If your backyard pool is not serving you well as it should, it could be time for a little upgrade. If yours is a small pool, it may not serve your needs during summer pool parties, or it may not be giving your backyard the luxurious feel you have always wanted. Besides, a larger pool offers a larger exercise, recreation, and socialization space. Increasing your pool’s size will create more room for playing fun games with friends and family and making more swimming laps. You can also accommodate more people, especially during gatherings.
However, increasing your pool’s size is something you should carefully consider to ensure everything turns out as you envisioned. Consider how difficult it is, what it entails, and what you need. It is a significant project that requires the input of an expert pool builder. Working with an experienced one will ensure you understand what the process entails, the factors to consider, and how to save on cost without compromising quality.
The Process Involved in Increasing Your Pool’s Size
Building a backyard pool is a significant project that can take a lot of time, cost money, and require your dedication until you are satisfied with the results. Upgrading an existing pool is a significant project requiring the same input. Although increasing a pool’s size only seems like adding a few inches of water to an existing pool, it is a complex remodeling project. You need the input of an experienced pool builder to plan for a successful project. Like any other remodeling project, you need to carefully prepare for it, paying attention to structural details and other additional features you want to include.
Here are the steps you should take together with a competent pool builder for a successful project:
The Project’s Initial Assessment
Before undertaking this major construction project, you must assess your backyard pool and the space around it to ensure that you can increase it to your desired size. Have an expert pool builder come to your home to help you assess the project’s viability. Let them know how big you need the pool to be, so they can evaluate the layout of your yard to determine its suitability for a pool expansion. Have your ideal pool in mind, and share your ideas with the contractor so they can advise you according to their findings.
Additionally, remember the regulations in your location for pool sizes to avoid problems with the law once the project is complete.
Designing and Planning for the Project
Once you know how big you need your pool to be, create a design that will guide the expert builder during remodeling. Share the design with them to ensure the plan will fit perfectly in your backyard. Together with the pool builder, define new dimensions of your pool, your preferred shape, and other additional features you want to include in the project. A big pool can accommodate some luxurious features that create extraordinary moments for you and your loved ones. You can include elements like built-in seating and tanning ledges to make your backyard even more functional.
Obtaining the Necessary Permits
Once you have the design on paper, it is time to obtain the necessary permits to start the project. You need several permits in Florida to build or expand a backyard pool, including electrical, plumbing, gas, and building permits. The exact permits required for your project will depend on the features you intend to include in the new pool. You could also require a site plan and an engineering plan if you are expanding an in-ground pool. A competent book builder will ensure you understand all the requirements and even assist you in getting them. Once all the permits are ready, the construction can begin.
Expanding and Reinforcing the Existing Pool
The project will start with excavation, which entails preparing the existing pool for expansion. It will require additional digging to add more room for the pool. An expert is needed here for precision. They will ensure the existing walls will integrate perfectly with the extra structure. The expansion is all you need to make your existing pool bigger. A contractor will extend the pool’s structure, preferably using materials that complement the existing pool. This will ensure that even after the project is complete, your pool will look even, and the expansion will not be obvious.
Reinforcement is also necessary to ensure the expansion remains sturdy for years. Expert pool builders use concrete or rebar to make a solid structure that can handle water pressure and regular use. The kind of reinforcement you use for the expansion will determine your poo’s durability.
Updating Electrical and Plumbing Systems
Electrical and plumbing systems are critical when building a backyard pool, as they are needed for the pool’s functionality, longevity, and safety. A functional plumbing system ensures adequate water circulation in the pool. It also helps with sanitation and filtration to keep your pool clean and hospitable. A functional electrical system, including lights and pumps, keeps your pool systems functional. You need to consider these systems after increasing the size of your pool. An upgrade will ensure that the systems accommodate the changes in your pool, including the larger volume of water. For example, you can extend the drains and skimmers for a better-functioning filtration system.
Final Touches and Finishings
Increasing the size of your pool goes beyond expanding its external structures. You have to improve the existing structure to match the new expansion and create an attractive feature for your backyard. For example, you can tile the new structure to match the existing one or change the tiles to a new design for your new large pool. You can also install additional features or use new ones for the new pool. For example, you can use new lighting features, new water features, a spa, or a tanning ledge to give your new pool the look and feel you have always wanted for your backyard pool.
