Things to consider before installing a swimming pool

If you are considering adding a pool to your property, planning is important.

Why do I want a swimming pool?

Establishing your reasons for wanting a swimming pool.

Those may have a huge impact on its shape, depth, size and possibly even the type of construction.

Will you use it for laps, recreation or relaxing? Is it in your kids and their friends, to enhance a view, or to act as a focus for the garden?

When you have a clear idea of its purpose, the rest of the decisions (and there may be many) won’t be so difficult to sort out. However before you planning your pool any further, ensure you ask the hardest question – will you use it enough to justify the expense.

Where will the swimming pool be located?

Check council and building regulations regarding site coverage allowance, pool fencing requirements and proximity to storm water drains.

Does the location maximize sun exposure to help hold the water temperature warm? Large trees around the pool will block sun and their leaves will drop into the water.

How will people enter and exit the pool? Where will you hang out around the pool?

What shape and style will the pool be?

Choosing a shape and style that complements the architecture of the home and existing landscape.

The cheapest swimming pool option is a prefabricated, above-ground type, usually made from fibreglass or steel with a vinyl liner.

Concrete offers the best flexibility in terms of shape, size and depth if you want a customised design.

Fibreglass composite pools are more flexible than concrete, making them a good option for earthquake-prone areas.

Mistakes to avoid

Choosing the wrong location for the pool so you can’t move around it easily, it’s too shaded or there’s no space for sunbathing and relaxing.

Getting a diving board that you hardly ever use. You need a deep end for diving boards, which adds to the cost of your pool and young kids need to be closely supervised when using it.

Skimping on decking or paved areas around the pool to save money. Remember that people spend more time beside the water than in it and trying to add more space after the construction process is finished can be expensive.

Buying on price alone. Cutting corners is not worth it with swimming pools.

Underestimating the size of the project and the resultant upheaval. Expect dirt and chaos and you’ll handle them better when they happen.