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While once a personal pool may have seemed like a luxurious dream, new technologies in pool construction can put your own backyard pool within your reach. Traditional gunite pools are still quite costly; these pools are created by digging a large hole with graded interior walls, laying forms, and pouring a concrete mixture called gunite inside. Once dried, the gunite is sealed, painted, and sometimes overlaid by ceramic tile. This process can take months and cost upwards of tens of thousands of dollars. Premade fiberglass pools are quicker to install and much less costly. A hole large enough for the pool is dug, then the fiberglass pool is dropped in. A liner is inserted and the pool can be immediately filled. Above-ground pools are even more economical, costing only a few hundred dollars. Typically, these are constructed using a metal frame with a liner and exterior shell. Be sure your home owners association or community allow for above-ground pools before purchasing and installing!

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Having a Backyard Pool Is Easy and Fun!

Article By Jinky Bagagnan

Installing a backyard pool can be a wise investment. This is especially true if your home belongs to the higher-end of the scale and a swimming pool is a standard feature in your neighborhood. According to the National Association of Realtors as cited in the Wall Street Journal, an in-ground pool can raise a home's value by 7.7 percent. The following are the basic steps in choosing and building a backyard pool:

Choose Your Pool Type
First, you should decide whether you are building an above-ground pool (built above the ground) or an in-ground pool (pool built on dug-up ground). If you choose the latter, you also have to decide whether you want a vinyl-lined, concrete, fiberglass, or gunite in-ground pool. Each type of pool has its pros and cons. Above-ground pools are easier, quicker and cheaper to install (and remove) than in-ground pools, but in-ground pools are generally more durable and more attractive; they also add greater value to a home.

Design Your Pool
Do you want a kidney-shaped, free-form or a simple rectangular swimming pool? Perhaps you would like a natural-looking pool. You can incorporate a waterfall on one side of the pool, decorate with water lilies, include rock outcroppings, and add other water features. You can even fill your pool with saltwater. Your pool design options are virtually limitless.

Prepare Your Backyard
After deciding on the type of pool, prepare your backyard. Above-ground pools require a minimum amount of preparation. In-ground pools, however, require more intensive preparation. Whether you have decided on an above-ground or an in-ground pool, it would be best to consult a professional about what preparations need to be done before you can install a pool in your backyard.

Install Your Pool and Decorate
The next step, of course, is to install your pool. Above-ground pools are very easy to install. You can buy an above-ground pool kit and install the pool yourself; just follow the pool manufacturer's instructions. In-ground pools are much more complicated to install. You should probably leave an in-ground pool installation at the hands of a professional contractor.

Make It Child-Proof
If you have toddlers and young children, do not forget to child-proof your pool. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most drownings among children aged 1 to 4 years occur in residential pools. Child-proofing your pool involves installing a pool fence around your swimming pool. You are also advised not to leave your children's toys in the pool after use as these can lure young children into the water.

The above pool-building steps are simple and basic. You also need to consider building permits, drainage issues and other such matters. You should really obtain the help of a professional pool builder if you want your backyard pool designed and built properly with safety in mind.