What to Consider When Installing a New Pool in Your Backyard

A swimming pool can be a fantastic addition to your home. It increases your home's value, improves the usability of your backyard, and makes the summertime infinitely more fun — plus, it’s great for having friends or family over! However, a pool can be a big commitment and, if you’re thinking about installing one, you likely have lots of questions you need answered before you make a decision. As a Fairfield construction company, Raymond Design Builders has helped more than our fair share of homeowners through the pool-buying process. So, let’s go over some of the most common questions we get asked:

Should I Repair My Old Pool or Install a New One?

In most cases, it's better to replace your old pool rather than try to repair it. This is due to three reasons:

• Most contractors can't promise that a new repair on an old pool will work or how long it will stay in place. Therefore, a contractor will almost always recommend you replace your old pool with a new one because it’s a guaranteed long-term solution. 
• Older pools may be outdated or constructed with cheap materials. Bringing the facilities and design of an outdated pool up to today’s standard — in addition to regular pool upkeep costs and future maintenance — could end up costing you more than simply buying a new one. For example, older pools often don't have a large enough shallow end. And they also might not be able to have modern pool equipment, such as an automatic cover.
• The existing pool might not be in the best spot in your backyard. For example, it may be too close to the house, not leaving you enough room for the pool setup you'd like to have. 

Okay, so What do I Need to Know Before Installing a Pool?

The number one thing you need to know is what kind of pool and surrounding setup you want. Unless you’re already an expert, start by researching the types of pools available to you. There are two main types:

• Fiberglass. A fiberglass pool is excellent as it installs quickly (often only a week of work to get it up and running). The downside to these pools is they come in standard sizes and options with no real customization.
• Gunite. A gunite pool is a top-of-the-line pool and is fabricated on-site to your specifications. This allows for many impressive features such as built-in hot tubs, waterfalls, and even lazy rivers. These take a few months to install, depending on the complexity of the design

The type of pool you want to build is based on your budget and timeframe. That's why it's always best to consult with a professional contractor who will work with you on all these things. A contractor will also use their experience to help plan pool and patio options and any other backyard needs you have.

While you’re at it, you should also consider how you want to use the space around your pool. You can keep to landscaping or extend your living space to the outdoors with a porch, gazebo, pool house, or another outdoor living area. We’ll go over those three options below, but we encourage you to look up other types of outdoor living areas, like pool decks, and decide what’s right for you:

• Porch. Porches are a great way to connect your existing house to the outdoors and your pool. They provide cover from the elements with open sides to allow airflow and an easy transition to the outside. To get the most out of your space, turn it into an outdoor living room, dining room, or any other room your family uses often!
• Gazebos. These are great if there isn't an option to have a porch. Gazebos have many different styles and present an opportunity to construct a structure that is a different style than the main house.
• Pool houses. This is the Rolls-Royce of all your options. Pool houses create a separate living space with easy access to the pool that’s excellent for having a kitchenette, living area, and a purpose-built bathroom. And often a pool house can be used year-round, making it an ideal hangout space for a summer pool party or winter holiday get-together. The other advantage is that a pool house gives you the space to store off-season furniture and toys. 

How Do I Decide Where to Put My Pool?

There are several factors to consider when deciding where to put your new pool. How much space do you have? Does your yard have slopes or other challenges limiting where you can put your pool? Where would your pool look the best and make it convenient to use? Do you want a view of your pool? And what rules and restrictions are limiting where you can install your pool?

This is where a contractor comes in. A contractor's experience and insight from doing this every day will provide you with the details and guidance needed to make an educated decision about where to put your new pool.

What is the Pool Construction Process? 

Once you've decided where to put your pool, your contractor will mark the perimeter, then remove all the sod, rocks, debris, and other vegetation. Next, we measure for the lowest point of the pool and create a level of wood around the area of the pool. We then stake it out for excavation and begin the excavation of the pool. This brings us to installation, which will depend on the type of layout and pool you choose.

What's Next?

If you are ready to embark on the journey of a new pool or are looking to replace your old pool, you can start by contacting Raymond Design Builders today for information on pool designs and costs. Our team of CT builders has been helping the people with their remodeling needs since 1998 — and we’re ready to help you too! Whether you’re ready to commit to a pool addition or have been saving up for a whole home remodel, Raymond Design Builders can help bring your vision to life. Need to see the proof? Check out our portfolio.