All About Swimming Pools
June 29th, 2007
There are many benefits of having your own backyard swimming pool, with relaxation, exercise, keeping cool on hot days and a central place for family and friends to gather at the top of the list. But having a pool is a major commitment of time and maintenance, and many factors come into play when deciding to take the plunge.
SWIMMING POOL PLACEMENT
Privacy should be of prime concern. Landscaping, walls and screens can work in tandem with privacy fences to block views and keep out those who shouldn’t be using the pool. There is a broad choice of materials for privacy fences including vinyl, brick, wood, wrought iron and aluminum.
Safety is another important criterion. When not in use, the pool should have a safety fence to keep animals and children from falling in. Come sunset, both the pool and the areas around it should be well lit.
Diving boards require extra vigilance around the pool to make sure it’s being used properly and with caution. Also, check to see how much a diving board will raise your insurance rates.
Convenience and flexibility should be part of the plan so that entertaining, showering or changing is easily accessible. Furniture and fixtures around the pool area should be of waterproof, low maintenance materials. Features like a barbecue area, hot tub, or furniture groupings should be placed so they naturally draws people to them. This seems obvious, but quite often more thought is given to the type of features wanted rather than the best place to locate them for optimal group dynamics, practicality and aesthetics.
Design considerations include maximizing desirable views while minimizing undesirable views. Proximity to your neighbors must be considered, as well. Consider how your pool and pool area will impact the homes around you, including privacy (yours and theirs) and noise levels.
Slip-resistant surfaces and enough storage for all the pool equipment and toys are other items to think about. With so much to contemplate, enlisting the help of an architect or designer for space planning is a smart idea. Creating a backyard pool oasis is a large investment of money and time, so having experts guide you to smart solutions gives you maximum results.
Landscaping Around the Pool
Landscaping considerations go beyond beauty; greenery can block views and reduce noise. Some important landscaping considerations: do not plant trees that will drop leaves and needles into the pool; skip plants with invasive root systems to avoid underground damage to the pool. Because pool landscaping is such a unique area, consulting with landscape professionals is recommended.
TYPES OF POOLS
Concrete/Gunite
● Limitless design possibilities, customized for your yard and needs
● Concrete’s durability and aesthetic value is a plus
● Multiple phases of construction to install – requires 3 to 6 weeks
● Must be resurfaced every 13 years on average
Fiberglass
● Does not chip, tear or alter water chemistry
● Shells come in a large variety of styles
● Lowest maintenance of the pool types
● Quicker to install than concrete pool
● Surface is kinder to little feet
● Not all fiberglass is created equal – quality varies by manufacturing process
Vinyl
● The least expensive of the pool options when done as an above-ground pool
● Can be installed in less than a week
● Vinyl is smooth and a great choice if little children are using the pool
● Limited design options
● Vinyl liners need to be replaced about every 10 years
INSTALLATION
● You must look for a reputable company with stature in our community, and with staying power to honor all warranties.With fiberglass, get detailed verification on exactly what “lifetime guarantee” means.
● Ask to see the contractor’s business references, licenses and insurance.
Does adding a pool add to the value of your home?
While a pool can raise your homeowner insurance rates and summer water bill, it doesn’t necessarily raise the value of your home. In-ground pools do add some value to the home. If it’s an integral showpiece of the grounds, expect more value for the cost. But in general, in-ground pools add about $5,000 to the sales price. Above-ground pools can actually be a hindrance to selling a home. Luckily, they are removable!
In the end, you weigh the investment of a pool by the benefits it brings to you and those who use it, rather than the value it will have for the next person to own your home. A pool is an investment in the quality of your free time, making it an exciting home improvement.
If you’d like to explore the possibilities of a swimming pool for your backyard, Mosby Building Arts is here to answer your questions. From design concepts to the warranty on the finished project, we are your single source for outdoor living home improvements. Click here to see one of our swimming pool projects.
Winter is the time to begin planning and designing for a swimming pool so it will be ready by the time pool season starts. Have the Mosby Building Arts architects and designers get you started by calling 314.909.1800 or contact us here.
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May 14th, 2010 at 2:56 pm
[...] The St. Louis metropolitan region enjoys a good 4-5 months of warm weather, which makes outdoor pools a tempting and viable option. If splashing under the summer sun is what you desire, click to learn all about outdoor swimming pools. [...]