Behind the eye-catching aesthetics of a beautifully designed swimming pool lies a significant amount of preparation and planning-ranging from compliance permits, unforeseen additional costs, and even differing opinions. Therefore, as you consider purchasing a pool for your home, it is best to ensure that you have robust plans in place to minimise frustration and surprises.
Here are steps to building a pool that must be part of your plan.
1. Integration
Clever pool design starts with integration. A good pool builder will account for site conditions like underground services, soil type, proximity to structures, trees, site elevations, and your vision for surrounding landscaping as they design your pool.
In addition, smart pool design and proper construction order will significantly reduce costs. And what’s more, opting for the right material offers remarkable integration opportunities.
2. Specialisation
There are two main types of swimming pools: fibreglass and concrete. Both types have specific intricacies governing their construction. Therefore, pool builders commonly specialise in one or the other.
This specialisation becomes a significant concern when you are seeking the right builder. If, for example, you find a company that only builds fibreglass pools, then they’ll tailor their quote/opinion to their area of expertise rather than the most ideal and cost-effective solution for your home- potentially leaving you with an unsuitable pool.
So, hiring a pool builder who constructs concrete and fibreglass pools is best. This consideration certifies that you’re getting the best pool for your space.
3. Permits, planning and regulations
Every swimming pool and all planned hard surface areas like slabs and extended concrete surrounds must have permit approvals from the local government or private certifier and state water board.
Consequently, regulation compliance is one of the primary responsibilities inherent in designing a pool. Pro tip: to avoid installation delays caused by permit application, it is better to design the whole backyard at once to ensure that the relevant hard surface plotting charts and permit approvals are in place when it comes time to begin construction.
Check out your local government’s construction guidelines for more information on your zone. Alternatively, you can call the council to learn about the permit approval timeframes.
4. Filtration, heating, automation and cleaning
Like most things, pools require proper maintenance to increase their lifespan. Therefore, you will need the following:
- A leaf-free skimmer box basket
- A clean filter element
- Chemically treated/balanced water
- The right surrounding elevations and drainage to keep away the bulk of debris and help minimise maintenance.
- If you have trees surrounding your pool, it is also best to invest in the right cleaner type. Alternatively, perhaps consider purchasing a pool cover– it’ll help keep the leaves out when the pool isn’t in use.
- Finally, consider the distance between the pool and filtration set-up when selecting accessories, as it is crucial to ensure they are appropriately sized for the pool you have.
5. Budget for pool construction and landscaping
While the swimming pool will undoubtedly be the focal point, you will likely spend most of your time hanging by the pool rather than in it. So naturally, you may find it necessary to splurge on accessories like plants, landscaping and furniture.
These additions enhance your pool’s appearance and create the ideal vibe. So, it is essential to select the right ones, including furniture, lighting and greenery.
The best way to budget for such finishing touches is to set aside the same amount for landscaping and furnishing as you do for the pool.
Pool construction is involved and time-consuming. However, if you partner with the right builder, you can rest assured that the effort will prove worth it.
