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We heard you! We are now online with a newsletter that provides helpful tips for buying, maintaining, and maximizing the enjoyment of your hot tub. Thank you to all our readers who help make Poolsearch the most accurate and read swimming pool comparison in the industry.
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Buying Tips for Purchasing a Swimming Pool |
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When you’re ready to buy your first at-home swimming pool for the family, don’t just rush out and get the first one you find. Although there are many attractive and exciting models on the market to choose from, a swimming pool is such a major purchase that it is wise to prepare for making this decision well in advance. Swimming pools will affect your time, your budget, your social life, and your safety, so give serious thought to the type of pool you want to get before actually having one installed. |
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The first thing to do is to figure out what size of pool will best fit your property parameters. You can browse newspaper ads and online Websites of swimming pool manufacturers to see what type of pools will fit your property needs. Check length, width, and depth, as well as draining needs and safety borders to ensure that you get the right-size pool for your yard. For example, if your lot size is relatively small, you will have to shop for an appropriate pool size, one that will not take up all available space but allow some room for grass or plants to accent your pool area. An important consideration is whether to buy an in-ground or aboveground pool. The latter is more expensive, of course, but it also offers aesthetic advantages, and for some, greater enjoyment due to added depth and width. You may want to consult with a construction foreman or professional groundskeeper, along with a zoning expert in your area, to determine which size pool will fit with your neighborhood and comply with zoning laws.
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| The next step is to shop around for an idea of cost. Keep in mind that in addition to the actual swimming pool price, you will need to factor in additional expenses like chemicals, safety equipment, pool accessories and toys, ground leveling and installation fees, and possible fencing, if required in your area. There may be occasional needs for service calls, and if you get a sizable pool, it will require ongoing maintenance and upkeep like painting, vent cleaning, and so on. |
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Some of these are one-time expenses while others should be added to your monthly household budget, perhaps under categories like “recreation” or “health.”
When you work out a price that you can afford to purchase the pool, start comparing models at various stores and Websites. If possible, it’s always a good idea to shop at the end of the season when markdowns can reduce the price by as much as 50%. Of course, you may have less of a selection at that point, so keep an eye on the model that you are most interested in, and have a back-up model in mind in case your first choice sells out.
Watch for store sales, discount coupons, and rebate offers that may appear from time to time. These can help you save big when you are ready to purchase a pool. You can also try to get a friend or neighbor who is in the construction business to help you level the ground where the pool will sit and prepare it for the installation. You may be able to pay someone you know a little less than the market rate or perhaps even exchange services to cover the cost for this work. For example, if you’re good at computer work, offer to put up or update a Website for your neighbor in exchange for help with the pool. You can also offer swimming time when the pool is ready to use.
Buying a swimming pool is challenging, so prepare beforehand so you can get the best deal without breaking your budget. |
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