Having your very own pool has many benefits. To begin with, swimming is a great way to spend quality time with your kids and spouse. A pool also provides you the opportunity to get adequate exercise to stay healthy. Lastly, when the time comes for you to sell your home, your pool can become the unique selling point of your property.

Of course, having one installed is a big investment you shouldn’t just dive into. Before proceeding with installation, keep these things in mind:

Check local zoning laws

Before anything else, check your local zoning laws to determine if you can, indeed, build a pool on your property. Once you’ve confirmed that you can, take note of the placement and size stipulations your municipality requires. Furthermore, zoning laws might also require you to build a perimeter fence for safety reasons.

Consider the cost of maintenance

Your pool’s water won’t stay clean by itself—you’ll need to regularly replace the water and treat it with chemicals to keep harmful bacteria from developing. You’ll also have to maintain the water pump and vacuum the pool floor, things that will require both time and money on your part.

Choose your pool builder wisely

A major project like building a pool requires expert contractors, so make sure to choose yours carefully. The one you will hire should have a solid reputation in the area and has extensive experience in pool building and installation.