Inground Pool Installation

6 Points To Consider When Planning An Inground Pool Installation

Ybor City Museum State Park, Tampa Florida

A common property upgrade is to add a swimming pool. When you think about adding a pool to your property, it's easy to picture summers full of BBQs and family fun, inviting friends over for pool parties, spending hours lounging by the pool and listening to music and eating snacks. When you plan on summer fun, it's far more exciting to think about that fun happening in your own backyard.

It's less exciting, however, to think about the more practical points of installing an inground pool. When one is pondering putting a pool on the property, there are important things to consider, like where it will go on the grounds, how much light the area gets, who can install it for your family, and what contractor you'll choose.

Before you install an inground pool, it's important to consider the following:

1. Choose the Location Carefully

Select the location where you'd like to install the pool with an eye to how you use your property. Think about how you will be walking back and forth from your home or poolhouse to the pool area and make sure that you leave space for paths. This will ensure that you can put in stepping stones or sidewalks after your pool is installed. You'll also want to leave an area to install an outdoor bathhouse or changing area if you'd like this structure, or you'll need to think about where in your home guests will be able to change into and out of their bathing suits.

2. Focus on the Amount of Sunlight

Choose an area of your property that gets a lot of sunlight. The sun will help keep the pool area warm, and will also help limit the amount of bacteria in the pool area. Focus on keeping your pool warm and enjoyable by making sure that the part of your yard you install it in gets plenty of sunshine. You may also want to ponder installing rocks or stones around your pool area so that there is plenty of drainage as individuals walk to and from the pool with dripping towels and swimsuits.

3. Check Your Property

As you plan your pool installation, take the time to walk the property and contact your county officials to determine where utility lines run on your property. Any contractors that you work with will know that this is part of the process and can act accordingly. Any reputable contractor will know how to evaluate a property thoroughly to ensure that no property damage occurs while the digging is being done for the pool and the entire structure is being installed.

4. Be Aware of Zoning Requirements

As you plan to install an inground pool on your property, it's important to take the time to check the zoning laws in your local area. There may be specific laws about where pools can be installed and what accessories must go with them in order for the pool to be legal. The last thing you want is to start a large project, only to find that you're in violation of a zoning law and that you can't install the pool where you'd originally intended to, after all. It's far better to check the zoning laws before you begin, so that everyone knows what is and what is not allowed.

5. Plan to Install Fencing

When you plan out a pool installation, be sure that you take the time to plan a full fencing installation as well. Childhood drownings are far too common in personal swimming pools that don't have appropriate fencing installed, and many neighborhoods and home owners associations insist that fences of an appropriate height, with locking gates, be installed along with a swimming pool. This helps to ensure that everyone in the area is safe around the pool and that no one can accidentally fall into it. Don't make the mistake of forgetting this important part of the planning process, as it will help keep everyone in your family and those around you safe.

6. Select a Reputable Contractor

As you plan a swimming pool installation, it's essential that you choose a pool installation and remodeling contractor that's well known in your area. Speak to other people that you know that may have recently have had pools installed, ask for recommendations, and check online to learn more about various local contractors and what they have to offer. The contractor that you choose will have a lot to do with the success or failure of your project.

When it's time to construct a swimming pool on your property, consider the investment that you'll be putting in and that you'll want this to last for quite some time. Contact a local contractor to get a quote for the pool installation you'd like and for any additional services that you'll need, such as fencing. You'll also want to consider looking into local contractors for pool cleaners and maintenance professionals. If looking for pool renovation, read about complete pool renovation process in our next article.