6 Things to Consider Before Installing a Family Pool

Pools can be a very fun addition to your property. Your kids can play in it for endless hours during the summer and you can host lovely poolside parties. But you have to know what you’re getting into before you buy. To avoid having your pool become a pretty money pit, consider these six things before you install a family pool.

1. What Primary Costs Need to Be Considered?

Pools are very expensive. Don’t just factor in the cost of installing the pool—gather as much information as you can to estimate how much the cost of maintenance will add up to annually. The average cost to construct the pool is going to run you around $29,660, while maintaining it can run anywhere between $3,000 and $4,500 annually. You will also likely need to increase the liability amount on your homeowner’s insurance policy to compensate for the risk a pool carries.

2. Are There Restrictions?

Be aware of any potential restrictions. For example, if you live in a homeowner’s association, do you need permission from the association before you build? Are there specific pool types outlawed in your governing documents? Most municipalities require adequate fencing around pools—what are the specifications they require? Do you need any other additional permits during or after construction? Do your due diligence to ensure your new pool will be compliant.

3. What Type of Pool?

There are two major types of pools—in-ground and above ground pools. Above ground pools tend to cost much less but are generally not as aesthetically pleasing, and some HOAs ban them outright. Above ground pools tend to be statistically safer—due to their above ground walls, they have safety features that in-ground pools do not have.

4. What Else Do You Need to Get with the Pool?

Having a pool without such things as pool furniture, pool toys, and a cleaner of some kind would make it much harder to enjoy it. Make sure to keep the price of these accessories and other patio and poolside items in mind. These items will help you get the most out of your pool owning experience.

5. Can You Perform Regular Maintenance?

Maintaining your new pool will require some work on your part. You will have to skim the pool for debris frequently, clean the filters, put in the chemicals and vacuum the pool bottom, among other things. There are also other maintenance concerns that must be occasionally done, such as on the pool pumps, pool cover and winterization. If you are unable, don’t have the time or are unwilling to do the maintenance yourself, you will have to hire someone else to do it, which will incur additional costs.

6. Will You Use It Enough?

But perhaps the biggest question you need to ask yourself is whether or not your pool will be used enough to justify the cost of initial installation and maintenance. If your child is on the swim team or your spouse takes a morning swim as part of their workout in the morning, your pool will likely be a very good investment.
Once you’ve taken all of this into consideration and you’d still like a pool, find a reputable pool company and begin construction! Your family is sure to love their new swimming pool.