We’ve got a couple of weeks left in the “dog days” of summer—that’s the term used to describe the most oppressive period of the season. It’s always pretty sultry around here through the summer months. Have you been visiting the local swimming pool regularly?
Odds are, if you have kids, the answer to that question is likely to be “as often as possible!” Swimming pools are a great way to entertain children for hours at a time. They happily splash the day away—and get pretty worn out in the process!
You may have considered putting in a backyard pool of your own but, then, put that thought on a backburner due to the cost. If you’re debating as to whether or not your yard will accommodate a swimming pool, the answer is most likely yes because nearly every yard is right for a pool.
Size doesn’t matter
If you’re wondering if your yard is big enough, don’t.
Inground swimming pools can be as small as 10’x10′. Consult with a pool designer to determine what size pool works best in the space. They will help you envision what your yard will look like after the fact.
If you have a fairly small backyard, a designer can incorporate additional elements that will make the area appear larger. While there may not be room for diving boards or waterfall features, the sight of water shimmering in the sunlight will be enough to invite swimmers to take the plunge.
Check with city officials regarding any ordinances that would affect how close your pool can be to your house or property lines. Your contractor should take care of any building permit requirements and it should be outlined in your contract with them.
Leveling the playing field
If your yard is on a slope, there are several options that may be taken to ensure that your swimming pool is installed correctly.
• Minor landscaping—grading the land is one way to level a specific area
• Retaining walls—hold back dirt, route runoff, ensure privacy, or can be used to create water features or seating areas
• Leaving a section of pool wall exposed can create a dramatic effect
• Infinity pools
Getting creative when dealing with yards that slope allows you to design a pool area that is beautiful to behold, functional, and safe. Your builder can help you determine the best course of action to keep the final expense as minimal as possible.
Hidden obstacles
Unless your contractor offers free estimates complete with ground-penetrating radar analysis (GPR), it’s possible that they’ll run across a bed of rock when beginning the dig. That shouldn’t halt the process because pool contractors can overcome nearly every hidden obstacle. However, be advised that the solution will come with a price.
In like manner, buried utility lines can create problems when it comes to pool placement. Utility lines include any combination of phone, electric, gas, water, sewage, septic, and cable. Therefore, contractors ordinarily contact a utility-identification company to come out and flag areas that contain them. Should any lines be discovered, it can be expensive to have them moved. So, a better option may be to slightly reposition your pool dig.
Keeping design in mind
If you choose to customize the shape of your swimming pool, expect the final cost to rise considerably. The more extravagant the design, the higher the installation cost. Standard rectangular or circular pools remain the most popular choices for homeowners.
Adding a water feature shouldn’t break the budget though. Like pool designs, the more extravagant the feature, the higher the cost. Keeping your design on a lower scale won’t take away from the ambiance. You’ll save money and still reap the benefit of achieving that special state of relaxation the sound of running water releases within us.
Some popular water features include:
• Fountains
• Waterfalls
• Sheetfalls
• Cascades
• Spillways
• Water walls
They all create a “wow” factor if you’re looking for a striking focal point—or use them to create a cozy atmosphere. Whichever direction you decide to flow, lighting can help you set the stage.
Colored lights create a visual interest that accentuates a water feature. When deciding whether to go with traditional lighting or LED, know that most LED displays are programmed with multiple “light shows” built-in.
Private party
It’s hard not to feel on display if all the neighbors are out in their yards when you’re enjoying pool time with the family—especially if the neighbors don’t have a pool, right?
Mesh pool screen enclosures might be a better option than building a privacy wall or planting rows of hedges around the pool’s perimeter. They create the sense of privacy that you desire. Moreover, some companies customize their privacy screens with any digital image that the customer chooses.
The results are truly amazing! It allows you to have the sense of being in your favorite place on earth—every time you walk out your back door!
In addition, mesh pool screen enclosures provide these added benefits:
Safety
Privacy screen enclosures block unwanted access to the pool. You won’t have to worry about children or pets falling in while they’re playing outside.
Shade
Mesh privacy screens don’t block ultraviolet rays entirely, but they do provide a degree of shade. That means that you won’t be applying sunscreen as often. The kids will love that because everyone knows that having to wait even a minute past the end of your popsicle for the sunscreen to dry is torture!
Free air flow
Screen enclosures allow air to circulate. That means you’ll catch every wisp of a breeze that comes your way. When air can circulate freely, mold and mildew have a hard time taking hold. They like damp, humid areas, such as those created by glass pool enclosures.
Block bugs and debris
Our subtropical environment is perfect for breeding bugs and storms, right? Chances are good that we’ve all been driven indoors by both—more than once!
Installing a mesh pool screen will keep you from suffering the fate of constantly swatting at bugs and mosquitoes. And, when a thunderstorm blows up out of nowhere, you won’t get caught with a pool full of yard debris or found chasing your floats down the block in the pouring rain!
Maintainence is a breeze
Mesh pool enclosures are easy to clean. Turn your kids loose with a bucket of water and a scrub brush a few times a year to clean off dirt and accumulated salt.
If skimming isn’t your thing, a pool enclosure certainly cuts down on that chore. Moreover, advances in technology have made maintaining water levels automatically possible!
And, believe it or not, you can do it all from the app on your phone!
Any yard is the right yard
A backyard swimming pool is a luxury that many Florida homeowners decide is well worth the expense.
The moment you open it for the season, a pool creates the perfect environment for making memories that last a lifetime. Your family and friends will be sure to agree… and will probably have the pictures to prove it.
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