Renovating your pool is a great way to improve its appearance, functionality and the value it adds to your property. However, it is also important to appreciate that renovating your pool is a challenging and costly project. Getting it right requires careful planning and execution.
To avoid wasting time and money, it is best to be aware of common mistakes people make when renovating their pools and how to avoid them.
1. Trying to Do it Yourself
Yes, it is tempting trying to renovate your pool yourself. But, what you need to ask yourself is if you have the right experience. Unless you build pools or work for a pool renovation company, it is unlikely that you have the right experience and skills.
Taking on a pool renovation project yourself is fraught with risks. In a worst-case scenario, it can end up being a costly mistake.
At best, you can end up causing more damage. You may even violate building codes and regulations. As far as swimming pools go, there are many regulations and safety guidelines you need to comply with when you renovate a swimming pool.
If you are still hooked on the idea of renovating your own swimming pool, you need to do your research. In general, it is best to leave your swimming pool renovation to professionals.
Perhaps you can take on another project such as restoring or re-designing the layout of the surrounding garden or yard area. Having the right plants can add interest and value to your property.
Also, consider adding new paving and perhaps putting some safety measures into place creating a dedicated swimming pool area in your garden.
2. Set A Realistic Budget
It is easy to understand that you want to stick to a budget and get excellent value for money. But, as far as pool renovation goes, there is one thing you want to avoid – that is compromising on quality.
Poor quality and cheap products don’t last as long. This does not only apply to pool building, but it also applies to anything building or construction related.
Look at your pool renovation project long-term and consider it an investment. It is always better to use high-quality materials and recognised equipment including pumps and filtration systems.
It is better to overestimate your budget than to underestimate it. How long do you expect your pool renovation to last? It is unlikely that you will renovate your swimming pool again in the next 10 or maybe 20 years. If so, investing more money now is a much better idea.
3. Don’t Forget to Agree On a Contract
If you are having a house built, it is fair to say you would sign a contractor with a builder.
The same legal rules apply when you sign a contract with a pool builder or pool renovation service. It is imperative that you sign a contract to make sure the work happens according to an agreed schedule and the right materials are used.
Get a quotation, sign a legal contract and hire a reliable pool builder. That way, you avoid mistakes by both sides and any future disputes. Save all invoices and guarantees offered by the pool builder.
Signing a contract and getting a quote lets you be detailed about what work you would like to have done. The pool renovation company now has all of the details of what you expect. This is your opportunity to get exactly what you want out of your swimming pool renovation project.
4. Look At the Bigger Picture
It is really easy to just look at the swimming pool and the gear that goes with it. This is what many homeowners do.
Often there are other factors that add value to your pool renovation. This can be anything from poolside decking to pool safety features including fencing. Maybe you even want to include extra plants for screening and privacy in your pool renovation budget.
As part of the bigger picture, you may want to consider other features. As we all know, utility costs are on the rise in Australia. Why not do away with the standard electricity supply and switch to solar power instead?
Over the last few years, solar-powered systems that help to run pumps and heat your pool have come down in price. Before you go for the “same-old”, consider what can be done by taking a look at green and environmentally friendly power solutions.
Something else you may want to consider is adding a swimming pool cover. Having a swimming pool cover cuts down on the amount of maintenance you have to do. It also helps to protect your pool when it is not in use.
The best time to add a swimming pool cover is when doing a pool renovation project. Should you try to fit your own swimming pool cover? You may think there is nothing to it. But, there is more to installing a swimming pool cover than meets the eye.
5. Size Matters
One thing you should take into consideration is your pool’s usability. Is it large enough to accommodate all of your needs?
Perhaps you have a growing family or an extended family or a group of friends that would like to use your pool. Don’t dismiss doing a people count out of hand.
A costly mistake is to make your swimming pool too large or too small. Ideally, your swimming pool should meet all of your preferences. Make a list of them before you call a swimming pool builder.
Final Thoughts
Renovating your pool is an exciting project. Done right, it adds value to your home.
By planning ahead and taking all points into consideration, you get a welcome addition to your home and yard. Your swimming pool should be an oasis of both fun and relaxation.
Avoiding making costly mistakes by following our guide to swimming pool renovation.
