A swimming pool is a large investment that enhances your backyard and brings joy to you and your family. Before making the big decision to purchase an inground swimming pool there are several things that you need to think about. A swimming pool should enhance your outdoor living space and give you a space to relax and have fun with friends and family. How do you go from thinking about a pool to purchasing one? Listed below are several things you need to research and put some thought into so that you are happy with your decision and investment.
1. Budget: Before shopping for a pool you need to look at your finances and decide what you can spend on the project. You have to understand that the pool itself is only part of the cost. In most cases you will have to consult and pay an engineer to get a survey or draw the pool on the survey. There will be permit costs, you will have to fence in the pool or your yard, and after all is said and done there will be landscaping costs and general pool maintenance costs. The pool itself usually will start at the cost of $23,000 depending on the pool’s size, shape and accessories. You must set aside another $2,000-$3,000 for the engineer and permit expenses and have $3000-$4000 on reserve for possible issues during excavation like finding a water condition or debris buried underground where the pool will be installed. Your minimum starting budget should be $25,000 -$30,000 .
2. Your Property: The size and location of your property is important because depending on the town and area you live in you will have different zoning setbacks from the back or side of the property lines to the pool water. Occasionally you will have to seek a variance if you are located on a corner property, have a small yard or lot coverage restrictions. A Nicholas Pools design consultant can help you decide the perfect pool location. Think about leaving space for the kids to play, sunny areas in the back yard, access to the back yard. Putting a pool close to the home or far back to leave patio space for a table and chairs or lounges, location of filter and pump, and distance from the house all have to be taken into consideration.
3. Time: Many do not realize the time frame involved with getting an inground pool. Nicholas Pools urges people to think about when they want to be swimming in their pool and to give yourself enough time to complete the project so that you can make your dream a reality. A minimum of 6 months is a realistic time frame from when you sign a contract until you complete the project. It will take about 3-4 weeks to consult with the engineer, complete the survey, pool prints, and permit paperwork and to submit them to the town. Depending on the town you live in permits can take 3 weeks – 3 months to be approved. Weather permitting the construction of the pool will take 2-3 months. Keep in mind that no construction is done in the months of December, January and February.
4. Type: What pool is the right kind for you? In New Jersey the most popular pool installed is the Vinyl Liner Pool. This pool has withstood the test of time, with extreme weather conditions in our area it is best suited for the environment. A vinyl liner pool costs less to maintain over the long run than a fiberglass or concrete pool. It uses less electricity and chemicals and has a lower instillation cost. A vinyl liner pool also has a smooth surface and the shape, size, and depth can be customized to meet your needs. A concrete pool can be customized however the cost is often double of a vinyl liner pool. Today with so many vinyl liner shapes and sizes available most people choose a vinyl liner pool and use their extra funds to enhance the pool with spas, seating, jets, salt systems, heaters or heat pumps or even a larger patio. Fiberglass pools tend to have issues when installed in areas with a high water table. Once water levels rise a fiberglass pool can pop out of the ground and crack or damage the structure or patio around it.
5. Contractor: If you have made the decision to purchase a pool you must research the contractor you are doing business with. Do they have a store front? How many years have they been in business? Are they a member of the Better Business Bureau? Are they a member of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals? Are they a licensed contractor in the State you are in? Check out their web page, their facebook page, their BBB profile. They should give you a free estimate without pressuring you to buy, be professional and know their products.