A pool is a big investment, which is why it's important not to rush into buying one. Before you begin the installation process, think carefully about the following factors.

Aesthetics and integration

It's crucial to choose a pool shape and style which complements your house's architecture; if you opt for one which clashes, it could end up diminishing the beauty of your property and potentially even lowering its value. For instance, if your house is quite old, with lots of beautiful period features, it would be best to opt for a pool with a classical Roman shape (a rectangle with semi-circles on its sides), as its traditional, elegant appearance would work well with the existing architectural elements of your home.

It's also important to think about what type of pool would be easiest to integrate into your outdoor space. If for example, you already have a raised deck attached to the back of your home, it would make sense, from both a practical and an aesthetic viewpoint, to go for an above ground pool which sits directly along the edge of your decking. This would provide you with easy access to the pool and a place to sunbathe when you're finished swimming. This type of structure comes with the added benefit of being very quick to build; above ground pool installation is generally far less complicated than its underground counterpart.

Alternatively, if your back garden is positioned on a slope, you could have a underground pool built into it (assuming the incline isn't excessively steep). This is a wonderful option for those who can afford to spend a bit more time and money on the installation process and would like a pool that blends in seamlessly with its natural surroundings.

Safety

If you have young children or pets or if any of your family members cannot swim, it's worth investing in a few safety accessories when purchasing your new pool. One of the most popular safety items is a polypropylene or vinyl cover; this can be positioned securely on top of the water whenever the pool is not in use. In addition to serving as a barrier which will prevent people from falling into the water if they accidentally trip whilst standing near the pool, it can also prevent leaves, twigs and dirt from contaminating it. When shopping for a cover, make sure to choose one which is UV stable (so that the material won't degrade after long periods of sun exposure) and which can support the weight of an adult.

Another option is to install a pool-mounted motion detector, which will sound an alarm if a person or an animal above a certain weight enters the pool when it is not supposed to be in use. Whilst this is quite an expensive system, it may be a good purchase for those who are very safety conscious.