Ten things to ask yourself before installing a pool

Enjoying your own private pool is one of life’s great desires and as a major investment, will increase your property’s worth. So be sure to ask yourself the following questions before you break ground.

1. Why do you want a pool?

Firstly, ask yourself what it is about having a pool that appeals to you. Will you get use out of it? Or will it pick up dirt? The pros need to outweigh the cons.

Owning a pool comes with responsibility and it needs to be looked after. Maybe you want a pool to add value to your property when you sell, in which case might affect the type of pool you install as it needs to be suitable for potential future buyers rather than yourself.

2. Can you afford a pool?

Installing a pool is one thing, but maintaining it is another which also comes with costs. The average cost of installing a pool in Australia is $50,000 – so ask yourself is it viable and will you get good use out of it? If you are installing a pool to add value to your home, make sure to do the research to find out if the profit you make is more or equal to how much the pool cost to put in.

You should define your budget before you start planning, so you can install a pool that you like that is within your price range. It is also a good idea to speak to your insurance provider about adding a pool to your insurance policy in case of damage, which is another cost to consider.

3. Does your property allow for a pool?

Before you schedule a consultation and start digging, make sure you know what the zoning laws are on your property. There are strict requirements of installing a pool and some may not even allow it or it needs to be in a certain position, i.e. not too close to neighboring properties or underground pipelines.

If the layout is sloped this may be more expensive to build on compared to a flat surface. It's best to have your property professionally examined by a pool builder and they will give you an expert opinion.

4. What type of pool do you want?

Ask yourself if you want your pool to be underground or above ground and research the different materials you can get. Some materials are more expensive than others.

The cheapest option is your basic above ground fibreglass or steel pool with a vinyl liner. Concrete pools are generally more expensive to install. Talk to your pool builder about what type of pool is best for your site and budget.

5. Where will the pool go?

Once you’ve established the zoning regulations around installing a pool on your property, you then need to make an educated decision on where it will go. Take into consideration shade, wind, accessibility and sun exposure. It's ultimately up to you where you want your pool to go, but make sure it’s practical.

6. What water stem will your pool have?

Salt or chlorine? Heated or non-heated? You will need to determine an aquatic filtered system for your pool to keep it sparkling clean and fresh. A good pool builder will walk you through your options so you can find a high-quality circulation system.

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