It's time to finally put in a backyard pool, right? You've decided that 2011 was the year that it was going to actually happen. Here are a few things to take into consideration before making the plunge.

 

1.  If you dream it, you can probably have it. Do you know exactly what you're looking for in your pool? You may think you know what you're looking for but do you know all of the latest trends and technologies? Keep an open mind when you're talking to your pool builder.
2. Put it on paper. It's hard to put into words what you want your pool to look like so it's best to go armed with either photos or drawings of design ideas. Cut pictures from magazines or print pictures from the internet. Show the builder what you have in mind and see if it's feasible.
3. Do you really know what's involved in a pool installation? Because a swimming pool is a big investment of time and money up front, remember, too though that it is an ongoing maintenance project. Additionally, there are so many types of pool materials, filter systems and unique touches you can add to your pool it pays to do your research before you meet the pool builder.
4. What's your shape? The design you choose for your swimming pool is crucial not only to the overall aesthetic appeal but to what you can actually do in the pool - rectangle pool designs lend themselves well to swimming laps and playing games, more so than a kidney shaped pool. Kidney shaped swimming pools appeal more natural and seem to blend better into the surrounding landscape; they also lend themselves to adding waterfalls or fountains to add to the ambiance. If you choose the wrong shape, your pool might not fit your needs as well as you might have hoped.
5. Why do you want a pool? Are you installing it for the pleasure and fun of your children? Do you want it as a way to simply relax after a long day's work? Do you want it as more of a focal point than for actual swimming (ie. Are there no children in the house and it will just be adults using it). Do you want or need a diving board or slide? The more clear your purpose, the better your pool builder can meet your expectations.
6. What's it going to cost? As with most things you buy, the sky is - or can be - the limit. If you know you only have "X" amount of dollars to spend, your first conversation with the pool builder should be about that. Don't go to a builder hoping for a ,000 pool if you only have a ,000 budget. Set realistic expectations for both yourself and your pool builder.
7. Speaking of pool builders...find one that is credible. The best way to have a good pool building experience is with a pool contractor who is reliable and has a good reputation both in the pool building and in the customer department. Ask friends, neighbors and check the Internet for referrals. Ask the pool builder for names of prior customers and ask for photos of work he or she has completed.

While this list is certainly not exhaustive in what you need to consider when you're undertaking a pool install, it is a great jumping off point.