For a while now we have been dreaming of adding a pool (well, mostly me and my boys. my hubby is slowly coming around). Now that we’ve ditched the puddle jumpers and our boys have become really strong swimmers, we feel it would be a good time to fork over the moo-la to add some fun, backyard summer entertainment!

Living in the Midwest doesn’t exactly allow us to utilize a pool for more that 4 months out of the year, however, we feel that the expense is worth the memories we will gain. Summer is my favorite season of the year. I love the heat and I love being outside. Having a pool would allow us to spend even more time outside comfortably in the heat of the summer months.

The question is which type of pool. There are several options: Gunite, Fiberglass and Liner. At first we looked at Gunite pools. My sister and her family have a Gunite pool in TX that we love, however, they are the most expensive option and with the big swings in weather and cold temps in the winter where we live, Gunite may not be the best option. Not to mention, they are pricey!!

We narrowed it down to Fiberglass and Liner. There are pros and cons to both. For example, Liner pools tend to be less expensive, but typically you have to replace the liner every 10 years or so depending on the thickness of the liner. While, Fiberglass pools have great durability and quick installation, you can be limited on shape and size.

After we decide which type of pool, we’ll need to pick a design. That’s the easy part!! I have a very clear vision on what I want – something simple with clean lines. Here are some that I am loving…

The next question is do we add a hot tub? I was shocked at how much it added to the cost of the project, however, being that we are in the Midwest which can get pretty chilly, if sure would be nice to utilize the pool/hot tub more of the year.

Decisions, decisions!!! Any advice? What type of pool is best? Hot tub, no hot tub?

Keep you posted!!