Choosing The Best Spot for Your Swimming Pool

Building a Pool

When a homeowner decides to build a pool, there are many details to consider; one of the biggest choices is where to place the pool in your yard.  The size and shape of your yard may limit the options.  Here is a list of tips to help you make the most of your choices.

Space

First, consider the use of the space.  Is there an existing patio to incorporate into your pool design?  Are there pets running around in the yard?  Is there playground equipment that needs rearrangement?  Perhaps some obstacles prevent placing a pool, such as trees or utility lines, or leaves and saps, making it a maintenance nightmare.  After taking these constraints into account, the best place for the pool is often already clear.

When choosing a location for your pool, consider the placement of lawns, gardens, and patios.  Keep in mind that space is important, and with swimming pools, the more, the better.  However, our team of designers can help to create the perfect pool for any size backyard.

Aesthetics

The main reason for getting a pool is to swim and spend time with friends and family – but it is also important to add some pool accessories and amenities.  It is ideal to choose an area where the pool area connects to the house and integrates both with a garden, patio, paving, decking, or pathways.  A well-placed and well-designed pool will still allow enjoying the view while relaxing or entertaining friends and family.

Privacy

Privacy is another consideration issue to consider when choosing a location for a pool.  A pool owner needs protection from the neighbors and other people who pass by.  It is the norm to have a pool in the backyard.  However, a pool in the front or side yard with a high privacy fence may be best for your home.

Weather and Environment

It is good to place your pool in an area facing north, where it will get at least four hours of sun daily.  It helps raise the water temperature a few degrees and will have lower energy costs.  Also, adding a fence can help block some of the wind to help keep the pool water warmer.

Slopes and Other Issues

Some yard areas may not be amenable to installing a pool, and others may be more challenging, resulting in higher installation costs.

For example, a pool contractor builds an inground pool on level ground.  They can always cut down a slope and build a retaining wall to create a level surface for your pool.  However, that’s an entire project in itself that comes with a hefty price tag.

Selecting the area can be confusing, but a good pool builder can help you.   There are some factors that can limit the location of the pool in your yard including:

• Low-lying areas that are prone to flooding
• Windy areas that cause excessive water evaporation
• Buried utility lines
• Local building codes regarding easements and/or clearances
• Accessibility for pool construction

Once again, Cody Pools is the #1 swimming pool builder for the 10th year in a row!  Contact any of our offices in Texas, Florida, or Arizona, or visit our website to schedule a free consultation.

Choosing the Right Pool Builder- Key Things to Know

Building a Pool

Why ask the Questions?

We know that the decision to put in a swimming pool is a big one. It’s exciting to think of all the fun you will have with family and friends. Nevertheless, choosing the right pool builder is just as important as the decision to build a pool. The financial investment in a swimming pool is significant and choosing the wrong builder can mean unwanted frustrations, a poorly built pool or worse…..one that is never completed. Below are some of the things to consider when researching local pool builders.

Considerations in Choosing the Right Pool Builder

• FINANCIAL STRENGTH: Is the pool builder you’re considering financially solid and bonded and insured. This is critical in determing if they will be able to finish your swimming pool project.
• CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS: Does they’re construction standards meet, or preferably exceed industry standards.
• INDUSTRY CERTIFICATION: Ask if they’re designers and construction staff are certified by the PHTA (Pool & Hot Tub Alliance)
• HOW LONG THEY HAVE BEEN IN BUSINESS: If they have been around for decades and in the same locations, that can be a solid sign of company stability and customer satisfaction.
• REFERRALS – Ask any pool construction company for testimonials/referrals. Also review their online reviews.

Choosing the Right Pool Builder for the Right Pool Design for You

Besides the items listed above, you will also want to consider a pool builder’s ability to build you the right pool for your lifestyle. Their designer should be able to show you a variety of pool designs that represent various shapes, sizes and features. During a design consultation, a designer will listen to your ideas and vision and show you examples of pools that match. The designer will also measure your backyard and then take the measurements and design criteria and start designing your pool. They will soon provide you with a realistic 3D rendering and scale drawing of the pool and backyard and work with you until you are 100% satisfied with the plan.

There are many other design considerations that can arise based on the terrain, your desire for water movement/water features, etc. A good designer will assist you through this process while insuring that what is conceived is buildable.

How Detailed are Their Estimate and Contract?

An accurate estimate can only be arrived at by thorough conversations between you and your pool builder. The initial consultation will identify your desired pool design. After a design has been approved, you should expect a pool builder to provide you with a written proposal/contract that defines all of the features included in the project. This document should define the responsibilities of both the contractor and you as the homeowner.

What will the Contract contain?

A typical proposal should include at least the below information.

1. Pool and Spa (when applicable) lengths, widths and depths
2. Materials to be used for the interior finish, the waterline tile, any water features, rock materials, etc.
3. Type and amount of decking
4. Utility runs and hook-ups as applicable (electric / gas)
5. Equipment to be installed (Pumps, Filter, Heater, Controller, Etc.)
6. Cleaning system
7. Water sanitation system
8. Responsibilities of homeowner
9. Contact information (Office and/or Cell phones)
10. Warranty information

A swimming pool is an investment that keeps providing returns year after year. Those returns are in the form of family fun and family memories. You’ve worked hard to get to a place in your life where you can make your backyard dreams a reality. We hope this article has provided you with some very valuable information on choosing a pool builder. We would love to work with you if you reach the point where you are ready to “Build your backyard dream”. Let us know if we can be of any assistance.