Planning for an In Ground Swimming Pool

Swimming pools are the ultimate symbol of a leisurely life.  Plan your home improvement homework well before you hire a swimming pool contractor.  Here are some issues about pools to consider before diving in the deep end.

• Zoning restriction.  Verify that you have the most up to date zoning and building restrictions for swimming pool and ask your local building department how the permit process is handled.  Also ask about regulation on fencing and barriers, pool depth requirements for diving boards, set-backs, and proximity to utility lines.
• Pool shapes, size, and depth.  Simple geometric shapes (squares, rectangles, circles, and ovals) are the best for complimenting a landscape setting and enhance the appearance of typical residential lots.  It is difficult to incorporate unusual swimming pool shapes into most homes without overwhelming the rest of the landscape.  However, odd shapes pools may be used to integrate natural features of your property.
• Recreational pool users don’t require great depth.  It is adequate to provide a sloped floor which can go from a minimum depth of 36 inches to a maximum depth of 4-5 feet.  This type of pool does not need to be any particular shape.  Pick a shape that will compliment your lot.
• Athletic lap swimmers need a long and narrow space with at least 4-5 feet deep throughout the pool to avoid touching the bottom while swimming and to ensure that turns at the pool’s can be executed safely.  A pool length of 25 yards or 25 meters will enable the swimmer to develop a style used in competition.

A hybrid shape and depth accommodate both the recreational and athletic needs, like an L shaped pool.  The shallow and short leg is large enough for fun and entertainment, while the longer leg is design for lap swimmers.  Consider the depth factor carefully for safety and usage.  The wading pool is relatively safe, but small children will quickly out grown it and join the rest of the family in the main pool.

• On going expenditures.  The cost for pool chemicals, average from $50-$100 per month depend on your climate, pool size, and frequency of use.  Equipment lifespan vary tremendously by brand and quality.  Other elements such as proper water chemistry and location of pump equipment can affect lifespan.  Pump locates at the pool level last longer than the one that sit higher and have to pump (push) water.
• Pool patio.  When drawing up swimming pool building plan, make sure to include extra space around the pool for a deck or paved area surrounding all sides of the pool.  The pool side area provides easy access to the pool for safety reason, minimize the amount of dirt entering the water, and catches over spills which would otherwise caused the surrounding area to become waterlogged.  As a rule of thumb, the total poolside area should be approximately equal to the pool and should be at least 5-8 feet wide.  Remember to include a safety fence around the outside of the patio too.

For planning a swimming pool construction project, allow plenty of time for research and good information gathering.  Building a pool is a major investment in term of money, time, energy, and yard space.  Designs and construction mistakes and changes will be costly to resolve during and after the actual working process.