Swimming Pool Design Tips: Translating Dreams Into Reality

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Swimming Pool Design Tips: Translating Dreams Into Reality

Thursday, January 18th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed

Considering a swimming pool design? You’re not alone. It seems EVERYBODY wants a swimming pool. Swimming pools are an exceptionally popular addition to American homes. We are always looking for more ways to “escape from it all” yet stay in our own home. Owning a swimming pool seems to be a great way to create an exotic, yet affordable and convenient getaway right in our backyards. Done right, the pool can enhance your property’s value and provide years of enjoyment. Here are some swimming pool design ideas and tips to help you to turn this dream project into reality.

Swimming Pool Design Tip #1: Consider all your design options, if you haven’t already done so.

What do you like? You can choose from classical shapes, art deco, lagoon-style, vanishing edge, beach style entry where the pool slopes off into the water like a natural beach, or the traditional rectangle. You can have tanning steps, a built-in spa, fountains, waterfalls, caves, fiber-optic lights, beautiful textured tiles…your choices are many. Check out pictures in magazines and catalogs, on-line and off for swimming pool design ideas.

Design Tip #2: Decide what you need/want.

What do you really need in a swimming pool? Well, that depends on how you plan to use it. If you are looking mainly for exercise, a lap style pool might fit the bill best. If your pool is for relaxation and de-stressing, perhaps you might want to include a spa. If you will be entertaining frequently, you may be interested in a poolside table, or even an in-pool table or bar with stools.

Design Tip #3: Safety first!

Statistics show that children are far more likely to drown into residential swimming pools than in similar size natural ponds or lakes. Before you okay the swimming pool design, ensure that your builder has taken all precautions necessary to ensure that the swimming pool is safe for both children as well as elders. Check with your local government for any ordinances or regulations regarding safety fencing and/or pool enclosures.

Design Tip #4: Don’t forget the landscaping…

To enhance your design, plant lush trees, bushes, flowers and plants. Where possible, choose perennial plants that will come back year after year, along with evergreens. If your climate allows, go ahead and plant the palm trees! Don’t be afraid to integrate art statuary or sculpture with your swimming pool design idea. Make sure that the landscaping is compatible with your home’s look.

Design Tip #5: Set your budget.

Now you know what you need and want in a swimming pool, what’s the cost? Will you have to make any adjustments to get the pool of your dreams? Will you need financing? Your pool, like your home, can be financed with a long term mortgage. It’s a home addition that can substantially increase the value of your property. Lenders can understand that. As a home addition, check with your tax adviser to see if your loan interest payments are tax-deductible.

Design Tip #6: Research contractors and get the best price

Research well before approving of any swimming pool design. You can ask for quotations from as many swimming pool distributors and builders as you see fit, for cross reference. You can also use the Internet to get a highly accurate comparative cost statement whereby you can learn about preventing many redundant expenses without sacrificing any of the features. Ask builders for references and for licenses - and check to see if there are any complaints on file with local licensing boards.

Design Tip #7: Choose high quality materials for durability and lasting value

Often, in order to cut costs, many builders and homeowners make the mistake of using inferior quality materials. Avoid giving in to this temptation – because more often than not, this decision can cost you dearly both in terms of financial resources and time. Use the best possible materials, labor and equipment for your swimming pool.

Not quite sure if you’re ready to take the plunge? Start with an above-ground or portable swimming pool if you’re still toying with the idea of whether or not you need a full-size inground swimming pool design. If you have decided to build, I hope these swimming pool design tips help you to design a pool that you will love for years to come.