Planning a New Swimming Pool

Installing a pool is one thing, but setting out on a journey to select the right size and style is quite another. Owning a pool is an exciting prospect for a homeowner. Nonetheless, while turning a dream into reality, you’re likely to have a load of queries before you make a decision on pool design. From among the many stunning pools on offer (that come in myriad designs), you will have to find a pool that comfortably fits your backyard. You may have to think of the ambience you desire as that will make your backyard stand out from the rest. Doing your research well (by asking questions) and planning is the key to understanding pool ideas that you may consider. This is especially vital if you are on a budget, as most new pool owners likely are.

Plan with the land

Undertaking any project requires a good deal of advance consideration. Planning lets you think about choices (with affordability in mind) and relevant information that you must gather. Beginning with some key basics is a good plan. Think of the ground you have in your backyard. If you already have a level surface to work with, you’re good to go. Installing a pool inside the ground or on top of it will be a possibility. For properties that sit on a hillside, sloping land, or rocky/uneven surfaces, installing a pool may pose a challenge. Nonetheless, due to advancements in above-ground fiberglass pools, you can still get a great pool fitted. For instance, a fiberglass pool shell can be securely affixed on this land quite proficiently, and you are guaranteed a secure pool.

 

Plan the Position

Pool companies can give you a lot of information before you install your pool. They can also give you budget pool ideas. Nonetheless, before that, you should know where you want your pool. Since you are the best person to understand your plot, you need to consider the pool’s position. Making your pool the center of attention is a good idea, and this is a trend. You may think of positioning your pool nearer your house if you want a smooth transition from pool to home. It is worth considering how pool installers will access your backyard in relation to pool placement.

 

Planning Pool Use

A potential pool owner’s intention of pool use is vital in the choice of a pool. From among several fiberglass pools to select from, this is an important aspect that may narrow down your choice. Most pool owners have families and lap pools are the resounding pick for them. Lap pools have many advantages with broad ledges affording convenient access, ideal for children and apprehensive swimmers. The main function of a lap pool is for taking uninterrupted laps in, but it is a flexible option for families too. In a backyard that is compact, a plunge pool offers a good option. Small and deep, these pools take up minimal space but give you enough room for exercise. Customized with jets, plunge pools can be transformed into spa pools.

 

Positive Preparation

Although most reputed pool companies will help you in learning about official regulations before installing your pool, you may want to do a little work yourself. Contacting the local council to learn about the approvals you need, plus checking on your site map to know about cables and pipes running underground, is a must. Certain safety regulations also apply while you’re installing your pool. You can find out more about these by logging on to the website of the local authority in your vicinity.

 

Once you have thought about these factors, you can easily choose from the best fiberglass pools on offer and contact pool companies for budgets and quotes. It is important to note that smaller pools are more affordable than larger ones, and there are many options out there. By installing a smaller fiberglass pool, you are, by no means, compromising on the style and appeal of your pool. In fact, many small pools look attractive and bring charm to any backyard.

 

Compact Courtyard Pools

If you have space constraints, courtyard pools may come to your rescue. For small backyards and courtyards, this pool seems like an oasis for your spot. Exuding a tranquility that is unique, this pool design will add character to your backyard. The plunge pool is among the many fiberglass pools that is a go-to design these days. It is deep and smaller than traditional pools. Nonetheless, it lets you swim, relax and keep fit. Both in-ground and above-ground installation is available for these. In case you own a modern home, you can have a contemporary straight-edge plunge pool fitted in. Pools with clean lines are more affordable, and you can think of accents around the pool, such as tiling or stone paths in neutral tones. Leafy plants around pool areas always look super, especially tropical hibiscus, for a luxe look. Think tall grasses and bamboo, too, perhaps.

 

Privacy

Small pools, like plunge pools, are not only great for budget pool ideas but also take into account proximity to your neighbor. Smaller pools take up less space, so you are free to add savvy features around your pool area. This ensures privacy from prying eyes. You can think of an elevated deck, for instance. This not only detracts from your neighbor’s perimeter but adds an aura of spaciousness to your backyard. Adding jets to your pool is a good idea and you will automatically have a spa pool. Seating around the pool always looks appealing too. Adding rocks can lend a natural feel as well as add privacy. Some plunge pools come with rounded edges and customizable features, but this may differ from pool company to pool company.

