Inground Pools: Maine

Facts on building an inground pool in MaineMaine is known for skiing, hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and many other outdoor activities. But swimming? Not so much. Nevertheless, there are homeowners in Maine who choose to install inground pools in their backyards, squeezing in some swimming during the brief and mild summers.

Swimming Season

Despite the moderating effect of the Atlantic Ocean, Maine has pretty much exactly the climate you would expect from one of the northernmost states in the union. There are really only a couple of months out of the year where swimming is comfortable. Even then, you’ll need a good pool heater to keep the water at a suitable temperature.

Extras

A spa is always a solid investment in colder regions, as it gives you something to enjoy when the pool is closed, or when the evening is simply too chilly for a swim. In this case, it’s close to a no-brainer. It’s not a lot of extra work to maintain a spa in addition to a pool, so other than the initial cost of installation, the downside is minimal. In fact, if you’re not set on installing a full-sized pool, you may want to consider a plunge pool or swim spa that can be converted to a hot tub as desired.

Installation Costs

Labor costs are right around the national average in Maine, so your final bill should fall into the “typical” range for inground pool installation. Of course, there’s still plenty of variation based on the materials you choose, extra features, and the pool company you hire to do the work. You can find reputable builders listed at the Better Business Bureau website for New England.

Permits

Building permits are issued by city and/or county governments in Maine. The application process may vary depending on where you live, but generally you’ll have to submit your swimming pool blueprint and detailed specifications along with your application fee in order to receive authorization to begin building. An experienced pool builder should be able to guide you through the process (or simple take it over for you). To avoid nightmare scenarios, it’s always a good idea to study up on your local requirements and provide plenty of time on your project schedule to get this paperwork in order.

Safety Laws

According to Maine state law, all residential pools have to be enclosed with a fence or other barrier to protect the safety of any children who might otherwise wander near the pool unattended. If you don’t already have a fence that meets the law’s specifications, you’ll need to include that in your project plans and budget. Additional local laws may also apply, so be sure to check with your city or county to see if you’re required to install additional pool safety devices. Again, a good swimming pool contractor should have this information. However, it’s always a good idea to educate yourself as much as possible because, after all, it’s your problem if something gets left out.