Tips For Prospective Pool Buyers

If your homeownership dream has always included a glassy blue pool in the backyard, here are some tips to consider before taking the plunge into pool ownership.

Consider your lifestyle

There’s a pool for every taste, budget and lifestyle. Pools come in every shape and size imaginable, from functional lap pools to ones that serve as works of art. People use their pools for exercise; others for entertaining and some just want to add a little extra backyard beauty. Make sure to set a budget you feel comfortable with.

Choose a pool type and materials

There are two basic types, aboveground and inground. Of the two, aboveground pools are the easiest and most affordable to install. In fact, installation can occur within hours of purchase. Most aboveground pools support a vinyl liner on a round or oval frame made from either aluminum or steel.

On the other hand, inground pools offer the consumer more options when it comes to materials. For example, you can choose concrete or Gunite, whereby either material is sprayed or pumped through a hose onto a network of steel reinforcement rods. Vinyl-lined pools are another option. These pools are built with a flexible vinyl liner, supported on the sides by walls made of steel, aluminum, polymer, wood, structural foam or concrete. Another type is fiberglass, in which a full fiberglass "shell" is placed directly into the ground.  

Pools come in various styles as well, such as lagoon-style, vanishing edge, traditional, modern art deco and classical shapes. Entry and exit steps can span the length of the pool or turn into a tanning ledge, or you can have a beach-style entry with a sloped edge.

Be sure to include accessories

The above materials combined with creative accessories enable pool builders to create an extravagant look for a relatively modest price. Items like fiber optic lighting change the pool’s water into magnificent bursts of colors. Waterfalls, fountains, rock formations and misting systems also add a dramatic touch, and the drips, drizzles and cascades of moving water create a soothing atmosphere. A pool can also be transformed into a whimsical wonderland with colorful murals, bronze-like sculptures and floating candles.

Remember to landscape the area surrounding the pool with lush trees, shrubs and flowering plants. Be sure to integrate the pool and landscaping so that both relate to the home’s architecture.

Maintain a pool with ease

Thanks to innovations in technology, it’s no longer necessary to dread pool maintenance. Aquatic computers and other automated devices make cleaning as simple as pressing a button on one’s kitchen wall, remote control or cell phone. Pool owners are finding that pool upkeep requires less time than caring for the family sedan.

Remember to compare builders

It’s important to get a few estimates when choosing a pool builder. It is also a good idea to make sure the builder is properly licensed and current on zoning, building and grading requirements.

This article has been provided by the Metropolitan Builders Association, a non-profit and non-partisan association which represents the building industry in the metropolitan Milwaukee area. The National Spa & Pool Institute www.nspi.org provided information for this article. The MBA develops and offers education for consumers as well as members. By establishing business ethics and industry standards, the MBA has earned a reputation as a trusted resource. Consumers enjoy our promotions for housing and housing products, while members take part in our professional and social activities throughout the year.