The start of a new year may have you thinking about setting new goals, or possibly picking up a few that have fallen off over the last few months or years. For some, this might include the goal to finally build your dream swimming pool that you have been longing for year after year. And right now is a great time to set that goal and make a commitment to achieving it this year!
However, if you find that you’re not quite sure where to begin, don’t worry. Getting started is fairly straightforward and does not have to be an intimidating process. Like any other project you’ve tackled, there are small steps you take along the way that lead you to the end result. Take a look at our advice for getting serious about building a swimming pool – and taking the right steps to launch your project this year.
Get Inspired
First and foremost, you want to start with inspiration. Especially for a project such as creating your dream outdoor living space, it’s important to develop a clear vision for your wants and needs. Everyone has a different lifestyle! How do you want your backyard and pool to reflect yours? For some, this may be a tranquil and serene space to relax and lounge. For other, this may be an energizing and exciting space filled with lots of options for activity like slides, games and sports. Or maybe it’s a combination of both. No matter where you land on the spectrum, it’s important to identify this point before moving on to the next step.
Understand the Building and Zoning Permit Process
Inspiration is one important component of building your dream pool, but it has to be met with a balance of reality. This is why it’s so important to investigate the building and zoning permit process for your particular local municipality. Rules and regulations can vary significantly from township to township and county to county, so you want to make sure that any obstacles or restrictions are known before you get too far along in the design process. Keep in mind that this is something your pool company can and should assist you with. It can be a daunting task to navigate along, but with the right pool company to guide you through the process, and share their expertise, this can made a manageable task. When brings us to the next point.
Find the Right Pool Company
Now with a clear vision for the space you wish to create, you must find the right pool company that matches your vision and has the necessary experience and resources to bring your vision to life. Each pool company is unique – as is every customer. This means you need to research and interview enough pool companies until you find the one that sparks a connection. There are several factors you’ll want to consider such as a company’s pool specialty, reputation, style, quality, customer service and pricing. When you feel aligned in all these areas, you know you have found the right pool company to take on your job.
Know Your “All-In” Budget
Next, you need to spend some time fine-tuning your budget. Many people begin with a rough budget and that’s a great place to start. But now that you know the scope of your project and have a wish-list for all that you want to be included, you need to know how much you can really spend to bring it to life. Most importantly, you’ll want to account for things like tax, the cost to open, maintain and close your pool each year, excavation, hardscaping around the pool and fencing. There are many outside costs, beyond the pool alone, that need to be included in your “all-in” budget.
Work Backwards from Your Desired Completion Date
With all of these other items in place, you might be wondering “When can I expect my project to be complete?” Many clients focus on the end project and how soon they can be enjoying the luxury of their own swimming pool. Start with your desired completion date, then work backwards. Be upfront with your pool company about when you hope to be finished, and they will be honest with you about the timeline for completion. These two dates may align, or may need to be adjusted to meet in the middle somewhere. Most importantly, be flexible with your completion date and your pool company. Your pool company surely wants to see your pool complete as much as you do, but keep in mind that having a well thought out design and quality product is always worth the time it takes to complete it.
Are you ready to get serious about building your swimming pool? If you need help deciding how to start the process, reach out to us today. We’re happy to answer your questions and provide insight!