Things to Consider Before Installing a Swimming Pool or a Hot Tub at Home

Posted by corrin walters on August 30th, 2019

Who doesn’t want a swimming pool installed in their backyard, with a hot tub right next to it? The current housing market in Toronto makes it more difficult than ever to own a home, let alone make the investment in luxury items like swimming pools, so when the opportunity arises, it's important to carefully research your swimming pool and hot tub options.

Careful planning is the foundation of a great outcome. Let’s talk about things you need to keep in mind before installing a swimming pool and hot tub in your house:

Your Specific Requirements for Pool and Hot Tub
Maybe you just need a place where you can relax, a space to entertain guests, or as your exercise spot. Each purpose will entail requirements in accordance with it. This will help you determine the best location for your pool and hot tub, which will further help you plan on the aesthetics around them.

For example, if you intend to swim for exercise, you may opt for a rectangular pool, preferably as long as possible. If you're adding a hot tub to your home as a romantic activity to share with your partner, you may prefer a smaller hot tub with fewer seats, as opposed to a larger, multi-seat option suitable for entertaining. 

Financial Implications
Your budget entails more than the purchase cost of a pool or hot tub. What you also need to think about it its potential maintenance expenditure, how it affects the value of your property and even the legal requirements attached to it. Even though a swimming pool or hot tub can boost your property value, it will likely also are higher property taxes, so it's important to be conscious of whether the longterm investment is truly affordable to you.

You must also be aware of the bylaws and regulatory implications surrounding pool installation. These regulations can vary across municipalities, and it's important to adhere to your community’s zoning laws, and building codes. 

Choosing a Pool or Hot Tub Site
A pool or a hot tub can easily add to or detract from the aesthetic of any backyard, which makes choosing the right installation location of utmost importance. There is no “right” location so to speak, but you will want to choose an area that is visually appealing and maximizes both yard and pool space. There are various professionals such as pool builders, and landscape designers who can advise you on the ideal options for your yard.

Weather and Climate
Weather and climate can affect the longevity of your pool or hot tub investment. Having an outdoor swimming pool or hot tub may not be suitable for every weather or every season, depending on where you live. In Toronto, for example, citizens experience hot summers, but extremely cold winters; the severity of the cold winter weather can affect choice of pool style or construction. A high-quality above ground pool installation can withstand cold winter weather for years, however, likely not as long as an inground or semi-inground pool will.

Choosing a Professional
You don’t want to hire a contractor impulsively, especially if you have access to a long list of them. In Ontario alone, you can be overwhelmed by the many options for swimming pool and hot tub builders, however, choosing a company with a longstanding reputation, like Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs, can help you make a confident decision. Swimming pool companies like Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs in Newmarket & Markham, that have certifications like Kafko ProBuilder Network, or have memberships to organizations like the Pool Council of Canada, or the National Pool & Spa Association, will ensure you make the best decision for your pool or hot tub investment.