The decision to build your dream backyard is an exciting one. Having a pool is not only a luxury, but it also provides excellent opportunities for health and recreation. A pool is a great way to cool off during the hot Texas summer days and can give a background to a relaxing day with family and friends. 

Building a pool can transform your living space, adding a touch of upscale living to any yard or outdoor area. While the decision to plan and build a pool can be thrilling, the process can also be stressful. If you go into the process unprepared, some bumps could derail the process, possibly causing you to spend more money or even be unsatisfied with the result. 

Working with a recommended pool builder is the best way to plan accordingly and avoid stress, but other things can help you succeed in your journey to pool ownership. This helpful guide outlines everything you need to know when planning and designing a pool. 

 

What to know when planning your pool 

A solid plan will help prevent unexpected developments and help keep you (and your pool builder) on track from beginning to end. Maintaining a working document of all your ideas, a detailed budget, and important dates can also help keep things on schedule. 

Set a Budget

The first thing you should do when planning your pool is to decide how much you want to spend on one. You must be realistic about how much pool you can afford and consider any materials or special features you want to include. All the features and customization will wrap up into the total and affect the project’s overall budget. 

You will also need to consider the space you are working with. Steep slopes or small backyards can change how the pool builder approaches the project and make construction more or less expensive, depending on the specifics of the space. 

Consider the Space You Have 

Whether you have a sprawling backyard space or a small, cozy patch of land in your neighborhood, your space is the first thing to consider. While the size of your pool is a personal choice, and your goals will contribute to your preference, being realistic about your space will help ensure that you and your pool builder are on the same page. During the initial meeting, your sales representative should have the mandatory equipment to check for different elevations and take measurements before designing your backyard oasis. 

How to Choose the Right Pool Builder 

Choosing the right pool builder is one of the most essential parts of the design and building process. If you have never built a pool before, you might not know where to start or how to find a pool builder that satisfies your criteria. Before you choose a builder, you should: 

 

  • Ask Family and Friends. If any of your closest people around you have a pool, you can start there by asking for their recommendations. Ask detailed questions, including why they recommend or don’t recommend the company they worked with. 
  • Do some research on the pool builder. Even if you get a glowing recommendation from a friend, coworker, or relative, you must research independently. Check the company’s social media pages and investigate the website or reviews. Studying this information can give you a great insight into the company and its history. 
  • Check credentials. Only some pool companies are created equally, and only some pool builders have the experience to plan and design your dream pool. 
  • Look at photographs of past work. When vetting a pool builder, checking out pictures of past projects is always a good idea. This can give you a good idea of their style and experience and provide insight into other aspects of your project. You never know; looking at some new inspirational photos could spark a new idea for your brand-new pool! 
  • Get a feel for their customer service. Talking to a builder should give you a good idea of the company’s commitment and dedication to customer service and their general industry knowledge. A great builder should be able to give you some ideas and options so that you can get started in the right direction. 

 

There are many things to consider when researching and hiring a pool builder. While these ideas are always good to remember, you should trust your instincts and look for any red flags when interviewing companies. For example, if a company has no references or seems hostile and exhibits pushy behavior, it might be a sign to look into a different pool builder. 

Designing a Pool That Works for You 

Once you have decided on a pool builder, they can start helping you dream up the possibilities for your pool, given your specific budget, yard size, and circumstances. You and your pool builder can review options for sizes, shapes, and special features while considering these critical considerations. 

There are many options for pool designs, from modern to traditional. You must determine how your pool will fit the available space and what sort of additional outdoor accessories you would like to have. Here are a few essential points to consider in your pool-building journey. 

Design a pool that complements that landscape 

Consider the overall space you must work with when designing your pool. This includes not only yard size but also existing landscape elements. Some pool owners like a large pool stretching from one end of their yard to another, while others might enjoy a small lap pool perfect for a quick dip on a hot summer day. Still others choose pools in unique shapes with cascading waterfalls and colorful lights. 

When creating your pool, you might consider how much of your yard space you’d like to dedicate to the pool, what kind of activities you need around the pool’s perimeter, and how many people you expect to enjoy it regularly. 

 

Keep Safety in Mind 

While pools are meant for relaxation, they can also be safety hazards, especially if you have young children or pets. When planning and designing a pool for your home, consider safety by incorporating additional features into the finished design. 

This might include a safety fence or pool alarms and even pool covers. Of course, the best prevention for accidents is diligence. While nothing can replace closely watching over your pool whenever your yard is in use, safety features can be helpful and reassuring additions to your pool area. 

 

Select a Pool Shape That Fits Your Style 

Traditionally, a rectangular pool was the primary option for homeowners who wanted a backyard oasis. Today, there are many different styles and designs to choose from. Here are a few of the most popular pool designs: 

 

  • Rectangle. This pool shape is ideal for lap swimmers or small, narrow yards. 
  • Freeform. These pools are designed to suit the size and shape of your backyard, making them one of the most popular custom pool designs. 
  • Infinity. Modern and stylish, this design is often selected by those who wish to show off a spectacular view. 

 

Choose a Nationally-Recognized Pool Builder You Can Trust 

Working with the right pool builder is imperative when designing and planning your dream pool. With the right team on your side, you can sit back and let the process happen without stressing whether the project is proceeding on schedule. 

Emerald Custom Pools is a leading National Pool Builder; we strive to create only 100% customer satisfaction with our in-house support team and customer service to our in-house construction team. When you choose Emerald Custom Pools, we work directly with you every step of the way, from our sales team to our project managers; our build process will leave you stress-free from dig day to swim. Whether creating a new backyard oasis or remodeling your existing one, you are guaranteed to love the end result. Contact us today to learn more about our pool-building services and start building your dream pool.

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