Don't Slip Up On These Common Mistakes When Installing Your Swimming Pool

Have you ever felt the pull to install a swimming pool in your backyard? You’re not alone. Countless homeowners love the idea of having a pool onsite. That’s not altogether surprising considering that this addition is the utmost in real estate luxury, and also guarantees that you can enhance your summers by going for a dip, or throwing a memorable pool party whenever the mood takes you. With pools also adding up to 7% of your home’s value, there’s certainly a strong argument for taking the pool installation plunge. Unfortunately, many homeowners who do precisely that find themselves slipping up along the way.

After all, swimming pools aren’t an exact art. Whether you’re working with a professional company or are set on installing a pool yourself, it’s vital that you approach this project with as much care as you would any other home improvement. You’ll particularly want to avoid the following common mistakes that homeowners make when it comes to their pool projects.

# 1 - Planning Predicaments

Your swimming pool might not be an actual building, but it is still a structure that requires certain permissions. If you simply rush ahead, you could find yourself in legal trouble that, in some circumstances, will require you to undo any pool work you’ve completed.

This is perhaps the most extreme pool setback you’ll face, and it’s an issue that you can avoid by simply doing your research about required permissions in the first place.

As a general rule, any pool structure that’s deeper than 18 inches requires a general building permit, but the specifics vary greatly across states. In the majority of cases, permits are dependent on the addition of safety fencing and will require your pool to be a certain distance from your property.

You may also need to apply for separate permits for things like in-pool electricals. Research these possibilities thoroughly before and during your building process, and make sure to undergo a professional pool inspection to avoid difficulty down the line.

# 2 - Building a Narrow Budget

The national average for a swimming pool is between $65,000–$66,000, but homeowners who work solely with these numbers in mind often find themselves going majorly over budget. And that’s not altogether surprising.

After all, a full pool setup requires more than just the pool shell and a basic setup. Additional costs include the need for a safety fence (as per your permit), cleaning systems, and a trench drain to avoid water buildup. These are all essential to the success of your project, and each one is an additional cost to factor. And that’s before you consider the expense of ongoing maintenance!

It’s always worth having a contingency budget in place to avoid any unpleasant cost-based surprises along the way. To develop this, add all additional tasks to your general budget list, and cost everything up based on averages in your area. Even then, try to set a little extra aside as a much-needed budget buffer.

# 3 - Choosing the Wrong Pool

It’s natural to assume that the pool, which looked so great in your friend or neighbour’s gardens will look fantastic in yours. But, failing to factor in the specifics of your space could leave you with an ill-fitting, impractical pool setup. This is an issue you’ll struggle to come back from, and it highlights the need to take time choosing the right pool for you.

Options to consider include above-ground or in-ground swimming pools, each of which is available in various sizes, and can consist of materials including fiberglass, vinyl or concrete. There are also different pool designs to consider, such as whether you want a lap pool, an infinity pool, or a plunge pool.

Settle on the best option by thinking hard about how much space you have to play with, the best position for a pool, and also just the general usage you would like (e.g. entertainment vs dedicated swimming practice). These considerations will all help to ensure the best pool for your purpose.

# 4 - Positioning Problems

Many homeowners mistakenly believe that the right pool will work in any corner of their outdoor space. Unfortunately, this is another slope to slip on, and could result in a pool that breaks regulations by being too close to your property, or that simply doesn’t enjoy much sun for the majority of the day. Placing your pool too close to overhanging trees or bushes can also result in a notably increased maintenance need, which might still struggle to get rid of all those stray leaves and branches. Any of these issues can undo the hard work of installing that pool in the first place.

That's why positioning should be right up there with pool type when you’re planning this project. Safety and visibility should be your primary priorities here, as they ensure both regulatory adherence and general usability. Outside of these essentials, considering which areas of your yard get the most sunlight and choosing an area that’s out in the open and away from overhanging branches can be a game-changer.

# 5 - Overlooking Safety Features

It’s easy to focus on your pool itself, but as we’ve discussed at points throughout this article, swimming pools aren’t possible without the essential safety features that keep them fun. Overlook these, and you’ll once again struggle to gain permission for your project. Not to mention that your pool could very quickly become a hazard rather than a fun place to relax.

At the very least, you’ll need to build a safety fence around your pool. Other safety measures, like a trench drain that stops your poolside from becoming slippery, can also make a huge difference. Many homeowners also install some sort of alarm system around their pool, as this reduces the chances of unauthorized use and the risks that can come with it.

A swimming pool could be the ideal thing for ensuring that you actually use your outdoor space, but make sure you don’t slip up along the way by avoiding these common installation mistakes.