Back in the 80s and 90s most swimming pools looked alike: they were either kidney-shaped, had a rectangular design, and most had that iconic, porous slip-proof concrete surround. Most tiles were aqua blue or navy, and the pool’s surface was typically blue or white.Today, however, homeowners are jumping at the chance to utilize advancements in technology that lend to creating unique swimming pools that are anything but cookie-cutter. Before you call a custom pool builder to design the perfect staycation in your backyard, you would be wise to consider these tips when investing in a custom pool.
Budget and Available Time
Before you delve into the fine details in designing a custom swimming pool, be sure to establish a budget, as well as the window of time you have for the pool’s completion.
When setting a budget you will want to make sure the materials and labor fall within that financial frame. Be sure to have an open conversation with your pool builder; let him know what your budget is, the design you seek, and ask him to recommend a build and material options that will fit into the budget.
The budget should also include a safety net in the event some problems surface. For example, in the unlikely event the builder hits bedrock, the location of the pool may have to change, and the additional labor required to fill in the site and relocate the pool could impact your budget. However, when a pool builder walks your property, most potential hazards, if any, can be identified and homeowners can receive the necessary feedback.
Time is certainly a concern. Building a custom pool means you will have an active construction zone in your backyard. For some people this is not a problem, but if your job poses some concerns (work from home), or if you have travel plans, you will want to make sure the builder can get in and out within the allocated time. In other cases a homeowner may have an event planned such as a family reunion and they count on having a new pool as the star feature of their event. So make sure your pool builder knows of any hard deadlines you may have.
How the Pool Fits in with Your Home
Another thing to consider is how the pool’s design will blend with the home. In order to have uniformity and create a space that isn’t broken up or awkward, the pool’s style should complement the home’s architectural and design features. For example, if you have a traditional Spanish home, consider adding Spanish tiles to the pool to create unity.
Resale
Unless you plan to stay in your home for the rest of your life, you may want to make sure you choose a pool design that is custom enough to suit your needs, but that will still be attractive to future buyers. For example, if you want a pool with a shamrock shape to celebrate your Irish heritage, just be cognizant that the market for people who want shamrock pools is very small.
Your best bet is to talk to your pool builder and come up with a strategy that will give you everything you need to have the pool of your dreams, yet enable a pool design that future owners will find value in if in fact you intend to sell your property in time.