What You Should Know About Owning A Pool In Utah
Posted: January 19, 2022
There are tons of benefits of owning a pool. From health and wellness, to family fun, to increasing your home’s value, pools have a lot to offer! However, before you dive into pool ownership in Utah, there are a few things you’ll need to know.
Take time to explore these seven things before you install your home’s new pool.
- What type of pool is best: Before you can begin the process of shopping for a swimming pool, you need to have an idea of what type of pool is best for your home. First, decide whether an above-ground or inground pool is right for your family. Then, consider how much space you have to work with and what your ideal pool shape would be. If you’re looking for something truly unique, you might even look into custom pool design!
- When you’ll use it: Cold and snowy winters are normal in most parts of Utah. This means you won’t be able to use your pool year-round. However, you’ll be able to enjoy your pool for much of the spring and fall, giving you close to three seasons of swimming. There are ways we can work with you to get the longest swim season possible.
- Zoning and regulations: Some cities, counties or neighborhood associations have regulations on swimming pools. These might prohibit pools altogether or restrict the size or type of pool you can install. Make sure you look into the regulations where you live to avoid fines and obstacles later. For example, how far the waters edge sits from your property line, how tall your fence is around your property, and various ways to secure your pool from the jealous neighborhood kids!
- Cost of pool installation: It’s important to make a budget when you’re planning to install a pool on your property. One of the first things you’ll need to know is how much it will cost upfront. Inground pool installation usually starts around $50,000, but this cost can go up or down depending on the type of pool you select, the contractor you hire and any customizations or add-ons you want included.
- Insurance: Although adding a pool to your home can increase your property value, it can also add some ongoing costs. One of these is the cost of insurance. Because pools add liability to you as a homeowner, your current policy might not cover swimming pools or might require a rate increase. Call your insurance provider to double-check.
- Pool maintenance costs: Another ongoing cost will involve pool utilities and maintenance. Your electric and water bills will increase because of the extra utilities you’ll use to keep your pool running. You’ll also need to pay for pool maintenance items, including pool chemicals, filters and other cleaning supplies. The more educated you are in maintaining your pools water chemistry will save you maintenance cost in the near and short term.
- Pool safety measures: An important part of being a pool owner is making sure your pool is safe for your family, pets and others in the neighborhood. You’ll want to add physical safety measures, like gates and pool covers, to prevent people from accidently falling in. Additionally, it’s smart to have someone in your family trained in CPR and to establish pool rules for children, like no running around the pool, to keep everyone safe. Most cities in Northern Utah require six-foot fencing with lockable and self-closing gates on the fence.
There’s a lot more that goes into pool ownership besides simply buying and installing a pool. By planning for your Utah swimming pool carefully, you can ensure that your pool is a safe and enjoyable asset for years to come!
If you’re interested in adding a custom pool to your property, contact the pool design experts at Emerald Pools & Spas and set up your consultation today!
