Building a New Pool

Has the time come for you to add a pool to your garden? Whether it's for enjoyment or because you love swimming, this isn't a process you should rush. Before you hire a pool builder, here are some questions to ask yourself.

Why do you want it?

If you're building a pool because you want to stay fit or consistently train for an event, you may need a lot more space than most people. However, that usually applies to the length of the pool rather than the width. If you feel as though you don't have enough space, you can ask your pool builder about technologies that allow smaller pools to act as endless pools. Endless pools force you to swim against resistance, so you're still improving how far you can swim. If your pool is for enjoyment, think about whether an above-ground or below-ground pool works best for you. Again, your pool builder can offer advice on what's feasible.

What size do you require?

Bigger isn't always better when it comes to pools, and smaller isn't always an issue. However, the size of your pool requires you to factor in more than just the pool itself. If your pool needs structures such as steps, you'll need to account for them too. Or, if you envision having an area where you can place loungers to generate a hotel-like effect, you may need the pool itself to be slightly smaller. When choosing a pool builder, make sure you find someone who's willing to discuss all these factors with you. That way, you can measure your expectations.

What is your budget?

Identifying what your budget is before you install a pool is crucial. Although it may limit what you can achieve, it's never wise to overspend. Alongside considering the initial installation costs, ask yourself how much you can spend each month maintaining the pool. Alongside skimmers and filtering systems, you'll need to spend money on chemicals and potentially some repairs. Make sure you can continue to afford everything your pool requires. When creating a monthly budget, consider whether the pool will be used during the winter months. If you're likely to save money through non-use during the winter months, you may have more money to spend during the summer. However, you'll still need to spend money on winterising the pool and then getting it ready to use each year when you open it back up again.