During the spring and summer, the bright sun and pleasant temperatures can make anyone crave a refreshing dip in the pool. For those thinking about installing a pool in Delaware, it is important to give some careful consideration to the entire process before making a commitment. However, if you have never owned a pool, it can be difficult to know if you have considered all of the important factors before you start.
Here are seven of the most important things to keep in mind before installing your new pool, including what the pool is made of, where you want to place it, how much time you have for maintenance of a pool, and more.
Seven Things to Consider Before Installing a Pool in Delaware
When you are still in the preliminary decision-making phase prior to installing a pool, everything from the weather in Delaware to the specific shape of your backyard should be part of the equation. Pool installers familiar with installations in your area can help you explore your options. Be sure to consider:
- Budget – Establish the amount of money that you are able to set aside for your pool. Concrete pools generally have a higher upfront cost compared to vinyl-lined pools, but this will depend on the shape, size, and design.
- Durability – Concrete pools are known for their durability and longevity; however, their outer shell may chip, especially if it is accidentally struck with a heavy object (falling branches). Vinyl pools, on the other hand, may require liner replacements every 10 to 15 years, but they are smooth, soft, and do not chip. Both are quality options, but vinyl has risen in popularity.
- Customization and Design – Consider the design options that fit your vision. Both concrete and vinyl pools offer customized shapes and colors so that the structure fits seamlessly into the natural contours of your landscape and the area around your home. A pool does not need to be a rectangle! Vinyl is slightly more limited in its shape options, but the options are far from sparse, and vinyl can be a colorful choice.
- Maintenance – Any pool will require some maintenance, but that maintenance may look slightly different depending on the pool type you choose. The porous surface of concrete pools can be prone to algae growth and will require regular brushing. Vinyl pools are generally easier to clean and maintain because their surfaces are smooth and sealed, providing less opportunity for algae growth.
- Landscaping – A pool should fit seamlessly into your environment, as if it were meant to be there naturally. Before you commit to installing a pool, make sure that you have carefully considered where you want it installed and how you might change the landscape around it. Can you add bushes, flowerbeds, or new pathways to help it fit in? To better visualize the pool before installation, try setting up the chairs, tables, and other features you will use later in the area surrounding the potential location, then see how it feels.
- Installation Time – Your personal timetable from first vision to first dive into the deep end will also impact your pool installation journey. Vinyl pools are typically quicker and easier to install compared to concrete pools, because concrete demands time for excavation, construction, and curing. However, depending on the design and other features, the difference between the two may be negligible. Any ground preparations that may be necessary to accommodate your desired installation location should also be factored into the construction timeframe.
- Climate Considerations – If you’re having a pool installed in Delaware, you are likely familiar with the seasons in the area. Vinyl pools are flexible and resistant to cracking due to freeze-thaw cycles, which can be a concern in colder regions including Delaware. Concrete pools can also withstand extreme temperatures, but it may be wise to think about how you will protect your pool, regardless of type, from the ice and snow. An automatic cover could be a simple and effective solution.
Make Sure Your Delaware Pool Is Installed Right the First Time
Whether you are looking for a basic, rectangular pool installation or a highly customized design, the first step is to work with professional installers from the beginning. This ensures that your pool will last for as long as possible and function the way that it was intended to.
The experts at Masten Pools have been installing in-ground pools for more than 30 years, and we are proud to assist our customers with the complex task of installing and maintaining their backyard oasis.
Whether you need guidance on the basic features and materials to consider for your new pool, help with pool opening and closing, or to install an automatic cover, the professional Delaware pool installers at Masten Pools can help. Contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss your vision.