What to Consider When Buying a Pool with Sareen Stone

SMART THINKING: What to consider when buying a pool

Recently we showcased a feature from Pool & Spas Essentials Magazine on what's hot in pools for 2014. Now we look at what to consider when looking at buying a pool the common mistakes to avoid.

There is so much more you can do with pools and spas now, they offer a multitude of designs and finishes and can make basic outdoor living space into a resort style escape. This feature brought to you by our resident Pool & Landscape expert Gary Bazzana, goes beyond the simple in-ground vs. above ground pool debate.

Consider this.... In a recent online poll conducted by realestate.com.au, visitors were asked the question "if you could choose one feature to add to a property, what would it be?" - 25% of visitors opted for an additional room - surprisingly though coming in at no.2 was the Aussie favorite - a swimming pool (22.5%).

Where to Start?
Before you jump into buying a pool here are a few things to consider;

• Reasons for having a pool
  Before considering the costs associated with having a pool, firstly evaluate your reasons for installing a pool. Is it to be purely for recreation? Will landscaping be incorporated into the pool design? What space do you have for a pool, and what problems may this space present?
• Short & Long term costs
  This will ultimately give you an idea of the ongoing costs associated with having a pool and how much you have up front to invest. Be confident it's a long-term investment.
• Insurance
  Talk to your insurance company to find out about additional coverage for the new pool.
• Time & Budget
  Once you come up with a budget - stick to it!
  You will find the more additional 'bells and whistles' will push the cost up, but additionally may complete the overall look of the pool design. This is where working with a builder/designer is handy - Sareen Stone work with a number of reputable and award winning pool designer/builders; why not give Gary a call to discuss further (02) 9661 9111.
  Don't forget to consider the time factor. Depending on the style and the material used time can be a major factor, so ensure you know when you want to start, when the builder can start and the time it will take to complete the job. Ensure to get this in writing when you are working out a contract.
• Building codes & Pool laws in your state and local council
  Swimming Pool Acts and Regulations apply to all residential pools in Australia. Your local council has the responsibility for administering the Swimming Pools Act and Regulation in its locality, therefore make an appointment and talk to then about what is required of you.
  Further discuss your area and any natural conditions that may affect your future swimming pool. Ask where you need to go to get plan approvals. Investigate what limitations there are to your pool site. If it is close to the building it may need extra structural reinforcing. If the ground is sloping retaining walls may have to be built, and these all need extra care to ensure that they can take the extra strain that a pool will cause.
  Also check out Fair Trading in your state for guidelines on building a pool.
• Energy efficiency & sustainability
  Research energy efficiency and sustainability for your pool. There are several options you can add to your pool to keep costs down in the long term, such as solar energy lighting and solar heating for the cool months. Check out SPASA for additional information on buying & building a pool.

Research & Create a Lookbook
Get online a start collecting images of the styles and types of pool and spa designs you like - check out our gallery here for some great examples. Also start to think about the type of materials you would like to use in your design. There are plenty of styles and options to choose from.

Pool tiles and pavers add that final touch to the overall look and feel of your new pool; therefore choosing right the type of tile or paver around your pool is just as important as the overall design. The choice of tile or paver becomes integral to the overall design so having an idea of what you want at the start will certainly ensure you have a great looking pool when finished. The most popular natural stone choices for around a pool are; Travertine, Sandstone and Granite.

Travertine
Travertine is the most popular and heavily used natural stone in the marketplace. This Incredibly beautiful and highly desirable natural stone is suited to both modern and classic environments making it the number one choice for pool and landscape design.

Travertine around a pool or spa can be applied in a tumbled or unfilled & honed finish. The most popular choice and pool builder favorite, is our Classic Travertine which continues to be the most used natural stone due to its classic beauty and durability and ability to compliment pool styling and landscape design.

Sandstone
Sandstone offers a stunningly warm, yet neutral colouring that compliments the Australian landscape. Sandstone has become increasingly popular as a contrast to beautiful blues of a new pool, while the textured look of veined sandstone gives a pool a unique touch. Sandstone is easily matched against other natural stones and surrounding green landscapes.

Our Himalayan Anti-Slip Sandstone continues to be a favorite due to its 3-part Anti-Slip finish which is manufactured using a unique process. This finish is perfect for outdoor areas including swimming pools, as it provides the relevant anti-slip properties required, whilst being gentle under-foot.

Granite
Granite is a traditional choice in pool tiles and paving as it is smooth and familiar. Yet each type of granite is intrinsically unique. Granite is also readily available in the market place and remains and ever-popular choice for the basic pool exterior.

