Australian summers are known to be insanely hot. During hot summers, nothing quite beats cooling off in a crystal-clear swimming pool. For those homeowners who don’t have a pool, summers can be excruciating. Trying to cool down under a cold shower or even just sitting in the shade, might not be enough. Enjoying the summer sun in the back yard can be greatly elevated when a backyard features a concrete pool.
There’s no need for you to watch on as your neighbor splash and relax in their backyard pool anymore, why not invest in your own? Even though you might think that a pool is just a hole in the ground filled with water, there’s much more than meet the eye.
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Before diving right in, there are a few things to consider when you are looking to install a swimming pool:
What Will You Use It For?
You need to have a clear indication of what you want to use your pool for. Different pool sizes and shapes will serve different functions. Will it only serve a recreational purpose? Or would you want it to double as a hydro exercising feature in which you can swim laps? Perhaps you want the pool to create a gorgeous focal point in the garden with extra fountains and water features. When you incorporate spa jets, it can serve as a relaxation spa.
No matter what the ultimate purpose will be, you need to be clear of what function you want it to serve. This will ultimately have an effect on the type of construction, size, depth, and shape. An experience builder like those at Oasis Pools will be able to recommend the best style that will suit your needs.
Building Site
Australians pay up to $50,000 on installing concrete pools. Not only is this cost affected by the quality contractors you hire and materials used, it’s greatly determined by the building site. If the area you have available is on a steep slope or unstable soil, the construction costs will be higher.
Another thing to consider, is whether your neighborhood has certain requirements when it comes to construction. If you’re not sure about these rules and regulations, you should consult with a credible contractor.
The placement of the pool on the building site is something that many homeowners neglect to think about. It’s important to consider the exposure to sun, view from the pool once it’s built, accessibility to enter and exit the water, exposure to wind, and placement in regards to trees and falling leaves.
A licensed contractor will be able to determine whether there are wires or pipes running through the ground of the building site. You wouldn’t want to dig through water pipes or electrical cables when installing your new pool.
In the rare case that you can’t dig a hole for your swimming pool, one can resort to an above ground model.
Cost
Installing a pool isn’t a cheap endeavor. When you don’t compromise cost over quality, you will be able to enjoy the new fixture for a long time to come. Even though fiberglass models are much cheaper, they aren’t as durable or customizable as concrete styled pools. On average a fiberglass pool can cost you about $25,000, compared to a pricier concrete one.
This is because concrete pools can be designed and built in different customizable shapes and sizes. When choosing a concrete pool, you can add many additional features including spa jets, fountains, and other water features that best suit the style you prefer. Learn more about the different types of pools here: https://www.thespruce.com/the-main-types-of-inground-pools-2736828.
Other expenses to consider and factor in are water covers, landscaping, decking, and installing filtration and pumping systems. Additionally, you will have future expenses that will include the purchase of cleaning aids, chemicals, suction cleaners, saltwater chlorinators, and water costs for keeping the pool filled up.
Maintenance of concrete pools will include an acid wash every 3-5 years, and a replastering every 10-15 years.
Local Laws
Australia have certain residential laws that requires all swimming pools to be fenced. You have to check with your territory and state government to ensure that your home abides to the rules and regulations. Before you start digging, make sure you are within the legal responsibilities.
Adding Spa Jets
If you want to take your new pool to the next level, you can consider installing spa jets. Spa jets are typically used in vitality and floatation pools that is part of hydrotherapy. When turned on, spa jets can create a bubbling effect that is extremely soothing for the swimmer.
Not only do they provide a hydrotherapy and relaxing effect on the body, they also create aerated water streams that enhances the swimming experience. Depending on your needs, you can install as many jets into your pool’s walls as you wish.
What makes them a great added feature, is that they can be fully operated and timed. Using a remote one can adjust the pulsating effects, motion sensors, pneumatic switching, and time intervals. Watch this video to see how someone installs a spa jet.
Concrete vs Fiberglass
Concrete and Fiberglass are commonly used when constructing pools. Even though fiberglass is much faster and cheaper, a concrete option is much stronger and durable. Concrete models are usually reinforced with steel segments planted in the ground. The installation process can take up to 3 months compared to a fiberglass model that only takes a few days to install.
Both materials have a set of pros and cons, depending on your budget and need you can decide which one will work best for you.
When you consider all the above-mentioned factors, you’ll invest your money wisely to be able to enjoy cooling waters throughout the blazing hot Australian summer. Don’t let the green jealousy monster attack you this Australian summer. Be prepared and invest in a high-quality concrete pool. Who knows, you might just get a few satisfying jealous glares from next door.
