Are You Pondering Over Putting in a Pool? Learn Before You Take the Leap!
Are you thinking of taking the plunge for a backyard swimming pool? For some, a pool is a dream of lazy afternoons drifting on blue water, soaking in the sunshine. For others, it’s a nightmarish image of weekends vacuuming leaves and testing chemicals.
If your family is begging for a pool, start by separating reality from fantasy. Homeowners first want the bottom line: How much will a pool cost? The total cost depends on how fancy you want to get, the average in-ground pool costs $30,000 to $32,000. An above ground pool starts at about $4,000 for a good-quality one and can go up to about $10,000 for models with both a deep and shallow end.
Once you have made the decision to dive into a pool, you’ll need to decide what type of pool you want. Here is a list of different types of in-ground pools:
1. Vinyl
This is still the most popular choice; these pools have reinforced walls with vinyl liners. The rectangular form is the most common, but other shapes are available.
2. Fiberglass
Fiberglass pools have been around since the 1950’s, these pools are one-piece, factory-built shells finished with a gel coating similar to that used on modern boats. Installation time is usually quicker that with other styles. Fiberglass pools are made to withstand temperature changes and to maintain the original surface beauty over time. Weekly chemical and cleaning maintenance is necessary to protect the finish.
3. Gunite
The most elaborate, and the most expensive swimming pool hole is gunite. Gunite pools are permanent and reinforced with concrete and plaster instead of liners. There are lots of creative options, such as waterfalls, custom steps and beach entries, are available to complement these high-quality pools.
The less-permanent option is the above-ground pool. The biggest difference between above-ground, and in-ground pools, are, of course the price. But there are other advantages to above-ground pools. Some people rent houses for summer lodging and want to have a pool they can enjoy while they’re there. Grandparents sometimes want them for there grandchildren. When the grandchildren grow up, then the grandparents are not stuck with a pool that nobody uses. It can come down as easily as it went up.
Most people who install an above ground pool make it more attractive by building a full or partial deck around it. Vinyl decking is becoming more and more popular than wooden decks but vinyl is more expensive.
Now, what about resale value of your home? It can and can’t add value to your home. Pools are really a matter of the buyers taste. Some want a pool and some don’t. Pools are becoming more popular, more and more people are looking for homes with pools. In some growing areas, pools are becoming more of a standard item.
If you want all the bells and whistles in your pool, there are several new pool add-ons for you to choose.
1. Extreme slides. They have more twists and turns than the old straight models.
2. Pool lighting. You can get lighting that changes the color of the water.
3.Easier maintenance. Automatic pool cleaning systems, and generators that produce chlorine.
No matter what style of pool you chose, your new swimming pool will become a magnet for children. Your kids, their friends, and possibly the entire neighborhood. You will have to enforce strict safety rules. Here are some sensible guidelines for you to follow.
1. Responsible adult supervision when the pool is in use.
2. Install a fence, wall or barrier completely around the pool. Gates or doors leading from the house to the pool area should have self-closing and self-latching mechanisms to protect against unauthorized entry and use.
3. Remove vegetation and other obstacles to create a clear view of the pool from the house.
4. If you use a pool cover, carefully follow the manufacturer’s directions for safe installation, use and maintenance. Always completely remove the cover before using the pool to avoid the possibility of anyone, especially a small child, being trapped under the cover.
5. Drain standing water from the surface of the pool cover. An infant or small child can drown in even a small amount of water.
6. Don’t allow anyone of any age to swim without a “spotter” around.
7. Don’t allow any diving or headfirst entry into the pool unless you’re sure the pool is designed for diving and meets all standards for diving pools.
Above all, the most important: Make sure all family members are familiar with performing CPR for both adults and children.
Enjoy your new swimming pool this summer and remember “Be Safe.”
