AN OASIS FOR EVERY BUDGET

from Parker County LifeStyle Spring 2020

INTO THE WOODS, I GO

By Lindsay L Allen Photos by Lindsey Sullivan Photography

If asked, everyone, especially in Texas, would admit to wanting a pool.

Perfect for lazy days, enjoying the outdoors and hosting friends and family, a pool is the perfect answer for any sunny day and a site to behold when considering your backyard landscaping and views. More often than not, the logistics of installing a pool and the falsely perceived costs prevent too many from pursuing their want.

Kyle Clark with RedFin Pools is here to assure all that there is a pool for almost every budget and that having an ideal backyard gathering spot is possible! While there is a pool for almost every budget, Kyle points out that the biggest myth he faces is the many who believe that a pool install still costs the same amount as it did 15 years ago. “Just like everything in this world, the labor and materials have gone up in price and thus, you can’t install the same pool for the same price from two decades ago,” he said.

However, for those seeking to install a pool but want to reduce the overall costs, Kyle recommends the following considerations:

1. SIZE OF THE POOL: Kyle said the largest cost associated with a pool comes from the amount of gunite used. “It’s based on the surface area of the pool, so the larger and deeper the pool, the more gunite will be used and the result is a larger price tag,” Kyle said.

2. FEATURES OF THE POOL: A slide is an awesome touch; a waterfall treatment is picture perfect and many other features like a low water tanning area are great additions but can add up. Selecting a smaller number of pool features will help meet budget restrictions.

3. DECKING SIZE: The amount of decking and the type of decking around the pool determines if the price tag goes up or down according to Kyle. By scaling back in this area, and avoiding travertine, pavers or stamped concrete as the decking selection, your dream of installing a pool within a tight budget can be a reality.

If you are interested in setting up your backyard to be the desired location for all pool parties, Kyle recommends the following features that can add that perfect “wow” factor and create an inviting atmosphere.

“Landscaping, automation (using a control panel to control certain pool functions remotely, i.e. pump, heater, lights, water features, spa, etc.), lighting, grade changes/ multi-level pools, swim up bars and entertainment areas really can set your pool apart and provide the oasis that many are seeking when installing a pool,” Kyle continued. “We always incorporate landscaping with a pool because it completely changes the look and adds so much spark to the overall look. This is the first thing I always recommend to clients.”

Kyle went on to say, “One of our favorite parts of the process is the design stage. We use a lot of creativity which separates us from other companies. We don’t build the same pool twice and we love thinking outside of the box to give our customers the ‘wow’ factor.”

Another decision factor when installing a pool is whether or not it will be a salt or chlorine water. The price difference between two is that the salt system costs roughly $1,200 more, initially. The differences between salt or chlorine water boils down to user preference and should be researched based on these preferences as differences exist between the two as far as their effect on swimsuit material, skin sensitivities, chemical usage and costs, yearly maintenance fees and electricity required to keep the pool going.

At the end of the day, no pool is a bad pool on a summer day! Kyle pointed out that some clients have an idea of what they want, and others have a general idea/ direction and some have done their homework and researched and found the exact final product they want.

But regardless of what stage you are at, a pool is possible and the lack of ideas or overwhelming amount of ideas combined with a limited budget or more flexible spending, can all lead to one road—a pool in your very own backyard!

If you are considering a pool, map out your budget, non-negotiable features, any ideas and desires for landscaping and give RedFin pools a call. PCLS