How to Create the Perfect Pool Area at Home

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Are you thinking about installing a swimming pool on your property? If so, you’re looking at a huge investment. Swimming pools are an interesting project, especially if you plan on selling your home.

While a pool does increase the value of your home, it might also put off potential buyers who aren’t interested in the maintenance and costs associated with keeping a pool clean.

However, if you think your family can benefit from a pool, it might be the ideal option for your home.

Counting the Cost

The first thing to consider with any major renovation or addition is whether it’s an affordable option. Installing a pool isn’t cheap, so it makes sense to make a budget in advance.

Work out how much you can save and whether a loan is a viable option. You could consider installation costs as well as the cost of the pool itself.

As well as the initial costs, think about the ongoing costs of a pool as well. You will need to pay back any loans, as well as pay towards the maintenance costs of the pool.

Even if you decide to clean the pool yourself, it will still cost money.

Finding Space

Another thing to think about is the space you have. Most pools have to be installed either in your backyard or on the ground floor of your property. As you can imagine, this takes up a lot of space.

However, you might be surprised at what you can achieve with a seemingly limited potential footprint. First, measure the space with a tape measure. Make sure to factor in a walkway around the pool. Then you can explore your options.

If you have an oddly shaped space, don’t worry. You can get a custom swimming pool that can fit in anywhere. This might also look more interesting than your typical rectangular pool.

Another option is to get a small paddling pool. This isn’t the same as a swimming pool, but paddling pools are usually small enough to fit in a smaller backyard and you can put them away. Pets and toddlers will enjoy sitting and splashing in the pool.

Pool Design Choices

As the pool is the centerpiece of the pool area, it makes sense to think about what kind of pool is best for you, factoring in your budget and space. So far, we have briefly covered a couple of design choices that might appeal to you. But there are a lot of options.

The most common swimming pool is probably the sunken pool. This pool is exactly what it says on the tin, it’s sunken into the ground. This takes a lot of work to set up as contractors have to dig out the footprint, then install the pool itself.

On a similar note, you could get an infinity pool for a touch of luxury. The difference between these two options is that the water line of the infinity pool sits right at the lip of the pool itself, giving it the illusion of going on forever.

Speaking of luxury, some pools have extra features that make it even more enjoyable to use. A heated pool is a must for cooler days and nights, as the water will get very cold otherwise. You can also install wave machines and fountains for a more dynamic experience.

Finally, what about above ground pools? This is a much easier option than a pool set into the ground, and many above ground pools look fantastic. Some are smaller than other pool options, but you can still get above ground pools that have plenty of space for all of your swimming needs.

Benefits of Having a Pool

Another thing to think about is what you want to use the pool for. Swimming pools offer a lot of potential benefits for your family.

First, think about the health benefits of owning a pool. Swimming is a fantastic exercise, and it’s incredibly well-rounded.

The resistance of the water helps you strengthen your muscles as you swim, but the water also supports your body. This means that swimming is an especially low impact exercise, and is suitable for people of all ages and ability levels.

There’s a reason why water aerobics is so popular among older people, as it’s an effective but accessible exercise.

Exercise aside, swimming is also a lot of fun. You can relax in the pool, you can play in the pool, and you can of course swim in the pool.

All of this can bring your family closer together, especially if you play pool games as teams. The swimming pool can become a communal place to relax and have fun.

Finally, a swimming pool can help you teach your family how to swim and become stronger swimmers. This is fun and healthy, but it can even save lives.

The chances of drowning drop considerably when children know how to swim. Try practicing in clothes as well, just so your children are safer.

Pool Care and Maintenance

Unfortunately, not everything is fun and games when it comes to swimming pools. A swimming pool can become contaminated with bacteria or other nasties if it isn’t regularly cleaned and maintained.

You can hire a professional pool cleaning service to help you make sure your pool is regularly cleaned and checked over. This prevents issues from building up, and it saves you time in the process.

All you need to do is focus on keeping your pool clear of large pieces of debris between cleaning, which shouldn’t take long.

Another option is to clean it yourself. This takes time and research, but it can save you money. Keep your pool cleaning supplies in a shed near the pool so it stays safe.

Even if you take on most of the cleaning and maintenance tasks, you will still need to call professionals to repair or replace parts.

Another way to keep your pool healthy and clean is to use pool covers when it’s not being used. A pool cover prevents leaves, animals, and other things from getting into your pool and potentially contaminating it. A cover can also make your pool safer for your children and pets.

Pool Safety

Speaking of pool safety, never leave young children unattended around your swimming pool. Even if they can swim, if a child jumps or falls wrong, they could seriously injure themselves.

Pets are another concern. Most pets can swim, but it’s still not a good idea to let them near water features without being watched.

A pool should have a walkway around it. This way, people can get in and out of the pool from all angles without having to swim to another spot.

There’s a key word in the term “walkway” as well. Running near a pool is dangerous. Most walkways are made from stone or other materials that don’t degrade when in contact with water.

But this material is slippery when wet, so combining that with running can be an issue.

Keep a rescue ring or something that you can use to float on near to the pool. This way, if someone does get tired or get cramp, they can get to safety quickly.

Furnishing Your Pool Area

It’s all very well and good having a swimming pool as the centerpiece of your backyard, but it shouldn’t be the only thing there. As well as swimming in the pool, it’s nice to be able to relax near the pool.

This is especially handy if you’re supervising children but don’t fancy swimming all of the time.

Garden or patio furniture is a must. Loungers are always a great addition to the poolside, because it’s so easy to relax on them with a good book. Always get furniture that is waterproof and that will survive splashes and accidents.

Another good idea is to get a parasol. Some people love sitting or lying in the sun, but shade is good as well. It keeps you safe and cooler on very hot days. A parasol gives you portable shade as and when you need it.

Small tables near the loungers can be helpful, but consider a table and chair setup. This is great for pool parties when you have more visitors and you might want to eat near the pool. Keeping food and drink out of the pool itself will make it much easier to clean.

Planters and plant pots add some color to the pool area. One downside is that they attract insects and might drop leaves in the pool itself, which you will have to clean up. Keep them a small distance away from the pool to prevent this.

Another handy addition is an outside shower near the pool. This lets you quickly rinse off any chlorine or other chemicals that might be in the swimming pool before you get ready for the rest of the day. It’s a good habit to shower before and after swimming in the pool.