About Residential Pool Design

Designing residential pools is more of an art form than ever before. From waterfalls to grottos, the residential pool designer can rely on much more than a diving board and a slide to make the backyard special. Creating a soothing recreational environment for friends and family while beautifying your surroundings requires a well thought out design plan. A good residential pool designer will work with your existing space to help increase the value of your property.

Function

Choosing a design professional for your pool deserves serious consideration and research. Interview several designers and talk to your friends and acquaintances for recommendations before breaking ground on your pool. Residential landscape designers specializing in pool design are experts at combining beauty with the practicalities that will make your pool function the right way for you.

Types

Homeowners have different options for pool designs. Gunite, concrete, tile, fiberglass and vinyl are considered good materials for in-ground pools.
Chlorine pools have long been the norm, but salt water pools have recently enjoyed a growing popularity. There are no design differences between salt water and chlorine pools, but there are differences in the systems used for delivering the salt or the chlorine.

Features

Residential pools are more than places to swim and are an integral part of your outdoor living area. Often designed with spas and waterfalls and surrounded by landscaped gardens, your pool area can be an oasis for your family. Stone, tile and concrete all work together or separately to create the hardscape surrounding your pool and the addition of natural elements provides a more exotic and relaxed design.

Considerations

The basic element of pool design begins with a layout appropriate for the space. Designing a gently sloping riverbed may be preferable to building up a waterfall or creating a grotto. Maintaining the integrity of your landscape as you design will also help cut your overall costs. Your choice of hardscapes and your desired features should flow with the design of your home, bringing cohesion to your property.

Benefits

The benefits of a well-designed pool retreat are more than aesthetic. Your backyard haven should function to fit your lifestyle. Including adequate space for entertaining friends and family should be a consideration along with combining the features that will allow your pool to work best for you. Swimming laps into a waterfall may not be the best design choice. Plan your activities before you design your pool and the results will be something you can enjoy for a lifetime.

Resources

• Residential Pool Designs