Tess Langfus, Contributing Writer

Installing a pool in your backyard is a major decision, especially in colder climates.

With such a short swimming season, you might ask, is it worth the cost? But people own cabins, snowmobiles and boats -- all seasonal items with limited use time. A pool may be a big upfront expense, but it is about a 30-year investment for family entertainment, leisure and exercise.

According to Hilary Berczyk, president of the Minnesota chapter of the National Spa & Pool Institute, a trade organization for pool builders, retailers, distributors, and technicians, there are about 30,000 pools in Minnesota alone. Last year nearly 1,200 pools were installed and the industry continues to grow.

"The pool's a place to keep your family together," says Berczyk, who is also the president of Valley Pools in Burnsville and Andover, Minn.

And with different options available, more people can afford and enjoy their own pool from May until September.

In deciding whether to install a new pool in your backyard, there are several things to consider: what type of pool is best for your family, when to begin construction, which maintenance system works best with your lifestyle, and how much will a pool cost to construct and landscape.

With the developments in pool construction, pool ownership has become a viable option for many homeowners who want to exercise, relax and entertain in their own backyard. So join the other pool owners this summer -- grab your towel, goggles and sunscreen and step into your own backyard paradise.

More On Pools:

• Choosing A Pool
• Working With Contractors
• Be Aware Of Extra Expenses
• Where Should The Pool Go?
• Keep Your Pool Clean
• Questions To Ask