Did you spend half your summer angling swim invitations from friends and relatives with pools and the other half dreaming of installing a swimming pool in your own backyard? If so, now’s the time to make your swimming pool dreams come true!

Pool installations may be slowing down in your part of the country, but fall is the perfect time to plan a pool for next year.

The fact is, there’s a lot more to swimming pool installation than just digging a hole and filling it with water. Building an inground pool can be a lengthy and complex process, so the sooner you get started, the better.

Pool Central offers this three-step guide to planning your backyard pool installation.

Know What You Want

A pool installer will ask many questions. You’ll want to be prepared with answers. Advance research is key. For instance:

What kind of pool do you want? Inground pools fall into three main types: vinyl liner, concrete and fiberglass. An expert can help you make a final decision. However, you should at least be familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of each style.

How large a pool do you want? Again, an expert can provide knowledgeable advice about pool size and location, but you should have a pretty good idea where you want your pool installed.

What’s your budget? The cost of a swimming pool installation depends on several factors, including the size and type of swimming pool. According to Forbes, installation for a standard inground pool averages around $35,000. Again, do your homework and talk with experts.

Will you need to cut down any trees? Move electrical or water lines? This kind of preparatory work will have to be done before the pool installers can break ground.

Familiarize yourself with any permits required for pool installation in your area, as well as municipal regulations regarding fencing and other building or safety measures.

And there are other questions to consider, too. For instance, will you want to add any special features, like a pool heater or hot tub? Will you need to build or rebuild a patio or deck area and landscape around the pool? Who will do that work, and when?

Your pool contractor should be able to walk you through all the details involved in the project so you can get exactly what you want.

Research Pool Installers

As with any contractor, the best swimming pool installers also tend to be the busiest. It will take time to find the right team to install your dream pool, meet with them and discuss the details of the project. Since fall and winter is typically their slow season, they’ll have fewer distractions. You’ll benefit from their time and attention.

Best of all, many pool installers offer fall sales to encourage early planning.

Be Patient

The last thing you want is a shoddy, rush job. A swimming pool is a big investment and quality work takes time.

In fact, according to swimmingpool.com, the average pool installation takes eight to 12 weeks from design to your first dip.

Based on your contractor’s availability, your pool installation may still be months away. However, by contacting them now, you’re able to make a relaxed, informed decision, check their references and schedule an installation early next season. You’ll also have plenty of time to obtain permits and materials.

That’s why, by beginning to plan now, you’re making the smart choice for a long, enjoyable swim season next year!

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