When it comes to giving your garden the wow factor and getting outside to enjoy it, it can seem like a no-brainer to add a pool for you to enjoy at home. After all, that’s the perfect addition to any Australian’s house, right?
In theory, yes; however, there are many considerations for you to think about before adding a pool to your home. In the first instance, you should pay attention to the demand for pools in your local area and whether or not this will affect the value of your home and the ability to resell should you want to move on. Secondly, you need to be aware of the costs and maintenance of having your own pool. While TV shows and movies might make it look glamorous and effortless, the reality can be far from the truth. Read on to learn more.
How do you want to use the pool?
How you use the pool will factor significantly into its size and style. If you want a pool to swim laps in and use as a fitness tool, you will likely need a longer pool in a rectangular shape to allow you to do this easily. If you are using the pool for fun, then you have more options as to what size and style you choose, as this won’t matter too much.
How big is your garden?
How big realistically can you go with your pool? Don’t forget you will still need space around the pool to navigate the area and add safety features if required. Plus, if you use your garden to entertain frequently or have young kids and pets, you don’t want to lose too much space so they can’t enjoy being outside. Don’t forget to assess the depth of the area, too; this will be significant in how deep your pool can be or if you need to opt for an above-ground pool, not a below-ground one.
Cleaning and upkeep
Sadly it isn’t a maintenance-free decision. Adding a pool requires copious amounts of water checks and cleaning to ensure your pool is fit for use and can be used safely by everyone. This means checking water levels, especially in above-ground pools, pH levels, and chlorine to ensure it is clean. You will also need to clean filters and remove debris that has made its way to the pool. This can be time-consuming, and if you cannot do this yourself, having a pool service company come by and maintain your pool can be something to consider, but it will come with an added cost. Don’t forget repairs too. Over time different parts of your pool will need to be fixed to keep it in good working order. From requiring concrete pool resurfacing to replacement liners, new filters, and even flooring around the edge of the pool, this can be expensive if you don’t care for your pool correctly.
Fencing
Your pool must be safe and secure to prevent accidental drowning of children, adults, and pets. Every single state in Australia requires all home pools to have a safety gate to prevent access when not in use and to increase safety. Maintaining this fence and having clear parameters for added security – along with additional safety features if required, should be something you factor into the upkeep and design of the pool before going ahead. It isn’t an added consideration for aesthetic reasons, it is a legal requirement and our responsibility as the homeowner or ensures it is fit for purpose and meets all regulations.
Conclusion
Having a pool in your home can seem like the ultimate Australian dream for many people. However, there are some practicalities and safety concerns you need to think about carefully to ensure you are not only doing it for the right reasons but also aware of what is involved in caring for a pool.