Reasons to Engage an Expert Pool Builder in the Expansion
Since increasing the size of your backyard pool is not a minor remodeling project, you should allow an expert pool builder to handle it. Experts have the skills and experience needed to design the expansion and ensure that it comes out as you had envisioned. Experts are also required for the excavation and structural engineering tasks, which are part of the process. Working with a professional also gives your mind rest because it assures you that the project will meet your expectations and will be safe and strong for years. Here are other reasons you should work with a professional pool builder:
For Precision Work
Precision or accuracy is critical when building or expanding a backyard pool. It ensures you get it right in the design to prevent water leaks, maintain adequate water flow, and provide efficient filtration. Precision also results in a safe, sturdy, and long-lasting pool. Thus, an expert is needed for accurate measurements and preparation of the foundation for the expansion. They will ensure the new section fits perfectly with the current one. Since they will likely get it right with the first attempt, you will save costs in the long run, particularly on repairs and maintenance. Precision also enhances the safety of your pool, which is critical in keeping everyone safe.
Experts are Familiar with Local and State Regulations
All states have local regulations that homeowners must abide by when building or expanding an existing backyard pool. These regulations may be unfamiliar to you, but expert pool builders know them all. Engaging them ensures you abide by all the local and state laws to avoid legal issues during or after the expansion. The expert will advise you on all the requirements and help you obtain the necessary permits to increase the size of your pool. They will even help you complete the necessary paperwork to get the work started within the required timelines.
An expert Will Give You a More Appealing Result
A backyard pool offers several benefits, including improving the look and feel of your backyard and increasing your home value. A well-designed pool will give even more benefits. An expert will help you develop a design for the expansion project to improve the existing pool for more benefits. To them, increasing the size of your pool will not only be a matter of size but also the design and other additional features that will give you a more appealing result.
For example, if you love the design of the existing pool, they will buy materials that match the exact design. If you want to change the layout, they will discuss your options and help you narrow them down to your most preferred ones. They can also give your new pool a perfect finish to give everyone a seamless experience.
An Expert Will Save Your Money and Time in the Long Run
DIYs are very tempting, mainly because they allow you to build something for yourself. However, you can make a costly mistake when increasing your backyard pool without the help of an expert. Additionally, you can underestimate how long the project will take and waste so much time that you could enjoy fun and games in your expanded pool.
An expert pool builder will take the stress out of your hands and give you precisely what you need with minimal delays. Although you will pay a considerable amount for their expertise, getting a functional and efficient pool that will serve you for years without requiring maintenance and repairs could save you so much money in the long run. You can also enjoy a newly designed pool sooner rather than later.
An Expert’s Ideas Can Improve Your Design Considerably
Experienced pool builders who have built so many backyard pools, or seen many pool ideas, can help you improve your design to a better one. Remember that increasing the size of your pool can go beyond the dimensions to include fun and functional features that will create more memorable moments for you and your loved ones. Let them know what you have in mind, and allow them to build on that idea to give you precisely what you need for your backyard. For example, they can recommend luxurious elements like tanning ledges and natural rock formations to make your pool more functional and fabulous.
Finding an Expert Pool Builder for the Expansion
Increasing the size of your backyard pool doesn’t need to be difficult when you engage an expert pool builder. They will make the work easier for you, help you develop an exciting backyard design, and save time and money. You can find a pool builder online today, where most professionals market their services. A quick online search for a pool builder near you will give you a few options.
To narrow down your options, consider the following factors:
- The experience and expertise of the pool builder, including how long they have been in the industry and the types of projects they have worked on.
- Their qualifications and credentials, including their licensing, certifications, and insurance
- Their reputation and references, which help you figure out the kinds of services you will receive
- Availability and how easily they communicate with their clients throughout the project
Find a Competent Pool Builder Near Me
Do you or someone you love want to increase the size of your backyard pool in Jacksonville?
The size of your backyard pool matters, especially if you want to improve the appearance of your backyard or want to accommodate more people in your subsequent summer pool parties. However, this is a significant project that should be taken with the seriousness it deserves. Engaging an expert pool builder will ensure you get everything right for a perfect, strong, and safe expansion.
At Oak Wells Aquatics, we handle all kinds of backyard pool projects, including expansions. We have great ideas that could help you design an expansion that will benefit you and your home even more. Our pool builders are also highly trained, experienced, and licensed. Call us at 904-619-3281 to discuss your needs and our services further.
