Before You Invest In A Swimming Pool
By Sintilia Miecevole, Fri Dec 9th

If you are thinking about installing a swimming pool on yourproperty there are some obvious and some "not so obvious"factors to consider.

Budget is a huge factor, but not the only consideration. First,evaluate your reason for installing a pool. Is it purely forrecreation? Do you have a family member who has a healthcondition that might benefit from daily swimming? What kind ofspace do you have for your pool? Do you plan on using the poolyear round? What kind of building codes might apply in yourcity? Will your pool be for exercise only? Do you plan toinclude a hot tub or spa?

As with any project, we often end up spending much more thanoriginally intended. Proper planning can help to minimize those"extra" expenditures. Give some consideration to how you wouldlike the area around the pool landscaped and plan on thatexpense. Have you given any thought to maintenance cost? Pumps,filters and chemicals are regular expenses that need to bebudgeted. Filling your pool initially will cause your water billto rise significantly the first month. You will also want toconsider the expense of water loss through normal usage of thepool.

The choice of swimming pools will be largely dependent on youranswers to the previous questions. In a nutshell you have twochoices, either in-ground or above-ground. Each has their ownpluses and minuses.

An above-ground pool can be dismantled if you move to a newresidence. They are also less expensive. Esthetically speaking,above-ground pools can be set up with decking and landscapingthat rival more expensive in-ground pools. Often, the dealer youpurchased from will offer setup and in some cases even deckingand landscaping services.

In-ground pools are definitely more expensive than the portable,above-ground alternative. However, they usually increase thevalue of the property. If you have decided that an in-groundpool is best suited for your purposes, here are some steps youneed to take:

1. Shop around for a contractor. 2. Obtain at least threewritten bids. 3. Make certain that ALL labor and materials areincluded as well as building permits. 4. Ask for a list ofprevious customers. 5. Don't make a hasty decision. Take yourtime and don't be pressured into signing a contract. 6. Checkwith the Better Business Bureau to determine if the contractorhas any outstanding complaints. 7. Confirm that the contractorhas the proper license. 8. Never pay the contractor in cash.Always

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use a check, cashiers check, money order or credit cardso you have proof of purchase.

Purchasing a swimming pool is a major expenditure. The old adageof "an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure"applies. Plan your project properly and you will enjoy years ofpleasure.

About the author:Sintilia Miecevole's passion is landscaping, so visit her site,http://www.landscapinggi.com and find expert information on suchthings as garden design, decor, software, container gardening,supplies and tips to sheds, business, equipment, jobs, lawncareand much more. Click on http://www.landscapinggi.com for furtherinformation.