There’s no better way to spend a hot summer day than with a swimming pool in your own outdoor space. Whether you’re doing laps in the cool water or just stretching out on a lounge chair while your kids splash each other, it’s fun for the whole family. Of course, installing a pool is a big commitment that will change the design of your backyard forever. Before you have a pool installed in your backyard, consider the following tips.
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Tips for building swimming pool in the garden
One of the most popular elements of garden design is the swimming pool. If you plan properly, a swimming pool can become the focal point of your garden, bring you joy and increase the resale value of your home. However, it is important to keep a few things in mind.
Plan the pool according to the terrain
Most inground pools are rectangular in shape, but not all gardens are flat enough to support this design. Also, if you have to work around garden beds, this can limit the size and shape of your inground pool. Although a rectangle is the norm, fortunately there are many shapes that an inground pool can be formed into.
Round, half-round, and even triangular pools can also be built, and depending on the shape and slope of your yard, they can fit better and look much nicer than the standard rectangular pool. If you want a custom design that doesn’t fit into a specific geometric shape and fits elegantly among your gardens, that’s possible too.
Think about how you want to use the pool
One of the most important steps in planning your pool is to consider what you will mainly use it for. Do you have children who will be playing in it constantly? Will you use it for water aerobics or other sports? Will you be hosting pool parties? Or will you hardly “use” it and your main concern is that the pool will increase the aesthetic value of your garden?
The reasons you want to install a pool in your backyard should influence the design. If you want a pool for family gatherings that is also suitable for children, you should opt for a simple, shallow and easily accessible pool. On the other hand, if you want a pool that’s primarily for adults, you’re better off with a deeper pool that focuses on visual appeal rather than ease of access.
Protect your pool
Since you can’t use a backyard pool all year round, one of the most important steps in planning is to make sure your pool is built to withstand the cold winters. This means installing a pool with a foundation that won’t be damaged in the cold, and making sure the pool is properly drained before the water freezes. Also, buy a sturdy cover that can withstand the elements and prevent snow and ice from accumulating in your empty pool.
It’s also important to keep people, especially children, away from your pool. It is highly recommended that you erect a fence around your pool to prevent children from falling in and drowning. Motion detectors in the swimming area are also a good idea.
Planting around the pool
The perfect swimming pool should complement, not contrast, your landscaping. Shrubs, trees and flowers that blend well with the blue color of the water are ideal. It may also be a good idea to plant shrubs that are dense enough to give you privacy from neighbors.
Most importantly, avoid anything that puts a lot of strain on the pool filter. Trees that shed a lot of leaves can be especially problematic, as they can quickly clog drains and filters. If you don’t want to rake leaves out of the pool every morning, stick to evergreens.
Calculate your backyard pool budget
Perhaps the biggest drawback to installing an inground pool is the numerous costs that will be incurred. Electricity bills, maintenance of the pool’s interior, equipment like pumps, and the chemicals used to keep the water clean are all necessary expenses that can add up to an uncomfortable sum. Also, don’t forget to insure the backyard pool against any damage or injuries that may occur as a result.
While installing a pool can be a lot of fun, you need to make sure it doesn’t eat up too much of your paycheck. One of your first steps in pool planning should be to calculate your estimated annual costs. You should still make sure you can afford to build and maintain your new pool. If you can, do it; the benefits are many. Here are just a few reasons why you should have a pool in your backyard:
- Pools are ideal for outdoor activities
- Swimming pools can create their own microclimate
- Forget about crowded beaches or public swimming pools
- Children love them