How to Design a Residential Pool

Hanging around your backyard pool is a great way to relax in the summer. Adding a pool to your home also increases the value of your house. Designs range from simple to elaborate, so carefully consider your wants and needs before getting started.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Measure the space you have to build the pool, considering that you'll need space for a pool deck or patio as well as landscaping and hardscaping. Also, research county or city requirements for installing a pool, as some localities dictate that a perimeter must be maintained between the pool deck and the property line. Start thinking about your budget.

2. Determine your primary goals before starting on the design of your pool. If you like to barbecue or host a lot of guests, you'll need to dedicate more space to the patio area. If you like to swim laps, you'll want a long pool. Kids might like a slide or a diving board.

3. Sketch a rough draft of what you'd like your pool area to look like. Include any existing shrubbery that you would like to keep and add landscaping as you see fit. Decide if you'd like to screen-in the pool or build it indoors, and take that into consideration. Get some design ideas from the Internet as pools can be any shape and size.

4. Think about what kind of finishing touches you would like your pool to have. Designer tiles are available for you to tailor the pool to your taste. The concrete in the pool can be finished in a certain color if that's what you want. If you want colored concrete for the patio, pick out a few stains that appeal to you. Also think about what kind of lighting you'd like, both in the pool and on the deck.

5. Locate local pool contractors and make appointments with them. They'll come out to your house to take measurements and ask you about your ideas. Show them your design and ask them if they're capable of doing that within your budget. Discuss your options and adjust your design if necessary. Get a few different estimates before making a decision.

6. Find a landscape designer and run your plans by him. He'll be able to help you spruce up the pool area according to what you like.

7. Finalize your plans with the pool contractors and have them draw up a final scaled sketch for you. Take the drawing to your landscape designer and finalize plans with her as well.

Tips & Warnings

• There are lots of upgrades available, such as built-in spas, waterfalls and islands. These can be costly, so figure them into your budget.