When you add to your homestead a pool, spa, sauna or any combination of the three, you increase the value of your home, as well as its enjoyability. It’s amazing how many people want to come over and “visit” when they know you’ve got a hot tub, spa, swimming pool or a sauna to relax in. Regardless, you get to enjoy such tools of relaxation for yourself, so they’re a wonderful addition to any home.

Before the purchase and installation, however, there are a few logistics to cover. There are nearly as many models and options for swimming pools, spas and saunas as there are car models to choose from. In fact, the purchase of these home amenities is oftentimes a very similar process to buying a car.

Choosing a Pool, Spa or Sauna for Your Home – The first thing you’ll want to consider before purchasing a pool, spa or sauna: How many people will need to be accommodated? If you have a large family, a small lap-pool probably won’t suffice. With kids in the mix, some above-ground models aren’t resilient or very safe, either.

Similar questions can be posed for saunas and spas. Is it just you? You and a significant other? Or will many people be enjoying the relaxation of the therapeutic jets and wet or dry heat that your new amenities have to offer?

Pools are a little more tricky than spas and saunas. They require a great deal more maintenance, and are obviously much larger projects! You’ll want to consider styles, sizes, depths and pool deck areas before you delve into the shopping process. Are you looking for a casual setting, free-form or structured design? A natural look, or a lavish and luxurious pool such as the infinity-edge/disappearing-edge designs? Do you hope to have additional amenities nearby, creating a man-made oasis of sorts? All of these questions need answers, even if they’re a quick yes or no. The perfect pool will become much more obvious once you’ve considered the bigger picture.

Spas and Saunas

When shopping around for spas and saunas, it’s recommended to check out local establishments. You can literally get into a spa or sauna structure and immediately know how comfortable you’ll be when it’s full of water, or full of heat. This is the reason you’re purchasing such an amenity, yes? For comfort and therapy? Ask the right questions about resiliency and ease of maintenance, and you’ll quickly find all of the options becoming a few. At that point, it’s all about personal preference and budget.

Pool Designs for Frequent Use

If you plan to use your pool for years and years to come, throw pool parties, allow the kids to swim at their leisure, take a dip in the morning before work and as soon as you get home, consider investing in in a top-quality design.

Many newer pools have gone away from chlorinated treatment for private use, and instead are softened and filtered by the use of salt-water. This is highly recommended for multiple reasons, namely the health of your skin, hair and the environment. When you consider the long-term effects of owning a pool, the initial expense of salt use becomes a great investment over time. It’s also much easier on the pool surface, and will help retain painted surfaces longer.

Installation of Your Pool, Spa or Sauna

Many spas and saunas are easy to care for, and a simple delivery to the right location, accompanied by a hook-up and tutorial, will have you relaxing in no time. Swimming pools, unfortunately, are a project of an entirely different nature.

Depending on the vision you have for your “pool area,” the installation of a pool may require everything from extreme excavation, to artistic landscaping. Your geography may present an array of variables for pool contractors, and excavators as well. You’ll want to get quotes and estimates from several pool companies to see who they sub-contract as part of the installation process, and what is included with their installation. Ultimately, when it comes to installing a pool, unless you have experience in the field, it is best left to professionals.

Time lines will vary, dependent on amenities, and whatever you’re told by the company doing the work, chances are the schedule will slightly lag. Remain patient during the installation process, and in time you’ll possess your own private oasis.