We know investing in a swimming pool is a big, yet fun, decision. But it is one of the best decisions you can make, as a backyard swimming pool can bring many years of enjoyment and wonderful memories into your life. The following guide to buying a pool will help bring clarity to the process.

Despite being able to choose a pick-and-play pool, like a fiberglass shell, the process to install, logistics, location, permits, and options can be a more intricate one than you might think. This complete guide with linked supplemental information on buying an inground pool will help you consider a multitude of factors.

What You’ll Need to Get Started
Things to Consider
Choosing a Pool Company
Types of Pools
Pool Options
Designing Your Pool
Building Your Pool
Paying For Your Pool

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Are you currently building your home?: If you’re currently building your home, then we typically work with the builder/contractor to coordinate the current plans with the location, size and type of proposed pool.

Do you currently own the home?: If you currently own the home then we will need a current as-built survey (see example below) of the property that includes the home, dimensions, easements and boundaries. The reason for this is because there are building restrictions when it comes to pool building. We do not want to build the pool into an easement that results in a fine and the pool being moved. It’s best to know the scale and location of the pool at the very beginning.

It’s also helpful to take notes and pictures of anything that you have seen that you’d like to add to your new pool and backyard. These will be given to your designer. Some companies do not require an updated survey when installing a pool, which can sometimes result in fines from the city if you’re within an easement and can also result in you being forced to move the pool to a new location in your yard.

Things You Need to Consider

Do your own research about your zoning laws. Know the rules and restrictions concerning pools for your property.
Can you consistently maintain your new pool or should you hire help? A well cared for pool will can add great resale value to a home, but a poorly cared for pool can do the exact opposite. Ask the pool companies your considering working with if they offer pool maintenance packages.
Have you considered post-pool landscaping? When a pool company comes in to dig and work, most of your yard is going to be turned inside out. Consult with a landscaping company to determine your post-construction plans.
Have you planned for fencing? Fencing around the perimeter of the pool is mandatory.
There are a lot of companies that are great – when things go smoothly. Do your research on the pool companies you’re considering to find out how they’ve handled problems with previous clients.
Have you received multiple quotes? Not all companies include everything in the initial quote and can differ from other pool companies that do.
Have you planned on updating your homeowner’s insurance? “If you are thinking of buying or building a swimming pool, it’s best to contact your home insurance company first.” – ValuePengiun

Choosing a Pool Builder

Just like there are a lot of options for pools, there are just as many options for pool contractors. There are a few factors, other than just price, you should look for when choosing your pool contractor.

Do they service and maintain the pools they are building?
What do their Google reviews say?

For a more in-depth guide to choosing a pool company, see our Pool Planning Guide.

Types of Swimming Pools

There are many different types of pools but we will be talking inground pools in this guide and choosing a swimming pool project can come down to aspects like budget, soil, slope, and installation time to name a few.

Concrete Pools: Similar application methods, same result. Shotcrete pools are “shot” with a concrete truck and tube. Gunite pools are “shot” with a mixture of forced material and water that meets and mixes at the end of the hose right before it is applied.

Elevated Concrete: Elevated pools are much more intricate than a standard inground pool. Geotechnical assessment and engineered footings have to be completed prior to the pool being built. Foresight into settlement and movement must be considered, especially when adding infinity edges. You don’t want to be looking out over your pool and see a slanted horizon.

Vinyl: A vinyl pool typically has polymer walls and a concrete or basecrete base, upon which sits the vinyl liner.

Fiberglass Pool: First seen in the 1950s and greatly advanced throughout the 90s and 2000s, fiberglass pools have boomed in popularity. Many homeowners lean towards these pools because they can choose their shape and it is delivered. It cuts down on the design process.

Plunge/Cocktail Pool: We get this inquiry all the time. There are a lot of smaller, tighter lots in Charleston, so a plunge pool can be a good option. These are typically smaller pools, around 10’x16′, that are perfect for cooling off in the summer months.

Spool/Swim Spa: When you start adding custom seating, jets, heaters and resistance swimming devices this is when is becomes a spool. Both the plunge pool and Spool are great for smaller entertaining areas.

See a full list of Heritage Pools’ Completed Projects.

Pool Options

Raised Walls: A raised bond beam wall is wall that is above the level of the pool, usually maxing out at a height of 3 feet. It can add that extra upscale look you’re searching for, as well as allowing the pool to be built into a slope or otherwise unworkable area. Water, light, and fire features can be added to the wall.

Automatic Pool Covers: Many homeowners main concerns when asking about pool covers is keeping small kids and pets out of the pool. But according to Latham, there are other added benefits to having an automatic cover:

90% reduction in water evaporation
70% reduction in pool heating costs
50% reduction in electricity costs
70% reduction in chemical use

Shapes, Sizes and Depths: When it comes to shapes and sizes it seems almost infinite – if you think it, we can build it. Your custom shapes and sizes are available when you purchase a concrete or vinyl pool, but if you’re going the fiberglass route, you’ll be limited to the options presented by the manufacturer.

Coping: Coping is the material that caps the edge of the pool. Not only does it provide the aesthetic outline of your pool but it also works to protect the structure of your pool. Your options can be pour-in-place concrete, tile, precast concrete, and stone.

