Many homeowners aspire to have sun-drenched backyards they can enjoy for hours on end. But being in full sun all the time can affect the functionality of an outdoor living space. As globaltemperaturescontinue to rise, the comfort of private yardsdependsheavilyonhow homeowners can mitigate sun and heat. A pool can make time outdoors more comfortable.
Swimmingcoolsyoudown primarily through conduction and convection. Water conducts heat away from the body 25 times faster than air. When a person enters the water, heat is immediately transferred from the warmer body to the cooler water.
Homeowners can choose among various types of pools, weighing the pros and cons of each before settling on a decision.
• Kiddie pool: A kiddie pool is a way to test the waters of having a pool in the yard. It’s a portable play feature for children and typically is inexpensive. Although it can be fun for kids, the small size and the need for frequent emptying and refilling can be a chore. There’s also no filtration, so kiddie pools can get dirty quickly.
• Above-ground pool: An above-ground swimming pool is functional and affordable. Angi says the average cost of an above-ground pool ranges from $1,000 to more than $10,000, with most homeowners spending around $4,000 for the pool and professional installation. Soft-sided, smaller pools can suit smaller budgets. An advantage to an above-ground pool is that it’s not a permanent structure, which means that property taxes may not be affected.
• In-ground pool: Active families who like a multi-use swimming pool often turn to in-ground pools. These pools can be built into the landscape to form a seamless aesthetic. However, that luxury comes at a cost. The Spruce notes in-ground swimming pools average about $55,000 to install, and it’s easy to spend upwards of $100,000. Unlimited shapes and larger sizes for entertaining attract manytothein-groundoption.
• Lap pool: Those who want a pool for exercise purposes can consider a lap pool. It’s a shallow and narrow pool designed for swimming laps. Sincethey’rerectangularand narrow, these pools can be good for narrow lots.
• Pool club: Individuals who do not want to worry about pool maintenance can join a swim club or purchase day passes when it’s time to take a plunge.
Homeowners have different options to consider when thinking about adding a pool to their property.