A backyard pool is a hot commodity here in Florida and with good reason! And that is the ability to walk out your door and diving into that cool blue water at will. A backyard pool is an investment worth making but it makes good sense to be forewarned about any possible pitfalls you could encounter during the process. If you’re considering taking the plunge, we have answers to a few questions homeowners might wonder about.
Is the sand content of my soil going to be a problem?
If you’re a Florida native, you know that the soil here is mixed with sand… lots of sand. Sand tends to shift on its own, but during the rainy season around here it’s a given. Having a soil analysis done before hiring your contractor might be a good idea.
With due diligence, you can use the analysis to find someone experienced in dealing with your specific situation. Moreover, though, it could be used for sleuthing on your part. If the contractor doesn’t mention having an analysis done or that one isn’t necessary, it should raise a red flag because they might not be worth their salt.
The pool business is nearly always booming here in Florida so there are obvious fixes for every soil type. An experienced pool contractor will want to know what they will be dealing with. The big question for homeowners, of course, is, “How much will it cost me?” Contractors can figure the expense of any framework needed to reinforce your site to keep it from collapsing during the dig into their initial bid.
Moreover, the framework strengthens your pool’s overall integrity throughout it’s lifespan.
Is my yard big enough?
Any yard is big enough for a pool!
Some homeowners would even answer that question by saying having no yard is okay as long as there’s a pool out back. We’re pretty sure it’s safe to say that most leave room for a nice patio in between rather than diving out the back door right into the water though.
People are willing to go without a yard to have a pool because Florida and pools gel well together. And you have to admit that sitting poolside beats mowing the yard for most of us any day of the week. Are we right? Another perk for some is that if you’re a homebody who loves to entertain, owning a pool is a great enticement for all the gatherings to happen at your place.
Just saying—
Of course, the size of your pool affects the overall cost to a large degree.
Another consideration is the lay of your land. If you have a sloped yard, some work may be required to provide a level area for the build. That can include “building up” the area with additional soil or “digging out” the area which usually includes installing a retaining wall.
Can zoning put a boundary on the placement?
If you live governed by a homeowner’s association (HOA), check in with them regarding any stipulations regarding installing your pool. Known for being strict, some HOAs only allow work to be done within certain time frames, specify where workers can park, and any number of other regulations. Failure to follow the guidelines could earn you a hefty fine.
Before beginning construction, you need up-to-date zoning and building restrictions for swimming pools in your area. These can be obtained from your local government. They generally contain guidelines and specifications for fencing, barriers, depth requirements when installing diving boards, and how close your pool can be to property lines.
How do I choose a contractor?
Word of mouth is our first choice. If friends or family have installed a pool and are happy with the results, ask them who they chose. You can also gain useful information from local review boards.
We’ll mention, though, that you might need to take a sudden rash of negative reviews out of nowhere with a grain of salt. Easy enough to do around here! Just take a big breath of air, yeah? Disgruntled employees, a shifty competitor, or someone just out to ruin another’s day have been known to leave false reviews trying to harm a company’s business.
Helping you with determining factors
Here’s a bullet list of checks and balances that will aid you in your search for the best contractor.
- How many years have they been in business?
- Are they bonded and insured? Ask to see proof.
- Ask for references and check them out.
- Find out if they subcontract any of the work.
- Will they provide you with a detailed contract?
So, are all backyards right for a pool?
The answer to that question, with the exception of extreme circumstances, is a hearty, “Yes!” Having a swimming pool goes hand-in-hand with the sub-tropical climate that we enjoy. The swimming season begins far earlier than the majority of the nation and lasts longer into the fall. If you take on the expense of heating the pool, year-round swimming is certainly not out of the question!
Some homeowners opt for expanding the size of the pool over having much of a backyard at all. Of course, leaving room for a sizeable patio makes gathering with family and friends even more enjoyable. Lighting and setting the mood with furniture and decor is sure to be the pièce de résistance. If you enclose the space, it could be that no one will ever want to be anywhere else! That works out great if you love to host.
The size of your yard determines the end result and with the help of an experienced contractor, your family is sure to wind up with a space you will all enjoy for years to come. Happy memory-making!