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An inground pool, whether you plan on a simple design with no extra features or an elaborate custom project complete with waterfalls, slides and a beach entry is a big project. Before you begin, it’s a good idea to have your own design ideas in mind, know how much you want to spend, and be aware of how long it will take to finish.
Swimming pool installation starts with the homeowner. Get your own ideas together and envision the backyard paradise you want and are willing to budget for. After you do that it’s time to meet with a few pool design companies (we recommend Open Water Pools) that you’ve carefully vetted.
Choosing your Company
Pool sales people are like any other genre of sales person. They are there to serve you, and should be providing knowledge and guidance above and beyond what you expected. You should feel like you’re in the hands of an expert who has extensive knowledge and more than anything, listens well and guides you through the process with confidence.
Remember, swimming pool installation is a project that is going to take several weeks in good weather, so you need to be working with a company that is accessible and attentive.
While price is important, allow service, reputation and design expertise be your guiding factors in choosing your pool company. You don’t want to cut corners for a major transformational project like this just to save a few thousand dollars. Mistakes at this level cost thousands, and can create extensive setbacks to completion.
Design
A good pool company will offer pool and pool landscaping design. Landscaping costs vary widely, from a $1,000 to $20,000 and beyond depending on what you want to create. Certain landscaping excavation and sloping may be necessary to accommodate your pool design.
Materials
There are three types of pool materials used today.
Concrete
The longest-lasting choice by far, concrete has some unique advantages. It can take on different colors, it can be acid-stained and it can serve as the base for tile or rock design elements.
While concrete lasts the longest, it also requires the most maintenance and can attract algae and mold. However, with an acid wash every couple years, this problem can be mitigated.
Fiberglass
Popular for the do-it-yourselfer who just needs a small inground pool, fiberglass shell bases are less expensive than their concrete counterparts and are the easiest to clean. It’s a simple swimming pool installation project provided you have someone excavate a deep enough hole to fit your fiberglass shell.
One note is that fiberglass shells only last about 25 years in the best of circumstances.
Vinyl-Lined
The last and least expensive option for inground pools is a vinyl lined pool. These are easy to clean, non-abrasive and resistant to algae and mold. They are the least expensive to install and do not require much maintenance. However, they will typically need to be replaced about once every 10 years.
Choose your contractor and your pool design carefully, and you will have an enjoyable backyard for years to come.
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