7 Things to Consider Before You Break Ground on a Pool

Warmer weather, the need for water exercise or the anticipation of family fun may suddenly cause you to wonder — should I get a pool? If this thought (along with your pleading family) has been nagging you for a while, maybe it’s time to look further into the pros and cons of a pool.

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The following questions can help you make smart choices regarding pool ownership, design and maintenance.

First, review your budget. Inground pools are more expensive but also more permanent, with a better overall aesthetic.

Next, evaluate your property, including its size, type of soil and location of the water table. Heavy clay soils, sloping yards and high water tables can increase installation costs on inground pools.

Finally, consider your climate and locale. If every home in your neighborhood has an inground pool, you might prefer one to ensure your property remains marketable. However, an above-ground model may work if you want to beat the heat during a short summer season. Don’t forget to review HOA rules, as many boards don’t permit above-ground swimming pools.

2. Where Should I Put My Swimming Pool?

Regardless of the type of pool you choose, you’ll want to consider the following factors when selecting a location:

• Sunlight: A nice mix of sun and shade provides relief from burning rays while still allowing you to enjoy the sun’s warmth on a breezy day.
• Trees: Some trees are messy, dropping fruits, seeds and leaves, which can increase pool maintenance levels.
• House proximity: Balance your space so you can closely supervise children while providing lounge areas.
• Yard design: Backyards with an upward slope may require a retaining wall to prevent soil and water runoff from entering the pool area.

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3. How Should I Choose a Pool Material?

Most inground pools are made from vinyl, concrete or fiberglass. Each material has pros and cons; some are more suited to certain situations than others.

• Concrete, a classic pool material, uses a spray mixture of gunite or shotcrete to create the pool base and sides. Tinting can be added to the final layer, or the pool can be finished with ceramic tile. Concrete inground pools can be almost any shape. 
• Vinyl pools use a vinyl liner (available in various colors and patterns) over a supportive base. Customization is limited to the liner specifications.
• Fiberglass pools consist of a large, pre-made shell inserted into the ground.

Before deciding on a pool material, look into initial and ongoing costs, installation time and maintenance. For example, concrete can take much longer to install than the other two choices but is more customizable. Fiberglass is more expensive than vinyl, but vinyl liners can tear over time.

4. Should I Get a Salt or Chlorine Pool?

The difference between a saltwater system and the typical chlorine system is in the amount of chlorine used and how it's activated. 

• Saltwater or saline pools use a chlorine generator to change pool-grade salt into accessible chlorine.
• Chlorine systems require you to add chlorine directly to the water.

Chlorine generators require an up-front investment, as well as frequent replacement and occasional repairs. Meanwhile, direct chlorinated pools require frequent testing, and the water can be harsh to hair, skin and bathing suits.

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5. Do I Need a Fence With My Swimming Pool?

Pool fences and barriers around pools are highly recommended by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and are mandatory in many states and towns. Barriers may include a fence or wall, safety pool covers and alarms on access doors and in the water.

Before installing a pool, check with local building codes to see what barrier requirements exist for your neighborhood. Take steps to ensure children can’t access your pool area unsupervised.

6. Should I Notify My Insurance Company If I Install a Pool?

Your insurance policy should cover claims for allowed risks, although inground and above-ground pools may be handled differently. To ensure adequate coverage, provide detailed information regarding your pool, its sanitation system and any other accessories to your insurance company.

Liability insurance is essential when you own a pool. The Insurance Information Institute recommends increasing your liability limits if you have a backyard pool. Adding an umbrella policy can also help minimize your risk if someone gets hurt.

7. Should I Get a Pool Maintenance Service or Do It Myself?

Pools require a lot of maintenance, including daily skimming, weekly vacuuming and frequent water testing and treatment. You can handle these chores with a bit of practice or partner with a pool service. Since consistency is critical, you may want to hire someone if you don't have the time to undertake these chores.