Before you finalize the purchase and installation of your pool, it's a good idea to make sure you have everything prepared as best you possibly can. This includes planning for the best time of year to have your pool installed, making sure your budget has accounted for everything, having a maintenance plan ready to go, and knowing how to spot problems as they arise.

Choose an Optimal Time

One of the ways you can make the installation process a little easier is by choosing the best time of year to do so. This can vary depending on the climate in your area, but spring and fall are usually safe options. Fall, in particular, usually has the benefit of dryer ground and more temperate weather.

Alternatively, you can consider times of the year where demand for services is lower, which could affect your total cost or ease of the installation process. For example, since pool service tends to be higher in demand in spring due to great pool use in summer, waiting until fall could also be your best option if you need flexibility in your schedule.

Factor Upkeep Into Your Budget

The up-frost cost of pools can be high, but what's more important is your monthly budget for maintenance and servicing. A functioning pool has several important components that need to be regularly cleaned, such as the filter, vacuums, drains, and chemical feeders. Electricity will be needed to run the filter, pumps, and lights. It's also a good idea to have your pool professionally inspected and serviced about once a year to make sure there are no serious problems popping up and that everything is working as it should. You will also need to occasionally refill your pool to keep its water level where it should be.

Even if the total cost of upkeep ends up being low, it's still effectively a permanent addition to your monthly bills, so make sure everything you need is calculated and factored into your budget when finalizing the installation.

Plan a Cleaning Routine

Pools require a lot of work to keep clean and functioning, and it helps to know exactly what you need to do before your pool is finished. For example, it's a good idea to skim the surface of your pool daily, and the filter should be cleaned about once a week if it's running for several hours a day. The water itself will also need to be tested for its pH levels, calcium hardness, alkalinity, and chlorine about once a week as well.

In addition, you should also prepare for winterizing your pool. This entails removing all accessories, draining equipment, shocking the pool, and covering it tightly. Your pool professional can help you plan for exactly what you need to do and walk you through the steps as necessary.

Learn Signs of Trouble

Inevitably your pool will need maintenance or repairs, and it helps to know what you'll see when your pool needs work. For example, your pump or filter might start making strange sounds. Another more subtle example is damp patches of dirt around your pool, which could point to a leak. Ask your pool installer what signs to look out for and what you need to do in the event you spot a problem. 

Contact a local pool company for more info.