Designing and building a custom gunite swimming pool doesn’t (and shouldn’t) be a stressful or drawn out process. When you find the right pool company to meet your needs, it should actually be smooth and enjoyable! At the end of it all, this experience should be a wonderful memory for you and your family, made better only by the many years you’ll spend enjoying in your new backyard oasis.
If you’re hesitant that a swimming pool project may be more than you can handle, take a look at these tips for streamlining the process and setting yourself up for a positive experience.
Establish a clear vision for your pool, but stay open-minded.
It’s very helpful to begin the process by first understanding your goals for your backyard space. How do you plan to use the pool? How many people will you entertain on a usual day, and do you desire a space that can ebb and flow to accommodate various numbers of guests? Websites like Houzz will help to give you some ideas of possibilities and help you determine styles you do and do not like.
The flip side of this coin is that while it’s great to have a clear vision, you should also stay open-minded that certain things may need to change to accommodate the size and shape of your backyard, your budget, and restrictions based upon property lines or township requirements. A trusted pool professional can help advise you on all of these things.
Begin the process by doing your own research to start.
If you do an internet search for pool companies in your area, you might be overwhelmed by the many options available to you. While an internet search is a great starting point, you then need to narrow down your results by doing further research. What type of pool are you looking to build? What skills and qualifications are most important to you? Answering these questions, and then doing your research on the companies who align with these qualifications will help you identify the top two or three pool companies with whom you should call and schedule a time to meet. This way, you’re not overloading your schedule and possibly wasting your time with dozens of pool companies who aren’t quite the best fit for your particular job.
Have your initial meetings early.
Maybe you’ve only started to day dream about having your own swimming. It’s not too early to talk to someone! If you feel confident that a pool project is in your future, even in the next two to three years, it’s worth having some initial conversations with potential pool companies.
First, these meetings will open your eyes as to what the pool building process really entails; it will also help you get a ballpark figure for the appropriate budget for your project. You will then have the information you need to determine the direction and timeline of your project. Is this something you want to pursue in the next 12 months, or is this now something you feel like you want to wait on in order to better determine your design or save toward your budget? The answer to this question and more are valuable things to be gained from your initial meetings.
Let quality and customer service guide your selection process.
The pool company you ultimately select as you professionals to design and build your pool will have a large impact on your experience with the project. This is why doing your research and having initial meetings early is so important for a smooth and enjoyable pool building process. To help guide you toward the best selection for you, let quality and customer service guide your decision. What company has the most experience building the type of pool you desire? Do your personalities ‘mesh’ well? Remember, these are people you will be working closely with over the course of the next year or more. When you base your decision on quality and customer service, you are likely to find a company who will deliver your expected results.
Be realistic about your project timeline.
Another tip for making any home project more enjoyable is to be realistic about your project timeline. Things tend to take longer than we would like them to. Managing your own expectations from the start will help reduce stress or feeling like you’re behind, when really you’re right on track by industry standards.
“Sleep” on major decisions, but don’t overthink it.
At various points in your pool project, you’ll be faced with large decisions that will greatly impact the look and functionality of your pool – not to mention the cost. While it’s important you take these decisions seriously, don’t drag things out for weeks or months. Give yourself a few days to reflect on your options, do some research, ask a trusted friend, and then make your decision and move on. Not only will this help keep your project on deadline, it will prevent you from overthinking things.
Stay focused on your “why.”
Finally, keep your eye on the prize. The goal of your pool project is to create a fun and welcoming space where you can relax and create memories for years to come. There are many ways this can be achieved. Throughout the building process there may be changes and challenges that will cause you to adjust your initial plan. By staying focused on the “why” of your project, you will keep a level head and a positive perspective.
Are you ready to take the first step toward building your dream pool? There’s no need to be intimidated by or nervous about the process. Contact us today so we can paint a clearer picture of what you should expect when working with Aquavisions.