You want to build a pool. It’s an exciting thought, but you can’t let this excitement get the better of you, as building a swimming pool is a big decision that demands deep consideration.
No matter whether you’re looking at a high-end infinity pool, a concrete built-in pool or a fibreglass above-ground pool, there are a few things you’ll need to think about, and decisions you’ll need to make, before you start construction.
What exactly do you need to consider before you build your own pool? And are there any other options? Read on to find out.
Your budget
The first step to building a pool is to form your budget. A pool is a significant purchase, and the look and size of the final product will largely be determined by how much you’re willing to spend. There are two costs to consider:
Installation costs
How much are you willing to spend on the design and installation of your pool? The sticker price can change dramatically between in-ground vs above-ground, concrete vs fibreglass, off-the-shelf vs a custom design.
Then there are all the associated pool installation costs: engineering reports, earth stabilisation, council consent, excavation, covers, pool fencing, landscaping, water care and heating systems (if you want to use your pool all year round). There may be unexpected costs too, such as issues with site accessibility, your local government, the soil, the water table or neighbours.
Ongoing costs
Remember that you’ll need to fill the pool, power the heater, treat the water, and clean your pool regularly. Be sure to factor these ongoing costs into your budget.
There is an alternative to all this confusion and expense: a Fastlane Pools swim spa. You pay one (surprisingly low) price, place these self-contained units where you want, fill them up and plug them in. Thanks to incredible energy efficiency, the ongoing costs are surprisingly low too, which means you can enjoy guilt-free swims all year round!
Design and functionality
When you build your own pool you can either choose a prefabricated model or a bespoke design. The latter will take longer and cost more than the former, but the results can be stunning. The same goes for an above-ground or in-ground pool.
Swimming pool design considerations should begin with what you want to use your pool for. Fun for the whole family? Consider adding a slide or diving board. For parties? Ensure it’s big enough to fit all your guests. Fitness? You might consider a lap pool, or even better, a Fastlane Pools swim spa.
Size and placement
For most homeowners, the size of the pool will be limited by the constraints of the backyard: the spare space, the landscaping, potentially the slope.
Unlike a Fastlane Pool swim spa, which fits an infinite swim into a machine that takes up as little as 8m², a swimming pool needs to be a decent size to be worthwhile. If you choose to build a traditional pool, you need to think carefully about where you’ll put it, and how large you can reasonably go.
Timeframe
Installing a pool can be a long-term prospect. The timeframe will be determined by three main factors:
- The contractor: The best swimming pool builders generally have wait lists.
- The local government: It can take time to get your installation approved by local authorities.
- The type of pool: The process from initial query to completed installation can take up to 12 months for a custom concrete pool, can be measured in weeks for an above-ground fibreglass pool, and can be literal days for a Fastlane Pools swim spa.
Safety and insurance
Pools can be hazardous for children, and local governments have strict safety rules that are enforced by large fines. It’s critical that you check local regulations for certified safety fences, gates and doors.
While these features offer peace of mind, they can be costly, annoying for adults, and not exactly aesthetically pleasing. This is yet another benefit of a Fastlane Pools swim spa – pool safety is as simple as putting on the lockable cover.
Maintenance and upkeep
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, even when Jack owns a pool. Your pool should never become a burden – but as many pool owners will tell you, they can, particularly at cooler times of the year. You can use technology to help you keep your pool clean, clear and free of debris, or you can get someone else to do it, but both of these options incur costs.
A Fastlane Pools swim spa, meanwhile, largely takes care of itself. Automated water technologies trade chemicals and litmus strips for easy-change cartridges. The smaller footprint means that there is less water to treat and less pool to clean, and an easy to install cover ensures debris is kept out.
Why build a pool at all?
Given the high upfront and ongoing costs, the extensive footprint, the protracted timeframes, the safety concerns and the maintenance demands, building a swimming pool isn’t a decision that you should take lightly.
But there is another option – one that places a never-ending, tumble turn-free swim, right in your backyard. A Fastlane Pools swim spa.
Enjoy an incredible open water swimming experience in a self-contained, compact and cost-effective pool that can be installed in a matter of days. Add in luxurious hydromassage, and you have a complete hydrotherapy machine.
Ready to experience the Fastlane Pools difference? Get in touch with your local Hot Spring dealer today.
