How to Design Your Pool

Designing a pool is easy.

A swimming pool is not only an ideal feature to have in your backyard for enjoyment and entertaining, but it can increase the value of your home. When you decide to install a swimming pool, you must spend time designing the ideal pool to fit your yard and needs. There are many things to decide when designing a pool, which will also help you create the most suitable pool for your home.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Determine where you want your pool to be located in the yard. When designing a pool, you must think about where it will be placed. The pool should be easy to access, in a sunny area to naturally heat water and in higher points of the yard to prevent flooding during rainy seasons.

2. Decide the shape you want the pool to have based on your needs or preference. L-shaped pools are best for swimming laps, round or oval shapes are ideal for water sports like volleyball since the perimeter is even, kidney shapes add curves and appeal to a yard and a free-form shape can take your yard and landscaping features into consideration when designing the pool.

3. Choose the material for your pool. A strong construction material is concrete, which is coated with plaster and painted or tiled. Vinyl-lining is an affordable option but must be replaced depending on use and location. And fiberglass is easy to clean and custom shaped for your specifications.

4. Add accessories to your pool design. Lighting adds a safety element to your pool, and creates a relaxing ambiance for night swimming. Additional accessories like fountains, decking and landscaping incorporate the pool into the yard for a cohesive look and extra privacy.

Tips & Warnings

• Concrete and fiberglass may crack during earthquakes if you live in an earthquake-prone area.

References

• My Dream Pool: Building Guide