Thinking About Building a Pool? Here’s Where to Start

Building a swimming pool is exciting, but before you start choosing tile colors, waterfalls, or the perfect spot for a lounge chair, there are a few important decisions to make.

A well-planned pool should complement your home, fit the way your family plans to use it, and work within the space you have available. If a new pool is on your wish list, here’s where to start.

1. Think About How You’ll Use Your Pool

Before deciding on the size or shape, think about what you actually want from your pool.

Will it primarily be a place for the kids to swim and play? Are you envisioning weekend entertaining with friends and family? Do you want a relaxing backyard retreat? Maybe you want a combination of all three.

How you plan to use your pool can influence everything from its depth and shape to seating areas, sun shelves, lighting, water features, and surrounding deck space.

2. Take a Good Look at Your Backyard

Every property is different. The size and layout of your yard will play a major role in determining what type of pool can be built.

It’s not simply a matter of finding an open space. Property setbacks, utilities, drainage, access for construction equipment, existing landscaping, and other features may all need to be considered.

This is why an on-site evaluation is an important early step. What looks possible on paper may need to be adjusted once the property is evaluated.

3. Create a Realistic Budget

When planning your budget, think beyond the pool itself.

Your project may also include decking, landscaping, fencing, lighting, equipment, automation, water features, heating, outdoor living areas, or other upgrades.

Creating a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves can help you prioritize where you want to invest.

And remember: the lowest initial price isn't necessarily the lowest long-term cost. Quality construction and properly selected equipment can make a difference in maintenance and repairs down the road.

4. Start Gathering Inspiration

This is the fun part.

Save photos of pools and outdoor spaces you love. Look at pool shapes, finishes, tile, decking, lighting, landscaping and special features.

You don't have to know exactly what you want. Your inspiration photos simply give your pool professional a better understanding of your style and what you're hoping to create.

Consider features such as:

• Sun shelves or tanning ledges

• Built-in benches

• Spas

• Waterfalls or fountains

• LED lighting

• Pool heaters

• Automation

• Saltwater systems

• Decking and outdoor entertaining areas

5. Don't Forget About Maintenance

Your pool should look great, but it also needs to be practical to own.

Ask about the equipment being recommended and how it will affect ongoing maintenance, energy consumption and water quality.

Choosing the right pump, filtration system, sanitation system and automation from the beginning can make caring for your new pool much easier.

6. Understand That Pool Construction Is a Process

A new pool doesn't appear overnight. There are multiple stages involved, which may include design, permitting, excavation, plumbing, electrical work, structural construction, decking, finishing and startup.

Weather, inspections, permits and material availability can also affect the timeline.

Understanding the process before construction begins can help you know what to expect along the way.

7. Choose the Right Pool Professional

Your pool is a major investment in your home, so choosing the right company matters.

Ask questions. Find out about licensing and insurance, experience, warranties, construction methods, equipment and what is included in the proposal.

Most importantly, work with someone who is willing to explain the process and help you make informed decisions rather than simply sell you a pool.

Ready to Start Thinking About Your New Pool?

You don't need to have every detail figured out before starting the conversation.

A few ideas, a budget range and an understanding of how you'd like to use your backyard are enough to begin exploring what's possible.

Plantation Pools is expanding! In addition to the pool maintenance, repairs, resurfacing and renovations our customers already know us for, our team is preparing to offer new pool construction through a dedicated pool construction company.

If you've been thinking about adding a pool to your South Florida home, we'd love to hear what you have in mind.

Contact Plantation Pools to start the conversation and learn more about our upcoming pool construction services.