The last thing you want after investing in a brand-new swimming pool is to look back on the process and think, “Man, I wish I would have done that differently.”

It’s important when buying a pool not to be rushed, to consider all options, and to consult with someone who knows the common regrets pool buyers have. Aloha Pools and Spas understands the importance of these right decisions. With nearly 60 years of expertise to share, our staff is trained to help you see the blind spots in your pool purchase, whether that be lack of consideration or overinvesting in elements that prove to be useless to you.

If you’re a pool buyer – especially if you’re a first-time pool buyer – it’s important to double- and triple-check that your decisions consider what you need from your pool and backyard in the long run.

In this article, we’ll cover some of the most common regrets pool buyers have once they dive in.

Common Regrets Pool Owners Have About Construction

We’ve listened to our customers through the years, and we know what is needed to keep regrets from running rampant in your head on day 1 with your pool. Here are some common ones:

Regret #1: Not Building a Large Enough Pool Deck

One of the most common regrets people have after their pool construction is underestimating how much deck space they will want. Customers will not take into account that much of the pool’s appeal is the poolside; people want room for lounge chairs and dining furniture, which is often overlooked. They find themselves and their guests standing around the pool instead of basking in the sun.

It’s important to do this when your pool is built, as it’s much cheaper to pour it during construction!

Consult a sales representative about their recommendations for your yard before making any decisions.

Regret #2: Putting the Pool in the Wrong Location

It’s most likely your pool will be in your backyard – that is a given. However, location in your backyard can make or break your swimming/ownership experience. When deciding on the location of your pool, consider the following:

Sun exposure. Does your pool have direct sun exposure all day with no shade, or is there no sun exposure at all? You want a location where your pool has some shade throughout the day to preserve your chemicals and water. However, consider your swimming experience in terms of sunshine. If you have a pool that is in the shade the majority of the time, your swimming experience may be cold and sunless.

Proximity to trees. Trees can cause shade throughout the day (which can be nice if not too much!). Leaves become a pain to skim, however. If your pool is too close to trees, expect to double the time you’d normally spend skimming your pool water and cleaning the skimmer. Trees also add sap and pollen to the water, making it cloudy. Something important to consider is that chemicals are also very harmful to trees, so keeping your pool separate from foliage is ideal in most situations.

Location in relation to the home. If a pool leaks, it can quickly become dangerous for the home. To avoid erosion and leaks, a pool should be installed at least 10 ft from the building. You also lose your backyard if your pool is too close to your home.

Preserving yard space. Think about things you want in your future backyard. If you can imagine yourself with an outdoor kitchen, a pool shed, a slide, whatever it may be – ensure that you save some room.

Regret #3: Choosing the Wrong Pool Size or Shape

If you can, it’s always helpful to use a measuring tool to mark the dimensions of the pool you want and visualize how much space it will take up. While you do not want the pool to take up too much yard space, it’s crucial to consider how much area you need inside the pool for your family and friends.

Another common mistake people make with pool shape is not having enough shallow or deep end. If you plan to spend the majority of your time floating or standing in your water rather than diving, consider a larger shallow end. If you have growing kids who want to dive, don’t forget to account for some extra feet in the deep end.

For inground and semi-inground pools, consider the pros and cons of rectangular vs. freeform pools. Freeforms have a more unique look, lending themselves to a resort-like feel. Unfortunately, they do not accommodate automatic pool covers. You get more usable shape with a rectangular pool, and you can use an automatic pool cover – the caveat is that the aesthetics are less impressive.

If above-ground pool customers have any qualms with their build, they typically regret not choosing a larger model for their backyard.

Regret #4: Skipping Features They Ended Up Wanting

Like concrete, pool features are easier and cheaper to install when you do so at your initial build. Some features that are overlooked during the initial purchase process are:

• Tanning ledge – a shallow platform in a pool, normally less than a foot deep.
• Bench seating – popular in the deep end, these built-in seats are platforms designed for swimmers to sit in the water.
• Steps. Especially for above-ground pool customers, steps are a cost cut that people tend to regret not having. These make entering and exiting the pool significantly easier.
• Bubblers. A jet installed in a shallow place in the water, a bubbler shoots up in the air, similar to how a geyser erupts.
• Waterfalls. Waterfalls are available for each pool type, and installation is very easy for above-ground pools. Word of advice on waterfalls? Don’t go chasin’ them.
• LED lighting. Installing electrical during the initial build is ideal and helps avoid having to double the work later. Customers enjoy LED lighting for night swimming and for the color-changing accessory.
• Heater. Pool heaters extend your pool season. People also find that they like their water warmer than they expect, so a heater is almost never a regretted purchase.

