This is the year you will finally take the plunge and build a pool in your backyard. Deciding to take on this project and setting a budget was the hard part, right? Probably not. You will now have to decide what kind of design you want for it. Remember you’ll be making a long-term commitment, so choose wisely!
When you find a pool design, and that includes not only the shape of the pool, but also the liner colors and deck material, try imagining it in your backyard. The pool will become the focal point of your garden, so you need to think about how it will fit in with your landscaping and any type of outdoor living situation you already have. The pool will definitely add to the ambiance of the backyard.
Grab a few tools and begin the journey to designing your backyard oasis.
Here comes the fun part of your pool project:
- Go to the bookstore and look for home and garden magazines. Flip through architecture, interior design, or travel magazines for inspiration. Hotel websites are also a great starting point for pool design and landscaping ideas. Search online for pool builders to see if they have galleries of designs that catch your eye. You don’t necessarily have to look at local pool builders, you can search the entire country and then find a local pool builder to see if you can duplicate the design you found.
- Notice the pool and deck tiles surrounding the structure you are looking at. Keep in mind that if you find a design in shades of the rainbow and you are more of a family of muted tones, the pool area will have a whole new look. Ask your prospective pool builder if they have access to a design program that can change various colors in and out of computer-aided designs so you can get a real idea of what the completed project will look like.
- Pay attention to the ones you see on TV shows or movies to see if any of the designs catch your imagination.
- Visit real estate open houses in your neighborhood or upscale neighborhoods to find pool inspiration for those houses.
- When you visit potential pool contractors, ask them about the various pool designs they have completed.
- Find out from your local code officer what the property limit setbacks are for your pool construction. Once you have that information handy, measure your backyard and draw your proposed pool layout on graph paper.
- Consider the type of accessories you want in your pool. Do you want a shallow end? tanning led? A Jacuzzi? Waterfall? children’s pool? If you have a large enough yard, you might consider adding a wave pool or lazy river feature.
You can let your imagination run wild in the planning phase. Just remember that you may have to narrow your thoughts once you’ve put together your pool construction budget. Be prepared with your budget when talking to potential pool contractors. Sure, you want to present your ideas to the pool contractor, but be prepared to give in to their experience. Keep in mind that the more imaginative the design, the higher the price.
Once you’ve completed the design process, the fun really begins when the project is complete and you and your family have hours to spend in the pool of your dreams.