What’s Your Budget?

Budget is important, first and foremost. Working within what is reasonable will allow you to close in on options that will work best for you, while also taking some stress out of the buying experience. Pools come at different price points and various bells and whistles can be slowly added over time in many cases.

Try to factor in pool landscapers when you are budgeting as well. These professionals can be invaluable in helping you zero in on what will work best in your backyard and within your budget. Speaking of landscaping:

Take a Look at Your Environment

While weighing what type of swimming pool layout will work in your space, examine your surroundings. Your backyard may already be landscaped and you may want to find a pool that will add to what already exists. Your house is also an element of your backyard, so take the time to look at it and imagine what might be best suited to accentuate its features. A more modern building might be perfect for a pool built with clean straight lines. A more traditional house might be best suited to a different, more organic look.

How Much Room Do You Have?

Take measurements of your backyard and think about how to best use the space to maximise what is possible. If you have a smaller area to work with, a pool can be placed along a back wall, which allows you to economise by using an existing fence.

Also, think about other “zones” so the actual pool doesn’t take up the entire square footage of your yard. Remember to leave room for lounging or entertaining. This might mean you may need to consider a smaller pool, but it will make the entire area more “livable”.

Take into consideration as well the terrain of your backyard (is it rather flat, or on a slope?). This may affect the landscape surrounding the finished product, and/or the ultimate size potential of the pool itself.

How Will You Use Your Pool?

People have different uses for their pool, and the shape and style you choose will be impacted by your lifestyle.  While families might like deep and shallow swimming areas, with more curves and elements such as water features or sun pods, others may love the idea of having a pool that’s much more suited to swimming laps. There are also plunge and courtyard styles that are perfect for lounging if your ideal goal is to have a place to kick back and relax.

Consider Maintenance Costs

Maintenance comes at a cost and pools need a little bit of TLC. Over time, costs accrue to cover pool chemicals, water testing kits, skimmers, covers, and a vacuum.  If you’re investing in a heating system, keep in mind that there will ultimately be a bit of a higher energy bill as well. Work these items into your overall budget to get a sense of longer-term costs.