Is your swimming pool looking a bit tired or shabby and in need of some tlc? Perhaps you’ve acquired a pool with your new house and want to give it your own style? Maybe you want to upgrade your existing swimming pool to take advantage of developments in pool technology and energy efficiency? Whatever your reasons, renovating a swimming pool can be a fantastic decision in many respects. It pays to plan carefully, however, and avoid these common and potentially costly mistakes which could turn your renovation from dream to disaster.
Timing Is Everything
We’ve already talked about why winter is the best time to build a swimming pool or to have a new installation, and the same goes for pool renovation. Get the building work done during the off-peak months, and your new-look pool will be ready to enjoy once the weather warms up again.
Don’t Try To DIY
Even the most experienced pool contractors can run into problems at times. Renovating a swimming pool is a big undertaking, and mistakes, even something as simple as measuring incorrectly, can spell big trouble, and big money! Something as large-scale and expensive as this is really not the time to exercise your enthusiasm for DIY – hire a professional!
Do Your Homework
Spend some time researching swimming pool technologies, equipment and construction. It will help pool contractors if you have some idea of what you want to achieve and what your options are in advance, and you’ll be at an advantage when it comes to getting quotes. Ask lots of questions of contractors, ask for recommendations and examples of previous work, and compare three or four different estimates before deciding on a company to manage your renovation.
Buy The Best You Can Afford
We all like to save a bit of money when we can, but it’s not a good idea to try to cut corners when it comes to making improvements to your pool. Invest in good quality materials and equipment, and you’ll reap the benefits for years to come. Spending more during your renovation on top of the range equipment might save you having to purchase replacements in a couple of years, or could save you money on your running costs due to increased energy efficiency, for example.
Think Of The Future
It’s tempting to design yourself an ultra-fashionable, unique, statement swimming pool, which will be the talk of all your friends. Much as you’d love to create the fantasy pool of your dreams, maybe consider reigning in your imagination just a little, and reflect on what potential buyers might think if you come to sell your property in the future, and how well the pool fits in with the style of your property as a whole. Although it might seem ‘boring’, there’s often a lot to be said for being conservative in your renovation tastes!
