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Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Pool

Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Pool

Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Pool Project

With any home project, there are many factors to consider when planning your pool. How many people would you like it to accommodate? Do you prefer in-ground or above ground? What size; small or large? What kind of design? What type of water?

These are just several questions you will be asked to answer!

So, to help with sorting out the details and avoiding any unnecessary feelings of being overwhelmed, we have put together a guide to help you plan your pool project.

Basic Information

Gathering of basic information about you and your pool needs is necessary for planning your pool project and making your dream backyard a reality! Take these questions into consideration first:

  1. The number of family members living in your home & their ages.
  2. Do you require any special needs?
    • Special stairs
    • Chairlift
  3. How many people would you like to accommodate?
  4. What is your timeframe?
  5. When would you like to start?
  6. When would you like it to be finished?
  7. What is your budget?

Pool Type

There are several types of pools to choose from; some are a better fit for certain yards,  but we can certainly work with you to accommodate your wants & needs. Here are the different pool types:

  1. Above ground swimming pool
  2. In-ground swimming pool
  3. Indoor swimming pool

Design

There are many different styles of pools and design options to fit every need! From traditional to freeform, we can do it all! Please also let us know if you are interested in getting your formal written design plans & their related fees.

Style

Traditional

Traditional style pools are basic rectangular, square, or geometric pools with old fashioned clean lines. They are aesthetically pleasing, but also very practical. It is perfect for those who plan to use their pools as a source of exercise, as in swimming laps.

traditional

Modern

Modern style pools can be made of any shape. It can be built to fit a small area, take up the whole yard, and even be integrated into your landscape. It’s perfect for those who want to inspire & show off their creativity.

modern

Mediterranean

Mediterranean style pools make you feel as though you are part of a European getaway. With Tuscan flair, ornate water features and most often, rich dark colors to reflect the water of the Mediterranean.

mediterranean

Freeform

Freeform pools generally are incorporated into an irregularly-shaped piece of land & have subtle curves. If you only have a small space where a traditional pool cannot fit, the freeform pool is the better choice for you.

freeform

Infinity Pool (Vanishing Ledge)

Infinity pools have the water flow over one or more edges, producing a visual effect of water with no boundary. Ideal for sloped yards or on a cliffside. The greater the cliff, the greater the visual impact.

Zero-Entry Pool

Zero-Entry pools, or beach entry, have an entry that gradually slopes from the deck into the water, becoming deeper, in the manner of a natural beach. Perfect for young children, cautious swimmers & sunbathers.

Design Options

Here are some additional design options you may be interested in adding into your pool design, as well:

  1. Spa
  2. Deep end
  3. Diving board
  4. Slide

Size

The size of a pool depends on the amount of space you have to work with, or would like to work with.

  1. Small
  2. Large
  3. Exact dimensions; if known

Materials

There are many types of materials to choose from for your pool project. From the material used for the pool to the materials you choose for the decking surrounding it. Here are your material options:

Pool Material

Concrete (Gunite)

Concrete is highly durable and can be created in just about any shape. They use a rebar framework that is sprayed over with a concrete and sand mixture.

concrete

Vinyl

Vinyl is the least expensive option. Inside a suitable excavation, a frame of wood, plastic or metal is erected. The most stable systems are set in a concrete footing. A heavy-duty vinyl liner is fastened to the top of the frame and what remains of the hole is backfilled.

vinyl

Fiberglass

Fiberglass pools are pre-molded in a variety of shapes and sizes. After the hole has been dug, plumbing installed, and sand base laid, it is lowered into the hole and leveled.

fiberglass

Deck Material

  1. Stone
  2. Brick
  3. Concrete
  4. Travertine
  5. Pavers
  6. Other (Please List)

Water

Swimming pools owners now have an array of choices when it comes to water type, as well as options for keeping your pool temperature warm. From traditional chlorinated to salt water and electric heaters to heat pumps, here are your options to weigh:

Type

Traditional Chlorinated Water

Traditional chlorinated water pools are the most common, as they use readily available chlorine tablets to keep the pool water clean & safe. They are easy to maintain & are better at clearing bacteria in the water.

Saline (Salt Water)

Saline water pools have lower chlorine levels so they are much gentler on the eyes and skin, & produce a softer-feeling water. The salt cells produce enough chlorine as needed, so it requires less maintenance, compared to chlorinated water.

Mineral Water System

Mineral springs pool utilizes Beginnings & Renewal products to produce a chlorine sanitizer. The ultimate in easy-maintenance.

Ozone Water System

Ozone water systems provide crystal-clear water, No red eye, rashes or other chlorine-induced skin reactions. No chlorine smell from the pool.

Heating Systems

Electric

Electric resistance heaters use electric currents to create heat.

Gas

Gas heaters burn either natural gas or propane to create heat.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat to your swimming pool.

Solar

Solar heaters use solar panels to transfer heat from the sun to your swimming pool.

Features

Top 5 Luxury Pool Design Trends

Don't be afraid to think outside the box! Waterfalls, sconces, and fire features can add additional beauty to your backyard paradise. Take these pool features into consideration:

  1. Waterfalls
  2. Fountains
  3. Cascades
  4. Bullet Jets
  5. Bubblers
  6. Sconces
  7. Swim-Up Bar
  8. Fire/Water Feature

Landscape

No pool project is complete without the finishing touches of landscaping. Whether it be potted plants or sod and landscape lighting, we will beautify your backyard escape!

  1. Landscape for Privacy
  2. Potted Landscape
  3. Grass/Sod
  4. Gardens
  5. Landscape Lighting

Outdoor Living Area

Hot Outdoor Living Trends of 2017

While exploring your options of decking and patio, consider creating a relaxing, stylish outdoor living space or outdoor room. It will provide an oasis for friends and family to enjoy in supreme comfort.

Shade Structure

  1. Cabanas
  2. Pergola
  3. Gazebo

pergola

Kitchens

  1. Bar
  2. BBQ Pit
  3. Wood-Fired Pizza Oven
  4. Living Room
  5. Fire Feature
  6. Fireplace
  7. Hearth
  8. Fire Pit

Custom patio with fire pit
outdoor living space
Brick fire pit

Topographical Grading

In planning your pool project, please advise of any natural landscape, grading or features that may exist.
Topographical grading factors include, but are not limited to:

  1. Slope
  2. Septic fields
  3. Wells
  4. Trees
  5. Buried tanks
  6. Retaining walls
  7. Electric dog fence
  8. Sprinkler system
  9. Buried electric lines to a shed or garage

Misc Options

Any pool or feature can be operated remotely from a smartphone or tablet. Please don't hesitate to discuss any other features or options you may dream of!

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