So, you’ve finally decided you for sure, definitely, absolutely, without a doubt, want a pool. Congratulations! Pool ownership can be rewarding, fulfilling, and deepen your quality of life. We’re talking community gatherings, healthy exercise alternatives, and financial investments.
But sometimes the initial process can be fraught with so many decisions that many people deem it to be, simply put, not worth the trouble. Fear not! We are going to cover some points of consideration to help make the many next-step-decisions a little easier to identify and work through.
Are you looking to install a new pool, or purchase property with an existing pool?
Some pros to purchasing an existing pool:
- It’s already done! Someone else has made all the nitty gritty decisions-vinyl, fiberglass, Gunite? Size, shape, special features like lights, ladders, slides, fountains.
- If the pool is in good condition, you likely won’t be stuck investing extra finances into repairing or renovating it after your initial property purchase.
Cons to purchasing an existing pool:
- You may not know the history of the pool, and if the previous owner was remiss in their responsibility, you could be stuck with a huge hole in your yard that drains your finances. No pun intended.
- Someone else has made all the decisions regarding material, shape, size, and features. To change that to fit your lifestyle and preferences takes more time and money.
It’s important here to note that if you are looking to purchase a home with an existing pool, you should have the pool professionally inspected before anything is official. This will give you a better idea of what kind of commitment you are getting into. And ask the previous homeowner about a warranty on the pool. Warranties are very common on fiberglass pools specifically since they are pre-manufactured. Should there be a warranty on the pool, you may want that transferred over to your name.
To everyone else that wants to design and install your own pool, there are a few more thoughts to consider before…diving in.
Should you install a Fiberglass pool or build a Gunite pool?
Fiberglass is great, because you order the pool, dig a hole, and put the pool in the hole. Well, it’s a little more technical than that, but still it’s a convenient option for many homeowners. However, you’re limited to what the manufacturer can build, and when they can build it. Connecticut road and load regulations prevent fiberglass pools from being above a certain length, width, and depth for transport. Additionally, during the supply chain issues that developed during the pandemic in 2020 and the following years, fiberglass pools were hard to come by. New projects were pushed further and further out, with many families waiting a year or longer for their pool to finally be made and delivered.
Many fiberglass companies have since restored their stock, and this is currently not a huge concern, but keep an eye on the market and economy if you want to stay ahead of potential future supply issues.
Gunite pools are durable and versatile. Their hard finish is damage resistant (not accidentally puncturing the floor of your pool with a cleaning pole and creating a leak like one might with a vinyl pool) and they are truly customizable. You can add as many curves or angles as you could possibly want. You also have the benefit of controlling your timeline. It may take a little longer overall, but there should be no significant delays and everything should happen more or less right on schedule.
We all have preferences, and while some will try to tell you one type of pool is better than another, it really only matters what you like, what you want, and what you feel you can invest your time and money into. After all, a pool is a pool!
If you’re still with me (and I hope you are), there is one last imperative question that you need to answer.
Who will help you either install or build your pool?
Choosing the right pool contractor is imperative. In the state of Connecticut, pool builders and maintenance service providers must be licensed. Knowing what you want for and from your pool before you start calling companies for quotes will help you identify what kind of company you are willing to work with. Now I can’t tell you who to pick, but I can encourage you to meet with a few different companies, get a feel for their character, examine their quality of work, and compare them to what you are looking for. Afterall, you’re going to be spending quite a bit of time with them over the next few months.
Ultimately, the most important aspect of all of this—that you get the pool you want. If you settle for something you’re not totally in love with, it will not increase your joy, your peace, or your quality of life. Remember, choosing the right company is as important as choosing the right pool.
