Top Features to Include in Your Pool Design

How many times have you thought about redesigning your backyard and upgrading it?

For lots of people, pools represent the game changer in their home, as they are both for relaxing and sports activities. Whether you want to host friends, lounge by the water, or just spend time with your kids.

On top of that, doing research about what features will meet all your needs is an important step when trying to elevate your home design.

Key Pool Design Features

If you choose to build in the pool, you should follow basic guidelines when making final decisions.

Knowing that it all adds up not only to the aesthetics of your backyard, but also to its functionality. After all, the goal is to boost your outdoors. And by having a SPECTACULARLY amazing pool, you’re bound to get there.

Shape/Size

The first step here is to measure your entire backyard. You need to know the exact dimensions. Now obviously, the pool should fit inside your backyard.

But what you also want are two things:

• You want enough room to move around, to sunbathe, to run around, to perhaps leave room for a deck, a kids’ playground, etc.
• You also don’t want to do any MAJOR layout changes (that would be extra expensive).

Based on all these, you might want to think about a non-traditional pool shape. Perhaps the rectangular shape won’t fit neatly into the backyard. Or perhaps you want to get more out of your pool, so you could go for a different design.

Put a few ideas on paper, then go over them with your local pool builder to see what’s what. A freeform shape is generally considered more eco-friendly than a rectangular pool, which could be a determining factor for you.

Be aware that thoughtfulness in design helps maximize your enjoyment, no matter the size. So even if it looks like you don’t have enough space, due to the smaller yard, there should be part of it meant for relaxation and activities – why not have it all in one?

Materials/Finish

The next step is knowing how materials and finishes play a big part in pools’ durability and looks. If you are looking for a more modern look, going for darker colors to fit aesthetics, you will opt for concrete pools, which offer a high level of customization.

On the other hand, if you want something more sustainable, fiberglass pools require low maintenance and are quick to install. But it’s also important to mention that certain finishes (e.g., plaster, tiles, pebble, etc.) all have a direct impact on both the looks of the pool and how long it’ll last.

Even though something seems attractive to the eye, you have to think about its quality and extra protection against wear and tear.

Landscaping & Yard Integration

At the end, a well-designed pool should incorporate its surroundings with ease. Whether you want to plant around your pool or create pathways will boost the exterior look. – allowing your pool to take up space while blending in.

You should make sure there is a flow from the pool and other elements, such as decks or patios. All in all, creating one cohesive environment is the final product – the moment everything works together.

Factors to Think About When Choosing a Pool Builder

To build a pool, you obviously have to call a pool builder. That’s quite obvious.  But I’d always suggest you go with a local one, because they already have invaluable experience with materials, builds, issues that happen in your particular area, rules/regulations, permits, how a pool needs to be built, what can be done, what can’t, etc.

Here’s a quick example of why it’s important to go with a local company: 

In Pennsylvania, the composition and drainage systems are different, and seasonal weather variations affect the construction and long-term strength of the pool structure. This means that pool companies in Kennett Square PA will have to make sure all the installations are winterized because pipes can easily crack when exposed to subfreezing temperatures. And there are lots of those during wintertime in northern states like Pennsylvania.

As a comparison, a pool company in Scottsdale AZ will have to design the pool (the entire pool area) with extreme heat in mind. This means that dark colored materials or metal won’t be great as they could cause burns on touch during hot summers that you usually get in states like Arizona. Also, because of the UV radiation, you want to use more durable materials that won’t look worn out after 1-2 years. And installing cooling systems isn’t a bad idea, especially if you’re looking to keep the pool at comfortable temperatures in the middle of summer.

Some, more modern, companies will also have tech such as 3D rendering, which would allow you to see what the finished project would look like before the first shovel hits the ground.

This is super helpful because you’ll get to pick what you know you’ll like.

Conclusion

As we are all looking firstly for aesthetics, and options that are pleasing to the eye, after all, comes the inevitable. We’re talking measuring, planning, and more detailed planning that’ll all be super time-consuming, sometimes hard, and boring.

You will end up working with a professional who will give you extra advice and make your wishes a reality.

The backyard shouldn’t be just an extension of your home; incorporating extra parts, like pools, will make it your favorite part of your home and your family’s home.

*This is a collaborative post