The inconvenience of traveling to the beach and the crowded conditions of local pools are key factors in influencing the decision to buy a pool of your own. The health benefits pools offer are another consideration. Swimming is one of the best exercises because it benefits the entire body. Many different exercises can be performed in a pool, including a number specifically designed for arthritis sufferers. Without a doubt, a major factor in owning a pool is that it is just plain fun.

There are, however, some downsides to purchasing a pool. Besides the price of buying a pool, maintenance is also expensive. Whether the owner does the servicing himself or hires a pool service to come on a regular basis, the equipment and chemicals required to maintain a pool are costly and the process time-consuming.

There are two types of swimming pool for a private home: above-ground and in-ground. In-ground pools come in three main types, concrete, vinyl and fiberglass. They offer a variety of features and come in a range of prices. Different finishes, water features and hot tubs are available for all types of pools.

Concrete pools offer more design flexibility because they are custom built. The disadvantage of concrete pools is that they may take between 8 and 12 weeks to complete. Vinyl pools are typically pre-fabricated shapes of vinyl panels stretched over steel frames. They can be installed faster than concrete pools. Fiberglass pools are one-piece shells that are manufactured offsite and shipped directly to the owner. Once the hole is dug and leveled, the fiberglass pool is placed into the hole. Installation time is quicker than concrete pools and similar to vinyl. The best way to determine the advantages and disadvantages for each type and decide which is right for you is to consult with experts.

There are several options for controlling water temperature in the pool, including standard heated, solar heated, and non-heated traditional. For solar heated pools, location is very important, and the builder should install the pool where it will receive the most natural sunlight. For any pool, the color of the bottom dictates the temperature of the water. Dark colors attract and retain heat for a more comfortable water temperature, while a light colored pool bottom allows the heat to escape for cooler water.

It is very important to be aware of and fulfill all building regulations to ensure that the new pool is not a future problem. The homeowner and contractor confer should meet with the city's zoning department for any codes related to building a pool. The neighborhood association, if applicable, should also be contacted regarding guidelines for any new construction on the property.

Above-ground swimming pools are less expensive than in-ground pools. Prices range from a few hundred dollars for the smaller, simpler pools to thousands of dollars for hard-sided above ground pools with decks and other features. In addition, they can be installed quickly either by a professional installer or by the pool owner. There are two main varieties of above-ground swimming pools, hard and soft-sided. Hard-sided pools are constructed of fiberglass or metal and are usually more expensive and more durable than soft sided models. Soft-sided models are made from latex, rubber or a similar material.

It is fun to own any type of pool and have guests over. Children love playing in the pool, but must be carefully supervised at all times to avoid accidents. Pool chemicals should be stored in a safe place that is inaccessible to children and pets. For optimum safety for everyone, all accessories, such as waterslides and diving boards, should be professionally installed. There should be safety barriers in the pool area, such as a fence and a pool cover, to prevent accidental drowning.