Pool Installation Tips to Maximize Your Philly Summer Fun

Although Philadelphia’s warm weather season is relatively short, a swimming pool adds visual beauty and a sense of relaxation to your backyard, in addition to being a great place to cool off. Here’s how to get started on a pool installation for your home.

Although the Philadelphia warm weather season is limited compared to other parts of the country, a swimming pool lends visual beauty and a sense of relaxation to your backyard, in addition to being a great place to cool off. If the summer heat has you thinking about adding an inground pool to your Philadelphia home this summer, here are a few tips to consider before you dig.

Calculate a Pool Budget

Pool installation encompasses a wide range of up-front costs, as well as ongoing maintenance expenses that need to be factored into a household budget. A contractor can provide an estimate of the initial costs to dig up your yard and install the pool. As far as surface materials go, plaster is still the most popular choice, according to Houzz.com. Other costs include landscaping and hardscaping around the pool area. You may also choose to add a heater to lengthen the amount of time you can use the pool in Philadelphia’s seasonal climate. For safety reasons, you must also fence in your yard when you install a pool. Check with your local township for the required height and approved fencing materials.

Once your pool installation is complete, you will be responsible for ongoing maintenance. In Philadelphia, these costs are estimated at around $450 per year, but may vary depending on your choice of cleaning and filtration system and how often you chose to use your heater. Hiring a service to help you open and close the pool will also add to your annual upkeep expenses.

Choose Your Upgrades

Once you have an idea about general pool installation costs, you may want to look into upgrades. If your yard is sloped, you may be able to add a zero entry effect and reduce the amount of steps or a ladder needed for entry. A water shelf (also called a tanning ledge or Baja bench) is another feature, typically 4 to 18 inches deep, which allows for young children to play or adults to cool off without being totally immersed in water. Safety upgrades such as pool alarms are another feature worth investigating, especially in a house with young children.

Consider Salt vs. Chlorine

Many new pool owners are choosing the saltwater chlorination method of cleaning pools over the standard chlorine tablets. Saltwater pools do in fact use chlorine for cleaning. The chlorine is created by running salt water through a generator connected to the filtration system. You do not need to manually add chemicals to the water as you would with a standard pool. The sterilization method used in saltwater pools reportedly is much gentler on skin and prevents your eyes from burning when swimming underwater. Saltwater pools come with more upfront costs, but generally are cheaper to maintain on an ongoing basis.

New swimming pool features provide homeowners increased automation choices, less maintenance, and more flexibility in the size and shape of pools available. If you’re thinking about installing a pool this summer, it’s easier than ever to find something that will fit in with your busy lifestyle.

Image Source: Flickr/Reigh LeBlanc

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Jennifer DiGiovanni is a freelance writer and a partner in a real estate investment firm focusing on residential properties. She previously worked in the financial services industry and has earned an MBA from Villanova University. Jennifer enjoys writing about real estate, home improvement and small business.

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9 Comments

  1. Pool Installation Tips to Maximize Your Philly Summer Fun | Janet Glowacki's Blog
    August 13, 2014

    […] post Pool Installation Tips to Maximize Your Philly Summer Fun appeared first on Coldwell Banker Blue […]

    Reply
  2. Pool Installation Tips to Maximize Your Philly Summer Fun | Earl Forbes Blog
    August 13, 2014

    […] New swimming pool features provide homeowners increased automation choices, less maintenance, and more flexibility in the size and shape of pools available. If you’re thinking about installing a pool this summer, it’s easier than ever …read more […]

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  3. Pool Installation Tips to Maximize Your Philly Summer Fun | Patrick Lim's Blog
    August 14, 2014

    […] post Pool Installation Tips to Maximize Your Philly Summer Fun appeared first on Coldwell Banker Blue […]

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  4. Pool Installation Tips to Maximize Your Philly Summer Fun | Donna Dagley's Blog
    August 14, 2014

    […] New swimming pool features provide homeowners increased automation choices, less maintenance, and more flexibility in the size and shape of pools available. If you’re thinking about installing a pool this summer, it’s easier than ever …read more […]

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  5. Pool Installation Tips to Maximize Your Philly Summer Fun | Elouise Margita's Blog
    August 14, 2014

    […] New swimming pool features provide homeowners increased automation choices, less maintenance, and more flexibility in the size and shape of pools available. If you’re thinking about installing a pool this summer, it’s easier than ever …read more […]

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  6. backyard lap pool
    November 11, 2015

    Nice blog all stuff are very informative.

    Reply
  7. Above ground pool builder
    December 1, 2015

    Pool installation is my favorite topic to read and write, thanks for this valuable information.

    Reply
  8. Salt Water Chlorinator
    April 13, 2016

    Nice article, thanks for taking the time to write. I particularly favor salt water chlorinator pools as I own one. The amount of time I have saved in manually measuring and dosing the pool with traditional chlorine has been great.
    The pool looks good 24×7. I would definitely recommend a salt water pool.

    Reply
  9. ALBIXON
    January 30, 2017

    Thank you for the useful info! I would also add a section about pool covers. Pool covers protect your pool from debris and prevent children or adults to accidentally fall in to the water.

    Reply

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