Are you planning a new pool or planning on resurfacing your old one? If so, this blog post is for you. I’m providing you with 5 design tips that’ll get your project started. It’s important to know what you want out of your pool in order to even hire the right company for the project. These pool design tips will make you feel more confident in your decision making. By doing so, you’ll be able to stay on schedule and keep moving forward.
Designing a pool isn’t just about budget, shape or size. It’s about functionality, frequency of use and a realistic maintenance schedule. Another key factor is seasonality. How often do you plan on using your pool and the space around it? The 5 design tips I’m sharing with you will help make your dream pool and the area around it become a reality.
Choose The Best Pool Shape For Your Pool Activities: Different pool shapes are offered at different price points. However, that doesn’t mean the least expensive option is the way to go. Think about how often you’ll use your pool for entertaining, exercise, etc. Do you have adult parties versus kid parties? A larger pool shape is a great option to accommodate your entertaining expectations. This will determine the size and possibility of adding a sun shelf or building benches and tables for more seating. The list goes on so prepare one with your pool activities, how many people you entertain, and any additional options you may need. Lastly, choose a shape that compliments your yard space. Pools should be a landscape feature that compliments your yard and home.
Determine Your Maintenance Schedule Frequency: Pool maintenance isn’t just about the pool itself. It’s about the area(s) around the pool too. This includes outdoor kitchens, landscape, and any other furniture exposed to Mother Nature. With that said, develop a schedule on your calendar for weekly pool maintenance, foliage and weed prevention, furniture cleaning and pool equipment maintenance, and anything in the outdoor area. Keep in mind that covered areas do not protect everything from the heat, rain, or even dirt. A checklist can help you understand if maintaining your pools can be done yourself or by a professional. Check out our blog post Home Maintenance: Is It Worth Hiring A Professional? for more information.
Pool Deck Design: Pool deck design is tough because not all decisions you make can be reversed. First, determine if your deck is used for eating, lounging or entertaining. Consider functionality for every area that needs a design plan. Many pool decks have an odd layout due to the home’s shape and depth. Don’t get discouraged, get creative. For example, need an outdoor kitchen? Use open shelving and create counter space that can fold, hide or provide appliance storage for space saving ideas. Have one wall for furniture? No problem, add a loveseat with a corner chair and small stools for some seating nearby. Always keep walkways open to avoid an unnecessary fall in the pool.
Landscape Choices Matter: Pool areas should be treated as a sanctuary. This includes having the appropriate landscape design. The last thing you need is mulch and flower petals in the pool everyday. This creates more work for you to maintain equipment and the water. Hire an experienced landscape design consultant to design and choose the proper plants. It’s important to understand sunlight and shaded areas so that plants are in the correct spot. Not all designers recommend the right plants in their designs. I highly recommend the design and maintenance crews work together.
Know If Your Backyard Receives More Sun Or Shade: Backyard sun and shade determine a lot of decisions. Usually, yards that face South receive more direct sunlight. Yards facing East or West receive less sunlight making decisions about pool heaters a lot easier. As I mentioned before, always keep in mind that choosing the right plants is key. Some plants require more sunlight than others and vice versa. Wrong plants can cause high replacement expenses over time. Also, hot climates don’t always provide a direct heat source for your pool. A pool heater may be needed if your pool receives a few hours of direct sunlight throughout the day.
I hope these pool design tips give you a starting point to begin the planning phase. They should prompt you to make a list of how the pool area is used along with the landscape around it. Also, this list prepares you to ask the right questions to hire the right company for your pool project. Having the pool company is critical for a successful project. Remember, your pool area is not only being used to cool off, it’s where memories will be made for years to come.
