4 Items to Consider Before Beginning Swimming Pool Construction: First Thing's First

Jan 104 min read

Updated: Jan 15

It's winter time. Your sitting around the table with family and friends and think, "I've been wanting a swimming pool and spa for gatherings like this. I should start planning now to have it by summer." Or rather, in May the thought hits you out of left field, "I want a pool this summer to host parties and cook-outs. Surely, a month is enough time to build a pool." Whatever the case is, there's a few things to consider before jumping into the swimming pool construction process.

Easements

Check your property survey for any easements that may be present. The most common and important type of easement is the utility easement within which the utility companies should have installed all of their equipment that supply power, internet, or water to your house. More and more, we are seeing utility easements in the front of properties; however, there are still surveys we come across that show easements in the back of properties. Should you find an easement in your backyard, it doesn't mean a pool can't be built. If there's sufficient room between the easement and the house, then the chances are high that a pool can be installed. Easements have rarely been a hindrance to any of our clients who have wanted to construct a swimming pool; however, we have run into instances where an easement takes up someone's complete backyard and we're not able to build. It's a good starting point for determining if your able to fit a swimming pool into your backyard or not.

Existing Barrier (Fence)

Up next is a regulation that actually does affect you as a potential swimming pool owner. The swimming pool industry has come up with standards and regulations for the construction of swimming pools with the intent of making pools safer when they are and are not being used. Most regulations are handled during the construction process by the builder or during the manufacturing process by the equipment manufacturers. One regulation that we have found is necessary to discuss with a customer before beginning construction is the need for a "swimming pool barrier" - in other words...a fence. In Texas, only one barrier is required, so if you already have a backyard fence, there's a high chance no modifications will need to be made. If you currently have an open backyard with no fence, then the cost of installing a swimming pool fence is something that will need to be considered. Either way, it is good to bring up this topic when you meet with a swimming pool contractor so we can confirm whether any modifications are needed, a barrier needs to be installed, or your existing fence is up to code.

Contractor

Of the four items we cover in this article, choosing your swimming pool contractor may be the most important. Take the time to get to know the contractor you will have working for you. Here at Berry Pool, we intentionally meet with each one of our clients at their home, so we can discuss what they are envisioning for their backyard and identify any potential challenges or modifications they need to consider before we get into swimming pool construction. We want our customers to be fully informed and alleviate any worries or anxieties they may have about the construction process.

When you meet with your potential contractors, consider setting up another appointment where you can visit some of their completed projects. Chances are the quality of your swimming pool will reflect the quality of work you see in their other projects. Ask the contractors that you are vetting for references you can contact. Hear from the customers themselves about their experiences with different contractors. Each of these methods will help you make a wise and informed decision when choosing which contractor will construct a swimming pool for you. Remember, cheaper is not always better.

Financing

Lastly, and maybe begrudgingly, you need to consider how you will be paying for the swimming pool. Some customers choose to pay for the complete project in cash while many, perhaps the majority, will look into financing of some kind. We often get asked about what financing companies are available for projects such as a swimming pool. One company we have worked closely with for several years is Lyon Financial. Lyon Financial is a reputable company that takes extra precautions to ensure your contractor has truly completed a certain stage of the project before releasing any payments. As an alternative, some customers have decided to go to their local banks to secure a loan with a financial institution that they know and trust. Either way, there are many different methods available to you as a customer when it comes to paying for your dream swimming pool. Pay 20% of the project in cash, and finance the other 80%. Pay cash for half of the project and finance the other half. Finance the whole project, or pay for the whole project in cash. Whichever way you decide to pay for your swimming pool, seek out a method that is best for your family's financial health.

Take the Leap

Once you've done your research, you are ready to choose your contractor and commence your journey to achieving your dream backyard! If you find yourself in the Rio Grande Valley, give us a call at 956-541-1309 or email us for more information at info@berrypool.com. We have served the residents of Cameron County, Texas since 1983, are members of a globally acclaimed group of swimming pool builders, and would love to assist you in your next swimming pool project!