One of the many benefits of living in Southern California is our superb weather. The eternal sunshine, long days and warm nights all make for one of the highest qualities of life in the United States. And one of the best ways to enjoy that weather? Building an inground pool in your backyard.

 

Having a pool seems to be every Californian homeowners dream, and for good reason. A crystal clear outdoor pool is a great way to enjoy the sun, get some exercise and spend quality time with family and friends. But there are also several factors to consider when deciding on building a pool. If you don’t have the time, money or commitment it takes to undertake the construction process, having a pool might not be for you. To help out, we’re giving you everything you need to know to help you decide if a pool is a worthwhile investment in your property.

 

Timing

A big question you might have is how long does it take to build a pool? Just like any big home project, it takes a significant amount of time. The length of time depends on a number of different factors such as the size of the pool, the details of its design, and the quality of the land your pool will be built on. For example, if you live on a hill, or if there are boulders buried in your backyard, it will take much longer to construct your inground pool. But if you have a simple, flat backyard, it’ll probably take much less time to build.

 

Access

Another important factor to consider is if your property can provide access to the large heavy machinery that are needed to build a pool. For example, if the pool is an afterthought and would be built in the back of your house with no path around to allow for equipment, it may not be worth the hassle of finding a way around the problem. If there are large trees or other obstructions surrounding your house, this could also be a problem. Make sure that there is a clear access point, and discuss the building process with a licensed contractor beforehand.

 

Longevity

Consider if your property is where you plan to stay for a long time. If your home is a temporary settlement for the next few years, it might not be worth the investment. Consider waiting until you move to a more permanent residence. However, if you are in your forever home, a pool might be just the thing for your family.

 

Space

Another factor on our list is space. You might think your backyard is vast and spacious, but try visualizing how much of that space a pool will take up. Most homeowners appreciate having an outdoor eating area, a basketball court, a fire pit, or other outdoor features. Use a hose to mark up the space you’d like to dedicate to your future pool construction, and work around that – if there’s still sufficient room for your family, go ahead and build. If not, maybe consider a jacuzzi or lap pool?

 

Cost

No matter how you look at it, a pool is a serious investment. But along with the initial construction costs, you’ll have to look at the ongoing costs to be aware of for years to come. For example, a pool requires regular maintenance and cleaning. This is a significant investment that you decide to make when you build an inground swimming pool. For some, maintaining a pool is a time commitment that they are not ready to make and would prefer to visit a public pool. However, for others, an inground swimming pool in the comfort of your own home is a private and luxurious sanctuary worth the extra time and upkeep.

Once you decide to build your pool, you’ll want to waterproof it with Southern California’s waterproofing and coating experts, WICR. WICR’s trained and certified professionals will ensure that your pool and the surrounding deck will be protected, so you and your family can create your own backyard oasis that you’ll enjoy for decades.