Before you start on a new pool project, there are a number of factors you need to consider. Some of these are quite obvious, others less so. If you are not completely sure what you are doing, you can go through all the points in this guide before getting started and greatly increase the chances that your new installation is an unqualified success.
Make Sure Your New Pool Installation Goes Smoothly
The following tips have been put together to help homeowners in Toronto and elsewhere complete a new installation without encountering any major setbacks along the way.
- Write Down Your Objectives – This may seem like a silly exercise at first but most people find it much easier to specify exactly what type of pool they want after they have written down what they would like to do with it. If, for example, you want to hone your diving technique on the high board, a regular shaped pool with a decent deep end will probably be your best option. On the other hand, if you are building a new pool mainly for the benefit of your children, a freeform model, with plenty of shallow areas in which to splash around, would be a good choice.
- Find a Professional Contractor – Possibly the most important task you need to tackle, finding a reputable contractor to carry out your pool installation should be your next priority. To make sure that the contractor you hire is capable of doing a good job, ask to see evidence of work they have previously completed in the area. Any contractor that is not willing to provide references or show you examples of jobs they have recently finished is best avoided.
- Consider Access – The amount of free space you have in your yard, along with your reasons for wanting a pool in the first place, should be the main determining factors when deciding what size pool you would like to have installed. However, if you want to avoid embarrassing mistakes, you should consider access to your property as well. If you opt for an inground fibreglass pool installation, the actual pool itself will need to be craned into position after all the necessary excavation work has been completed. Any access limitations that may affect the size of crane your contractors can use will play a part in deciding how big of a pool it is practical for you to have installed.
- Insist on Gravel for Backfilling – Some pool installation contractors may use sand or, even worse, earth or clay, to backfill the hole into which your pool is installed. Unless gravel is used, there is a good chance that the backfilling material will settle over time, resulting in a gap between the patio and the edge of your pool.
- Invest in a Good Quality Patio – While we are on the subject of patios, it is worth pointing out that paying a little more for high quality materials and a contractor with the necessary skills and experience to install them properly will prove to be a wise investment. Toronto homeowners tend to spend more time sitting round their pools than they do actually swimming in them, which means that the patios are often the main focus of attention.
- Budget for Annual Maintenance Costs – To ensure your pool remains in excellent condition for many years to come, leave some money in your budget for ongoing maintenance costs.
Following the above advice is no guarantee that your pool installation will be a complete success but it will greatly improve your chances. Call Seabreeze for more information today.