A pool in your backyard can make summers fun for your whole family. You can have guests over and enjoy backyard gatherings all summer long. But before you have that pool installed, there are some items to consider that may or may not change your mind.
If someone sneaks into your yard and gets hurt in your pool, you could be held responsible. What kinds of security measures are you installing to go along with your pool? You could install a pool alarm, or you could put a privacy fence up around your yard to keep everyone else out.
Pool Safety
When considering getting a pool, the first thing young families think about is safety. If you have children, it’s important to use a locking safety fence or a pool net. This will help keep your children away from the pool when they are unattended. Make sure older children know pool rules and not to swim without an adult present. If you live in a warmer climate where swimming is a daily activity, swim lessons for families are a great way to get the entire family ready for safe pool use.
Maintenance Costs
Pools are a lot of fun, but they are also a lot of work. You have to know how to measure the pH of your pool water so that you can add the right amount of chemicals. The chemicals, filters, and vacuuming equipment necessary to keep a pool maintained can be expensive. That does not include the special supplies you need to close the pool for the winter and then open it in the spring.
Your Home Value
An inground pool may help to raise your property value, but an above-ground pool may not. When it comes to your home’s value, you also have to wonder if the increase in your home’s value will be more than what it cost to have the pool installed. What if the pool does decrease the value of your home? Would it still be worth it to have one installed? Do your research. If you live in an area where pools are common and highly desirable, a pool will probably increase the appeal of your home. However, your home value most likely won’t increase enough to cover the total cost of the pool.
Will your town even let you have a pool in your yard? Many municipalities have very specific zoning regulations on installing a pool. You may have to also install a fence and some other safety features, based on local regulations. In some areas, your pool has to be a certain distance from your property line, which may not leave a lot of room for the pool itself.
Energy Bill
If you choose to get a heated pool, then your energy bills are going to go way up. Even the simple matter of having a filter and pool vacuum that runs several hours a day can add costs to your energy bills.
When you bring up the idea of installing a pool in your backyard for your family, you may get a rousing cheer of approval. But you may want to really think this through before you actually put a pool in your backyard.
