Installing a pool is a big decision, but it does not have to be overwhelming. For homeowners in Maryland who want to turn their backyard into a relaxing oasis and aquatic retreat, it is important to research installers and design options well in advance of beginning pool installation. This way, when the experts arrive, you will already be prepared with answers to their most important questions and you will know what questions to ask the installers.
Here are some tips for navigating the Maryland pool installation process, from the design and planning phases through the installation and beyond.
Start Designing and Planning
Before pool installation can begin, homeowners will need to make decisions about some key factors in the process. First, determine the size that suits your goals. Pools are customizable in both shape and total square footage, with smaller pools costing less in general than larger ones. Start early in determining the amount of yard space you intend to designate for the pool. This will also include the deck (concrete or wood) and landscape that will surround your pool.
It is important to know how many gallons a pool will hold, how long or deep the pool needs to be, and where it will be placed in the landscape. Skilled installers will work with homeowners to integrate the new pool seamlessly into the existing environment.
To ensure that the pool is in a favorable location, it can be helpful to place markers such as bricks where each corner of the installation will be. This enables homeowners to get a preview of the pool space and allows you to make adjustments to location, orientation, and shape before installation begins.
Another element to consider in the early phase of pool installation in Maryland is the weather. Typically, installations are less expensive in the fall, when temperatures are amenable but the ground has not yet hardened for winter. Summer may be the most popular time to use a pool, but this also means that installers are busy which may result in a higher price for labor.
Physical Installation: Digging, Concrete, Steel, and Plumbing
Once the basics have been established, a professional pool installer will begin the actual installation process. This often starts with digging the hole that will hole the in-ground pool when installed; this looks similar regardless of whether the pool is concrete or vinyl.
A frame appropriate for the type of pool (typically made of steel) will be created, and the plumbing that is responsible for water filtration will be added at this point. This is the final opportunity to add water features such as waterfalls or jets without remodeling the pool later.
Next comes the concrete frame of the pool. Although the homeowner does not provide direct assistance during installation, it can be helpful to ensure the work area is clear of fallen branches, children’s toys, etc.
Conclude Construction with Finishing, Tiling, and Landscaping
As construction nears its end, the final touches will be added to the pool. Finishing such as plaster, tile, or aggregate will serve as the exterior surface of the pool, complete with the colors, designs, and patterns that the homeowner selected.
While the team is adding these elements, the homeowner should become versed in pool care — including how to maintain the finish or tiling that they have selected. Some materials, such as concrete, benefit from more frequent brushing than vinyl, which is smooth and discourages bacteria and algae from clinging.
Once the pool is complete, it will need a short time to stabilize before it is ready to use. The plaster in the new installation must cure so that it is strong and free from cracks or instabilities. During this time, the pool can also be dosed with its first chemicals, which may take time to appropriately balance. The experts who have installed the pool can advise on when it is safe to use it based on the installation type and materials used.
The final touches to the landscaping, such as relaxing chairs near the water or flowers and bushes on the edges will be the close of the project. This may be included in the installation depending on the scope of the project and which team you entrust with the project.
Get Comprehensive Maryland Pool Installation from the Pros
Installing a pool is a detailed process, but it does not have to be stressful. The experts at Masten Pools have been installing in-ground concrete and vinyl pools for more than 30 years, and they focus on a comprehensive approach that unifies the pool with the home’s aesthetic and landscape. Contact Masten Pools to get started on the Maryland pool installation process or ask questions.