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Know the Facts Before Installing a Swimming Pool

    As temperatures rise, so does the temptation to shop for a pool. A pool can add value to your home while serving as a center of exercise and relaxation in your own backyard.

     Before diving into this scale of investment, there are several factors you should consider.

    You should weigh the costs and benefits of this investment. Although a pool will add value to your home, you should not install one strictly for this reason. The addition of a pool will rarely increase the market price of your home enough to pay for itself. Take time to determine if your family will use a pool primarily for recreation or exercise.

     Pools require cleaning, maintenance and electricity, so it is important to include these expenses in your budget before making a decision.

     Check to see if your homeowners’ policy’s liability insurance covers pool accidents. If not, you may want to consider additional coverage.

    In determining the size, you need to allow 40 square feet for each swimmer and about 100 square feet for each diver. You may decide to build a larger pool for aesthetic reasons, but you should realize the size directly correlates to maintenance, equipment and energy expenses.

    Vinyl-liner, gunite, and fiberglass are the three types of in- ground pools found in the Houston area.

Vinyl Liner Pools:  These pools are built with a flexible vinyl liner supported by a frame of steel, masonry or structural polymer. They have a smooth interior surface that is easy to maintain. These pools work well with Houston soil conditions.

Gunite Pools:  This style is composed of a concrete mixture of sand and cement that is sprayed against steel reinforced rods and finished with a fine coat of plaster. This type of pool can be constructed in virtually any shape.

Fiberglass Pools:  Fiberglass pools are prefabricated and lowered into an excavated area in your yard. The shell is adjusted and backfilled with sand. This type of pool is easy to clean and surface repairs can be made inconspicuously.     Regardless of the style you choose, you should realize this is a major investment. See the box on the next page for details of how to choose a pool contractor.