Choosing the Best Pool for Your Home

Summertime means barbecues, plenty of time outside, and both lounging by and cooling off in the water. For some families, this means hanging out by their backyard pool. If you’re considering installing a pool, there are a few things you should know before you get started.

First, decide what type of pool would work best for your backyard (and your budget!) Where you live is also a big deciding factor.  If you live in a warmer climate, an in-ground pool is almost a given.  If you live in a cooler region or have a smaller backyard, an above-ground pool will likely work better.  

Let’s take a closer look at the differences of each model, as well as the maintenance required.

Installing a pool is a big investment of both time and money. Take the time to research your options and compare prices before making your decision.

In-ground

An in-ground pool adds a pleasant touch to your backyard and quickly becomes the prime gathering spot for friends and family, where you can swim, lounge, and hang out together. It can also add value to your home. But in-ground models are expensive to both install and maintain. Besides the initial installation costs (site prep, digging the hole, and other charges), there are other expenses you may not be aware of, including:

• Higher electric bill due to running the filter
• Higher water bill due to refilling the pool’s water
• Chemicals for routine maintenance, opening, and closing the pool

If you decide that an in-ground pool is the best choice for your backyard, get ready to be overwhelmed by all the different options available. From shape to liner materials to wall colors, the possibilities to customize your pool to your exact preferences are endless.

Above-ground

Above-ground pools are a better choice for families who won’t be able to use it year-round (or most of it, anyway).  They are also considerably less expensive. Other advantages to an above-ground model is that it can be assembled in a few days, it usually come in the form of a kit, and a team of installers set it up for you. Some higher-end models also come with railing and decking options for an additional cost.

Unfortunately, above-ground pools add no value to your home.  Most are also too shallow for diving, and they are typically only available in a round or oval shape, unlike in-ground pools which can be round, oval, square, rectangular, kidney-shaped, and more.  Otherwise, they require much of the same maintenance as in-ground models.

Choosing the right pool for your backyard essentially comes down to price, size, and your geographic area.  Talk to a reputable dealer who can help you select the best model for your family’s lifestyle.

Are you thinking of putting in a pool? Will you be choosing an in-ground or above-ground model? Do you have one already? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

Porch, Veranda, Portico: What's the Difference?

Now that winter seems to be behind us (hopefully, anyway!), it’s time to look forward to spring! For many of us, spring means decluttering our home’s interior and sprucing up its exterior.  Maybe you’re thinking of planting a garden or tackling a home improvement project that will add that perfect finishing touch to your home.  Have you ever thought of adding a covering to your entryway, such as a porch, veranda, or portico? Do you know the differences between them? Read on below for a brief explanation of each and how they can bring a little something extra to the outside of your home.

A porch usually runs across the front of a house

Porch

A porch is an extension to the exterior of a house or building. It runs across the entire front of the structure and usually has a roof and may be enclosed with walls, columns, or screens.  Porches can be a small area where visitors wait prior to entering the house or the homeowners dispose of weather gear, or large, full-sized rooms (think sunporch) used for entertaining guests or just relaxing.

A veranda runs across the front and sides of a house or building
Photo: YourDictionary.com

Veranda

Most of us refer to any outside extension on a house as a “porch”, but there are actually subtle differences between a porch and its close counterpart, the veranda (or “verandah”).  A porch only runs across the front of a house or building; a verandah runs along the front and sides. It typically has a roof, as well.

A portico covers a home or building's entryway

Portico

A portico is a small porch extending from a home or building’s entryway. It usually has a roof and is supported by columns.

Besides making an attractive addition to your home, these exterior structures can add some much-needed protection from the elements.  No matter what type of exterior structure you add or renovate, you want to be sure to get the necessary building permits required by your borough or township. You should also notify your insurance agent about the project so your insurance premiums can be adjusted accordingly or you can purchase new insurance. Here at ETA Benefits Group, we work with several carriers and can shop around to find the best coverage for your needs. 

Do you have a large-scale home improvement project planned for the spring? We'd love to hear about it in the comments below!