, while most people think of tiny pools, they can be quite large.
You can set it up on a hot day and keep yourself cool while splashing in the water. These pools are great for small children and animals.
Another option is to install an above ground pool. You should explode the best above ground pools available in your area so you can compare their footprints and whether they would fit in your backyard.
A final option is to get a pool designed specifically for whatever space you have.
This is especially useful if you have an oddly shaped backyard that is still large enough to accommodate a pool. You can make the most out of your space.
Cost
As with any large improvement, you should always think about how much a pool will cost. The most expensive option is usually the traditional pool set in the ground, or depending on where you live, an infinity pool.
This is because it takes a lot more work to dig the ground up for the pool, as well as install the necessary plumbing.
Swimming pools with more features also ramp up the cost and complexity of your swimming pool. However, it might be worth it.
Always count the costs and save up before a large purchase like this. As well as the initial cost of buying and installing the pool, you should also think about running and maintenance costs. Swimming pools need a lot of looking after.
Maintaining a Pool
There are a few ways to tackle pool maintenance. Some pools have filters and clean themselves, to an extent.
But you still have to get rid of large pieces of debris and make sure the filters are working properly. More complicated pools need more specialized maintenance.
If you don’t regularly clean and maintain your pool, you could be leaving it open to a buildup of bacteria and algae, as well as other organisms that you don’t want to share your pool with.
Parts of the pool system could also get clogged up and break down, which will require an expensive repair job.
The easiest and most expensive way to look after your pool is to hire a professional pool cleaning and maintenance company.
They will take care for your pool and pop round regularly to make sure it’s okay. In this situation, all you need to do is fish out any larger pieces of debris now and then.
Another option is to clean and maintain your pool yourself. You will probably still need to use professional services for repair jobs, but it isn’t difficult to clean a pool, just time consuming.
You will also need to invest in equipment and the chemicals used to keep a swimming pool clean and hygienic.
Benefits of a Pool
The good news is that there are plenty of benefits to owning a pool that often make it worth the expense and effort required to install and maintain it.
The first benefit of having a pool is that it’s fun. Adults and children alike will enjoy swimming and playing in the pool.
You can also relax in the summer and enjoy a chill afternoon floating or sitting in the water.
Secondly, swimming is fantastic exercise. It’s gentle on your body and joints, meaning that it’s very beginner friendly and suitable for older people. But swimming can be an effective cardiovascular workout, and it works out your shoulders and legs. If you’re trying to get fit, swimming is a great way to go.
Finally, it’s important to teach your children how to swim. Swimming isn’t just fun and good exercise, it’s a vital survival skill.
The more familiar you and your family are with water, the better they will fare if they have to swim to survive. Knowing how to swim and how to rescue people saves lives.
Safety Around the Pool
Speaking of survival situations, swimming pools do carry a degree of risk. You should never leave children or pets unattended around swimming pools or any water feature, especially while they’re young.
You also need a walkway around a sunken pool so people can more easily climb in and out. Don’t let people run around the pool, because the ground is wet and slippy.
When you aren’t using the pool, use a pool cover that will keep animals and children out of the water. Some people also recommend fencing the pool off so other people don’t get tempted to wander into the pool.
If someone gets hurt on your property, you might be liable.
However, if you pay attention to the swimming pool and teach your family pool safety, you can enjoy it so much more.
