It's no secret that backyard pools are part of the Australian lifestyle There is no better feeling than being able to jump into your own pool on a warm sunny day and being able to splash about and entertain your friends and family. But why is it that we love swimming so much? swimming pools bring so much fun and joy to our lives but they also come with responsibility, especially with keeping our kids safe. Let's take a look at some important things to consider before purchasing a fibreglass pool and also some important pool safety tips
Why are backyard pools popular?
Here in Australia, outdoor living is a major part of our lifestyle and quite often our backyard is just seen as another room of the house. A swimming pool adds so much value and joy to our lives, it's our own little sanctuary where we can relax, destress and spend quality time with the people we love. Owning a pool is also great for social gatherings, during the summer months you don't need an excuse to have a pool party, it is fantastic being able to invite your friends and family over to enjoy the pool throughout those warmer months.
Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise, it will improve your health and well being as it uses all the muscles in your body and is also great not just for weight loss but it is incredible for toning and improving your fitness. Science has also proven that swimming is highly beneficial for our lungs and heart and overall joints and muscles in our body.
Each year life seems to get more fast-paced, the saying "I wish there were more hours in the day" is heard more often as time is so precious but also goes so quick. Water has been proven to have a calming effect on the mind and body as it lowers blood pressure, helps reduce stress, anxiety and depression and helps improve the quality of our sleep
Not only is a pool fantastic for personal and social reasons but it will also add value to your home. A fibreglass pool will be the main feature of your home and it is also one of the most searched options for renters and buyers in Australia.
How do I know which pool is right for me?
Purchasing a fibreglass pool for your home will more than likely be the biggest investment you make, so its imperative that you make the right decisions. Here at Factory Pools Perth we always say to our customers to think about what they want from their pool before making the final decision. Here are 3 important factors to consider before purchasing your swimming pool.
What is the main reason you want a pool? - This might sound like a silly question but it is something to think about thoroughly. What is your pool going to be used for the most? If you have a family and love entertaining large groups of people then a great choice would be a family-sized pool, if you are someone who is serious about swimming and loves swimming laps then a lap pool would be a perfect choice. If your reason for purchasing a pool is for hydrotherapy and relaxation purposes then adding spa jets would be a fantastic option, if you want the benefits of both worlds you could even purchase a pool and spa combination. As you can see there are many different options available but no one other than yourself can make the right choice, and it needs to suit your lifestyle.
The size and shape of your backyard- The size of your backyard will have a large impact on the pool you choose. For example, you cannot put a large family pool in a long narrow backyard, however, you can install a slimline pool and still get fantastic enjoyment. Your backyard shape and size will also affect the material you choose. If your backyard is of regular shape and you are looking for a modern pool that you don't want to customise too much then a fibreglass pool would be a perfect choice. Fibreglass pools are a popular choice in Australia ad they are tough, durable and can withstand even the toughest weather in Australia. Fibreglass pools are also cost-effective and can be installed within a matter of days. The only downside is that they are made in factories in particular moulds so they may not suit your backyard if it is unusually shaped, however, these days fibreglass pools come in an extensive range of different shapes, sizes, lengths and depths. If your backyard doesn't suit any of the fibreglass options then concrete might be the only choice for you. Concrete pools are built from the beginning in your backyard, they can take months to build and are more expensive, however, shape, design and size can be any that you choose.
Going over your budget- Before committing to anything the most important step down is to sit down and thoroughly go through your budget to see what you can afford. You will find that compared to a concrete pool, fibreglass pools are less expensive, this is because a concrete pool is built from the very beginning in your backyard, so there is much more construction and planning involved. Another reason which makes a concrete pool more expensive is that they generally have to be tiled or pebbled whereas a fibreglass pool is made from a pre-installed gel coast surface,. When you compare both of these surfaces, its another cost which makes a concrete pool more expensive.
One thing that a lot of people tend to forget or not truly understand is that the cost of the pool is only the first step, Once your pool is installed there are other things to think about such as heating, lighting, cleaning systems etc. There are many different systems and add ons on the market today, here at Factory Pools Perth we always advise our customers to think about all the inclusions when it comes to your budget for your pool.
Making sure your pool is placed in the right position- The position of your pool must be thought out very carefully as once your pool is installed it would be a very costly task to move it. Finding the right position must be done before the installation process begins. Some things to think about are choosing an area that is sheltered and offers privacy to your pooll, you want your pool to feel as warm as possible so sheltering it from the wind is a must. Your aim should be to position your pool in a location that faces north, and gets plenty of sunlight, this will ensure you get the most out of your pool and will be able to enjoy it for many months of the yeat. If you are short on space, try and position your pool alongside the fence or house, at the point where your backyard has the longest span, this will create the look of more space.
If you are lucky enough to have a home with an incredible view than an infinity pool might also be a great option. Infinity pools are also a great option if your backyard is on a sloping block, they look a disappearing an edge as if the water from the pool is falling away. Infinity pools add an incredible wow factor to any home, they do need to be installed partially above the ground so it is important to discuss all of your options with a pool specialist.
The correct landscaping is important- The landscaping of where your pool will be positioned must be thought about very carefully, it needs to be attractive but also functional. There are 2 options when it comes to the landscaping, it can be done at the same time as the pool is installed or you can have it done once the pool installation is complete, however, sometimes the size and design of your pool will decide this for you.
The fencing around your pool must meet the Australian Guidelines which is Australian Standard AS 1926 which ensures it is safe for children. A handy tip to keep in mind is to make sure any paving or tiling that you choose is slip-resistant, this will help prevent accidents coming in and out of the pool. Once you have thoroughly thought about the design you want and know that it meets all the safety requirements and regulations then its time to think about what else you want to do with space. For example, have you left enough room around the pool for seating? remember you won't be swimming all the time, and when you have guests over they might want to relax around the pool too. Are you going to be planting trees and flowers? will the entire area be paved or tiled or do you want to build decking around the pool?
Another thing to think about is entertaining, are you wanting to throw a few pool parties? If yes then it is important to allow enough room for outdoor entertaining and an area where you can safely set up your barbecue. The landscaping of your pool area will be a reflection of your personal design, its important to remember that a great design will mean you have functionality as well as highlighting the pool as the main feature in your backyard!
We are here to help!
When it comes to creating the perfect space in your backyard there is a lot that needs to be thought about. Planning the installation of a swimming pool should not be a rushed process, you need to take your time and carefully go everything even the minor details as this is not something you want to be changing in a few years. Factory Pools Perth take pride in offering an incredible range of top quality fibreglass pools. We make no exception when it comes to delivering not just top quality pools but also 5-star customer service throughout the whole process. We understand purchasing a fibreglass pool is a big investment and that is why we will help you along the way to make the correct choices. Feel free to give our friendly team a call today and we can help you in any way we can!
