Pool Ideas: Construction, Design, Pool Area Landscaping, and More

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You can create the pool of your dreams with a bit of planning and the help of a pool professional. In this article, we give you plenty of swimming pool ideas you can implement on small and large budgets. Whether you have an existing pool or are starting from scratch, there’s something here for you.

Swimming Pool Designs

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If you don’t already have a swimming pool at your home, you may be looking into installing a new pool. Picking the design is an all-important step that you need to think through carefully. Consider the size of your yard, its layout, and the pool construction budget. Pools come in different shapes and sizes, and each option can impact the style and design of your property a great deal. The cost can add up, depending on what you choose, but the cost of an inground backyard pool is usually upwards of $20,000.

You can discuss all these pool design ideas with a landscape architect so that you find the optimal shape, size, and location in your backyard. You also need to enlist the services of a pool builder. It’s best to work with professionals so that you can have peace of mind about the safety and durability of the installation.

Here are some popular pool designs to consider:

Rectangular pool- This architecture is one of the most popular, but it comes with many designs and variations depending on whether you want large or small pool designs, inground or above-ground, for example.
Infinity pool- In infinity pool design, the water floors over an edge, creating the illusion effect of no boundaries. The main difference between regular swimming pools and infinity pools is that in the latter, at least one of the pool walls is built to the height of the water level, making them hidden from sight. This luxury design is what you might find at a fine vacation resort.
Lap pool- If the yard area is limited, and you are more interested in the fitness aspects, then a lap pool is a good choice. It’s a small pool with a narrow-width rectangular pool shape.
Above-ground pool- If you want to get a fancy backyard pool, then don’t ignore the above-ground version. This alternative is less expensive than an in-ground one because you don’t have to dig up your property. You can get creative with the stairs and steps around the pool and also opt to lean it against another structure. You can also look into building wood decking surrounding the pool.

Besides the pool itself, you might also be looking into having a pool house on the property. This structure can add a lot of conveniences as far as having somewhere nearby for people to change into swimwear, use the restroom, and store items such as accessories, supplies and products, and extra towels. You can include a patio in the front for your family, friends, and guests to enjoy the outdoors under a roof.

A pool pavilion is another structure worth considering. This space is a great area for relaxing, outdoor, dining, and hosting parties by the poolside. A pergola is another renovation to add for great views of your pool area from closer to your house. A small cabana can also spice things up a make you feel like you are on a dream destination resort or island retreat far away from home.

We have already talked about decking, and this can be a great style and functional feature for elevated pools. You might also want to install a tanning ledge to help you better enjoy the sun when you are not in the water.

Water Features

If you want to remodel your existing pool, adding new features like fountains could upgrade the entire setting. Here are some idea examples.

Water fountain feature
Pool bubblers
Rock waterfall
Pool slide
Diving board

Pool Landscaping Ideas

A backyard pool is far from a standalone feature. The surrounding area matters, so you have to consider various landscape design ideas to ensure this space compliments your pool and the rest of your yard. You need a good combination of hardscape and softscape features if you want your pool surroundings to really shine and give you a great place to escape from a busy schedule.

One of the most common questions people have about pool landscape is about the best thing to put around the pool border. When you choose these materials and structures, you have to ask about the installation costs, maintenance requirements, feel for the feet, and relationship with water. This material is going to be wet much of the time, so it should be slip-resistant and durable, and resilient despite being exposed to a lot of moisture. You also want a pool edge surface that is comfortable for you to walk on barefoot.

You can add decking, tiles, concrete pavers, wood timber, limestone, and other materials to the pool edging. Pool builders can help you pick what might work best for the location. You can also add a fence, wall, flowerbeds, or rock islands nearby.

Pool Accessories and Furniture

Whether you are building a new swimming pool or just looking to upgrade an existing one, furniture and accessories are essential elements.

When you are sprucing up space, the seating area is worth investing in. After all, you want to enjoy the pool experience whether you are in the water or enjoying the view and sunlight on the outside. You can use stools, chairs, loungers, and other seating options.

Some of the items to acquire include nets or covers and poolside umbrellas. You can also look into a variety of blow-up items to improve your swimming experience. These can be stored away until you want to use them to prevent the pool area from looking cluttered and disorganized.

Maintenance

Another great tip is about maintaining the space. Keeping your pools clean and your pool landscape well-maintained can improve how the entire backyard and neighborhood look. You are going to need a range of cleaning and water-treating supplies and accessories. For your landscape, you can create a schedule to stay on top of the upkeep, particularly if you have living features like a grass lawn and any other type of greenery.

Backyard Swimming Pool Lighting

If you are like many homeowners, you might have an interest in night-time swimming in your backyard pool design. You can have lanterns and light poles around. Another feature you should look into installing the lighting under the surface of the water to better illuminate the entire pool depth while you go for a night swim. LED lights are a more energy-saving alternative compared with regular incandescent light options and give you extra flexibility.

Conclusion

There’s no end to what you can do to improve your pool design and upgrade the landscape around it. You can think of additional style considerations like the color scheme, pool finish, and choice of pool tiles. It’s worth exploring these and more swimming pool ideas and inspiration to create an enjoyable environment at your house.

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