Forever, man has been drawn to the water. Today we're no different. Having a pool in the yard ranks as one of the most popular additions home owners say they would like to make to their property in California.

Whether for entertaining, exercise or just splashing around with the kids, a pool is a great place to relax. And it adds value to your house. Next to remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, in certain parts of the country, a pool can add the most in resale value down the road.
Choosing between an in-ground and above-ground pool depends on budget, space and preference. Before buying either one, you need to know what you can afford, how big you want it to be and how much it will cost to maintain. Both styles have advantages and drawbacks, but once they're installed, you're sure to have hours of enjoyment from either style.

Besides picking the style of pool, you also can choose among a wide range of accessories. You can add slides, steps, diving boards, decorative lighting, solar covers, awnings and many other items. Certainly two accessories you want to be certain to include are a heater - solar, gas or both - and a pool vacuum. Both of these are almost essential to pleasurable pool ownership.

Many owners build decks or patios around their pools to make the leisure space more practical. Some cover the pool with an enclosure so it can be used year-round. Discuss the countless options with your builder and make sure he is clear about what you want. Be aware, though, the more accessories you add, the higher the price.