If you are considering designing your first backyard pool, congratulations! You are on your way to creating a dream getaway just steps away from your home. Your new pool will be an oasis for you and a place where you are sure to spend plenty of summertime hours basking in the sun with friends, family and a lovely summertime cocktail.
Here are some how-to tips to help you plan the design of your pool. Take a moment to glance over them for inspiration and reminders.
Location
The location of your new pool is essential to the continued enjoyment of your oasis. If possible, plan for your pool to go into the ground in an area that is sunny and flat. You will want this area, ideally, to be close enough to your house that you can walk to and from with a tray-load of fresh lemonade, but far enough away that you have space and some privacy from the cooks in the kitchen.
If your yard has many trees, try to choose a spot that is far enough away from the trees so that you do not get too many autumn leaves or acorns in your pool. You might want to strongly consider trimming back some of the branches that are nearest to the pool. Certain tree leaves can stain the tile and lining of the pool in addition to being a frequent nuisance.
Pool Shape
Your pool shape depends on your personal taste and the size of the space you are dealing with. Because you are designing the pool yourself, you can get as fancy or minimalist as you desire. The most basic and inexpensive pool design is the simple rectangle. The rectangle is easy to dig and easy to clean.
The kidney is the second most popular in-ground pool design. The kidney shape pool does, however, come with plans that you can follow when digging for the pool, so you will not have to worry about drawing up your own plans.
For those individuals that are truly daring, consider a multi-level pool. You can plan to have a hot tub built into one corner of the pool and a small fountain or waterfall in another. These multilevel pools require expert pool installers to build, but are a worthy investment, if you have the budget for them.
Pool Colors
If you are lucky enough to be able to design your own pool, then you will also be able to choose any tile pattern that you desire. These tiles are laid right about the water level so that they add a splash of color to the pool. The color of the tile you choose will be reflected in your entire pool area. Blue is the most popular pool tile. Many people enjoy accessorizing their pool areas according to the tile, so plan wisely.
Your new pool is an investment that will pay itself back tenfold as your family and friends gather around the summertime hearth for a day of fun. As you design your pool, think of the function that it will have in your life. Most of all, have fun in the process!