Backyard pools add a new dimension to your backyard living area. It gives the backyard more on an oasis or tropical feeling and will add to family entertaining events. But adding a pool will be one of the biggest decisions that you will make for your backyard oasis area. So careful consideration and care must be taken when finalizing your decision.
photo credit: Stephen Glauser

Swimming pools come in a variety of sizes shapes and designs that should accommodate your family’s needs and your backyard design and space requirements. You can chose from a built in pool or an above ground pool. You may also find out after all considerations and take in to account that a small pond will serve a better purpose.

• Built in swimming pools need to be very well thought out. They become a permanent fixture in your yard. The advantage of the built in swimming pool is that it blends into your backyard design and creates a total atmosphere of relaxation. This pool will need professional advice and installation.
• The above ground pool will add more backyard entertainment possibilities for the family and are relatively easy to install and maintain. The money that your family saves with staying at home quickly covers the cost of the pool.

Considerations for Backyard Pools

Backyard space

Pools take room. Besides the size of the pool you will need to consider the traffic pattern it adds to your backyard and any additional pool accessories. Will you add a pool house, deck, or nearby patio for relaxation? You will need additional storage space somewhere in your yard for pool supplies. There are many sizes of pools available and one will fit your needs.

Backyard Design

Backyard pools will quickly become a focal point of your yard, so placement is important. The current design of your yard will also influence whether you decide on a built in pool or an above ground pool. The pools shape will also be decided on your backyard. Round or curving edges flow more with a softer backyard design while rectangular pools blend in with a formal look Rectangular pools are also better for those who want to use a pool for exercise and water laps.

You will also have to take into consideration the trees and shrubs in your yard. Placing a pool to close to a tree what creates a mess I the yard will mean you are cleaning out the pool on a more regular schedule.

Family needs

Ages of your children are a very important consideration along with any health issues of family members. Will the pool be used for family fun or will it be used for exercise and training. This is also where you will also need to consider pool safety for the family and even neighbors who may stray into your yard.
photo credit: Wetsun

Cost of backyard pools

Cheaper pools have a lower durability and you may need to practice caution when using them. A pool liner can be expensive to repair or replace. But if this is your best option, just shop around for the best bargain and lay down pool rules.

The least expensive pool is an above-ground pool. This will require leveling the ground and some basic assembly. They are perfect for a small family and have the advantage of being moved later. They do tend to stand apart in the yard so it requires some backyard design planning to help them blend into the yard. Pool decks or patio are perfect for making the pool a part of the backyard.

In-ground pools are sturdier and quickly become part of your yard. They add a backyard oasis feeling and become the center of most family and entertaining function. In-ground pools are usually made of pre-molded fiberglass, which is dropped into a hole dug in your yard. They are more durable.

The gunite pool, which is reinforced with a steel frame and coated in a mixture of cement and sand, is the most expensive pool but will last with little pool repair indefinitely. These pools are built to be a permanent fixture in the backyard and are usually surrounded with concrete patios, wooden decks and terraced gardens for sunbathing or entertaining guests. These are the pools that are best for diving.

If you take all these consideration in to account when choosing and planning for your backyard pool: you will be able to select a backyard swimming pool that will fit all your families needs for years to come.

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009 at 1:37 pm and is filed under backyard pools. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.