Deciding to build a pool at your home is a big decision. Many people opt to add a pool to increase their enjoyment from their homes. Pools do more than add a place to cool down on a hot Fort Worth summer day. A pool changes the aesthetics of your home. While it can increase the home's value, pools add to your regular home maintenance list.

There are many things to consider before you plunge into building a pool for your home. Our guide covers everything you should know about adding a pool to your home.

The Type of Pool You Choose Matters

There are many different pool types on the market, like above-ground and in-ground pools. Be sure to research pool types before deciding — the type you choose impacts the installation cost.

Above-ground pools are typically the most affordable option, but they require more ongoing maintenance. The size and depth options are more limited, and some people consider them less attractive. They are easier to remove down the road if you decide you no longer want a pool on your property.

In-ground pools are typically more expensive than above-ground pools, adding more value to your home. If you're planning on selling your home in the future, an in-ground pool will likely increase its resale value.

Vinyl pools are the most affordable type of inground pool. They are the easiest to maintain, but the liner will need to be replaced every five to nine years. The most solid systems are installed in a concrete foundation. A frame of wood, plastic, or metal is erected within the excavation. Wall panels are then attached to the frame, plumbing is connected, and a sand base is laid down. A heavy-duty vinyl liner with a masonry coping is placed on the wall.

Fiberglass pools are another popular type of in-ground pool. They are more expensive than vinyl pools, but they last longer and are easier to maintain.

Fiberglass pools are manufactured in various forms and sizes and come pre-molded. They include steps, seats, and swim outs that have been prepared for installation. It is lowered into the hole after the excavation has been completed, the plumbing installed, and the sand base laid. Water must be added to the pool while it is still empty, and sand must be backfilled simultaneously to prevent bowing. There isn't any need for frame building.

Concrete pools are the most expensive in-ground pool, but they are also the most durable. Depending on how it's prepared and used, these pools are alternatively known as wet shotcrete or Gunite.

Most concrete pools are no longer constructed using poured concrete and concrete block. Concrete is compacted into a pool using a pneumatic applicator. The material is fed into a grid of steel rebar against the earthen walls and base of the pool excavation. Several passes are required to achieve the desired thickness. A trowel is used to cover up a shotcrete or Gunite surface with a plaster finish.

There is a lot of debate about whether shotcrete or Gunite are more robust and long-lasting, but both techniques result in stable pools. Gunite necessitates using a more experienced installer to maintain the correct water-to-cement ratio.

Infinity pools are a luxurious pool with a water feature that flows over the edge of the pool and into a catch basin. The edge appears to continue into the horizon.

A swim spa, often known as a water gym, is a smaller pool (some only measure 10 to 14 feet long) that creates an artificial current against which you may swim in place.

You also need to choose what kind of water you'd like in your pool. Chlorine pools use traditional pool chemicals to kill bacteria and keep the water clean. Saltwater pools use a chlorine generator to produce chlorine from salt and are easier on your skin and eyes. However, they also require more maintenance than chlorine pools.

Pool Size Matters

The size of your pool matters too. A small pool is more affordable than a large pool, as it requires less water and takes less time to heat up.

Lap pools are generally narrow but require a large yard. Some areas long as an Olympic pool (25 meters) and are designed for training or exercise.

Recreational pools are often shallower at one end and deep enough for diving at the other. They're usually rectangular, although they come in a variety of sizes.

Freeform designs are available and frequently chosen due to their compatibility with the surrounding environment.

Consult with a pool builder if you're not sure how big or what shape your pool should be.

Pool Decking

Decking around a pool may be poured concrete, stone, brick, tile, or paver types. Wood may be used; however, it requires more upkeep and is slippery when wet.

Invest in a well-constructed pool deck. Since the deck will be utilized for lounging, sunbathing, and dining, it will likely get more use than the pool. It's an important part of installing an attractive and long-lasting pool.

Construction Costs Vary Widely

The cost of constructing a pool varies widely. The cost of adding a pool varies depending on the type of pool you choose, the size of your pool, and where you'd like it on the property. Generally, the more elaborate the pool, the more it will cost to install.

Be prepared to spend at least $25,000 on a basic in-ground pool in Texas. If you want a luxury pool with all the bells and whistles, be prepared to spend upwards of $50,000. Again, your specific cost will vary by the type of pool you choose and its size.

Extras — such as diving boards, slides, decking, lighting, and automatic cleaning equipment — typically add another 10 to 20% to the cost.

Solar technologies can be used to heat your pool and extend its usage into colder seasons. Adding solar thermal heating also increases the construction cost.

Texas Pool Safety Requirements

In Texas, all private residential swimming pools must have a fence around them at least four feet high. It cannot be made of chain-link or have any gaps wider than four inches. The gate to the pool must have a self-closing and self-latching mechanism. The gate must be capable of being secured by a combination lock, padlock, or key card.

