BENEFITS | WHAT TO KNOW | HOW TO CHOOSE

benefits of an in-ground pool

If you have the time and money to spare, an in-ground pool just may be one of the best investments you can make in your home. Here's why:

• An in ground pool tends to increase the value of your property. In general people looking to purchase a home will tend to favor one with an in ground pool over an above-ground pool. In fact, in the real estate business, a pool is sometimes referred to as adding "backyard appeal" to a property. That's because in-ground swimming pools can easily improve the aesthetic and intrinsic aspect of your outdoor space.

• In-ground swimming pools are always a good choice for any backyard, regardless of free space available.

• In-ground pools typically have a deeper end of at least six feet. A pool with some depth allows use of a diving board, a slide, attractive lighting—even waterfalls.

• In-ground pools allow for a greater range of water sports such as volleyball or basketball, and using floats or water toys. If you are a serious swimmer, an in-ground pool is perfect for lap swimming.

• In-ground pools are customizable in attractive shapes to suit the style of your house. This is an option generally not available in above-ground pools.

• In-ground pools offer family and friends a terrific break from the heat. An in ground swimming pool will provide years of memorable swimming to people of all ages.

• Perhaps best of all, today’s in-ground pool kits allow homeowners to install pools on their own, saving thousands of dollars.

What to Know When Considering an In-Ground Pool

Before installing an in-ground pool, the homeowner must concentrate on two things: the location, and the building codes. No matter what type of in-ground pool is chosen, the homeowner must consider all safety codes put in place by the city and the housing association, if applicable. Then it's time to check local laws and codes to ensure that any landscaping plan includes the correct safety measures.

Follows is a tactical list of all such swimming pool considerations.

Codes: Be sure to check your local building codes to determine issues such as how far your pool must be from field lines and septic tanks.

Financing: An in-ground pool can be a significant financial commitment. Check with your local lending institutions about loan rates and terms if necessary.

Insurance: Before building, talk to a reputable insurance agent to find out about additional coverage for a new pool.

Taxes: Ask local taxing authorities about possible property tax assessment increases so that you'll know what to expect.

Space: An in-ground pool will be a permanent structure in the yard, so it's important not to over-commit space to the pool that will later be missed for other purposes. The type of pool that can be built is dependent on the dimensions of the available land. For example, the room you have available may prevent you from installing a fiberglass pool, as these are pre-made in fixed designs. A concrete pool can be custom-made in almost any shape. Also, is there access for heavy machinery and trucks? In-ground pool construction requires large, heavy equipment, such as for excavating.

Soil: What sort of soil is your land? Ask local authorities about building on that particular type of soil, as regulations can vary council to council. 

Utilities and cabling: Determine what pipes or cabling exist underground.If you don't know, or don't have the necessary diagrams, your pool builder can liaise with local authorities and the water commission. They may be able to suggest a workaround, but this will incur plumbing expenses.

Water conservation: Some water boards have introduced laws requiring pool owners to conserve water before they fill a new pool or refill an old one. It is important to note that some water boards in areas with chronic shortages no longer allow the filling of a new or existing pool. Check with your water board before you build a new pool.

Sun: Plot the course of the sun throughout the day, making allowances for seasonal changes in combination with the times you are most likely to use the pool. Also take the path of sun into account when choosing the position of the pool in your yard.

Shade: Large trees and shrubs are beautiful but can seriously cut down on the hours of sunny swimming you can enjoy.

Trees: A pool should not be built near a tree. A tree lopper will be needed to remove it, which can add considerable expense. You also may require permission to remove established trees.

Wind: The prevailing winds on the pool site should be a consideration to determine where the contractor positions the skimmers so that leaves and grass clippings won't be blown away from the skimmer ports.

Fencing: Many communities require fences around pools. Check with your local zoning board for specific requirements. Also check with your pool contractor to be sure what height and style fence your state or local code requires. Make sure all gates are sturdy and secure.

Maintenance: Although modern pool equipment simplifies daily maintenance, weekly cleanings and seasonal closings are necessary to preserve the life of an in-ground pool. There are many kinds of vacuum equipment, ranging from a hand-held vac system to automatic "roamers" that patrol the bottom and keep the pool sparkling clean and ready to use.

Cover: If you are in a seasonal pool location, it's a good idea to cover your pool during the non-use period. Some local laws even require a cover.

Heating: A heater not only provides comfort and therapeutic value but will extend the swimming season. Heating oil, natural gas or propane all have pros and cons that can vary by region. Consider whether you can afford heating solar as it is the cheapest method, but gas and electricity are more effective.

Quick tip: Before you choose an in-ground pool, ask yourself these eight questions:
1) Are you willing to devote the time it takes to maintain an in-ground swimming pool, including committing part of your budget to the vast array of chemicals required to keep the water sparkling clean?

2) Are you willing to vacuum the bottom of the in-ground pool on a regular basis—at a minimum of once month—when the pool is in use?

3) Are you agreeable to having a high fence completely surrounding the pool, equipped with a locked gate?

4) Are you willing to change your pump and filter at least once in every 15 years?

5) Will you be prepared to change the underground circulation pipes and skimmers perhaps once every 15 years?

6) Can you afford the additional purchase of the proper winter pool cover, which will allow rain and snow water to seep through but keeps debris out?

7) If you live in a wooded area, are you willing to remove rodents, garden snakes, and other cirtters that will eventually find their way into your pool?

8) Are you willing to take the necessary legal precautions—for example, obtaining a written release form from parents—to protect you against accidents that will occur in and around the pool?

How to Choose an In-Ground Pool

Choices abound when it comes to the availability of sizes, shapes, and designs found in today's in-ground pools. An in-ground pool can be fully customized to meet the preferences of any homeowner. Even standard, traditional pool design styles are numerous, with many great options to choose from. In-ground pools also are available for specific uses.

As compared to above-ground pools, in-ground swimming pools represent a larger and more permanent investment. With in-ground pools, there simply are more purchases to be made. First it's necessary to choose a water sanitizing system that will maintain pool water to optimal quality and health standards. Also required is an appropriately sized pump and filter system that works to circulate and filter the water for purification. And because most homeowners want to use their pools as much as possible, the purchase of a pool heater, a heat pump, or a solar heating system is vital to warm the water.

Even further, when it comes to maintenance and the labor behind it, there's simply no substitute for an automatic pool cleaner for vacuuming the pool.

Today's homeowners always have the option of hiring a contractor for project management and installation of an in-ground pool, but the expense behind such a contract may be cost-prohibitive. Today it is possible to install a new in-ground pool on your own and save a bundle of cash. An in-ground pool kit can meet your custom specifications, allowing you to create a unique design or adapt the pool to the specific features of your yard.

Kit retailers normally offer installation assistance by Web, phone, and expert instruction manuals. Consultants also can offer on-site advice while still saving you thousands of dollars when compared with a professional in-ground pool installation.

In-ground pool kits normally come with everything required to put in the pool. For example, "base kits" include step-by-step installation instructions, digging specifications, warranty information, and pool maintenance procedures. You'll receive galvanized steel pool walls, stake rods, hardware, a vinyl liner, a skimmer pack, ladder, filter system, and wall foam.

"Deluxe" kits usually contain everything mentioned in the base kit, with additional or upgraded components such as a jet package, automatic pool cleaner, water test kit, and chemical start-up kit. The options are plentiful with choices in diving boards, slides, and attached spas that put more fun into the function of an in-ground pool.

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