If you’re lucky enough to have a large garden, then you could really upgrade your space with the addition of a swimming pool. Many homeowners dream of having a pool of their own, and they can be more achievable than you might think, if you have the money. Swimming is not only a relaxing hobby but is also a great whole body workout if you’re interested in fitness. A pool at home gives you somewhere to swim laps at home, encourage the children to stay active and somewhere to relax and have fun with the family. If you’re thinking of adding a pool, here are some things that you should consider before choosing the kind of pool that you want. 

Do Some Research

The best place to start when deciding on what kind of pool you want in your garden is to bring in a local pool professional first for a consultation and to give you some advice. They can take a look at the garden you have and get an idea for what type and shape of pool would work best in the space, and where the best location for the pool would be. 

If your garden has limited access or problems like ledges, undulations or rocky soil, then this can make pool installation more difficult, but not impossible. By speaking to a professional first, they can spot these potential issues in advance of work being started and advise you on the best way to combat them while still getting a pool that you can enjoy. By doing this first, you can make sure don’t get too attached to the idea of a pool type or location that won’t actually work in your garden. 

Look into the local zoning rules for your area about required fences for safety, pool depth requirements and any dig safe notices. When you know what is required, you can begin to properly plan and decide on a budget. 

Consider Your Budget

A swimming pool in your backyard is a luxury thing to have and you should expect the price tag to match this. Costs of pools will vary quite a bit depending on location, depth, size, type and the amenities that you choose. Get a clear quote at the start of the process so you don’t get confused later on when you’re being charged for something that you hadn’t allowed for in the budget. 

When setting your budget, don’t forget to allow for extra costs that may come up during the building, depending on your yard and the requirements that you have. As well as the cost of the pool itself, you may also need to pay for safety features like a fence or pool cage. You might want to add a spa or a patio, some extra landscaping or walls around the pool or other extras. Get a quote for every part of the design that you have in mind to avoid surprises later on. Don’t assume you know what is included in the quote to build the pool. Always check. 

Remember as well, that the cost of the pool isn’t just the building. You’re also going to need to pay for the accessories to go with the pool and pay to maintain. Yearly maintenance on an outside pool can soon add up. You will need to pay for and upkeep motors, pumps, filters and chemicals for the water as well as regular cleanings. You’ll also need to pay for the electricity to run the motors in the pool. 

Choose The Right Size And Style

It’s important to make sure that the swimming pool that you choose fits well into the space you have available in the garden. If your garden is smaller, you could add a plunge pool, which could even be designed to look like a fountain or a reflecting pond. If you have more room, choose a lap pool, which should be longer in length. Larger pools can have extra features like waterfalls or cascades powered by water pumps to create relaxing sounds and water movement. 

What shape of pool do you want? A classic rectangle is the obvious choice and works well for both swimming laps for fitness and offering plenty of room for the family to play in too. An oval has the same advantages but with a softer edge. If you want a long stretch to swim laps, but also need a shallow area for young children to play, then an L shaped pool can work very well. A kidney shaped pool has a more natural look, or you could choose a free-form pool for a design that fits the landscape of your garden. 

When you’re choosing where to put your pool in the garden, think about the sun hits the garden. Ideally, you want your pool to be in a spot that gets the full sun for as much of late morning and afternoon as possible. This helps to keep the water warm and pleasant to swim in. 

Put in a patio, deck or lawn for sunbathing around the pool. If you want your pool to really blend into the garden, choose a natural pool. Natural pools use under-gravel filtration, a bit like home aquariums, to keep the water clean without use of chemicals. 

Keep Things Safe

You should be sure to keep your pool safe and secure, especially if you have children or pets. In some areas, there might be some regulations about the safety measures you need to follow around your pool, so double check. 

The easiest option around most pools is a fence around the pool area with a self-closing gate. This works well to keep the children or animals out when you can’t supervise them. Make sure that you teach your children to swim if you’re going to have a pool in the garden and make sure they know what to do if they were ever to accidentally fall in. 

For pets, add some steps to one end of the pool so they can climb out if they were to fall in when you weren’t nearby. 

Different Kinds Of Pools

There are several different kinds of pools that you can choose from, depending on how you want to use your pool. 

For example, you could go for an above ground pool. An above ground pool is the most common and least expensive type of pool. All you really need is a flat surface to build on. A pool like this has a vinyl line inside of hard plastic walls which is then filled with water. Struts and supports are placed around the pool to keep it in place. A pump connects to the pool to filter and clean the water. The advantage of this kind of pool is that you can take it with you if you move house. 

A vinyl in-ground pool needs to be professionally installed. A hole must be dug for the pool, and then a construction crew will place a rigid wall around the edge which will be used to support an interior vinyl wall. Sand is put under the lining so the pool is comfortable to walk on. This a less expensive way to build a pool, but is not as long lasting as other options. 

A fiberglass pool needs to be installed by a professional too. The crew digs the hole for the pool, then fits in the plumbing and filler material. Fiberglass are preformed, so the basin will be placed inside the hole already built, and then the area around it will be refilled with soil. A deck, usually made of concrete, is then built around the pool. 

Gunite pools are one of the most common and most popular options for backyard swimming pools. Pools like this are made from rebar and then sprayed with gunite. Gunite is a mixture of cement and sand which is used to harder into the pool material. The walls and bottom of the pool are leveled with a trowel and left to harden, before a second finish is added. The main bonus of gunite pools is that they are highly customisable and can be built to just about any specifications that you have. They’re also long-lasting, but are the most expensive option. 

Depending on the size of the garden and your budget, all of these options will make for a great backyard pool for you and the family to enjoy together for many summers to come. 

When choosing a pool for your back garden, it’s important to do some proper research first, so you know for sure that you have a clear idea of the amount you can expect to spend and to make sure that you have the best design, size and style for the space you have to work with. Whether you want a pool for lazing in when the weather is hot or a large pool to swim laps every morning, there is a design that can work for you and your garden.