 

Pool Ideas

There is no end to the ideas you can think about while incorporating a new pool. You need to consider your purpose, the size of your family and your budget. Contemporary pool designs can work for families, such as lap pools and infinity pools. An infinity pool creates the illusion of a boundary-less pool. You’ll be surprised to know an infinity pool can be conveniently placed in a small area. Adding pool accents like seating, canopies and even a fire pit (though not too close to wiring and dangerous spots) can take your pool area to the next level of luxury.

 

1. Waterfalls
waterfall swimming pools

Of course we have to open with the showstoppers! Are you looking to wow future visitors when they see your pool for the first time (or eightieth time)? Is the goal with your pool to be the coolest kid on the block? If you answered yes to either of the aforementioned rhetorical questions, then a waterfall *cue jazz hands* is for you, my friend!

There are many different types of waterfalls to choose from, and no one is better than another. When you visualize your dream pool in your mind, do you see a raised level in your spa (wait, that’s coming next) with the water being pushed over into the pool? Or do you see a raised wall with water streaming out in maybe a sheet?

Do some research and even watch a few videos comparing and contrasting the types of waterfalls available and see which captures your interest the most. Oh also, not only are waterfalls mega attractive to look at, they also provide an element of sound that can really bring life to your pool. Waterfalls create an oasis out of a backyard.

2. Spas & Hot Tubs
spas for swimming pools

If you’re still here, hello! Let’s talk spas! There are many choices when it comes to spas as well. (Are you seeing the reoccurring theme in the pool building game with the choices a plenty?) The spa with the most possibilities is a gunite spa. It’s basically a pool, only smaller. Gunite spas can be built into your pool or on its own.

While some of you may argue that spas are the real showstopper, it comes in the number 2 spot solely because they’re take it or leave it. Again close your eyes and imagine your pool. Do you see a spa included? If so, continue reading. If not, skip ahead to number

These spas can come in a variety of shapes and sizes and have an unlimited amount of detail options. These are typically an extension of your pool and can provide a beautiful water feature into your pool. They can also share the same filtration and heating system as your pool. It’s a two-fer!

3. Water Features
water features swimming poo

Now I know I’ve already pitched waterfalls (and it was a great pitch, was it not?) but let’s talk about some other water features that can bring your pool to the next level. Now the list is exceptionally long when it comes to the amount of water features there are to choose from (I mean, are we shocked? That is the pool building game after all.).

There are fountains, water walls, bubblers, jets, rain curtains, sheer descents, and even more. Do some research and ask your pool building company what water features can be worked into your pool. Be mindful that not all water features can be incorporated into your pool, so make a list of a few that you like and share them with your builder.

They’ll be the most knowledgeable when it comes to which water features can be included into your design and which can’t. Regardless of which water features fiddle your fancy, they can all add some character and unique personality to your dream pool.

4. Sun Shelves / Beach Entry
pool sun ledge

Are you daydreaming of sun tanning on a beach chair partially submerged into your pool? If you are nodding your head in agreeance, you are leaning towards adding a sun shelf into your pool design. Sun shelfs are typically around 5-8 inches deep and provide the perfect area for your littles to splash and play safely.

Do you have water happy pets? If so, a sun shelf is the perfect depth for them to enjoy some fun in the sun! Sun shelf scan also double as a tanning bed. Whatever you dream of using yours for, sun shelfs can add a lot of extra enjoyment to your pool. While a sun shelf sounds amazing, perhaps you’re looking for a more seamless entrance into your pool where the walkway just seems to end and the water begins.

Well of course that’s an option your pool builder can make a reality. Beach entry pools have gradual slopes into the water that are kid-friendly and pet-friendly as well. Younger kids can splash and play safely in the shallow water of your beach entry pool while you relax nearby. Both sun shelfs and beach entry pools provide safe, additional features to your pool that can be enjoyed by the whole family!

