Hello World! Welcome Friends! There’s something almost universally appealing about having your own pool. Whether you dream of languid, luxurious summer days spent floating on turquoise waters or you want to set a personal lap-swimming speed record, a pool is fun for just about everyone. But before you dive headfirst into a construction project, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Pros and Cons of Getting a Pool
For every backyard oasis, there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes. Are you committed to the ongoing maintenance and safety considerations involved in having your own pool?
1. Cleaning
Pools require a lot of upkeep. You’ll need to add chemicals to the water regularly as well as run a filtration system, empty the filter basket and scoop out debris with a long-handled net. Expect a steady stream of leaves and bugs to fall into the pool. Frogs, snakes, rats and birds also occasionally die in the water, and you’ll need to retrieve them quickly to keep the pool clean.
On windy days, extra debris — including large amounts of dust — may accumulate in the water, turning it into more of a pond than a pool.
Loose trash also tends to blow in during heavy winds. Additionally, rain will dilute the pool water and require you to add more chemicals after a storm passes. To avoid any issues later, it better to get a professional to build your pool. Contact The Complete Backyard pool builder for a reliable assistance.
2. Water Usage
Pools require thousands of gallons of water to fill initially, and in arid climates, they can rapidly lose water due to evaporation. But covering your pool prevents up to 95% of evaporation, so once you fill the pool, you won’t have to add much water to maintain it. Just be mindful of excess splashing or leaks that can waste water, and cover the pool when you aren’t swimming. Pool autofill system takes care of maintaining your desired water level, ensuring a stress-free pool experience.
3. Children, Pets and Older Adults
Do you have pets or small children? Are you planning on having them in the future? If so, safety should be your number one priority when considering getting a pool. Older adults living in your household may also need greater supervision if you install a swimming pool.
If you do get a pool, you’ll need to build a fence around the perimeter and sign your kids up for swimming lessons when they’re old enough. Swimming lessons may lower the risk of drowning for children aged 1-4 years old. Though it may be surprising, babies as young as one year old can start learning to swim and become familiar with the water.
4. Climate
If you live in a region blessed with balmy, year-round sunshine — or cursed with triple-digit temperatures all summer — then installing a pool makes a lot of sense. You’ll be able to go swimming most days, and the cool water will provide relief from the heat.
But if you live in an area that’s more wintry than warm, a pool might be more maintenance than it’s worth. Consider how often you’ll actually be able to swim. Warm days do little to heat a pool when the temperature dips below freezing every night. Even a heated pool is too chilly to enjoy in sub-zero temperatures, so a hot tub might be a better choice.
Swimming pools can also crack when exposed to freezing temperatures. If you do decide to install a pool in a cold climate, you’ll need to choose a flexible building material that can withstand temperature swings. Otherwise, prepare to shell out a few hundred or thousands of extra dollars for repairs.
5. Recreation
A pool provides endless entertainment. Whether you want to play with the kids, entertain guests, float on an inner tube or practice diving, having your own pool is undoubtedly a lot of fun. There’s no need to be packed shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers at the public pool, allowing you to really relax and stretch out. And, unlike in public swimming areas, you can kick back with a poolside martini or snacks.
If you have dogs that like to swim, letting them play in a backyard pool is a great way to release their energy in a contained area. Some breeds seem happier in the water than on land! Plus, it never gets old watching them dive in after a toy.
6. Health
Just two and a half hours of weekly aerobic activity can lower your risk of developing a chronic illness. Swimming is an excellent way to exercise because it’s easy on the joints, and the water supports your weight while you move. That’s why swimming is a great choice for people with arthritis, pregnant women and people trying to lose weight. Exercising in the pool can improve your mood and overall quality of life.
Swimming also gets you outside. If you work indoors, you may need more vitamin D or fresh air, but incorporating a daily swim into your routine can remedy that.
The Verdict
There’s no doubt that having your own pool is entertaining. Though it does involve a lot of upkeep and special considerations depending on climate and family structure, being able to go swimming at a moment’s notice is worth it for many people.
Weigh the pros and cons carefully before installing a pool. If you don’t like the thought of doing extra maintenance, you might be better off visiting the public pool rather than building your own. But if you’re OK with scooping out a few dead bugs as part of your daily routine — and having neighbors drop by to swim as often as you’ll let them — then go ahead and take the plunge.
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Toodles,
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