Choosing the right place for your new in-ground pool can be a tricky proposition; the location is often based on your property’s size keeping the following factors in mind: grade changes, distance from the house to the property line, distance to run electrical or gas lines, sunlight, and safety concerns. Metropolitan Pools offers helpful tips for selecting the right location for your new in-ground pool.
Grade Changes Around a Pool
If your backyard is level, you are in an ideal position, but more often than not, the grade of your yard will change. If you have 2 feet or more of grade change over the area of your new pool, your property will require some grading work to lay the proper foundation site for your new pool. Depending on the circumstances, retaining walls can extend over a downward area or upwards to expand the pool deck.
How Close to the House & Property Line Can I Build a Pool?
Often referred to as setbacks and easements, you will need to decide how far the pool will be from the home structure. Building codes will play a large role in how far you can build your pool from the property lines (setback). The distance of the setback varies depending on where you live. Check with your local government building regarding the correct permit for your specific requirements. Easements are an area of your property that you are forbidden to build. Examples of easements include drainage, utility, and right of way easements.
Electrical & Gas Requirements for a Pool
One area homeowners often overlook is the location of the pump, filter, or heater. There is a big difference between running your electrical lines 50 feet or 150 feet, and the cost differences between the two can be dramatic. Other considerations include noise; as a general rule, you will not want to locate your pool pump or heater right outside your window, where you are trying to sleep or get some rest. You will also need to have access to water for cleaning up around the pool area. It’s much more convenient to have access to a water spigot within 50 feet or less than running two or three garden hoses joined together, especially when you factor in trip hazards and other safety concerns.
Is Sunlight Good for Pools? Can You Put a Pool in the Shade?
Sunshine, fun time, the two go hand in hand. Do your research on a sunny day and spend time outside to see which yard area gets the best sunlight. Consider the times of day you will most often spend around the pool. Are you an early riser who prefers the morning sun, or do you prefer lounging in the pool later in the day? Are there any trees or buildings that would block the sun during prime pool time? Ideally, you will want to have sunshine for at least 4-6 hours per day. If you have large shade trees in your yard, the experts at Metro Pools recommend a buffer of 50 feet to prevent large deposits of leaves in the pool and avoid potential damage to the tree roots.
Safety Precautions in Swimming Pool Location
Pool safety is an essential factor of owning a pool, and you will want to be able to keep tabs on your children and their friends at all times. When it comes to safety, your pool should be visible from as many angles as possible poolside and be outfitted with a 4-sided fence specially designed for pool safety. Your local building and zoning commission will have exact requirements for pool fencing, often referred to as a pool barrier.
Vinyl Swimming Pool Installations, Liner Replacements & More in Sandusky, Lorain, Elyria, Medina, Parma, Mentor, Akron & Greater Cleveland, OH
To learn more about vinyl swimming pool installations and to schedule an assessment of your property, contact the experts at Metropolitan Pools today.