Decking: Decking is the area outside of the coping. This is your space for tables, chairs, fire pits, etc. Decking also comes in a multitude of options and is sometimes a different material than the coping, including artificial turf.

Custom Steps and Entrances: These are usually concrete additions and can vary greatly through the vision of the homeowner. Some options could be corner steps, full width steps, wedding cake steps, or beach entry.

Tanning Ledges and Benches: Custom tanning ledges and benches are very popular pool additions. Larger tanning ledges are great spaces for a “splash pad” area for smaller children while also providing space for ledge loungers for the adults. Benches are great for sitting in either the shallow or deep end, but are also very helpful for getting yourself out of the deep end side of the pool.

Visual Lighting Effects: This is a great option for setting the mood of your personal oasis and they come in white or multicolored LEDs.

Spillover Spas: These types of spas directly connect to your pool through a cutout in the spa. You can also go for the infinity spa that seems to blend directly into the pool itself. An infinity-style spa is great if you are adding an automatic cover to your pool.

Infinity Edges: This type of pool or edge is designed to give the illusion of blending into the landscape.

Fire and Water Features: Like we mentioned above in the raised wall, these features will intensify the visual appeal

and add calming sounds to your pool. These features can include fire bowls, fountains, cascades, waterfalls, water walls, bubblers and deck jets.

Hardscapes, Fire Pits and Pergolas: Additional components to complete your backyard water space.

Outdoor Kitchens: Outdoor kitchens are the perfect space for entertaining and people tend to gravitate towards barbeque areas. Cooking outdoors saves on energy consumption and extends living and entertaining areas.

Rock Features: Just like the raised wall, rock features can add a striking addition to your poolscape. Lights, water, and fire features can also be added to larger rock features.

Retaining Walls: With proper selection, retaining walls can become a highly attractive aesthetic feature of your backyard. A curvilinear, architectural retaining wall can look stunning all by itself. Add landscape lighting, appropriate plantings, and perhaps a set of stairs or two, and your property will stand out as something special.

In-Floor Cleaning: Integrated into your pool shell, these systems are designed to clean your entire pool. “Without proper and efficient circulation, your pool is subject to poor chemical distribution, pesky cold spots, and wasted energy. Save up to 30% on energy and chemicals.”- Pentair

AOP: Want to cut down on your chlorine use and reliance, as well as sanitize your pool water faster than standard systems?

Pool Furniture: When designing a new pool, it’s important to consider the type of pool furniture that will complement the space and provide comfortable lounging options for your guests. Ledge Lounger pool furniture is a popular choice for many pool owners because of its stylish design, durability, and comfort, making it the perfect addition to any poolscape.

Designing Your Pool

Like we mentioned earlier in the post, having an up-to-date as-built survey of your property and knowing any applicable HOA rules and zoning regulations, is going to be the best place to start. If you don’t have a copy of a survey you can check your home closing documents, current records with your city, and, lastly, would be to purchase a survey.

On the initial consultation call, your designer is going to help you determine the appropriate size, type and location of the pool while looking at your survey. Including pool options, he or she will also be taking into account your provided budget to make sure you are getting everything you want within your predetermined investment.

Your designer may or may not initially come out to the house to design your pool. The survey, pictures of your yard and house, your own input, and a call to the local utilities company to check for line placement will typically suffice for a 2D or 3D design to be rendered and presented to you for approval. After a design has been approved, we personally come out to your house to “paint” the pool in the yard and discuss the building process, as well as any changes that you would like to make.

Advice From the Field: “Be prepared for changing dates.This is a multi-stage process, each dependent upon the last to move forward. There will be various stages and crews that have to be coordinated. We supply you with a weekly projection sheet to keep you updated.” Mackenzie Keohane, Construction Coordinator

Heritage Pools, swimming pool contractor, charleston, designing a pool

Building the Pool of Your Dreams

Prior to your pool purchase, hold off on any landscaping projects or irrigation/drainage projects. These types of renovation projects need to be postponed until after the pool, decking and hardscapes have been installed.

“Painting” Your Pool – Once you have decided on a pool design with a designer, the designer and project manager will come out to your house to spray paint the pool in the yard, along with the decking, so you can see the sizing and placement in real life. They will also be checking for high points in the yard and any other impediments to the current design.
Equipment and Excavation – Pool projects need at least 8 feet of access to get to the backyard. Ideally, these access points will be through your own property but sometimes a neighbor permission form is needed to borrow some yard to access the pool site. If it is tight, don’t surprised if fences, trees, or bushes need to be removed.
Installing the Pool – Depending on the type of pool you choose, the process can range between 6-15 weeks, with concrete pools taking up the longest timeline. The process varies by pool style.
Coping and Decking – Installing your chosen stone, concrete, block, etc. occurs towards the end of the design process once the initial shape and type of pool have been laid out.
Pool School – Led by one of our specialists, this one-on-one process teaches you everything you need to know to keep your pool functioning properly.

Advice From the Field: “Preparing for the unknowns – like well points, soil quality, weather, delays, and realistic expectations when dealing with natural finish materials that do not have perfect, uniform coloring.” – Austin Gilbert, Heritage Pools Project Manager

Paying For Your Pool

You’re either going to pay cash, finance, a combination of both, or work your pool into the loan on your new home, which would also fall under finance.

Check out this article from HFS Financial on how to apply for a pool loan.