Tips and tricks for creating your dream pool

A dream pool means different things for different people but it adds value to your home and lifestyle in all cases, according to Michael Gannon of Amic Pools.

“The pool has to suit your lifestyle and the type of person you are, if you have younger kids or older parents,” Michael says.

The most challenging aspect of any project is to build the ideal design, so Michael asks for pictures of the pools the owner wants, who will be using the pool, and what budget the homeowner is working with.

He says investing 7.5% of your home 's worth is typically a decent guide — anything more than that he sees as over capitalising.

On average, people are spending $30,000-$40,000 for the pool or about $70,000 for the entire package.

Most customers are going for a neutral, natural and mineral-based pools.

And mineral pools are popular according to Michael, because they are easy to maintain and have health benefits.

“Less skin irritation, less chemical imbalance, less environmental impact, no sore eyes, no itching skin,” he says.

Michael says that formal-style pools are very popular in particular when they match the house design and block shapes people are buying.

However, in most cases, people opt for this style also because it makes the best use of the space they have. Free form or lagoon-style pools are best suited to acreage or large blocks.

Michael's worked in the industry for 23 years , starting part-time at the age of 13. His business, Amic Pols specialises in the construction of concrete pools.

His main advice is to avoid over-capitalising or under-capitalising your home when determining your new swimming pool 's budget. If the time comes and you want to sell your house you want to make sure that you will get a return on your investment.

“People are out there looking for a house with a pool and they sell for more,” he says.

“It is South East Queensland.”

If you’re in the market for a new pool and would like to be able to use it by a certain time, keep in mind, you should expect the project to take 7-12 weeks to complete.

“Start planning now and start building at Easter,” he says.

So, what kind of pool does Michael have?

“It’s too big. Talk about overcapitalising,” he laughs. It’s an 11m x 7m mineral-based formal style pool with infloor cleaning, spa and pool bar which is fully-automated. However, Michael does live on acreage with his wife, and three kids aged between six and 10.

“The big thing is we enjoy our family home. We don’t need to go to the beach,” he says.

“The kids live in their togs (in summer) and swim three times a day and it’s healthy and they sleep really well.”

TIPS BEFORE YOU START

● Always get three quotes before signing a contract

● Check the pool builder has a licence to do the work

● Always start with a firm plan and budget

● Make sure you understand how to maintain your pool when the work is done

● Ensure you have energy-efficient filtration which is correctly designed for the pool

Amic Pools

132 Deception Bay Rd, Deception Bay

Phone: 3889 4220

Visit: amicpools.com.au