Tess Langfus, Contributing Writer

Buying a pool isn't always as straight forward as purchasing the materials and hiring the contractor. There are often added challenges that arise, such as uneven elevation.

Retaining walls can correct nearly any elevation challenges there are to adding a pool, while at the same time provide attractive landscaping possibilities.

Concrete pools are also a good selection in these incidences, as the sturdy material can act as its own retaining wall. Grotte recently installed a vinyl-lined pool with concrete walls into the side of the hill. The elevation of the property allowed for a window to be built into the pool wall so swimmers could look from the deep end into the woods adjoining the lot. An overhanging wooden deck connects the pool to the concrete decking on the property.

Pools can be installed in nearly any soil condition, but in areas where there used to be ponds the soil must actually be replaced and compacted. Gravelly and sandy soils must be stabilized before a pool can be built on top of it. Both scenarios could create an additional $8,000 to $25,000 expense for the homeowner.

"Those are over and above pricing that people need to know before we can begin construction," says Anderson. "That's when we start doing the testing and research to find out what the likelihood that's going to be."

Excessive ground water can also cause additional expense to a homeowner. Professional pool builders can conduct tests to determine the level of ground water and the best solution to control the water table. If the problem is not fixed, the pool's liner could actually float and wrinkle; ground water could even push a concrete pool out of the ground.

More On Pools:

• Is A Pool Right For You?
• Choosing A Pool
• Working With Contractors
• Where Should The Pool Go?
• Keep Your Pool Clean
• Questions To Ask