Is My Backyard Suited For A Swimming Pool?
When considering a pool for your place, one of the first things you might consider is whether your backyard is suitable for a pool. In an ideal world everyone would have a flat, easy to access area to install a pool in, however, we understand that all backyards are different in terms of their size, access, layout and soil quality. Barrier Reef Pools can accommodate nearly all backyards with a pool that will fit seamlessly into the space that you have.
There are a few variables that may affect your ability to own a pool or make it more difficult to install
Size of your backyard
Love the idea of a swimming pool but not sure if you have the room to accommodate one? Well, there are few things to consider. How big do you want your pool to be? Do you want the pool to take up the majority of your backyard or would you rather have a smaller pool and still have a grass area? If you have a large backyard, your choices are endless, and you are only limited by your imagination. The smaller your backyard is, the more limited you become with the size you can have. If you have a small backyard or courtyard, you might not be able to have a huge pool, however this does not mean you cannot have a luxury pool in your backyard. We have a wide variety of pools suited to every backyard. Our smallest pool is our Billabong Slimline Plunge they are 4.2m x 1.6m. We also have a range of spas if you are looking for something even smaller!
When installing a pool with limited space it’s a good idea to position the pool close to the house or fence, this will amplify the space that you have. By positioning the pool to run parallel along the longest part of your fence can create an illusion of more space.
The slope or layout of your yard
The good news is having a sloping block doesn’t mean you can’t have a pool installed at your place. All of our fibreglass pool range can be installed not only in ground but above ground or partially in ground too. State of the art technology allows us to design our fibreglass pools to fit in practically any yard. A pool that is installed on a sloping block can be quite an attractive feature to your home. A deck or patio is typically installed around the pool which can really bring the outdoor entertainment area and swimming pool together.
It is always best when installing a fibreglass pool to avoid the steepest part of the yard, this will save money and time on excavation. The most important factor to consider is drainage. Drainage is important for all pools and even more so for one in a yard with a slope. If it rains and there is excess water or a leak, it may erode the slope that the pool is installed on. Drainage must be installed and directed away from the house to avoid water flowing towards it. The cost of installing a fibreglass pool on a sloping block will vary depending on access, the steepness of the block and the quality of the soil.
Access to your backyard
You’ll be glad to know that almost anything is possible when it comes to accessing your backyard to put a pool in. Flat blocks with easy access are obviously ideal, this will reduce the time spent installing your pool and the costs involved, however, we know this isn’t the case for many of our customers.
So, what do we consider great access? Enough room to drive a car to where you want your pool to be. Installing the pool before starting construction of the house or properties with land are generally very easy and quick to install.
There is no need to worry if you don’t have great access or it is limited, our experienced team will find a solution to installing your pool, it may just take more equipment and time to get it in. If your house is already established or you have limited access, we will often use a crane to lift your pool in. This is generally a simple process that involves lifting the pool over your house and into your backyard.
If we can’t get anywhere near to where the pool is to be installed, we will have to use a very large crane to lift it in, this can be quite costly, however it is rare that we need to do this.
It’s hard to know if there’s rock in your backyard without digging it up, some owners might have an idea if they have done some construction or landscaping prior. Rock really isn’t an issue if we have adequate access to get a large sized excavator in your backyard, however if we can only get a small excavator in, it is going to take longer to dig. Every pool install requires excavation to some degree, with our above-ground pools being an exception. Having good access to your backyard, in short, means less time and money spent. We have been installing pools for over 30 years, there’s not much we haven’t seen in terms of access. Almost all of the homes we have been to that have limited access, we have found an adequate solution to.
The position your pool will be in
Installing your pool in a north facing position with ample sunlight is desirable as the sun will warm your pool up by approximately 4 degrees, if you have a relatively small backyard, this may not be an option.
Council regulations & utilities
Before starting the process of installing a pool, it is a good idea to check with your local council to see if there are any zoning, safety or local building regulations that you need to comply with first.
When installing your pool its best to avoid placing it over sewers, storm drains, power, and gas pipes. This can be quite costly if any repairs need to be made. Your local council can provide information regarding their location.
Where your pool equipment will go
Lastly, you will need to factor in where your pool pump and equipment will go and if you have the space, it should be placed near the pool on the same level to reduce unnecessary pressure on the pump. Ultimately, there are many factors that determine whether a swimming pool is suitable for your backyard.
Use a licensed pool builder that is experienced in installing pools in atypical backyards
If your backyard is extremely steep, the ground is full of rock, or the ability to access your yard is difficult, this may add to the cost and time it will take to install your pool. Of course we recommend working with a highly experienced pool builder that is confident in installing pools on more challenging blocks, that way you can be confident knowing they going to get it right the first time and provide you with the best design suited to the space you have to work with.
Over the years we have installed thousands of pools in an array of backyards. We believe we can transform your backyard no matter the layout or size. Our experienced team can advise you on the factors you should consider and the options you can choose from based on the size of your backyard. If you have any questions regarding the suitability of a fibreglass pool for your home, call our friendly team today.
