Thinking of investing in a swimming pool this year? Learn how some hard work and investment will bring you a refreshing reward.
Swimming pools are the ultimate in summer luxury and comfort, bringing the heavenly tonic of sun and refreshment that no air conditioner can provide. Any swimming pool is a big investment, but the specific style you choose will determine how much time and effort will ultimately be required.
If you’re comfortable in your house, and expect that you will be for years to come, a sturdy and streamlined in-ground pool can truly transform your yard and even raise your property value. But you’ll need to tack on installation fee, materials and up to 12 weeks of construction before you can begin to deal with day-to-day maintenance and heating costs to keep your family enjoying the pool all season long. Yes, it’s a big commitment and a big job and it’s not for everybody. Those that are in the market for smaller, cheap swimming pools will want to go with above ground structures.
The above ground pool is gaining popularity among the modern consumer—it lets you enjoy the luxury of your own swimming pool without the space or commitment that an in-ground pool demands. They tend to be less expensive and are fairly easy to set up and take down, so they really are the prudent choice in terms of time and money. On the other hand, they don’t always measure up in durability or visual appeal, especially in the case of used swimming pools.
A used swimming pool can save you a lot of money, sure, but if it has a fatal flaw it won’t be good for long. Rust is the most important thing to look for, and it can target numerous areas. Even rust on the foot plate or the very bottom of the wall can spell trouble—few retailers will sell a range of replacement parts for these types of pools, and you could be left with an unusable container. Only purchase a used pool after you see it in operation, because if you buy it as a pile of pieces there is really no way to tell how those pieces will ultimately work together until you invest the time and money to set it up.
From heaters to cleaning equipment, there are quite a few extras that accompany a swimming pool, and many are not optional. However, there are better choices than others in terms of environmental impact and investment. For instance, solar pool heaters are miles ahead of the traditional gas or electric heaters in their low carbon footprint and impressive savings on energy cost, plus they are very dependable and often come with excellent warranties.
As for the fun stuff, consider adding a slide for the kids. Choose light-colored pool slides to reflect the sun, and be sure that the manufacturer has included appropriate safety measures. Any swimming pool and pool accessories can be tricky to install and maintain so don’t be afraid to gather a few installation quotes from the pros before you tackle the job on your own.
