STAYING COOL AT HOME

SUMMER HAS COME! WHICH MEANS IT’S TIME TO PUT ON YOUR TOGS AND GOGGLES AND HIT THE POOL.

Hitting the cool waters of your own backyard pool is the best way to beat the Riverina heat. And if you don’t have one already, this summer might inspire you to get prepared for next year. If you are considering installing a pool at your home, there are a few things you should consider first.

Function

Before starting the process of installing your pool, you need to have a think about its primary function. Is your pool purely for cooling, or are you planning on making it more of an entertainment area. Whatever it is, it needs to fit into your lifestyle and the needs of your home.

Budget

Everyone loves a pool, but they can come with a fairly large price tag. Installation can range from $10,000 up to $100,000, so make sure you have a think about a realistic budget and chat to your pool builder about your options. You should also think about ongoing maintenance costs, and the cost of meeting local regulations.

Size and shape

When planning for your pool, consider what size and shape will best suit your needs. If you want a more active pool, consider a long rectangular pool for laps. But if it is just for relaxing, you may consider a smaller pool with underwater bench seating.

Material

The most common materials used in pools are concrete, vinyl and fibreglass. Different materials can impact your budget and installation time, so it is important to do some research on what will best suit your needs.

Placement

The position of your pool within your backyard is a very important factor to consider, and should be given special attention.

The optimal position for your pool would be in a spot with maximum sun exposure and minimum wind exposure, however there are other factors that also need to be considered. If you have children, for example, you would want your pool to be in eyesight of your house. Also keep in mind any regulatory requirements including fencing, distance from property lines and drainage. If you are unsure about any requirements, be sure to contact your local council.

Local regulations

Before you get the excavator running, ensure you know all the rules and regulations in your local area for installing a private pool. In Edward River Council, all pools must be registered on the NSW swimming pool register, which has selfassessment checklists, information about inspections, details of legislation and Australian Standards. Any pool which holds more than 2000 litres must have council approval, with applications forms available at council’s website — www.edwardriver.nsw.gov.au. You may also be required to get your pool inspected or certified, make sure to check with the council for more information.