|
1. Ask your local council about any regulations that might affect building a pool. Remember, the council will have to approve your pool plans. If your forego planning permission for your pool, you could end up in a very serious position.
2. It’s wise to check what the law demands regarding pool fences and child restraints, and to talk with your local water authority to ensure the pool won’t impinge on drainage systems or pipes.
3. Consider getting a geotechnical survey to pinpoint rocky areas or unstable foundation soil, which can increase costs dramatically. Get a site plan to help work out how and where the pool will be built.
4. Work out what you need from the pool - is it for private relaxation, entertainment, exercising, accommodating throngs of children? Canvas the whole family’s opinion and see what they consider important.
5. Look through magazines to get an idea of what pool design you want and what materials you’d like to use.
Visit local shows to see the latest design trends and materials.
6. Consider your landscaping needs, plus any additional outdoor structures or connecting pathways that will need to be built.
Once your pool has been installed you will need to cover such items as; paving surround, lawn and planting.
7. Armed with all this information, have a pool company come up with a basic plan.
8. Get quotes from at least three contractors. Each quote should include the same equipment and works so the comparison is fair. Builders must be licensed, so check.
Ask friends who have already had a pool installed - you'd be amazed at the suggestions they can come up with.
9. Your contractor must have insurance and a warranty certificate should be provided before you pay any money and before work begins. The contractor’s name on the certificate should be exactly as shown on the contract. The builder should also have risk insurance covering your property and your neighbours’ properties.
10. Before making your final choice, check out the builder’s references, look at pools the company has installed and talk to former customers.
11. Do you want the pool to be heated. It is better to install pool heating during the construction phase and have this cost included in the total amount. You may also want to fit designer pool lights.
12. Finally, make sure that the equipment included in the installation is up to standard. Pool filters, pumps, fountains, etc need to have a local supplier or be manufactured locally in order to obtain any necessary spares in the future.
|