Our Atlantic Grey Granite is a fashionable, yet modern granite reminiscent of a marble with its veining and colouration - it readily catches the eye with its distinct grey colouring. Imported from China, Atlantic Grey Grnaite offers a smooth surface, without the need for filling. It creates a uniform tone and contemporary appearance perfect for the current pool trends.

Atlantic Grey Granite is a versatile, extremely dense, hard stone which makes it a perfect choice for external applications, specifically in high traffic living areas and outdoor entertainment areas and pools.

Don't forget to think about the exterior landscape to your pool or spa. You will need to consider plant coverage, types landscape materials such as natural stone and wall cladding and how it will look and affect the material used to build the pool.

For example;

Having large over hanging trees as apart of your overall design will result in leaves and debris falling into your pool. Salt water will effect your natural stone so you will need to ensure you seal your stone before and again after the installation. Remember your building codes & pool laws - will your fencing fit and work with your landscaping design. Will you need to look at sewage and landscape excavation to complete your design?

Take your ideas with you when meeting with your builder/designer so they have an idea of what you want and can discuss getting the look with your budget.

Look for a pool builder/designer
Look at a number of pool builders & designers before you sign a contract. Meet with all of them. Have at least 3 that you are keen on so you can get 3 no obligation quotes. That way you can see which one will fill your brief and budget requirements.

Check they are certified - you can find a list of SPASA members on their website. Check with the Department of Fair Trading in your state to ensure they are a reputable builder.

See what they can offer in regards to your ideas and budget. Check what their availability is. Ask for a list of previous customers and their phone numbers and call a few of them for a reference. Your state building codes & pool laws should be thoroughly reviewed and understood in advance along with who will approve you pool plans.

Work out if your builder also manages landscaping - if so see what they can offer you in building both.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Building codes and state laws
Do it right the first time and abide by the laws no matter what the cost. Just like the sealing the fines and cost to correct building issues can far outweigh the cost of doing it right the first time so don't cut corners.

2. Not Getting a Full Understanding of Your Pool Contract and Warranty
It is certainly a deadly mistake not getting a full understanding of your pool contract and warranty Pool contracts and warranties can be deceptive if they are not read carefully and if you do not ask enough questions.

Generally speaking, most pool buyers get surprised when something goes wrong because they did not take the time to understand the details of what is included in the warranty and more importantly, what is NOT included in the warranty.

Ask for a blank copy of the pool warranty as part of the bid process. Sit down with the builder and have them explain each component of the warranty. Ask who warranties the different parts of your pool and services each of the warranties

Read the warranty carefully with the builder and ask questions. Ask what is not warranted and why. After you have seen a couple of warranties side by side, the questions will become much easier.

3. Focusing on Up front Cost Rather than Cost of Ownership
Most pool buyers are concerned about the up front price and pay little attention to daily operational costs. Additional costs of required basic equipment can surprise some pool buyers. Equipment such as filter systems, steps or ladders, and skimmers for surface cleaning are considered essential.

Before building, pool buyers should talk to their insurance agent to find out about any additional home owner coverage for the new pool. There are a myriad of potential extra costs so do your research and do the numbers before you commit

4. Choosing a contractor based on cost-friendly factors
Failing to consider the maintenance cost of a pool after it is finished basically means condemning your pool to just an empty hole in the future. Therefore, it is better to hire a professional who offers high quality services at expensive rates than a contractor who charges less but uses low quality materials to build the pool; meaning high maintenance costs in the future. It is advisable to choose a contractor based on the value of their service rather than cost.

5. Thinking it will add extra value to your home.
In some cases yes it will but don't jump into building a pool to add value. You should build a pool because you are going to enjoy it. Remember, all home upgrades and renovations equate to what the current market demands are in your area. Only a residential appraiser can tell you how much increase your swimming pool is worth at the time of resale.

6. Choosing the wrong natural stone
Think about the long term when choosing your pool or spa materials; make sure they compliment your landscaping and your home. You want a modern look that doesn't require upgrading in the near future. Going for extra fancy colours and styles will date fast, therefore sticking to classics such as Travertine or Sandstone will ensure your pool design is looking stunning in years to come.

7. Not sealing you natural stone
Many people forget to seal their natural stone or worse yet, choose not to because of the additional cost after building. Only when their natural stone begins to erode or discolour do they realise the importance of it. It might be an additional cost up front however the cost of replacing damaged stone far outweighs the original cost to seal. Check out the DuPont Stone Tech Professional range of sealers for the right choice to seal your natural stone around your pool.