Planning for a pool takes some time to make sure you invest in the right one. One thing is for sure: when planned correctly, the entire family will enjoy years of summers to come. The size of your family and your yard are the two most important factors when considering how to choose the right pool for your family.

How Many People?

Not only do you need to consider the size of your family but also how many extra people you want to fit in the pool.

If your house is home to many friends in the summer (and it certainly will be with a pool), you should add in an estimate of how many guests come over at a time to give you an idea of the pool size needed.

Yard Size

Just as important as the headcount, you need to know how much space you are working with in your yard. Without a clear understanding of the yard space available for a pool, you could have quite a disaster on your hands upon its delivery.

Understand how much space is needed for the pool you are considering. Also, check with the city and all utilities to see if any part of your yard can’t have a pool.

In-ground vs. Above-Ground

Here comes the toughest part—do you want an in-ground or an above-ground pool? As with a yard check, you will also need to check with city and neighborhood ordinances when deciding on the type of pool you want. Here are a few pros and cons about in-ground and above-ground pools:

In-ground

In-ground pools look really nice, are seldom an eyesore, and last for years when well-maintained.

• Pros: built strong, increase home value, everyday summer fun for the family, aesthetically pleasing, many upgrades available
• Cons: expensive, permanent, short swimming seasons, reduced yard space, safety hazard, expensive upkeep

Above-Ground

Some neighborhoods have strict rules about above-ground pools, so please check with your HOA if you are considering one.

• Pros: inexpensive, easy to install and remove, everyday summer fun, safer because of the height, less expensive to maintain
• Cons: may look cheap, few upgrades, damage easily, don’t increase home value

Other Considerations

Take into consideration the fact that you can’t just put a pool in overnight. It needs to look attractive, and the area around it requires a safe place to step and possibly sit.

The upkeep of any type of pool is a must to ensure years of healthy and safe use. Once the pool is in, regular maintenance such as needed chemicals and cleaning can’t be ignored.

Until everyone in the house can safely swim, the stress of owning a pool may be too much. Even once the entire family can enjoy the pool, put safety precautions in place to protect yourself from liability. A change to homeowner’s insurance and a fence are necessary when installing a pool.

In conclusion, families love their pools because they are a healthy choice for stress relief after a long, hot day. If the pros outweigh the cons for you, a pool is a great choice. Follow these guidelines to help in choosing the right pool for your family.