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Thinking about a pool, but don't know where to put one or what design

9 years ago

I have been considering a pool for years now and with all the sharks in our area, maybe this is the time to put one in.....Depending on price, random granite rocks and sheltered positions....There are so many things to consider and I actually don't know where to start...My youngest is 13, but this will be our forever family home and I cant see us leaving anytime soon. The house is on the outskirts of town and has a great view, but it is also cut into the hill and backfilled. The gazebo is North side of the house and protected from the wind, but the boundary fence is only a couple of metres away. The garage is on the south and not protected, but has more room. Would a rendered high wall offer the same protection.

Starting to think it is all too hard.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Featured Answer

Sarah Dewar

9 years ago

We had a pool put in recently. Was supposed to be finished for Jan but was only finished in March ... I understand this is pretty normal - but it dove me mad - was virtually too cold to swim b then. (Hoping we will enjoy it soon).
I wish I had really done my homework first.

Shop around with quotes - be 'wise' to Internet sources- (paid reviews)...
We chose a concrete pool - flexible design.
(5m wide in shallow end, 3.5m deep end and is about 11m long). Very happy with shape as it gives flexibility for use and fits shape of our block.
Ours cost us around $45k pool + $7k fencing + $16k decking - no garden done yet...
(Be prepared for cost blowout if you have a difficult dig).
Ours is on a slope, so it comes 'out of the ground' quite a bit...

Get a good idea of what you want - whole package (pool size, depths, filters/noise, lights, fences, surrounds/deck/coping, waterline tiles, pool liner/tile/pebblecrete).

Pay careful attention to fencing/vegetation etc as this will be vital to completion... You can't fill it until fencing is compliant.
Neighbours can be inconvenienced with fencing... Possible headaches you might not need (fence/trees etc).

Be prepared for a construction zone...
Extra cost for power/water bill...
Constant cost for pool acid/chemicals etc.
The new robot cleaners are great.

Potential drainage issues with heavy rain...
Noise of filter- ours is quiet when running but start up is very loud - it needs to run 2x day for about 4hrs each time.

Hope I'm not putting you off...
I do feel amazed that we parted with so much money without really thinking about it...

There are some cool pool cover/rollers that can be fitted inside the pool at construction... I would have loved to have thought of the beforehand.

Maybe as it warms up and we use it, I'll see the benefit.

Sorry for the epic response.
Cheers
Sarah

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Comments (18)

User
9 years ago
A good place to start is right here on Houzz. Go up to Photos at the top of the page, and start an ideabook on your homepage for Swimming pools.
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User
9 years ago
Ok, I see you have a few ideas there already, was there one you liked best?
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Tammy Pedler
Original Author
9 years ago
Is like to keep the design simple with straight lines, cream pavers and a sandstone colour rendered back wall to block out most of the wind. It doesn't have robe huge. I just don't know the best place to install it.
Tammy Pedler
Original Author
9 years ago
Whoops should have proof read that comment first before I posted it.
User
9 years ago
I would get some pool companies in to give me written quotes. Do you need planning permission in your area? Local companies might be familiar with that too.
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Tammy Pedler
Original Author
9 years ago
Yes, I have a price list and brochure that range from a lap pool to Olympic size... Now I am just trying to work out where it will fit in relation to the house and dodging unseen granite........The prices include everything except the paving and fences.
User
9 years ago
It's good to have a large entertaining patio between you and the pool, but still have easy access to the pool from house and line of sight for parents . Need a safety fence too.
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Sarah Dewar
9 years ago
Sorry for such a long winded/almost negative sounding post.
Just a few more practical tips...
North sunshine is lovely to get extra use...
There's a huge range of shade options these days
When planning, have a think about electrical outlets/low voltage lighting etc - the filter/pump/pool light etc will all need an electrician, so keep in mind if you want extra power (pool cleaner, garden/deck lighting etc)
I'm sure your teenager and friends will enjoy a pool.
Cheers
Tammy Pedler
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks. That certainly gives me something to think about. I obviously need to do a touch more research I think.
Tammy Pedler
Original Author
9 years ago
How would they install pool covers before installation of the pool.
User
9 years ago
Until Sarah returns

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=Pool+cover+installation+during+construction&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari
Sarah Dewar
9 years ago
Yes - there are these amazing options to have an 'electric pool cover' with a slat arrangement that allows you to virtually walk on it.
Do a google search...'pool covers electric'...
I've no idea on how much they cost... Here's some pics.
Not sure if irregular shapes make this too challenging...
Our pool experience...
We are needing to change a few things with our pool already -
wish we had paid more attention to the pipes and filtration... (Having to potentially move them as they are too shallow and in 'awkward spot'... Extra $ and I'm so worried it may cause issues for us...
Even the location of the concrete slab for the pump... Wish we had thought about overall picture...
If I was buying a car for $70k, I would have done more research, but somehow we got carried away with idea that we could have a pool for summer, and yet reality is that it's ready for the 'next summer'... Budget plan (original) was around $30-40k, but I guess it's like building a house...
Plus it's all a big learning experience...
Tammy Pedler
Original Author
9 years ago
Sarah, thanks for the ideas. Did our research and put it on the table for my husband who was totally taken aback. The answer from him was a definite no....He came up with quite a few good reasons as to why the price was not justified, especially relating to the digging of the hole. There is granite dotted everywhere on our block, so I think a spa maybe a better option. I did take the kids to the beach yesterday and although the water was freezing we spent all day there and there is nothing better than driving back all salty and sun kissed with the window down and the music pumping...Yes I am trying to put a positive light on this final decision.
Sarah Dewar
9 years ago
I'm sorry - really hope my negativity wasn't too much...
(Note to self: must ensure I'm being helpful, as opposed to 'possible' venting!)...
"Roll on summer, roll on..."
:)
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elizabethharris5
9 years ago
We are looking at a plunge pool as the costs are more reasonable. Our youngest is 10 but is ok with a smaller pool. There are good companies around that depending on your ability go from just pick up the shell to fully installed etc. good luck.
Jess .
8 years ago
F
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User
8 years ago
What did you end up doing?
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