Just Add Water

By Chloe E. Williams

As the earth starts to thaw and our gardens bloom again, many of us begin to feel the effects of spring fever – and one of the best things about springing forward is that we have more opportunities than ever to enjoy the outdoors. But while the ocean and the sound are great for watersport enthusiasts, there’s nothing quite like soaking up the sun in the comfort of your own backyard.

Private pools might not be feasible for everyone, but if you’ve been dreaming about creating your own small oasis, you’re not alone…and there are plenty of options that can fit different budgets and circumstances. Just remember to look before you leap – and keep a few things in mind as you begin to navigate these new waters.

Begin at the Beginning

There are a few basics to take into account before you get to work, and one of the first things to consider is whether you want your pool to be above or below ground. It might help to bear in mind that costs can vary greatly between the two – especially when you add in the expense of a patio or a deck!

With an inground pool, you also need to be aware of where your septic system lies so that you can plan around the pipes. Other restrictions such as the size of your lot and property setbacks can affect logistics, so there are few one-size-fits-all generalizations when it comes to installing a pool – and it’s always a good idea to contact your town’s planning department as early as possible in the process.

Whatever you decide, please don’t forget to be aware of building codes that regulate pool safety measures such as signage and fencing – and consider adding other layers of protection such as anti-entrapment drain covers and an underwater pool alarm, particularly if you have small children or animals.

Materials Matter

Once you’ve settled on the above/below debate, construction can begin!

While certainly more cost effective, above ground pools are often limited to two styles: round or oval. There also isn’t a lot of variance on heights (they’re typically between 48” and 54”), but there are several choices when it comes to materials for the supporting structure – the most common being steel, aluminum or resin. Steel is the cheapest material, and aluminum is the lightest and most flexible, but both tend to be susceptible to oxidization. Resin has the advantage of being the most durable material when it comes to braving the elements, but it’s also the most expensive option. For that reason, many pool structures utilize resin as a coating along with other plastics – and proper UV coating is essential to prevent against cracking.

Inground pools tend to have a more finished or permanent feel to them in contrast with aboveground pools, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. Customization options are key here, and while you can always opt for classics such as rectangular or L-shaped designs, you can even shape your pool like a guitar if you wish!

As far as materials go, inground pools are typically made out of fiberglass, vinyl liner or concrete – and deciding which route to go may depend on making an honest assessment of your budget, initial time constraints and other longer-term considerations when it comes to maintenance.

Fiberglass pools, for instance, have the quickest installation time and the lowest long-term maintenance costs, but because they’re factory molded, their size and shape are somewhat limited. By comparison, vinyl liners can be cut into a number of shapes and sizes and they incur the lowest up-front costs, but they often need to be replaced every five to nine years – which can add up over time.

The most popular choice is concrete – although it is the most expensive option with the slowest turn-around time in terms of initial construction. That said, concrete pools are considered the strongest type of pool with virtually no restrictions when it comes to customization. In other words, the sky’s the limit!

The Finishing Touches

Once the practicalities have been taken care of, there are still plenty of bonus features you can incorporate to dress up your backyard oasis. For a little bit of glitz, think about adding custom underwater lighting, a waterfall or a swim-up bar – and consider doing a bit of landscaping with native plants that can accentuate your at-home haven year-round. Other fi nishing touches can even include nautically themed statues from local art galleries or personalized beach towels in specifi c color schemes to match your outdoor furniture. The only thing left to do after that? Grab a cold beverage, kick off your flip flops…and make yourself at home!