HOME & GARDEN Make a Splash! How to Turn Your Backyard into the Ultimate Summer Escape

Yes, the dog days of summer have arrived. Not so long ago, we couldn't bundle up enough, and now it's tough to cool down. It's no wonder that when summer officially rolls in, folks from the Granite and Green Mountain states head for the water. &emsp;If paddling around in your very own pool has been sounding more and more appealing, maybe this summer is the time to start. &emsp;When the thermometer rises, it's often the moment when a family begins debating exactly how far their dream of splashing around will go. Are you talking about an above-ground semi-permanent pool or just an inflatable for the season? There's no wrong answer, just what works for you. Easy-peasy inflatable pools vs. higher quality above-ground So, let's start with the department store pool, which often feels like the easiest entry point. &emsp;"There are a lot of scenarios where it's definitely an avenue, right?" says Robin Drewing at Blue Water Pool and Spa in Swanzey, N.H. &emsp;For first-time owners, this pool type can be a good way to experiment if you're unsure about upkeep, how often you'll truly use it, or how long you'll be at your current location. It's less of a commitment. &emsp;"You're looking at a one to three-year lifespan on a soft-side inflatable," Drewing explains. "And around a two to five-year lifespan can be expected on most standard, metal-frame, department store, above-ground pools." &emsp;On the other hand, a higher-end above-ground could last seven to 15 years if properly maintained. "Of course, there are always factors that change longevity to anything we would wish to last longer ... good old New England," Drewing says with a laugh. &emsp;"Above-grounds are popular because you can have a family pool and not have a super big investment," explains Ted Minard at Upper Valley Pools and Spas, which specializes in care and maintenance. The major upside of leaning toward higher quality is more enjoyment for longer. &emsp;But cost and lifespan are only part of the picture. "There are really a bunch of factors that need to be thoroughly planned," Drewing says. Doing your research and gathering insights from friends and family who have already installed pools can go a long way toward understanding what the best fit will be. What about an inground? "Usually, the difference between someone choosing an above-ground or in-ground pool is price. An above-ground is a lot more economical to purchase but doesn't have the longevity of an inground," Minard explains. &emsp;A liner-style inground can run anywhere from $50,000 to $80,000, making it the most affordable upfront and the fastest to install. However, the liner must be replaced every 7 to 15 years. &emsp;Whereas Gunite (concrete) is more durable and fully customizable in shape and finish, but it can take longer to build and requires a higher investment level, usually coming in anywhere from $80,000 to $200,000. &emsp;Minard says, "I have some pretty extravagant pools I maintain. A lot of people are building second and third homes in the area, and they'll have a 20-by-50-foot Gunite pool with a separate spa." &emsp;An alternative he's seeing with a handful of customers is the swim spa or soak tub, which can be used as both a swimming pool and spa. "It kind of gives you the best of both worlds," he says. &emsp;It's smaller in scale than a typical inground, so it can be heated more easily throughout the season. But, "you can still use it as a lap pool," Minard describes. "It has a device on the end that creates pressure against you so you can swim." &emsp;Whether it's a simple setup or a fully custom build, the right choice is the one that fits your space, your budget, and the way you actually want to spend your summer. What to Ask Yourself Before Diving In Once you have a sense of what's out there, it's worth thinking through how a pool will align with your day-to-day life. Will you use it enough? Think about your summer schedule. Are you home for a good chunk of the season, or are you typically away on vacation? How long is your workday? Is there time for a soak before or after dinner? Really measuring the time available can help you get a clear picture of the return on investment. How many people will use the pool? Is it you, a partner, the whole family? And how about weekends? Do you usually kick back and keep it quiet, or will you be hosting the next neighborhood block party? These kinds of details can help a pool specialist get a better sense of the size you might need. "It's a great family addition to have at your house, especially if you have an extended family. The people with the pools are usually pretty popular in the summer," Minard says with a laugh. Is your yard large enough to accommodate a pool? Plus, are there any potential landscape issues, such as existing layouts or trees that overhang and drop leaves or acorns into the water? For an inground, what's the terrain like below the grass? Issues such as rock ledges can hinder effective excavation and increase costs. Do you know your town's rules? Be sure to address safety as well. Many local towns require fencing to prevent water-related safety issues from impacting your family or neighbors. Checking your town's regulations can save you time and headaches later. Are you ready for the maintenance? This includes tasks like vacuuming, chemical treatments, and filter cleaning. Maintenance-wise, above-ground and in-ground pools are about the same, though the cost is slightly less with above-grounds because they're closer to 15,000 gallons, while an in-ground is often near 30,000. DIY maintenance or hire out? Are you okay with taking on the upkeep, or are you willing to pay someone else to do it? "I'd say it's about an hour to two hours a week, depending on how disciplined you are with maintaining a good system," Drewing explains. Who will open and close the pool every season? Though regular maintenance is key, the larger commitment is opening and closing the pool each season. "A fair amount of our clients ask us to do that part, then proceed with maintaining the pool themselves until closing, when we come back and put their oasis away for the winter," Drewing describes. A blend of do-it-yourself and paid help often creates the right balance for many pool owners. "Being educated about it will lead you to the most fruitful decisions," he says. If a pool could be the right move for you, the best time to reach out to the experts is as soon as possible. The season is in full swing, with many installations on the schedule. But once you get your name on the list, you could be drifting around on a fun floaty device with a cocktail in hand for years to come. Sidebar Soak it In: Is a Spa the Right Fit for You? For many people, a spa can be the right choice as a standalone or in addition to an existing pool. But it's important to think through exactly what you're after. Relaxation? Therapy? Entertainment? It's amazing how many different types of spas are out there. &emsp;"You have a lot of options for styles, colors and size. And they've got the same sanitizing systems that you have on a pool, including saltwater options, chlorine, or bromine," Minard says. &emsp;Keep in mind that a tub will also need a level surface to land on. A cement pad, pavers, gravel bed, decking or prefabricated bed can all be possibilities. At one Airbnb property frequented by skiing parties in the Upper Valley, Minard maintains a 10-person hot tub. "It's inside, and the corner of the room is all glass so you can see outside," he describes. &emsp;A 10-person layout may be more than what you need, but it's important to evaluate: Seating and lounging arrangements Tub height and depth Jet count and quality Frame construction Level of insulation Electricity requirements &emsp;Some tubs need to be hardwired into your home's electrical system, while others come ready to plug-and-play. And don't forget the utility bill. "Lower-end tubs with less insulation will cost more to heat," Drewing explains. Between weather, placement and cover quality, you might spend $40 to $80 a month in the winter. &emsp;"The last few years, the biggest increase in cost for pool and spa owners has been the utilities, which we're all experiencing," Minard notes. Still, many view it as money well spent, more like a regular self-care expense than a utility bill. &emsp;Like anything else, the best choice is the one that fits your life. A spa doesn't have to be complicated; it just has to work for you. And when it does, it becomes part of the everyday: a little heat, a little quiet, and a simple way to stretch summer just a bit longer.