If the past couple of years have taught us anything, it is that life is for living. Too often, we overlook the good things in life – those that are perhaps fun and frivolous – in favor of the essentials. For many families, that’s changing, and people are deliberately setting aside time to do things, to go places, and to experience what they have always wanted to.
This applies equally to life in the home as well as away from it. For example, many people are buying gadgets that are health-oriented, such as smart home gyms. Some have traded up to a nicer car, and why not? One thing that has become ever more popular in the warmer climes is a home pool.
If you enjoy a swim – and it is fun as well as being great exercise – closed pools over the pandemic period will have been frustrating. Yet, you could have one right outside your door, in your yard, and it may be far less expensive than you believe. We’re going to talk about why you should have a pool, what you need to check out before you go ahead, and how to choose the best New Jersey pool installers for your project. Let’s start with some reasons why you might have your own pool.
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Should You Install a Pool?
To begin with, we suggest you start by checking out a reputable local pool company such EverClear Pools & Spas who have installed many in-ground pools in the New Jersey area. This will give you an idea of what services are provided and what to expect from your pool installer. Why would you invest in a pool? Here are some of the reasons people do so:
- The convenience of a home pool outweighs the travel involved in going to a municipal bath.
- You know who has been in your pool and can keep control of it.
- It’s fun for all the family and there at all times.
- Swimming is a healthy pursuit.
- You can hold your own pool parties.
- A pool will add value to your property should you choose to sell.
Now that you’ve decided you would like a pool, it’s time to get the necessities out of the way.
Check if You Need Planning Permission
Do you need planning permission for your pool? We cannot answer without knowledge of what you have planned. Planning law in New Jersey can be complicated, and you will need to use a government portal – they are available online – to answer some questions and see if you need permission.
It will also depend on where the pool is to be built, whether there will be a building over it, and your property’s relationship to neighbors. A knowledgeable local pool installation company will be able to help and may put you in touch with the planning department for confirmation.
Have a Survey Performed
Is your land suitable for a pool? Once again, this is a question where the answer depends upon various influencing factors. A pool company will send a surveyor to check that the land earmarked for your pool is indeed suitable.
In New Jersey, a good proportion of homes have outdoor pools, which indicate that the likelihood of there being a geological problem is small, yet we do advise you to carry out this step, or it could be a mistake going ahead. These past couple of points already involve you talking to pool installation companies, so let’s get down to business and see what you need to know.
Talk to Pool Installation Companies
We have given a starting point for pool installation companies in New Jersey, but we also recommend that you ask around friends, family, and colleagues for further recommendations. You want to find a pool company that you feel you can trust, so here are a few questions to ask and points to consider before you make your choice.
Ask to See Examples of their Work
If they are a reputable and established company, they will be able to show you examples of their work. This could be in the form of a catalog or portfolio, or they may have clients who are happy to let you see their pool. The real estate market in the region always has homes with pools for sale, and the company you are talking to may be able to arrange for you to visit one of these. If you can, talk to the homeowner as they will give you an honest appraisal of the work carried out.
What Warranty do they Offer?
A warranty on a pool will differ between companies and jobs. What level of Warranty do they offer? How long does it last? Will they repair fixtures and fittings that fail before their expected lifespan expires? Make sure that you have all the details of your pool warranty from each company that you talk to so you can compare.
Do They Provide a Maintenance Service?
Does the pool installer provide an after-sales maintenance service, whether cost or as part of the deal? If not, do they recommend a maintenance service provider in the region? We cannot stress how important it is if you come to be selling your home that a pool has been well-maintained professionally and that you have proof of such. Just as you look for a maintenance history with a pre-owned car, you want one with your pool.
Get More than One Quote
Finally, always get more than one quote from pool installers in New Jersey. Unless you are absolutely convinced that they are the right installers for your job, do not automatically pick the cheapest option. It may be that a different company engendered your trust more readily and that you like their ideas and approach, yet they are more expensive. Go to them with your other quotes and see if they can match or get nearer to the cheaper one. You have nothing to lose in asking, so start talking now, and you’ll soon have a pool to be proud of.
