11 Tips for Designing Your Custom Pool

Swimming is the 5th most popular physical activity in the U.S. And what better way to take part in this activity than in your own crystal clear swimming pool?

Residential swimming pools are especially popular. Of the 10.7 million pools in the United States, 10.4 million are residential pools, while only about 309,000 are public pools. 

If you’ve been thinking about adding a new pool to your property, don’t settle for just any standard pool design, when you can design your own custom pool instead.

Looking for tips to help you design the custom pool of your dreams? Then keep reading this post below for 11 tips to guide you through the design process.

11. Ensure You Have the Space and Proper Conditions for a Pool

This may go without saying, but before you jump the gun and go straight to pool designing mode, you need to make certain that your backyard has the proper spacing requirement first. You should also ensure that your backyard meets the conditions for designing and building a custom pool. 

Your pool design will rely heavily on the size of the pool you can comfortably fit within the space allotted. You should also verify the area is free of sewer lines, septic systems, or electrical cables underground before digging commences. And above all, make sure your area is zoned for a pool by a city surveyor who can provide blueprints of your lot.

10. Look at Different Custom Pool Designs

In order to know what you want for your custom pool, you should look at different types of custom pool designs first. This will help you get the best idea of what you’re looking for. 

Maybe you’ve already made a Pinterest board of potential custom pool designs online or you’ve cut ones out of magazines you liked and made a portfolio. Or maybe you’ve been to a friend, family member, or neighbor’s house and fallen in love with their custom pool design. 

Narrow down your options to figure out which pool design is your top contender so when you meet with your custom pool builder, you’ll be able to tell them exactly what you have in mind.

9. Determine Your Custom Pool Budget

We don’t want to rain on your parade, but budgeting is also a necessary part of designing your custom pool. Factors such as size, material, and special features can drive the price up. If you do have money to burn that’s fine, but for the budget-conscious family, you should try to stick as much to your budget as possible.

Staying faithful to your pool’s budget limits will allow you to plan better in case any unforeseen issues arise during construction. If there is a little bit of money left over, maybe you’ll want to put it towards a splurge like a new wet bar or new pool toys. Plan responsibly so you can focus on enjoying your new pool.

8. Consider the Different Types of Pools

When it comes to pools there are two main types, above-ground pools and in-ground pools. Above-ground pools can be more affordable but they have their fair share of issues to contend with like leaking structures, draining problems, and cleaning challenges. In-ground pools are the standard for most residential homes but they require more effort to put in.

Instead of the standard chlorine pools, you may opt for unique pools like saltwater pools. You also need to consider the materials your pool will be made of. Pools can be made with a variety of materials like vinyl, concrete, and fiberglass.

Concrete pools cost more than fiberglass and require more long-term maintenance. Concrete pools have rough edges that can cut you while fiberglass is smoother, more affordable, and easier to install. 

7. Decide on a Standalone Pool or Pool and Spa Combo

Pools by themselves are great additions to your backyard and your family activities. While you’re in the process of designing your pool, you should also decide if you want to add on a spa or hot tub jacuzzi option. It’s easier and more cost-effective to incorporate a built-in spa into your custom pool design. 

A hot tub can elevate your custom pool game to the next level. It provides the ultimate in relaxation with warm pulsing water jets soothing tired muscles after a vigorous swim workout. You can even design your custom spa to cascade warm water directly into the pool.

Heat therapy soothes aches and pains and gives you an all-in-one luxury spa experience.

6. Choose Your Custom Pool Features

One of the great benefits of custom pools is the ability to pick and choose your custom pool features. This means you can have the features you’ve always dreamed of or coveted at someone else’s house. Heated pools are popular since the water stays warm and comfortable for late-night swimming.

Built-in water slides turn your pool into your own mini backyard waterpark. Or you can choose to install your very own waterfall feature. Other water features like jets and fountains can rival those on display at fancy resort hotel pools. 

Custom light features let you change the pool water colors effortlessly. There are so many ways to create unique pools with fun and functional features. 

5. Add Landscaping Options

Landscaping can go a long way to accentuating your custom pool design so don’t skimp on this area. Adding potted palms gives your backyard a tropical vibe. Trees also provide much-needed shade for swimming in the hot summer months. 

Smaller potted plants around the patio area create an inviting outdoor space that’s perfect for entertaining. If you decide to put in a trellis or an outdoor pagoda in place of a traditional patio design, adding some climbing ivy enhances your backyard space even further. 

Get creative with your outdoor decorating and landscaping ideas. It’s your own personal canvas, so go for the gusto. Don’t forget to add in some inventive lighting designs to your space as well.

4. Allow for Realistic Pool Installation Times

As much as you want to take a dip in your brand-new custom pool right away, this may not be a realistic expectation. Pool installation times can vary based on many factors. Bad weather is one of the biggest issues that can slow down your custom pool’s installation time.

Before pool installation even begins, you need to get the proper permits and clearances and make sure you’re zoned for a pool. This is a time-consuming process but it is necessary to make sure your pool installation is legal and safe, otherwise, you could face hefty fines.

Your pool installation also depends on its size, shape, materials, as well as any additional features you choose.

3. Take Pool Safety Into Account

Pool safety is a must, especially in homes with small children. According to the CDC, drowning is the number one cause of death among children aged 1-4 years of age. More children aged between 1 and 4 die from drowning than birth defects in the U.S.

You want everyone to be able to enjoy your new custom pool safely. This may require the installation of a special locking safety gate around the perimeter of the pool area. You should also consider installing anti-slip pool decking around the pool so children don’t slip and fall while playing around wet areas.

Seniors and people with seizure disorders must also be cautious around pools. You may decide to install a pool alarm that alerts you whenever someone is near the pool. 

2. Create a Backyard Oasis

Don’t just focus on your custom pool design. Installing a custom pool gives you creative license to upgrade your whole yard, not just one part of it. You can turn your yard into a hub of entertaining with features like a built-in outdoor kitchen with a custom grill station. 

Choose intimate patio enclosures with comfy seating options. Custom fire pits and lighting features also add a sense of ambiance to your space for relaxing after a hard day. 

You’ll be the envy of friends, relatives, and neighbors when they see your outdoor living space with all of the best features. You’ll be looking for more reasons to use your backyard to entertain, even in the winter. 

1. Leave It to the Professionals

While you may think you can save time and money by doing some of the work of digging and installing your custom pool yourself, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Only professional pool builders possess the know-how and skills required to design and build custom pools.

Cutting corners with DIY work will only cost you in the long run with expensive repairs. You may also end up causing damage to the area around the pool if you’re not aware of things like pipes, cables, and root systems in the ground before digging.

So don’t trust your custom pool design to anyone but a professional. Your new pool will be something you can be proud of having in your backyard and your next backyard party will be one to remember.

Make Your Custom Pool Design Come to Life at Your Great Outdoors in Katy, TX 

A custom pool offers so many great benefits for exercising and entertaining. If your home is your castle, then your backyard pool is your oasis where you can escape from the stresses of the outside world. So you should make it truly unique.

Your Great Outdoors, located in Katy, TX, can help make the pool of your dreams a reality. Our professional team can also build custom outdoor kitchens, custom patios, landscaping and lighting, custom fireplaces, and more. See what creativity, integrity, and diligence can do for you.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation on your custom pool design.