Take the Plunge

SO, YOU WANT TO INSTALL A POOL?

THERE ARE FEW THINGS MORE RELAXING THAN SPENDING A SUNNY AFTERNOON NEXT TO A POOL. When that pool is located in one’s own backyard… well, all the better. Before you dive into pool ownership, there are a few questions you ought to ask and have answered. We asked Ryan Wells, co-owner of Oak Wells Aquatics and a 2022 winner of our Best in Homes, Gardens & Real Estate readers poll, a few questions commonly posed by prospective pool owners. Here’s what he said.

What size pool do I need?

The short answer is it depends on the size of your yard. You’ll want to build a pool that compliments the size of the house and lot. Also, there may be size restrictions depending on your municipality, HOA and location. A home survey should indicate restrictions you may not be aware of, such as property easements and BRL’s (Building Restriction Lines).

What kind of design should I select?

First, you want to think about how you are going to use it. Will there be small children in the pool often? If so, adding water features is a good idea. If the pool is going to be used for swimming laps, a longer pool and step

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placement are important. Or maybe the pool is going to be used for entertaining adults. Large sun shelves and underwater sitting areas are sure to be enjoyed.

What will it cost to build a pool today?

There are a variety of factors that play into the cost of a pool, including size and depth. Other factors are the installation of various kinds of water features such as bubblers, waterfalls, and specialty lighting. Backyard access space and the slope of the property also play important roles in determining expenses. Building on flat, open property is usually relatively easy. If a yard has sharp elevation changes, lots of mature trees, is close to water— variations like these can make installation more difficult and more expensive.

Should one expect to pay at all once or over a period of time?

Typically, buyers will make a deposit in order for the construction agreement to become a binding contract. A deposit equaling 10% of the total cost of the project is a general rule. Following the deposit, payments should be made as the work on the project progresses. A total of four to six payments is a good rule of thumb.

Are there financing options available?

Many customers use home equity lines of credit for a new pool. In some cases, the financing is provided by home improvement sources such as credit unions or a lender who specializes in pool loans. Most will offer on-line applications that can be quickly filled out and submitted for approval. With an approved loan, you can ask the designer to create a pool that stays within your budget.

What value does a pool add to a home?

Quality of life is probably the biggest value added. Spending quality time at your home with family, friends and neighbors is priceless. As far as monetary value, it depends on the housing market and the home’s location. In some locations, a pool can match dollar for dollar invested. A home on the market with a pool will typically sell at a higher value and sell faster than a home without a pool.

How much maintenance does a pool require?

Like any home maintenance, a little maintenance often goes a long way. Maintaining a pool can be relatively easy if you educate yourself and keep a routine. There is an abundance of “Pool Service” options available with costs ranging from $100 per month and up, depending on the service options. There are specialty pool supply stores that can test your pool’s water and advise you on what chemicals you need to maintain proper water chemistry. It is very important to keep records of your water chemistry for your warranties, as well as help you know how to adjust your chemicals per season. *