Pool Installing Tips in Hutchinson, KS
A Guide To Opening Your Own Swimming Pool
As the weather starts heating up, you might find yourself wishing you had your own in-ground swimming pool to cool off in. If your home didn’t come with one, you might simply give up and suffer through the hot summer months without one. However, with a bit of effort and determination, you can handle your own pool installation. Not sure how to begin? You’ve come to the right place. Ebeling Pools has created this guide with everything you need to know about opening your own swimming pool. Keep reading to learn more! If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us. You can also stop by and see us in Hutchinson, KS, to check out our inventory.
Choose a Pool Type
There are three main types of in-ground swimming pools to choose from, which include concrete, vinyl-lined, and fiberglass. In some areas of the country, certain contractors may offer to build steel- or aluminum-walled pools. Keep in mind, there are some key differences between these options that should help you decide. A concrete pool is custom-built and can be easily formed to your preferred size and shape. It’s also worth noting that a concrete pool installation tends to take the longest of the bunch. You can expect the process to last between 3 and 12 weeks depending on the details.
As for vinyl pools, this option is made from a preformed flexible liner that fits into a hole, which is then attached to a reinforced wall frame. You’ll find that most vinyl pools are rectangular, but there are L-shaped and freeform liners available as well. Vinyl liners come in many different colors and patterns, so it’s easy to tailor it to your unique preferences. With that said, pets, pool toys, and sharp objects can puncture the liner. That’s not to say that it will be beyond repair, but you should have this in mind when making a decision. To be on the safe side, you’ll want to select a liner that is at least 20 to 30mm thick.
Last but not least, fiberglass pools are factory-molded into a big bowl-shaped piece. A crane is used to set the mold into an excavated hole made for the pool. This makes fiberglass pools a much quicker choice if you’re on a specific timeline for your pool installation. The smooth gel coat finish that’s used in fiberglass pools is extremely durable and stain-resistant. The surface is nonporous, so they often require fewer chemicals and are less susceptible to algae. You may not have as many size and shape options, but that’s a small sacrifice for the other perks.
Research Pricing
The price range for an in-ground swimming pool can vary quite a bit. It depends on the area you live in, the type of pool you choose, the condition of the soil, your circulation system, accessories, and the size and shape of your pool. Believe it or not, the time of year that you’re opening your swimming pool can also affect the cost. Some contractors experience slow seasons and will offer discounts for pools during these times. Typically speaking, concrete pools are the most expensive option with vinyl-lined pools trailing closely behind. Fiberglass pools tend to be the most affordable choice.
Check Zoning Regulations
This might seem obvious, but you need to check the zoning regulations in your area before you start your pool installation. You’ll need to obtain an approved building permit before you start your project. In most areas, you will also need to comply with specific setback distances from the pool to property lines, sewer lines, wells, septic tanks, and so on. Remember to check what codes regarding pool barriers and gate hardware apply to your area.
Site the Pool
One of the most important aspects of the process is selecting the right spot for your in-ground swimming pool. Fortunately, there are plenty of knowledgeable contractors who can provide valuable expertise on this topic. There are some important factors to consider, such as choosing an area that’s open to the sun and away from trees. The water will warm up more easily and you’ll experience fewer leaves in the pool, too. If you build a pool in a windy area, this greatly increases the chance of water evaporation. This means you’ll constantly have to add water to the pool to maintain the correct level. You also want to avoid building your pool in a low-lying area, which could result in a flood of mud and debris during periods of heavy rainfall. You should also aim to build your pool in an area that’s within view of your house. This makes it easy to keep an eye on the swimmers when you’re inside the house.
Pick a Circulation System
Finally, you’ll need to pick a circulation system for your in-ground swimming pool. This is the system that keeps your pool sparkling clean and clear. A circulation system uses both filtration and sanitization to achieve this. The main component you’ll need to focus on is the filter. There are three filter types to choose from, including sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth (DE). All three of these options work well when they’re installed correctly and you keep up with routine maintenance.
The sand filter is the oldest and most common filtration method, which is cleaned by backwashing. This process involves reversing the flow of water through the filter and flushing the dirty water into the waste line. As for cartridge filters, these have been around for years but have only recently become more popular. This system consists of large cylindrical cartridges that filter out dirt. Backwashing is not required, but you will need to remove the filter and rinse it off with the hose.
As you may know, DE is a porous powder with microscopic openings that are similar to small sponges. As water passes through these openings, dirt and other particles are trapped. These filters are cleaned by backwashing but use less water than sand filters. More DE is added to the filter after the backwashing process is complete. We hope this information has been useful. If you have any questions, get in touch with the team at Ebeling Pools. We’d be happy to offer more tips for opening your own swimming pool. We look forward to assisting you! We’re conveniently located in Hutchinson, KS, near Wichita.