Burleigh Heads, a suburb on the Gold Coast, comprises a cape jutting into the Coral Sea. Many residents of this suburb wish to install swimming pools in their backyard, especially to cool down during the hot summer months.
A swimming pool in the backyard is no ordinary project. It involves a lot of time, effort, and resources. So, before embarking on your pet project, it is wise to consider a few factors that will impact the same.
Do you need a pool for sure?
The first task before commencing the pool project is to ascertain whether you actually need it. After all, this humungous project will disrupt your life, cost money, and transform the look of your backyard.
Note that a swimming pool is a project that needs long-term maintenance. It requires lots of effort and time to maintain it in proper and safe condition. Before starting the project, it will be good if you can consult a friend or neighbour who has recently installed a pool on their property. Question them about their experience with pool construction and consider the pros and cons of the project.
What is the targeted use of the pool?
After you decide that you definitely want a pool, next outline what uses you will put the pool to. After all, swimming pools are not simply for swimming. Most persons have differing expectations from the pool.
Do you want your kids to use the pool mainly for fun and relaxation on hot summer days? In this scenario, you will need to construct a shallow pool with robust safety features like water alarms and fences. But what if you dream of a pool mainly for entertaining guests? You will want a pool with many areas for relaxing and even a pergola for shading guests.
Every pool has a different targeted use, so give some thought at this initial stage about what exactly you are looking for.
Suitability of the yard for the project
Now, you must consider whether a pool can fit well into your backyard. You need to consider many factors. Some of these include the type of soil, water table, access to machinery and the size of the site. Thus, while you grapple with issues like loose soil, note that this will spike your costs substantially. You must consult professionals pool builders like Burleigh Pools in Burleigh Heads to judge the suitability of the site and design the shape of the pool.
It is easy to build pools on level land. Modern technology renders it possible to install a pool virtually anywhere. However, severe issues like rocky soil, steeply sloping terrain, and tough access may involve more costs.
Budget considerations
Swimming pools are major investment projects, so you need to work out the budget you have in mind right at the outset. After finding out how much you can afford to spend, you can begin to solicit quotes. Some swimming pool companies may peddle bigger and more elaborate pool projects than you need. But always try to adhere strictly to your budget. Another tip is to steer clear of swimming pool builders who insist on complete payment being made upfront.
Choice of pool design
When you consider integrating a swimming pool into your lifestyle, the design and features of the pool will play a major role in accomplishing functionality and beauty. Choices like above-ground pools vs in-ground pools, concrete pools vs fibreglass pools, etc, will have to be made at the start of the project. Planning for water features, slides, and diving boards are critical decisions. Designing the landscape around the pool can create a harmonious space outside.
Selecting a contractor
For successful project execution and maintenance of the swimming pool, one must choose a reliable contractor. Seek contractors with much experience. Go through online and offline testimonials left by former clients. Seek references from the company and assess customer satisfaction. Make sure that the pool builder Gold Coast is bonded, insured and licensed.
Compliance with permits and regulations
Before the start of the pool project, make sure that you and the builder are adhering to zoning laws & local regulations and are getting the needed government permits. Additional considerations include the need for fencing and other safety features to prevent accidents and maintain a relaxing atmosphere around the pool.
Ongoing costs for the pool
The costs associated with pool linger much after pool construction, and all the ongoing costs must be considered before starting pool construction. These include expenses on:
- Chemicals: The cost of chemicals depends on factors like frequency of use, size of pool and the climate in your location.
- Expenses for opening and closing the pool
- Maintenance: The biggest expense is the interior finish of the pool. Vinyl liners need to be replaced every six to ten years, while concrete requires a new coat every five years. Plaster finish can last for ten to fifteen years. Some new materials like Pebble Tec are expected to last a lifetime.
- Equipment: These range from pool cleaners and pool thermometers to systems for pool filtration. Cost depends on quality and brand.
Safety considerations
The top concern for pool owners with kids and pets is safety. The right supervision and proper enclosures are critical at all times so that children, pets and wild animals wandering around the pool are not endangered.
There are many safety devices available in the market. To have a fool-proof system, consider investing in accessories for personal safety (pool floats and life jackets), high-tech laser technologies, water alarms, etc.
Insurance coverage
Usually, the homeowner’s insurance also covers insurance for swimming pools. But while some companies charge an extra premium for this, others do not. So, it is better to consult your insurance agent before starting the pool project.
Issues of privacy
Privacy is an important concern in pool design. You can use natural screens like bamboo, trees or plants. But do not use these if they cause much debris to fall into the pool.
In sum, before embarking on a project for swimming pool construction, it is vital to handle laws & regulations, do wise budgeting, adapt to limitations of space, put priority on safety and consider ongoing maintenance expenses.