Did you know there are an estimated 10.4 million residential pools in the US?
If you love swimming, you may be looking to bump that number up by getting a pool of your own.
But no matter how much you like the idea of having a pool, the thought of building one might intimidate you. How do you figure out which pool is right for your house? Do you need to speak to your local zoning committee?
This post will take you through the basics of building a pool. Read on for all the knowledge you need to create a phenomenal pool right in your backyard.
Let’s begin!
1. Decide What Kind of Pool You Want
You’ll find that there are generally three different kinds of pools –
- Fiberglass
- Concrete
- Vinyl
Fiberglass pools are often bought ‘as is.’ This means the size and shape are predetermined and this can be a problem if you want a custom-built pool.
In addition to this, transporting the pool is often a challenge, because the delivery company is dealing with a ‘pre-built’ pool.
If you’re looking for a custom pool design, then concrete is generally the better option. This is because when building a concrete pool, you’re pouring concrete into a ‘hole’ in the ground that represents your chosen pool shape and depth.
It’s worth noting that concrete pools can take a long time to build. A lot of work goes into reinforcing the concrete and this process can take a while.
As mentioned, there’s also the option of using vinyl to build your pool.
While vinyl pools are relatively easy to install, they can often have problems with regards to longevity.
That’s because the vinyl is prone to tearing and sharp items can create holes in the material. Though you can repair these holes, the fact that this can happen in the first place is a dealbreaker for some.
If you don’t have the skills or the time to do build the pool on your own, you may need to to help you get everything done.
2. Speak to Your Local Zoning Committee
If you’re going to build a pool in your home, you will need planning permission.
It’s hard to say what you will need as it depends on the region in which you live.
A lot of the time, there are documents, such as this one, that describe the rules and regulations you need to stick to one building a pool.
Generally, you’ll find there are specific rules in terms of how close the pool can be to your property and surrounding properties. You may also need to stick to certain regulations if you are going to place a fence around your pool.
If you want to keep errors to a minimum, be sure to verify any information you receive. You don’t want to go through the effort of digging your pool up, just because someone at your local zoning committee made a mistake.
3. Choose a Filter for Your Pool
If you don’t buy a filter for your pool, the water will become very dirty in a short amount of time.
When buying a pool filter, you can choose from the following options –
- Sand Filter
- Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filter
- Cartridge Filter
If you don’t have a lot of time to spend on pool maintenance, a sand filter is a great option. This filter essentially forces the pool water through a layer of sand, thereby removing any debris.
When using a sand filter, you’ll occasionally have to go through a process known as ‘backwashing.’ This is when you clear out the sand so that it doesn’t contain any debris.
A DE filter contains a special kind of powder that cleans the pool water.
This filter is very effective, but you need to put a lot of work into maintaining it. You will need to replace the DE powder, and the cost of doing this can quickly add up.
Cartridge filters are perhaps the most straightforward option you can go for.
This comes down to the fact that maintaining a cartridge filtration system is relatively easy. You just need to remove the filter and wash it down.
You can then return the filter to the filtration device, and everything is back to normal. The cartridge degrades over time, so you will need to replace it. Though it’s worth noting a new filter generally lasts around two years.
Keep in mind that you will also need to invest in chlorine tablets. You can buy them for around $40-50, and by using them, you’ll be able to keep your pool free from harmful bacteria.
4. Estimate the Length of Your Project
Because each situation is different, it’s hard to say how long it will take to build your pool. It’ll come down to the ‘material’ you use to build the pool, as well as the amount of time it takes to get your zoning permits.
That said, this helpful guide can help provide you with an estimated timeline.
During the construction phase, it’s vital you’re around to make sure everything goes to plan, and this might mean you need to take time off work. Thankfully, by using the guide, you can figure out when you need to and for how long.
Is Building a Pool Difficult?
Using the tips in this post, you should be able to fulfill your dream of building a pool in your backyard.
Pool construction is complicated, and so while you may want things to go smoothly, you should be prepared for problems. You should expect delays, and you should also predict a bit of back and forth with the zoning committee.
But if you’re willing to go through this effort, it won’t be long before you’re enjoying your own pool, glad that you decided to build it in the first place.
Are the trees in your backyard getting in the way of your pool? to learn how you can hire a tree removal company.
