The layout of your pool depends on your budget, available space, and design preferences. No two pools are the same, so be sure to think about what you really want and need in a pool. Decide where you'd like the pool to be situated in your yard. You may prefer it in the sunniest location, or near the shade. Remember that sun can help heat the pool water, reducing your energy costs.
Some people want it close to the house, while others place their swimming pools in the far corner of the backyard. Your choice depends on your preferences and the design of your home. Don't forget to leave room for borders, fences, and landscaping around your pool. Do you want the pool to be visible from the street or from your home? Think through your access paths to make sure that the pool is ideally situated. Take a tape measure out to your backyard, and measure the approximate dimensions of the pool you envision. Keep your pool size proportional to the size of the home. Do you want it to be a dominant feature, or just one part of your yard? If your pool is too large for the home, it can easily overwhelm it.
The overall size greatly impacts the final cost of the pool. Many families opt for swimming pools of about 50 square feet, though of course you may wish for larger or smaller swimming pools.
Also consider your shape options; they range from round, oval, or rectangular to kidney-shaped or even a custom design in a unique shape. The pool can also embrace a home, appearing to wrap around it or curve towards the home. The shape of pool you decide on should be based not only on aesthetic considerations, but also on use. Do you want a shallow pool for kids, or one that is deep enough to make use of a diving board? Rectangular designs are classic, and a good choice if you want to swim laps or play games. They are also easier to cover. Kidney or free-form designs blend in well with surrounding vegetation and may appear more natural. Most swimming pools are about 3 1/2 to 5 feet deep; they may need to be deeper if you wish to make use of a diving board, or shallower if you have very young children. Choose the design that best fits your lifestyle and aesthetic wishes.
Some people want it close to the house, while others place their swimming pools in the far corner of the backyard. Your choice depends on your preferences and the design of your home. Don't forget to leave room for borders, fences, and landscaping around your pool. Do you want the pool to be visible from the street or from your home? Think through your access paths to make sure that the pool is ideally situated. Take a tape measure out to your backyard, and measure the approximate dimensions of the pool you envision. Keep your pool size proportional to the size of the home. Do you want it to be a dominant feature, or just one part of your yard? If your pool is too large for the home, it can easily overwhelm it.
The overall size greatly impacts the final cost of the pool. Many families opt for swimming pools of about 50 square feet, though of course you may wish for larger or smaller swimming pools.
Also consider your shape options; they range from round, oval, or rectangular to kidney-shaped or even a custom design in a unique shape. The pool can also embrace a home, appearing to wrap around it or curve towards the home. The shape of pool you decide on should be based not only on aesthetic considerations, but also on use. Do you want a shallow pool for kids, or one that is deep enough to make use of a diving board? Rectangular designs are classic, and a good choice if you want to swim laps or play games. They are also easier to cover. Kidney or free-form designs blend in well with surrounding vegetation and may appear more natural. Most swimming pools are about 3 1/2 to 5 feet deep; they may need to be deeper if you wish to make use of a diving board, or shallower if you have very young children. Choose the design that best fits your lifestyle and aesthetic wishes.
