Read this before installing a swimming pool!

Now that the weather is starting to heat up, homeowners are getting the chlorine and pool cleaners out in preparation for that first summertime swim! But for those of us without a pool of our own, fawning over the neighbour’s in-ground pool and listening to the carefree splashes through the fence, keep thinking that pool is the DREAM… Or is it? 

If you’ve been toying with the idea of upgrading your backyard with a pool installation, let’s talk logistics. Investing in a pool is a big commitment, so you’ll want to be sure you’ve considered everything before diving in headfirst. 

Pool type

In-ground or above-ground? Lap pool or architectural pool? Natural pool or infinity pool? Did you know there’s such a thing as a spool?! (That’s a spa/pool, people.) You’ll also need to understand the difference between pool construction materials. Concrete-painted? Concrete-pebble (with pebble-crete or glass finish)? Fibreglass? 

Before you speak to any pool installation teams, be sure to research the details and requirements of each type before you buy. 

Placement

So you’ve got a big backyard and want a functional feature smack bang in the middle, huh? Before you give the measurements of your space to an installer, you’ll need to first consider your pool’s surrounding environment. 

Sun vs shade

Does your potential pool space get a lot of sunlight? Is it good for sunbathing? Do trees or buildings obscure the sun? My rule of thumb here is to ensure you have an even balance of both sunshine and shade. You’ll want sunshine to keep your pool warm in the cooler months (should you want a cheeky winter dip) and will need a well-shaded area to dry off after your swim. 

Wind

If your backyard is one that collects all the dead leaves or seeds from around the neighbourhood on a windy day, you’ll need to take into account the necessary cleaning when these same culprits fly into your pool water.

Visibility

Got kids? Ensure your pool is within close proximity and has clear visibility to your house so you can keep an eye on your tots and teens at all times. 

Depth

To predict the depth you’d ideally like your pool to be, first you need to know how you will use it. If you plan on doing laps, you’ll need to make a comfortable underwater turn, which means you’ll need about 1.2 metres of water to ensure you don’t touch the bottom. 

Typically, a deep-end pool is 1.5 metres, so have a good think about who will be using the pool and how before you buy, as you also don’t want to waste water filling up a deep-end pool purely meant for small children to have a splash in. 

Consider the cost of pool equipment

What are you willing or able to spend on your pool maintenance and cleaning equipment? Keeping in mind that the cost can range from $3,000 to $30,000, you’ll want to do your research on brands and packages before settling on a pool system you’re happy with. 

The bits and bobs you’ll need to ruminate on include: salt water, liquid chlorine, sand filter, number of pool or energy saving pumps for filtration and more, electric, solar or gas pool heat pump (if opting for a heated pool), pool blanket and roller, and a suction pool cleaner. 

As you can see, this can be a costly property feature to run, so be sure to work your equipment costs into your final decision.  

There is so much to consider before ‘jumping in the deep-end’ and making the decision that indeed you do want to install a pool. But once you’ve problem-solved all the nitty gritty and worked out exactly what you want and need, there’s nothing stopping you from giving your chosen pool builder a call to organise a free quote! 

But any questions you may have, please give us a call at Kitty & Miles on (02) 8916 6172 or email us at support@kittyandmiles.com.au.