New Pool Planning Kit

Planning Your Backyard Retreat
How Much Does A Pool Cost?
Financing Your Backyard Oasis
Why Gohlke Pools?

Buying a swimming pool, much like buying a house, can be a daunting prospect. From selecting a builder to choosing a design, the process is fraught with tough decisions. Having been in the swimming pool business for over 60 years, we here at Gohlke Pools like to think that we know a thing or two when it comes to the swimming pool buying process.

Choosing a Builder

First and foremost, it is important that you do your homework when choosing the company that will build your swimming pool. We recommend that you look for a pool builder that has plenty of experience and puts a premium on quality. Markers for a high-quality builder usually include longevity, excellent online reviews, and industry accolades. The swimming pool industry has an extensive community of prize-giving organizations that reward innovative design and quality construction; these awards are an excellent indicator that a company builds high-quality, state-of-the-art swimming pools. Ultimately, it is important to remember the value of quality construction. A pool built using industry best-practices and the best materials available will pay dividends in the end.

Choosing a Design

Choosing a design can be one of the most difficult parts of the pool buying process. It is a good idea to ask friends and family about their pools: What do they like about their pool? What do they wish they could change about it? Their perspective can help point you in the right direction during the early stages of design selection. Remember to think about the space around your pool as well. Are you looking for more patio space? Maybe you’d like a pergola, arbor, or a fully equipped outdoor kitchen. There is much more to backyard living than just your swimming pool.

If the pool builder you are working with has been in business for a while, they will likely have a portfolio of designs you can use as a reference. The bottom line is, the more design examples you are able to look at, the better your understanding will be of what you like and dislike. Don’t hesitate to ask the salesperson or designer you are working with for advice or input. There is a good chance that they will be able to help guide you towards a design that matches your taste as well as complements the aesthetic of your backyard and your house.

Ultimately, taking the time to carefully select your builder, as well as choosing a design that will suit both your budget and your style preferences, is the best way to ensure that you’ll end up with a swimming pool you are proud to own.

Select a price range…

$75,000 – 85,000
$85,000 – 100,000
$100,000 – 115,000
$115,000 – 145,000
$145,000+

click image to enlarge

Financing a pool is the most popular method of purchasing a swimming pool. Gohlke Pools is here to help you navigate and assist you throughout this process.

What type of loan can I get for a swimming pool?

The two most popular types of loans are:

Home improvement loan
Home equity loan

Home improvement loans

Home improvement loans can be made for up to 100% of the appraised value of the home. The improvements being made can be added into the value of the home. In the event that you decide to refinance your mortgage, the loan can be rolled into the permanent mortgage.

Home equity loans

Home equity loans can be made for up to 80% of the appraised value of the home. The improvements made cannot be added into the value of the home. This type of loan cannot be rolled into a permanent mortgage in the case of refinancing. In addition, you are only able to apply for one home equity loan in a 12-month period. Both home improvement and home equity loans are available from 3 to 30 year, and which one you select will greatly depend on your situation.

While you are welcome to use whatever lending company fits you the best, Lyon Financial and HFS are two lending companies we have seen our customers use quite often. Below is a link to both of their websites:

Why should you choose Gohlke Pools to be your builder? Sixty years in the swimming pool business has taught us that the most important part of establishing good relationships with our clients is trust. Here are just a few of the reasons to choose Gohlke Pools:

We are a family business — Gohlke Pools began as a family business in the 1950s, and despite decades of growth we have maintained that family feel.
We know what works — Swimming pools we built in the 1950s are still being used today. Working on the same pools we built 50 or even 60 years ago has given us the opportunity to learn what it takes to build pools that will stand the test of time.
We are committed to quality — Our materials and equipment come from industry leading manufacturers, and we only partner with the very best subcontractors during the construction process.
Support is our priority — After construction is finished, you can count on us for any of your pool or backyard related needs. Our retail store is staffed with water chemistry experts, and stocked with all the supplies you’ll need for your pool. We handle warranties in house, and our service department is fully equipped to provide a comprehensive range of expert pool care and maintenance.
We have seen it all — With over 200 years of collective experience in the pool industry, our staff knows just about everything there is to know about swimming pools.
We can build it all — Whether your dreams for your backyard include a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, a pergola, a patio with a firepit, or all of the above, we can help you realize them.
We are industry leaders — Gohlke Pools has been nationally ranked among the Top 50 Swimming Pool Companies in retail, construction, and service. We have also been the recipient of over 30 national design awards, including the prestigious APSP Gold Design Award.
We come highly recommended — Browse through hundreds of 5-star Google reviews to see what our customers have to say about us.