THE HOUSING SLOWDOWN has made waves in the swimming-pool industry, with in-ground installations down 12 percent and pool contractors offering services like remodeling and landscaping to stay afloat. How to get started on your backyard renaissance.

1. Go pro

Find a certified building professional who's part of a network, says Bill Weber, president of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals. When you enlist specialists who regularly work together, the projects generally finish faster and yield more harmonious results for the same price. Find one at

www.apsp.org

.

2. Don't go chasing waterfalls

"Resort" extras like waterfalls, color-changing lights and splash areas can increase the cost by 80 percent. You can divide the cost, though, by asking your contractor to install the plumbing (or related infrastructure) and then waiting to have the rest installed later, says Tommy Johnson, owner of Johnson Pools & Spas in Huntsville, Ala.

3. Warm up to energy efficiency

Purchasing gadgets that keep your pool warm, clean and green will pay for itself in energy savings in just three to five years. Opt for a variable-speed pump that allows you to dial in and adjust flow rates to conserve water. And instead of heating your pool water, consider in-floor radiant heating, which generates heat under the pool.

For more SmartMoney Magazine features, turn to the July issue.

Also See:

• 8 Ways to Cut Summer Energy Bills

• Selling Your Home in a Down Market

• Tapping the Equity in Your Home