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Pools & spas: Taking the plunge

When choosing a pool, consider your lifestyle

A backyard pool is a clear reflection of its owner’s lifestyle. A survey sponsored by the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP), a trade organization of pool and spa companies, found that most pool owners use their “liquid assets” for relaxation. Others say their pools are convenient and private places for exercise and physical therapy. And some folks simply see their pools as places to gather with family and friends.

Jim Treese, owner of Cape Cod Aquatics in Orleans, says he interviews his clients to determine what they want from a pool. “If you’re trying to create a backyard environment, you’ll want to consider certain things,” he says.

When choosing or designing a pool, think about your lifestyle, special needs, maintenance and safety considerations and your budget. How you live and how you want to use your pool will determine its type, size and shape, as well as the landscaping and accessories you will want.

If you’re looking for a convenient place to exercise, then a lap pool or a swim-in-place model might be what you need. Will your pool be a source of entertainment for your children? If so, then a large, fun multipurpose deck and additional safety features are in order. A natural-looking pool with entertainment amenities, special lighting and exotic plants can transform your backyard into a private paradise – perfect for entertaining. If you want a pool you can take with you when you move, then a portable above-ground model deserves a closer look.

Consider the big picture. When planning your pool, keep in mind your neighbors, the landscape and climate, as well as local regulations. Do you want to use your pool for more than just the summer months? Will you want to heat the pool? New high-tech, energy-saving systems and accessories help keep costs to a minimum. What about lighting, audio systems and the pool surround? Investigate local regulations for specific safety measures.

There are three basic kinds of in-ground pools:

Vinyl lined: a pool with a vinyl liner supported by a frame of steel, aluminum, polymer, concrete or wood. It’s generally the least expensive of the in-ground pools. Expect to pay roughly $25,000 for an entry-level model. Installation takes about a week.

Fiberglass: usually made of a full fiberglass molded shell. Offers quick installation, often within a few days. It costs more than a vinyl-lined pool, but less than a concrete, or gunite, pool.

Concrete (gunite): made of durable, seamless sprayed concrete over steel reinforcing rods, these can be built in a variety of custom shapes. It’s the most expensive option, usually at least twice the price of a vinyl-lined pool. Installation takes three weeks to a month.

Decking, landscaping, safety equipment and such amenities as automated maintenance and heating systems will cost extra.

Above-ground pools generally consist of a vinyl liner over a frame of aluminum or steel. They usually can be installed within a day. They cost less than in-ground pools, and if you move, you can take the pool with you. Many worry about the look of an above-ground pool, but creative decking and landscaping can make them almost indistinguishable from in-ground pools.

Be sure to include in your budget the costs for any landscaping or other poolside amenities, such as lighting, water features and audio systems. You might even save some money by getting your pool project under way before or after the busy spring/summer season.

Sources: Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, Anchor Design & Pool and Cape Cod Aquatics.

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