5. Lighting the Pool
led pool lights

Want to set the mood? Add some light features to your pool and/or spa to incorporate some ambiance and visual enjoyment. Besides the obvious addition of being able to see inside the pool when it is dark outside, pool lighting can also increase your overall appearance of your backyard. When it comes to pool lighting, there are a few rules of thumb to remember:

You always need more than one light feature.
Pool interior liner color will affect any light feature you choose.
Have lights installed facing away from people’s eyes.
If you have a bar or pergola with seating, install your lights on the walls closest to those areas. Your pool builder will be able to share all sorts of lighting options with you that will add value and charm to your dream pool.

6. Easy Pool Maintenance
floor cleaning pool system

Another great pool design feature that often goes unremembered is the in- floor cleaning system. Would you love to have a pool that cleaned itself so it is always swim- ready? If so, this feature is for you.

In-floor cleaning systems are installed flush with the bottom of your pool and are there to replace the “pool robot” and vacuum hoses from hogging quality swimming space in your pool. These systems can be customized for any specific pool no matter the size or shape and are working non-stop behind the scenes to keep your pool clean. Need that in your life? Let your pool builder know!

Swimming Pool Features & Effects

New products on the market allow us to combine water and fire to create some of the most dramatic backyard effects. Your custom swimming pool can be configured to have water shoot up in the air and come down as rain, curtain, sheets, arc descents or arc rainfall. The way you want to configure these and other effects could border from “really cool” to spectacular. The waterfalls can be as wide or are narrow as you wish. Or the waters falling as curved or as straight.

Pool Lighting

Swimming pool lighting to make your backyard turn into a whole new world at night. In the old days pools used halogen lighting. And some pool owners may still want that. However, more owners are using LED lights to light their pools. These lights use less energy and last 30,000 hours. That means you are not changing bulbs and keeping more money in your pocket. LED lights can be manipulated to change colors and give your pool a truly special effect, especially when swimming at night.

Pool Design Features & Functionality

The amount and types of swimming pool features you want will depend on your budget for the project. When it comes to the customization of swimming pools there is no real limit to the possibility of design configurations and custom features or accessories to be implemented.

Give your pool a signature style. Depending on the “theme” of your design concept you can get an idea of features or upgrades such as:

Tropical Features:

• Cabanas & Tiki Huts
  Palapas & Shade Covers
  Waterfalls & Weeping Rocks
  Grottos & Caves

Traditional Features:

• Bathing Shelves / Tan Ledge
  Diving Boards
  Deck Jets (Pencil Jets)
  Aerators (Fan Sprayer)
  Sheet of Water (Sheer Descent)

Modern Features:

• Vanishing Edge (Negative Edge Pool Wall)
  Glass Pool Tiles
  Swim-Up Bar / Wet Bar

Your decision on customized water features and effects should be under the consultation of a professional swimming pool designer.

Wondering where to design the deep end of the pool?

If you’re are thinking about a new custom in-ground swimming pool you may have a long list of design ideas. One factor that few tend to realize is the shape and location of the deep end of a swimming pool. So, if you’re a savvy aspiring swimming pool owner take a few notes on what will help you determine where to make the deepest point of the pool, why, and what design factors might affect the deep end design.

Swimming Pool Deep End Design

The average shallow depth of a typical swimming pool (15ft x 30ft) is 3ft to 3ft 6in.
Average deepest depth of said pool is around 5ft to 6ft.

Swimming pool depth greatly depends on the overall design shape and size. Certain building requirements may create limitations on how the bottom of the pool (floor) will be formed, and the way it is shaped or sloped. For example; if you have a pool slide, the slide outlet must be over at least 5ft 6in water depth but could be much deeper. Or, you can add a spa to the deep end of a pool, but need to be aware of how functional it will be.

YOUR Pool Design Depth

If you are designing a custom in-ground pool there is reasonable play in creative design and placement of the deep end. Depending on what design and budget you have there are really 2 options: Deep end in the middle, or at one end only.

