Want Your Dream Pool? Consider This Checklist Before You Build

July 24, 2018 | By webadmin

During this incredibly intense Texas summer we are experiencing, nothing sounds better than a prolonged dip in your own pool.  If you don’t already have a pool in your landscape, you might just be wishing for one now!

Before you dive in (literally & figuratively) to your new pool, there are some important issues to consider. We’ve designed many pools for our clients, so we put together a check list of considerations to get you started.

This backyard not only has a pool, but a pergola, kitchen, and seating areas—creating a backyard entertaining paradise!

Dream Pool Checklist

• Location and size - A key consideration is the location and size of your pool. Do you have room for your dream pool? Maximizing sun exposure is a must, but also think about how guests will enter and exit the pool. Remember there are building and code laws specific to each city that must be accounted for. Pre-existing utilities also can influence the placement, or extra money may need to be allotted into the budget to move them.
   
• Entertaining, Relaxation, or Swimming Laps? How you plan to use your pool is a big factor in its design. If you plan on using your pool for more laps and exercise, a standard rectangle shape is the most useful. If you’re a pool-party kind of family, then round, kidney and oblong shaped pools work best for leisure. If you’re just in it for shallow soaking, then sky’s the limit when it comes to shape.

We designed this contemporary pool to serve as a tranquil backyard oasis.

• Budget - While it might seem like budget should be the first item on the checklist, we find that setting a realistic budget works better when we first address the desired size and use of your new pool. We also find many people are unfamiliar with all the real costs associated with building and maintaining a pool. A good designer will work with you along the way to identify specific costs and build a realistic budget for your project.
   
• Accessibility -This is a checklist item that seems pretty basic, but it can present problems along the way if it’s not addressed in the pool design phase. Accessibility for the large machinery needed to build your pool is important. Sometimes fences may need to be moved in order to create a path for machinery. Usually, 8 feet is sufficient.  
   
• Soil? Yes, you even have to think about your soil type before you build a pool. Not all soils are ideal for pool construction. It may be necessary to obtain a soil test before digging, should there be any obstacles such as rocky layers or a high water table that can significantly increase construction costs.
   
• Insurance -This is an easy one to forget. You will need to add extra coverage onto your homeowner’s policy once you have a pool. Also, keep safety features in mind. Taller fences and specific gate locks are often required, especially if children and pets use the space.
   
• Style! Don’t forget your style. Depending on your style and the accessories you’d like to add to the pool, you could end up with a bigger project than you first anticipated. If you want extra special lighting, custom tile work, or architectural features that match your home, we need to make sure and work that in at the beginning of your design phase.
   
• Integrated Amenities? Pools don’t need to be stand alone features. We can integrate them into a full-scale outdoor living space, along with shade pergolas, outdoor kitchens, TV screens, audio speakers - you name it! Now’s the time to think about how you want to complete your outdoor oasis.

Poolscaping: Planting for Pools

While all the hardscaping that goes along with a new pool is of course important - don’t forget about the surrounding landscaping. The right plantings around your new pool can help you create the perfect views or desired privacy.

We created a fun and funky urban tropical retreat in this backyard by incorporating palm trees and other tropicals.

Poolscaping Tips

• Keep your pool clean and cut down on maintenance by avoiding plants that are messy and can drop lots of leaves and blooms into the pool. Tropical hibiscus, while pretty, can cause quite a mess if placed too close to your pool filters.
   
• Make sure any plants chosen can handle full sun conditions and reflected heat from the concrete and stone around your pool. Those Texas native plants are great choices!
   
• Stay away from thorns! Thorny plants like roses and agave can be a danger if placed too close to pool edges—especially with children around.

If you don’t want to spend another Texas summer without a place to cool off, call us and we will get started on a design perfect for you and your new outdoor oasis!