6 Things to Know Before Installing an Inground Pool
Deciding to build an inground pool in your backyard is no small feat. From the type and size of the pool to the pool equipment and aesthetics, the number of details you need to consider is far from small. However, once all the information is lined out, the construction of an inground pool becomes more straightforward. Some of the key aspects of building a pool are described below.
Inground Pool Types
The first decision that you will have to make is the type of pool you prefer to have. Your selection can go between the concrete pool, fiberglass pool, or vinyl liner pool. As a rule of thumb, unless you have some specific requirements, a fiberglass pool presents a good, middle-of-the-road choice in terms of cost. You also have the choice of a concrete pool, which is more customizable, and a vinyl liner pool which costs the least amount of money.
This is because there are many benefits to the fiberglass pool, starting with its low maintenance. If you go for the concrete or vinyl liner, get ready for a nice wall scrub on a regular basis.
On the more expensive, yet longer-lasting end is the gunite pool, which also allows for more design flexibility, but requires more maintenance like its concrete counterpart.
Size, Shape, and Depth
When deciding the type of inground pool you want to have, make sure you also do your due diligence when it comes to its dimensions. First off, how big is your background and what is its layout? Furthermore, the number of people who would use it, and how regularly would factor into this decision. Plus, if the area allows it, you need to decide if you plan on swimming laps, which can extend the pool’s size.
With all that in mind, it’s time to set the perfect location, but if you want to have a patio area close to the pool, then you’ll need to bring that up with the contractor as well. If you include a patio close to the decking, this will affect the pool’s dimensions.
Construction Timeframe and Process
Furthermore, no construction process can take place if the right permits are not pulled and obtained. Yet, with the right contractor on your side, all these permits can be obtained, and construction can begin.
As far as the building process goes, the time it takes will vary depending on the type of pool you choose. For instance, the vinyl liner would take between 25 to 40 days from excavation to the final touches, whereas the fiberglass pool takes as little as three weeks to install. Once again, the higher-end options, concrete and gunite, could take up to six months since they are fabricated on-site as opposed to installing a premade shell.
Besides the type of pool and its size, access to the location and slope are crucial for a successful final project. However, setbacks can happen with these factors, thus, drastically changing the flow of the pool construction. For example, additional grading may be needed to create the proper slope or to level the area. Nonetheless, the contractor and designer usually perform a thorough inspection of your yard and its soil composition as a preliminary step to ensure the location is ideal for a pool. So, the extra time proves to be worth the wait.
Pool Sanitation System
Another factor to carefully consider is pool maintenance. If you’re using your pool regularly, weekly monitoring and testing must be done weekly. This also means using and adding chlorine and other chemicals to the water to ensure a sanitary, swimming environment.
As mentioned, different types of pools require more cleaning than others. Frequently, you will need to perform tasks like scrubbing walls in the case of a concrete or gunite pool, skimming the water’s surface for leaves and other debris, pool vacuuming, cleaning the filtration system, etc. This takes time and requires consistency, even when you leave home for a longer period. That is why pool owners often would hire another person to keep up with the maintenance when they’re away on a long trip. Or they might employ someone on a more regular basis due to time constraints and/or a lack of expertise in chemically treating the water.
Consider Your Budget
Most importantly, your budget will dictate your choice of a pool and decking along with maintenance and future repairs. When calculating, make sure you take into consideration all stages of the initial installation project, rental of equipment, possible delays, and personal wishes. Various factors will affect the total price, and you do not want to find yourself in the dark when that final invoice is delivered to your door.
Choosing a Reputable Pool Contractor
Finally, you’ve selected the materials, found the perfect spot, and you’ve lined up all your wishes. The last thing to do is to find an experienced, licensed contractor for your project. Whoever will work on your project will have a huge impact on the pool outcome.
Custom Pool Pros, for over two decades, have served the homes of hundreds of New Jersey citizens. With open communication, personal integrity, and timely project completions, any client’s idea is transformed into a reality of the highest standards. Take the opportunity to collaborate with the Custom Pool Pros team, and see why they’ve earned rave reviews for almost two decades.
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