Pools: what you should know
For decades, having a swimming pool in your backyard has been a milestone in the American dream. Pools provide endless entertainment and even become a watery hearth for the backyard. They’re yet another way to turn a house into a home and bring cherished memories into your family life. So, should you put in a pool? There are some things you need to consider before you take the plunge and start digging up your backyard.
Rules & Regulations In Florida, pools are a common part of daily life. Yet, many people aren’t aware of their local building codes and regulations. You can read up on your local building codes online. For example, Tampa’s residential pool and spa regulations are here. There are many factors that go into assessing your home’s eligibility for putting in a pool. Many properties are home to protected trees and other types of native flora. Your local government may not be keen on removing a 100-year-old oak tree to make room for your pool. Types of building permits required for a pool include:
* Electrical permits
* Plumbing permits
* Stormwater permits
* Fence/masonry wall permits
* Site clearing/tree removal permit
Safety requirements are also in place to protect children and elderly around pools. If your pool does not meet the standards, you will be liable.
Cost
Every pool is different, and there are many materials and styles of pools available. You can go for fiberglass shelled pools, above-ground pools, or poured concrete pools. According to Home Advisor, the average pool costs around $23,000 dollars to install. There is a broad range of prices depending of the type of pool you choose to build. Go to your backyard measure out your desired pool size before you approach a pool builder. This will save you time and ensure that you get an accurate price estimate right off the bat.
Shape & Size
These are two critical factors to putting in a pool. Why? Because one day you may want to sell your house, pool included. So it is important to plan ahead. Will buyers of your house want an oblong-shaped wading pool? Or one with a big stone island in the middle for their teenagers to play in? Putting in a pool should always add value to your home, especially when you’re sacrificing land to put one in.
Land
Speaking of land, it’s important to set realistic expectations for the structure of your pool. The topography and size of your backyard are critical to the design of your pool. The slope of the land in your backyard will determine if you need an in-ground, partial in-ground, or above-ground pool structure.
Design
Designing your pool is part of the fun, but also key to preserving your home’s value. You should coordinate the aesthetic of your pool with the style of your house and landscaping of your backyard. Will the tiling of your pool lining be blue or green? Do you want shiny blue porcelain tiles along the sides or natural gray stone? Thinking of the pool as a stylistic extension of your home is important. The visual appeal of your backyard area should be in sync with the tones and mood of your home’s holistic design.
