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Step by Step Guide to Planning an In-Ground Pool

Does planning your pool seem incredibly daunting? Do you wish someone would take the time to write down exactly what you need to do, step by step, for creating your perfect pool? Look no further! Albany.com has created a guide so you know exactly what to do when planning your pool.

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Albany.com's Step By Step Guide

Step 1: Meet with Pool Companies and Landscape Companies

You will learn a lot from each pool company and landscaper you meet with. Don't forget to request references! You can also ask for a list of jobs the company has completed within the past 60 days, or those that they currently have under construction. This will give you the opportunity to see what their reputation really is. Everyone can find three great references, but if asked about happy clients served over the last 60 days… that's another story altogether.

We quoted three pool companies. I knew I wanted a salt water pool, and two of the three pool companies only offered steel base pools so they were out due to corrosion. In retrospect, I should have sought out two new quotes from reputable companies that offered salt water pools in concrete base or polymer walled. I chose the company that helped my parents with their pool, and although I've heard they were more expensive, I believed their quality to be better. Find Local Pool Companies Here »

We also quoted three landscaping companies. We learned from each one, but in the end, only one was able to meet our budget.

Step 2: Where to Place Your Pool

First, look for the areas that have the most sun all summer long. Watch how the sun tracks from 8 AM to 7 PM. Find out where your septic is. If the area where you want to place your pool is hilly, expect extra costs with fill and topsoil or retaining walls.

Step 3: Choose Your "Hardscape"

Will you be putting in concrete, stained concrete, brushed stained concrete, stamped concrete, pavers or stone? It becomes incrementally more expensive as you go down this list. Since you'll be charged by the square foot, you'll want to consider how much hardscape you really need.

Step 4: Make a Wish List, Set a Budget, and Compromise

If you're like most, you might not be able to afford everything you want. This is why you should set a budget; give yourself a buffer, as things do go wrong.

Make a wish list. Do you want cantilever edges to your pool? What about a deck, pool shed, fire pit, or outdoor kitchen? You may want a slide, diving board, jumping rock, or waterfall. Do you need trees for privacy, or will fencing do? You can make your pool appear more seamless with your decking with cantilever coping made of stone, decorative pavers, or decorative colored concrete coping that caps the pool shell.


Step 5: Get Your Permits

Once your design is set and you have drawings and are ready to go, you need to get permits from the local municipalities.

Who needs to get paid: Pool company, hardscape company, excavators (the basic excavation is included but expect extras here), electricians and landscapers.

The extras: It's most cost efficient to order your "extras" online from heaters to slides and diving boards. You can get a lot of the accessories much more affordably online through Ebay. However, check out the companies and their reputations and return policies online; make sure you have a phone number and a person to contact.

« Back to the Albany Pool Buyer's Guide