Summer Time is Pool Time

There are many reasons people decide to get a pool in their yard. They are a terrific place to gather family and friends, they can add value to a home, and they are so refreshing on hot and humid days. It’s no wonder that, as of 2013, nineteen percent of homes in the United States have a pool.

When choosing a pool, homeowners will discover how many different options there are when it comes to pool specifications. Size, shape, location, depth, and building material are all things that must be taken into consideration. The choices on these options will depend heavily on personal preference. Quite simply, there is no one size fits all solution for a personal pool. However, by understanding the different considerations that go into choosing a pool, homeowners can make the best decision for their needs.

Size
The size of a pool is one of the most important things to consider, especially when it comes to budgeting. The size of a pool will also be one of the main deciding factors if how a pool will be used.

For those who are planning to have a lot of parties with many people, a larger pool would be ideal. This allows everyone to have room in the pool to float, swim, and play games all at the same time.

If the pool will mainly be used by only a few people at a time, a smaller pool should suffice. Smaller pools will also require less yard space and, in most cases, cost less to build and maintain. This makes them a great option for people who have a limited amount of room in their backyard and their budget.

The size of a pool doesn’t have to dictate how nice it is. There are plenty of smaller pools that have exciting features, great dry spaces, and are multipurpose. Remember, bigger doesn’t always mean better so it is best for each person to choose an appropriate size for them, not just get the biggest pool possible with their budget.

Shape
When people think of the shape of pools, they often think of rectangular or round. While these are the most common shapes, the options are nearly limitless.
Traditional rectangular pools will give homeowners the most square footage for their pool. They are also easily complimented by decks and patios.

Specially shaped pools can really enhance the look of the area and make the pool look luxurious and expensive. Some people may choose to shape the pool to fit in with existing landscaping or change the landscape to fit the pool. Either way, a unique shape to a pool is sure to be a big hit.

Whether it’s round, square, or has multiple curves, every pool is best when it’s designed to fit the space it will be in and how it will be used. Every family will have a different idea of what their pool should look like. No matter the shape, homeowners should be sure to communicate the exact shape so that their pool will be the oasis of their dreams.

Location
A pool’s location is another big thing to consider. Some may want their pool very close to their house, perhaps connected by a walk-out deck. Others may want to make their pool a little further from the house, allowing it to have its own separate area. The options are only limited by the size of the yard and the imagination of the homeowner.

A pool connected to a house by a patio or deck is a great option, but it does come with some things to consider. One thing to consider is having easy access to the home directly from the pool means swimmers will likely bring in lots of water throughout the day. It’s important for homeowners to prepare for this so their floors do not sustain any water damage. Another thing to consider is that having easy access to the pool means children can easily make their way to the water. Homes with children, even those who are decent swimmers, should have a gate or other sturdy barricade to prevent serious accidents. Once these two main issues are addressed, a pool connected to a home is a great idea.

Having a pool separate from the home will take some consideration, as well. Since the pool is further from the home and therefore harder to monitor, homeowners will want to have a gate around their pool area to prevent other people and animals from getting in. They will also want to add a paved space around the pool so that users can get out and relax in the sun. Also, a pool house or other small building would be useful to hold towels, rafts, and other pool essentials.

Photo by Roger LeJeune

No matter where the pool is located, if it’s in the right place for the family it will be a great addition to the outdoor space.

Depth
The depth of a pool is one of the main things that is decided solely on how a pool will be used. The difference between having a very deep pool, like a diving pool, or a shallower pool is immense. This is one of the most important things to consider because, if the wrong depth is chosen, it will be very hard for a family to be happy with their pool.

A deep pool is best for families of strong swimmers that will be using the pool more for play and exercise than for relaxing and having people come over. A deeper pool, like a diving pool, can be more difficult to heat and maintain, so that is an important thing to consider when choosing the depth of a pool.

A shallower pool, which is more common, has more options for what it can be used for. Pools with shallow and deep ends, usually from three to six feet deep, are great for getting people together, swimming, and playing. The deep end is generally deep enough for jumping and shallow dives while the shallow end is great for playing water games or relaxing.

Generally, unless a family is set on a deep diving pool, a bigger shallow pool is a great option. Those who are on the fence and just can’t decide between the two would probably be happiest with a shallow pool in the long run. Once the depth of a pool is chosen, homeowners are well on their way to getting the perfect pool.

Material
There are many different material options available for building a pool. The three main choices for materials are vinyl, fiberglass, and concrete. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages, so this is a very important aspect of pool buying to consider.

A vinyl liner pool is a very common option, and for good reason. Vinyl liners are the least expensive type of pool to have installed. They are highly customizable, so there are few limitations to the type of pool that can be created. The one drawback with a vinyl liner pool is that the liner usually needs to be replaced every ten years or so. This can get expensive in the long run, but it’s also like getting a new pool each time it’s replaced.

A fiberglass pool is a slightly more expensive option. They are great in that they are highly customizable, can have benches and ledges added to the design at no extra cost, and are very attractive. They also don’t have a liner that will need to be replaced and are relatively low maintenance. The main concern with a fiberglass pool is the fact that they cannot be extremely large and as they get bigger they get incredibly expensive.

The last, and most expensive, option is a concrete pool. These are great for customization since they can be any shape and have as many features as desired. However, the major downside to a concrete pool is their cost. They are not only expensive to install, but are also expensive to maintain. However, for those willing to deal with the cost, concrete pools are a unique and gorgeous addition to any yard.
A big factor in choosing a material may be the budget, but homeowners should also try to get the pool they really want, made with the material they want, to avoid being unsatisfied with the result. Sometimes, it is better to save up a while for a dream pool than to hurriedly choose the material that can be afforded at the time.

The Perfect Pool is Waiting
The perfect pool for each individual homeowner’s needs is just waiting to be constructed. Whether they prefer a wading pool, a massive pool with slides and water features, or a simple round pool to cool off in, everyone can find the perfect pool for them.

By considering all the different options available when creating a new pool, homeowners can be sure to get exactly what they want. A pool is a big commitment that shouldn’t be taken lightly, so analyzing pool options to find the best choice and then deciding is a great way to ensure genuine poolside bliss.