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If you’re thinking about installing an inground pool, one of the first things you’ll likely wonder is where should you even start. From choosing a pool size and shape to the color, water features, and landscaping, installing an inground pool is a major undertaking. But with the proper planning and the right pool contractor, this can be a fun process!
How to Get Started Installing an Inground Pool
Installing an inground pool involves several key steps to ensure easy installation. You’ll need to consider factors such as the available backyard area, intended use, and aesthetic preferences. Once the pool design is chosen, you’ll need to set a budget that includes the inground pool costs but also additional expenses like landscaping, fencing, and ongoing maintenance. It’s also essential to select a reputable pool builder with a proven track record, seeking recommendations, reading reviews, and examining past projects.
Thorough planning, careful budgeting, and informed decision-making will set the foundation for a successful inground pool installation, providing a source of enjoyment and relaxation for years to come. Let’s dive into how you can get started installing an inground pool!
1. Budgeting & Pool Financing
The first step is to determine your budget. This is not the most fun part of the process, but before you imagine yourself installing a pool with an infinity ledge, swim-up bar, fire pit, and full outdoor kitchen, it’s best to know your limits. Remember to keep landscaping, patio accessories, and maintenance in mind.
Once you’ve set your budget for installing an inground pool, then it’s time to let your imagination run wild. List out the “must-have” components of your desired pool and then the luxury features. After you’ve prioritized the concept of your new pool, it’s time to think about how you’ll actually fund the investment.
Keep in mind the factors that affect pool construction cost such as pool size, whether you choose vinyl, concrete, or a fiberglass pool, and water features.
The next step is figuring out how you are going to pay for your pool. Are you able to pay in cash? Are you thinking about getting a loan? Most people are looking to obtain some type of financing. Whether that be through your bank, a local lender, or our pool financing options, breaking out payments into a monthly plan can help you manage the investment.
2. Plot Plan
What is a plot plan you might ask? It is basically a drawing of your property showing any structures, easements, set backlines, and restrictions. You have to have a plot plan available to do any drawings for permit applications. Typically this document is found in the pile of paperwork that you signed when you bought your property.
3. Utility Setup
This is an issue that affects just about everyone in some way. You will need to have your utilities marked so you can determine where you can put a pool. Phone and cable lines can be moved fairly easily and are not typically a big deal, but electric lines are a different story. National Electric codes call for any overhead electric lines to be a minimum of 10 feet from the edge of a pool. Underground lines have to be 5 feet from the edge of the pool.
At Parrot Bay Pools, we handle calling the utilities for you once your first deposit payment has been made. If it’s determined that the lines will be too close to where you want to put your pool they can be moved. The cost is not cheap and will be mostly determined by what your local utility will charge you.
4. Homeowner’s Insurance Policy
This might seem obvious, but you must check your homeowner’s insurance. Most insurance companies have requirements for safety measures that need to be met. It’s a good idea to check just to be safe and be sure to add your pool to your policy once construction has begun.
5. Homeowners Association Restrictions
There are many HOAs that have restrictions on what you can and cannot do on your property. We have had projects that could not happen because the association would not approve installing an inground pool. Permits and plans can be approved through the local city, town, and county – but if the HOA does not approve the plot plan, they have the authority to shut the project down. Check with your HOA to save yourself some frustration.
Contact Our Swimming Pool Contractors in North Carolina
This stage isn’t the glamorous side of planning for a new swimming pool, but once these items are out of the way and we know that your pool can become a reality, that’s when the magic happens! If you want a bit more assistance or clarity on how to get started, contact our North Carolina swimming pool contractors. We’ve been installing inground pools in North Carolina for over 15 years – and we have thousands of happy customers!
For the best pool contractors in Raleigh, Fayetteville, Wilmington, Charleston, Cary, Apex, Fuquay-Varina, and beyond, visit our pool design center in Benson, call us, or schedule a consultation online.