Be sure that you consider special features when purchasing a pool to save yourself money down the line. To learn more about your options, click here.

Regret #5: Underestimating Pool Maintenance

Pool maintenance, at least at the beginning, can be an undertaking. From learning water chemistry, to finding some time during the week to brush your walls, to learning filter care, there’s an overwhelming amount of knowledge that it feels like you need to know instantly.

Luckily, you never have to learn the deep water chemistry logistics, and you never need to memorize any of the steps. Water care specialists are available at many pool stores (such as Aloha Pools and Spas), and they will test your water to let you know what’s needed. They can also establish a weekly routine with you that avoids needing to return to the pool store each week.

Some of the pool maintenance categories are:

• Water chemistry
• Cleaning/vacuuming
• Winterizing
• Filter maintenance

Time commitment

Once a routine is established, you can expect to spend roughly an hour a week on pool maintenance. For more information, click to read about pool chemical maintenance and pool cleaning maintenance.

Small note: pool maintenance looks a little different with a salt system and can cut down time. This is not particularly harder to install after the build, so a decision to make this purchase can be made later with no penalty. Check out this article about the differences between salt and chlorine.

Regret #6: Not Budgeting for the “Hidden” Costs

While Aloha Pools and Spas wants to be as transparent as possible about pricing, there are “hidden” or forgotten costs that come with a pool purchase.

Landscaping and fencing can be quite an expensive portion of the pool build. Many states require a fence around your pool, so in states we serve that require fences (Tennessee, Missouri, Kentucky, and Illinois), there is no workaround for this cost.

Depending on how much maintenance equipment you want, this can cost thousands of dollars. Some examples of maintenance equipment: automatic pool cover, robotic pool cleaner.

Although it’s not part of the actual pool process, patio furniture is not cheap. These, along with storage and pool accessories such as high-end floats, are expenses that are forgotten or seen as small – but they add up.

Long-term costs, such as water and electricity, are often overlooked; these costs vary by region and pool type.

Check out these articles about hidden costs and long-term costs for swimming pools.

Regret #7: Buying the Cheapest Pool Instead of the Right Pool

As prices begin to climb, customers have a tendency to push back on the more expensive option – simply because it’s more expensive.

While we understand the gut reaction of anxiety, it is less expensive and much less hassle to buy a pool you love now than to turn your less-than-ideal pool into a dream pool in 10 years.

Look at the durability and appearance of all types of pools. If you plan to be in this home for a very long time, an above-ground pool may not be the best long-term option for your family. If you live in an HOA-protected neighborhood, they may not even allow you to have the cheaper options; many HOAs do not allow above-ground pools, and the verdict is still out on semi-inground pools.

If you’re considering moving in a few years and are wondering whether a splurge on an inground pool is even worth it, note that inground pools often add 5%-8% to a home’s resale value. Thinking about the future families who will be swimming in the pool can ensure you make a wise decision.

Regret #8: Not Thinking About Privacy

Privacy is one of those things where you don’t know what you have until it’s gone. Even if you have no intentions of doing anything private in your backyard, customers find it much more peaceful when they cannot see their neighbors from their windows.

You want your kids or grandkids to be as noisy as they want to be in your pool, and you absolutely do not want the sound of your pool party to be drowned out by the sound of the birthday party next door. If you live close to neighbors, be strategic about fencing and pool placement to avoid disrupting/being disrupted by others.

Regret #9: Not Planning the Entire Backyard

At the end of the day, your swimming pool is only part of your backyard living experience. You need to know the aspects that will turn your backyard from a patch of grass with a hole of water to dive into – into your backyard getaway for years to come.

Along with the concrete decks mentioned earlier, people often want a patio for above-ground/semi-inground pools. If you do not plan to build a patio, you may need additional leveling. You may also realize that your pool was not built in an ideal place for a patio.

If you plan to make the surrounding area a place of entertainment, you may consider a pergola or an outdoor kitchen as luxury add-ons.

People also love adding fire pits, lighting, and walkways to their backyard. These aspects are what make the backyard for each pool customer!

Do not get too caught up in the decisions – the pool is the important part.

When it comes down to it, most homeowners would (and do!) change something about their pool. With that said, they seldom regret the purchase of the pool itself.

The goal is not to get it right the first time; it’s to think through everything you want in a pool, make that happen, and then make adjustments later.

If you’ve been thinking about buying a pool, there’s no better time than now. Check out our gallery, visit one of our locations, or schedule an appointment with a sales representative.