If one wall of your home will serve as a wall to the pool, you must also install an alarm on the doors and windows that lead into the pool area. The alarm should sound whenever someone enters the pool area.

You can review the Texas Department of Health Pool Safety Standards and Requirements here.

If you're adding a pool to your home, consult with your local municipality about any other pool safety requirements that may apply.

Pool Filtration Systems

Pool filters come in two basic types: cartridge and DE (diatomaceous earth).

Cartridge filters use disposable cartridges that are replaced every few weeks or months, while DE filters use a granular form of diatomaceous earth to filter the water.

A cartridge filter, a sand filter, and a DE filter are all possible choices for your filtration system. A saltwater chlorinator may be used if you have a saltwater system.

Cartridge filters are less expensive to install and easier to maintain than DE filters, but they don't filter the water as well. If you have a large pool and want crystal-clear water, you'll need to install a DE filter.

Cost-saving green alternatives are available. Consider some natural water purifiers before deciding on chlorine as your major sanitizer. Saltwater, ionization, oxidation, sonics waves, and specific plant kinds are all examples of alternative water purification options with less environmental impact.

Maintaining your pool

Once your pool is installed, it's essential to keep it in good condition. Regular maintenance will help ensure that your pool is safe and enjoyable for years to come.

A healthy pool is made up of two parts: water and filtration, which are both essential for lasting pool enjoyment. It protects you and your family from contaminants and pollutants by keeping it clean, clear, and balanced. It also helps you avoid costly hardware repairs due to corrosion or mineral build-up and extends the life of your entire pool.

To ensure safe and enjoyable swimming, it is important to have adequate pool circulation. A pool with good circulation seldom has problems like hazy water or algae infestation. To optimize circulation, keep your pump and filter system operational on a regular basis.

Some of the tasks you'll need to perform regularly include:

• Skimming the surface of the water to remove debris
• Vacuuming the bottom of the pool and sides
• Checking and cleaning the filter system
• Adding chlorine or other chemicals to maintain water balance
• Removing leaves and other debris from the pool decking

Brush, vacuum, and skim your pool at least once a week. This will keep particulates out of your water and your walls gleaming. As a basic scouring cleanser, brushing with baking soda paste won't harm delicate tile or a vinyl liner.

An automatic pool cleaner may save you a lot of time when it comes to cleaning your pool. However, it will not take away the need for regular skimming and brushing.

Ideally, your filtration system should run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, because this isn't possible for everyone's budget or equipment, run your filter at least 10 to 12 hours each day. That will turn the water over several times and ensure that your pool is safe and clean.

Your filtration and sanitizer may require assistance from time to time, especially after a rain or if many people have been using the pool. To ensure that your pool remains clean even after the sanitizer has run out, apply pool shock on a regular basis. It's best to apply pool shock in the evening as the sun's ultraviolet rays will react with chloride and render it ineffective.

General maintenance throughout the year includes opening and closing, cleaning, checking connections, altering pH, adding algaecide, surface repairs, and liner replacements.

Creating a pool maintenance timetable is a simple way to stay organized and ensure that essential chores aren't overlooked. If you're not comfortable performing these tasks yourself, hire a professional pool maintenance company to do it for you.

Financial Implications of Owning a Pool

The cost of building a pool for your home goes beyond the initial purchase price. Factor in the cost of ongoing maintenance, which can be significant. In addition, your homeowner's insurance rates will likely increase once you add a pool.

Budget for chemicals, equipment, and labor. The cost of maintaining a pool varies depending on the size of your pool, the type of pool you have, and how often you use it.

Be prepared to spend at least $1,000 per year on pool maintenance. If you want a luxury pool, be prepared to spend up to $10,000 per year.

Your pool will need a larger capital maintenance investment every so often – no different from a new roof or a new water heater.

Vinyl liners last on average 5 to 10 years, after which they must be replaced. Concrete pools require resurfacing every decade or so, which might cost more. Fiberglass pools have a 25-year lifespan and are therefore an economical long-term alternative. Furthermore, fiberglass is less prone to stain or promote algae proliferation, resulting in reduced maintenance time and expense.

Regular maintenance will extend the life of your pool and reduce its repair costs over time.

Does a Pool Add Value to Your Home?

While adding a pool does increase the value of your home, the increase is not as much as you might think. In most cases, a pool will add about 5-15% to the value of your home.

However, if you're planning on selling your home in the future, a pool is definitely a selling point. A pool will likely increase the resale value of your home by more than 15%. Again, it comes down to the size and type of pool, plus its condition at the time of sale.

Today, a home with an in-ground pool in Dallas-Fort Worth is expected to sell for an extra $30,829 on average, according to a study by San Francisco-based HomeLight.

So, before you add a pool to your home, weigh the pros and cons and consider all the associated costs. Adding a pool can be a costly and time-consuming endeavor, but it's worth it if you're interesting in enhancing the lifestyle you have in your home. If you'd like to know how a pool might impact your resale value, ask the experts at Chicotsky Real Estate Group.