Your family wants a backyard swimming pool for relaxing and entertaining. Before you call a contractor, there are a few questions to ask yourself. A swimming pool is a major undertaking in terms of cost, size and mess. It helps to prepare for what lies ahead to make the process progress smoothly. Here are four important questions to consider before you begin work on swimming pool installation.

What will the final cost be?

The installation of the swimming pool is just the beginning of numerous upcoming expenses. First, you need to stock your pool with the necessary equipment to keep it running and safety features to keep your family protected. Then there is the cost of actually running the pool, with electricity to run the pump and heater. Chemicals need to be purchased regularly to maintain safe levels, and you will need to take a sample of your pool water in for professional testing regularly. It is important to factor in all of these costs up front to have reasonable expectations for your new pool.

How much time will it require?

Maintaining a pool requires time as well as money. You may spend anywhere from 30 minutes a day to an hour a week keeping your pool safe and clean. Are you willing to put in the time? Pools that are not properly maintained often have problems that are much more difficult to fix than they would be to prevent. If your time is limited, consider investing in features like a self-priming pump and a robotic cleaner that do the work for you and cut your maintenance time down considerably.

Will a swimming pool raise my property values?

In many locations, the addition of an in ground pool will raise property values, making it a good investment for the homeowner. In cold weather regions, where swimming season is limited, prospective owners may see the addition of a pool as more of a maintenance nuisance than an asset. Once you determine the value of a pool on your property, you can decide whether an in ground pool will be a good investment or whether a portable above ground pool would be a better choice.

Am I ready to learn about building codes and obtain permits?

Many homeowners figure the contractor they choose will handle these pesky details, but it is a good idea to educate yourself about swimming pool requirements in your specific area. Some neighborhoods also have homeowner's associations that require you to get approval for large projects like swimming pools. If you don't have the time or inclination to do your homework up front, you may be in for a nasty surprise during the project when you find out your setback is two feet short or your contractor did not get the permits he needed to complete the project.

A swimming pool can be a wonderful addition to a backyard, as long as the homeowner is prepared for the installation process. By answering these four questions before you put in a pool, you can rest assured the entire process will progress as smoothly as possible.