You might have put in years perfecting every detail of your new home (or that of a client), working out exactly where each doorway and window should be placed and the exact pitch of the roof. The garden might have been handed over to a team of landscape designers – working from your overall vision of beauty and serenity. To really pull together your perfect home, though, you need to plan out and design your ideal pool. Here are some things to consider when planning.
Location and Orientation
You might be lucky (or unlucky), and there is only one possible location for your pool. However, if you have multiple options, you should consider how you will use the pool to determine the best location. Do you want it to be visible from the house, perhaps drawing you in on a hot day, or do you want it to be a bit apart from a seating and dining area to avoid splashes and chlorine smells?
You should also consider the sun’s path and nearby vegetation – are you planning on having an unheated pool and so need it to be in full sun in spring and autumn to warm you up when swimming? Can you place your pool in such a way that the shade from a tall tree falls over it in peak midday heat? Don’t just put it in the first big space that catches your eye; think about these key factors and use them to inform your decision in the placement of your pool.
What Material Will You Use?
You have a few material options, but one of the best for pools is Gunite, offered by many modern pool companies. A Gunite pool is built from a rebar framework which is then sprayed with Gunite – a mixture of concrete and sand. It is an extremely popular choice for pools as the material can be made into pretty much any shape and is very hard-wearing. If you want to build a pool, Gunite should be a top option.
If you are concerned about pool costs, then vinyl is at the other end of the spectrum for materials. You can make a pool of any size or shape you want, but it deteriorates over time and will need replacing.
Do You Want Different Levels?
How will your pool fit in with the rest of the home or garden? Lately, there has been a fashion for minimalist work with harsh bare lines both inside and out – the classic rectangular pool, just at ground level so that it ‘disappears’ when you look over the garden. However, if you really want to get that wow factor, why not bring in different levels? For instance, a separate swimming area or a waterfall effect – the possibilities are endless.
Of course, this works particularly well on a sloped garden, but it also gives pools a more natural feel – it might work better with the rest of the garden’s aesthetic and makes it easier to incorporate other features such as lighting, plants, shade, and seating.
Size
Last but not least, you should always consider the size of your pool. The size of your pool will impact its function and how you use it. If the intention is to have many family members enjoying it at once, then it will need to be big enough. If, instead, you want to relax with a partner or have a cocktail on a quiet, sunny afternoon, then you can save yourself some time and money and go with a smaller design. Of course, you should also consider what is achievable in your own space.
Don’t forget ongoing maintenance costs either; the larger the pool, the more expensive it will be to upkeep. The equipment needed for the pool (for instance, the pool pump) will need to be kept somewhere too. This is not necessarily a problem but a consideration to remember.
