Who doesn’t love a pool?! Having a swimming pool in your backyard can be a dream come true for homeowners who are searching for a source of relaxation, entertainment, and exercise.
However, owning a pool also comes with responsibilities, costs, and maintenance. If you’ve been considering getting a pool, you’ll need to know the pros, cons, tips and tricks of swimming pool design, construction, and maintenance in NJ.
Pros of Having a Pool
If your goal is increased home enjoyment, neighborhood socialization and more, building a pool would be a great addition to your backyard! Keep reading for just a few pros of having a pool, especially in the summertime.
- Relaxation and Recreation
- Increased Home Value
- Privacy and Convenience
Relaxation and Recreation
One huge pro is the feeling of relaxation and recreation without leaving your backyard. A pool provides a perfect place to unwind and escape the heat during the summer months. You can enjoy a refreshing swim, lounge by the poolside, or have a pool party with friends and family.
With so many holidays and free time, you’ll find yourself spending days upon days near your pool. Plus, if you’re usually the go-to home for neighborhood parties, then a pool is a great way to entertain kids and adults alike.
The Best Pool Accessories for Summer
Consider these added features to enhance your pool party experience:
Increased Home Value
A well-designed pool can transform your backyard into a beautiful and inviting space. It adds a focal point to your outdoor area, creating a serene ambiance and increasing the value of your property.
The addition of a pool can increase your home’s value as much as 7 percent, making it more marketable to potential buyers.
Privacy and Convenience
Although there are plenty of spots to lounge and swim in New Jersey, sometimes it’s nice to have a little privacy!
Especially in the summer months, your kids will need to fill some of their free time at home. Having a pool is a great way to get them off of TikTok and into the outdoors. Actually, swimming has a long list of health benefits for your kids and for you, too:
- Reduces stress and anxiety levels
- Releases endorphins
- Improved cardio (doing 30 minutes of activity in the water = 45 minutes on land!)
- Improved heart health
- Easier sleep
Cons of Having a Pool
Although the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to having a pool, you should still consider the work that will go into your backyard post-construction.
- Initial & Ongoing Costs
- Maintenance
- Safety Concerns
How Much Does it Cost to Install a Pool in New Jersey?
The initial installation cost of a pool can be significant, including excavation, construction, permits, and landscaping. The price will vary depending on the pool type, shape, size of the pool, and degree of customization. On average, a fully kitted-out pool with all of the bells and whistles can cost well over $250,000.
Ongoing Expenses for an In-Ground Pool
Additionally, ongoing expenses such as water, electricity, pool chemicals, and insurance can add up over time. The cost of pool ownership for basic maintenance, increased utilities, and repairs will add $2,500 to $5,000 every year.
This helpful infographic from homeguide can help you estimate how much your project will cost:
Source: homeguide
Maintenance for Your Pool
Pools require regular maintenance to keep the water clean, balanced, and safe. This includes tasks such as cleaning debris, skimming the surface, vacuuming, checking and adjusting chemical levels, and maintaining proper filtration.
Maintenance can be time-consuming should you take on the challenge on your own. Luckily, there are many reputable firms in the NJ area to ease your worries. Keep reading for my recommendations!
Safety Concerns of Having a Pool
Pools come with inherent safety risks, particularly for households with young children or pets. Adequate safety measures, such as pool fences, alarms, and covers, must be in place to prevent accidents.
The Best Swimming Classes in North Jersey
Supervision and proper swimming lessons are also crucial to ensure everyone's safety around the pool. There are plenty of local swimming classes in New Jersey – here are a few to check out:
- Summit, NJ – The Connection offers classes for kids of all ages, needs, and accommodations, and abilities.
- Millburn, NJ – SwimQuest focuses on getting your kids comfortable in the water in small group, semi-private, or private lessons.
- Livingston, NJ - Goldfish offers small-group classes with a 3:1 student-to-instructor ratio, and mommy-and-me swim lessons for your little ones as early as 3-months old.
Maintenance Tips for Pool Owners
Having a pool is a major plus during the summer months, but maintaining it is crucial to get the most out of your backyard oasis. If you’re a pool owner (or considering), here are some tips for year-round maintenance:
- Regular Cleaning: Skim the surface, clean out debris, and brush the walls and floor of the pool to prevent algae growth and maintain water clarity.
- Water Testing and Balancing: Regularly test the pool water for pH, chlorine levels, and alkalinity. Adjust the chemicals as necessary to ensure a safe and balanced swimming environment.
- Filtration System: Maintain and clean the pool's filtration system to ensure proper circulation and filtration of water.
- Covering the Pool: Use a pool cover when the pool is not in use to minimize evaporation, keep out debris, and reduce heating costs.
- Professional Maintenance: Consider hiring a professional pool service for routine inspections, cleaning, and maintenance. When you hire a service, you can trust that your pool is in optimal condition and address any potential issues promptly.
When I work with my clients, whether it’s finding their dream home or designing it from scratch, I always provide them with a list of my top, trusted industry professionals in the area. For pool construction, landscaping and maintenance, here are just a few to choose from:
- SJ Pools and Landscaping, LLC: An award-winning luxury pool and landscaping contractor! Their work speaks for itself.
- CLC Landscape Design: Award-winning landscape architecture and landscape construction firm! They’ve been servicing the Ringwood, NJ, area and beyond for over 40 years.
- The Pool Guyz: If you need a full service pool service company, I’d recommend the Pool Guyz. They have over 10+ years of experience in Essex, Morris and Union counties. Reach out to them if you need your pool opened or closed, weekly service, equipment installation or repair, etc.
Still not sold on building a pool in your backyard? I offer consulting services for construction projects! Reach out today, and we can discuss your individual needs:
