You may have been thinking about building your dream pool for quite some time now but have yet to pull the trigger. The good news is, with the cooler weather here in Central Florida, now is the time to build so you can be swimming come pool season. However, no matter when you decide to start building the pool of your dreams, before you dive-in there are some important things to consider. Here are 8 things you should think about while you’re finalizing your decision to build a pool.
8 Things to Consider Before Building a Pool
1. Look into your zoning laws.
Before you break ground, we’ll need to make sure your property is following your city’s zoning ordinances for residential pools. These ordinances vary by city and some have more strict liability and maintenance laws than others. For instance, Orange County, Seminole County and Volusia County all have their own zoning ordinances. It can seem a bit confusing, but don’t worry, Pools by Bradley is here to help you!
2. What pool shape do you want?
Concrete (gunite) pools provide almost unlimited customization options. It’s why we here at Pools by Bradley build pools with gunite. Because of this, we can design countless waterscapes that fit right into your individual yard and space. There are so many different pool shapes to choose from such as geometric, and Grecian, or we can create a custom shaped free-form pool that’s like no other. We’ll walk you through the options so you can make the choice best for you and your desired result.
3. Familiarize yourself with the pool building process.
We’re all guilty of wanting instant gratification but know that with building a durable gunite pool that is customized to you, the installation time is a little bit longer than it would be with a cookie-cutter fiberglass or vinyl lined pool. Expect 10-14 weeks once the pool shell is shot, perhaps longer if weather is an issue and creates unforeseen delays. You can also talk with your homeowner’s insurance to see about extending your policy to your pool in the event of damage.
4. Consider Pool Maintenance
Do you plan to take care of the pool yourself, or hire a pool company? Once your dream pool becomes a reality, maintenance is a top priority. When your pool is taken care of the correct way, it can be a very valuable asset if you one day decide to sell. However, if it is not properly maintained can decrease your property value. If you choose to take the task on yourself and find it’s too much, hire a trained and certified pool technician to care for your pool.
5. Think about water features and lighting.
Enhancements to your pool design adds stimulation, soothing sights and sounds to your backyard. You can have water features that spray, bubble, sheet, jet, and mist water. Various stones can be used to create natural appearing waterfalls and water features, bringing your pool to life. Lighting adds ambiance to your pool and can make entertaining extra special. Take time to think about what additional features you want for your pool before you start to build. Enhancements do increase your initial budget but adding them later can end up costing you more, not to mention the time and the mess.
6. Don’t forget the landscaping!
Enhancing your pool area with landscaping adds depth and color to your back yard and can also provide privacy, shade and wind protection. You may have plants in mind that are your favorite; however, they may not be the best choice when planted around a pool. It’s important to select “pool-friendly” plants that are able to survive and thrive in semi-to-full sunlight, be wind tolerant (due to the typical exposed nature of pool decks), and are able hold up to the occasional chlorine or salt exposure from splashing.
7. Set your budget.
After choosing your pool shape, enhancements and considering maintenance, it’s time to set your budget. After adding everything you could possibly want when it comes to your dream pool, you might end up sticker shocked. But don’t worry. There are so many ways to design your pool to make and create the atmosphere you’ve always wanted. Talk to a financial adviser about costs and benefits of adding a pool and come up with a realistic budget. You may also want to consider adding a little wiggle room to account for any unforeseen costs or upgrades you just can’t live without.
8. Choose the right contractor.
Now that you’ve thought about all the above, it’s time to find a contractor to build your dream pool. We would love Pools by Bradley to be your contractor of choice, but we also know it’s realistic to look at multiple pool companies. In fact, look at our “Things to Consider” tips when making your decision. The process begins with selecting the right company. The pool building process is a complicated one at best. With careful consideration and planning, the experience can be pleasant, and the result will bring you years of fun and enjoyment.
Pools by Bradley is Here for YOU
All of us here at Pools by Bradley live and breathe our mission of designing and building your ultimate outdoor pool atmosphere – but the most important thing is we want you have FUN! We intend to inspire you to improve the recreational time you spend with your family and friends in your new outdoor environment. Our motto is “take care of the customer and everything else will take care of itself”.
Why Choose Pools by Bradley
When you choose Pools by Bradley to help you build your dream pool, you can rest assured that you’re choosing the very best. As a local family owned and operated company founded in 1996, we have received numerous design awards and honors. Pools by Bradley is rated as one of the top 50 pool builders in the U.S., plus recognized as the “Best Pool Company” in Orlando by Orlando Magazine several years in a row! We offer custom built pools and spas with additions ranging from water features and lighting effects to rain curtains and water slides…the sky’s the limit! Contact us online or call us today at 407-323-7946 to see how we can help you build the pool of your dreams!