COMMON POOL DEPTH PROFILES

Many pool owners like having the deep end at the middle because it allows for more overall activities for the kids. Deep end middle is great for volleyball and other team water sports. Others prefer the classic deep one end only and that’s fine too. This is the way for active swimmers and those who like to exercise in the pool (but you can do that either way). It all boils down to the design of pool and your preferences. Consult with your pool builder to see what your options will be. Keep in mind that in some cases going very deep can be costly. Some of the more common design features that could effect how the pool floor and deep end are shaped:

• Slides
• Grotto / Cave Waterfalls
• Diving Boards
• Jump Rocks
• Raised walls
• Beach Entry

Pool Design Construction REQUIREMENTS

For most residential pool construction there are not many code requirements for shapes, sizes or design of the deep end. If you are considering an experienced swimming pool designer to build your pool make sure they check into any local codes related to swimming pool depth and access.

Commercial pool construction will have certain requirements when it comes to the depth. Any publicly held swimming pool must display water depth markers in 2 places, on top of the coping near the edges and in the waterline tiles. This helps for any swimmers to be aware of the depth before jumping in and to see how far they can travel before it is too deep.

With the middle-deep design, you essentially have 2 ways or more to enter the pool.
A deep-one-side pool will have only one main entry area.

Consider the orientation and shape of pool and how it relates to the entry/exit of the backyard and patio areas. Here are some key factors to consider:

• What / who is going to be using the pool the most?
• How short is the shortest swimmer in your family?
• What features in the pool design might effect this?

Pool Depth – WHAT NOT TO DO

Do not place the steps and deep end in the same place.
Don’t go too deep with a short pool, the incline will be too steep.

Either deep end pool design has pros and cons and are left up to the pool owner to decide what is best for them and consult with a pool design professional.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE AN ESTABLISHED BUDGET FOR A NEW POOL

Budgeting New Pool Construction

The budget will determine what type of swimming pool and features you may be able to afford. When calling upon pool builders to get bids you may find it tough if you don’t know what your total budget will be. There are some places online that you may be able to find examples of swimming pool designs by price ranges. Swimming pools offer many customization options and materials ranging from basic industry standards to performance level quality. Spend as much as you like on a new pool, just remember that the return on investment reflects mostly in your lifestyle and health – so make sure that you are going to use it accordingly!

YOU SHOULD KNOW THE BUDGET BEFORE CALLING FOR QUOTES.

Type of In-ground Pools

Depending on the budget you can have access to installing 3 types of inground swimming pools. You have options and each type of in-ground pool has it’s own set of pros & cons.

• Vinyl Liner Pool
• Gunite / Concrete Pool
• Fiberglass Pool

 

Gunite (Concrete) – strongest & longest lasting swimming pool structures but may need more attention & repairs after 10 years.

Fiberglass Shell – Second in strength to gunite these are affordable options but limited in design shapes and sizes.

Vinyl Liner Inground – Being the most affordable option for an inground pool but with the highest rate of repairs over time.

Documents & Things You Will Need

Documents needed to install new swimming pool.

Once you complete the first part, establishing the budget, there will be a couple of important documents that pool companies are going to need to look at in order to properly design your new pool. Even though some pool contractors are able to render a swimming pool design to an approximate scale without these documents, providing these will greatly improve the accuracy of the quotes you receive and will help you to determine if the bids are all based on the exact same backyard layout.

 

• Property Survey / Plat Plan – will need to be the most recent and should be the version signed by the county. The best delivery method for this document is a PDF file to preserve the original scale and high resolution.
• HOA Application – if you expect an accurate quote for a new pool it would be smart to provide the bidding contractors with a copy of the community building guidelines so that they can review any special restrictions or challenges with the HOA app.
• Design & Features List – Be sure to include a list of features & items you would like to see incorporated with the pool design such as a waterfall or adding attached hot tub, etc. The fulfillment of this list will depend on the max budget and you may not get everything you wanted due to cost of construction but you need to make sure the pool designer understands what you want. Check out some helpful info on swimming pool features & accessories
• City Permit (if applicable) – In most cities (within the city limits) a permit is required to install an inground swimming pool. If you are located in the city limits ask your city permitting department about a swimming pool permit. Consult with the pool companies you contact to see if it will be your obligation to secure a city permit or if they will do that for you.
  property survey example for install new swimming pool

 

At the end of the day – you need to be ready before calling pool companies for a new pool quote. The most important things to get ready for buying a new inground pool are knowing the max budget before you call (know what you can afford), create a list of desired features and items to be included, property survey / plat plan, HOA app, city permitting info.