All you Need to Know

There¿s no denying that swimming is great exercise and a wonderful activity, but sometimes the hassles of getting to a beach or swimming pool can take the edge off the enjoyment.

How about building your own pool? It may seem like a luxury, but you don¿t need to have a Hollywood budget to build one.
 
There are designs and sizes to fit just about everyone¿s style, but be warned that swimming pools can be costly to maintain and if you want all the trimmings, such as decking, pool cover or solar heating, the construction costs can easily run away from you.

First of all, you¿ll need to decide on the basic functionality of your swimming pool. Think about how you intend to use the pool. Will it be just for recreational use or do you intend it to be suitable for exercising in as well? You¿ll need to decide how much space you can set aside for your pool, particularly if you¿re planning an indoor pool where considerations such as roof spans can become an issue.

An indoor pool will allow you to extend your swimming season year round and could well become a focal point for entertainment indoors, but the costs for an indoor pool usually exceed those for an outdoor pool.

For an outdoor pool in your own backyard, the yard itself will often determine the type of pool. If your yard is rocky, it will be cheaper and easier to build an above ground pool, but if your soil is soft, excavation costs for an in ground pool will be much more manageable.

Think about how your swimming pool will fit into the space you have available. While large pools are undoubtedly attractive, using your whole backyard for your pool is not a great idea when it comes to adding value to your property. Plan the size and shape of your swimming pool to complement the space you have, not to dominate it!

There are literally hundreds of designs for swimming pools you can choose from, ranging from the standard rectangular shape which is good for exercising, to the more exotic kidney shaped or curved pools to enhance the appearance of your backyard.