In fact, a survey sponsored by the National Spa & Pool Institute (NSPI), the world's largest trade organization of pool and spa companies, found that most pool owners use their "liquid assets" for relaxation. Others say that their pools are convenient and private places for exercise and physical therapy. And some folks simply see their pools as places to gather with family and friends. But they all know that a pool will add beauty and value to a home.

There's an aboveground pool or an in-ground model to meet most any desire and any budget. Whether you're buying or building the pool of your dreams, this handy guide will help you make a splash.

Think it Through

When choosing or designing a pool, think about your lifestyle, any special design needs, maintenance and safety considerations, and your budget. How you live and how you want to use your pool will determine its type, size and shape, as well as the landscaping and accessories you will want. And know that there's a pool to meet virtually any want or need.

Get the pool that's right for you. If you're looking for a convenient place to exercise, then a lap pool or a swim-in-place model might be what you need. Will your pool be a source of entertainment for your children? If so, then a large, fun, multi-purpose deck and additional safety features are in order. A natural-looking pool with entertainment amenities, special lighting and exotic plants can transform your backyard into a private paradise -- perfect for elegant gatherings. If you want a pool you can take with you when you move, then a portable, aboveground pool deserves a closer look.

Consider the big picture. When planning your pool, keep in mind your neighbors, the landscape and climate as well as local regulations. Do you want to use your pool year-round or just for the summer months? Will you want to heat the pool? New, high-tech, energy-saving systems and accessories help keep costs to a minimum. What about lighting, audio systems and the pool surround? Also, do local regulations mandate specific safety measures? If so, you'll need to adapt your pool design to accommodate them.

Inground Pools

There are several options when it comes to inground pools. Here are some brief descriptions:

An inground pool with a vinyl liner is supported by a frame of steel, aluminum, polymer, concrete or wood.

A fiberglass pool usually is made of a full fiberglass molded shell, but some combine concrete or other materials with the fiberglass.

A concrete pool is made of durable, seamless sprayed concrete over steel reinforcing rods; these can be built in a variety of custom shapes.

The cost for an inground pool starts at about $7,000, but that can vary widely depending on geographic region, size of the pool and the degree of customization. Decking, landscaping, safety equipment, and such amenities as automated maintenance and heating systems will cost extra.

Aboveground Pools

An aboveground pool offers loads of fun and relaxation and often you can be swimming the same day you purchase your pool. There is a wide range of sizes designed to suit almost any yard. Traditional aboveground pools support a vinyl liner on a round or oval frame of aluminum or steel. With prices ranging from $1,500 to $5,000, family-size, aboveground pools are quite affordable.

Aboveground pools install quickly and easily. Larger ones may require professional installation, but a relatively handy person can set up some of the new models in about a day. In fact, some pools can be up and enjoyed within hours of purchase. Some are even expandable, a particularly useful feature for growing families. Plus, with an aboveground pool, if you move you can take it with you!

As for looks, the inherent simplicity of an aboveground pool's design makes it easy to integrate it into any landscape plan. Creative decking and landscaping make these pools extremely attractive. In fact, if you look at photos of pools in home magazines and pool-design brochures, you might have a hard time distinguishing the aboveground pools from the inground models.

Getting Down to Business

Find a dealer or builder with the help of the National Spa & Pool Institute, on the Web at www.nspi.org, or by calling (800) 323-3996. NSPI members adhere to a code of business ethics and pledge to provide customer satisfaction. Always check a company's background and references. Ask how long they have been in business. Is the company a member in good standing of other business organizations in addition to NSPI, such as a local Better Business Bureau? Find out if the dealer handles service as well as sales. Have the personnel received any of NSPI's specialized training or earned NSPI certifications, such as the CSE Certified Service Professional, or the CBP Certified Building Professional designations?

Check several sources of financing to make sure you're getting the best deal. Dealers and builders can often assist with identifying financing options, so ask here first.

Get everything in writing and review all your contracts carefully before signing. Make certain you understand exactly what is included in the purchase price. Get all the specifics on your pool as well as delivery and/or installation.

Ask for a warranty for the pool and its equipment. Be sure you fully understand that warranty -- what is and isn't covered.

If you're building a pool, obtain at least three written quotes from builders specifying exactly what equipment and materials they will use. Check references. Call the Better Business Bureau. And know that some areas require builders to be licensed and insured. Also, look for the NSPI logo -- that will tell you if the builders are members of the organization and committed to upholding its high standards.

Make sure your builder follows construction and installation practices published by NSPI and that have been approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Be sure to include in your budget the costs for any landscaping or other poolside amenities such as lighting, water features and audio systems.

Prepare a master plan if you're making any landscape changes. You can set up some aboveground pools with the aid of a video provided by the manufacturer. But if your model requires professional installation, be sure the installer adheres to all local safety codes.

Save some money. You often can save substantial sums simply by getting your pool project under way before or after the busy summer season.

Plan for Minimal Maintenance
An ongoing revolution in pool-care technology is making maintenance easier than ever. Automating your pool will let you spend far more time enjoying it than maintaining it.

Automation saves time and money. With automated systems, it takes little more than a touch of a button or a flip of a switch to cover or uncover the pool, clean it, control the temperature and dispense the chemicals. Wireless systems are especially easy to install.

If you don't even want to do that much, service technicians who have received training through NSPI are a short phone call or mouse click away. If you decide to use a pool maintenance service, look for the NSPI logo. And ask for a CSP Certified Service Professional -- that way you'll be sure to get someone who is well trained and highly skilled.

Play it Safe
Make your pool as safe as possible with layers of protection. Self-closing and self-latching gates and doors, window latches, alarms, good lighting, portable or wireless telephones and safety covers are all excellent, sensible protection devices.

Check with your state and local governments for any barrier requirements and codes specific to your area.

Pool safety covers which meet the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International) safety standards will provide an added layer of protection. They also cut down on day-to-day operating costs by reducing heat loss, chemical usage and water evaporation.

And always keep in mind: There is no substitute for constant responsible adult supervision of children and pets.

Careful thought and prudent planning can make your entry into pool ownership as effortless and enjoyable as possible. For more information, check with NSPI at (800) 323-3996 or www.nspi.org for brochures on pool planning, maintenance and safety. There are Internet sites that offer a wealth of information to assist in your plans. Visit www.poolpeopleusa.com and www.poolandspaliving.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content