Planning Your Dream Pool

Photo by Miranda Estes

The increased time spent in our homes and gardens this year has everyone thinking creatively about the next home improvement project. Constructing an in-ground pool is a dream project for many. Perhaps you’d like a swimming pool for relaxation on a hot day, or you envision a pool as an easy way to entertain friends and family. A pool presents equal opportunity for relaxation and active recreation.

This lap pool has stone coping and is beautifully integrated into the garden, serving as a counterpoint to the more organic-shaped pond in the background. Photos by Jake Rajs

Consider the options for gathering near the pool. Here the terrace provides seating and lounging opportunities.

It is common to delay this project because of expense, the amount of planning and construction time, and the disruption to an existing garden.  The end of summer is the perfect time to begin planning this type of project as it can, in many cases, afford the time for design, permitting, and construction before next summer comes around.    Here’s what to consider as you embark on the journey to realize your own private pool.

Is it Possible?

The first question you should ask is – Can I put an in-ground pool on my property? To help answer this question you will need to consider pool size, available space, and permitting requirements.  A flat and open area of land will make it easiest to get your pool permitted. If your planned pool location contains uneven grade or large trees, a more in-depth design review and permitting process may be required. Consider what lies underground. Utilities in tight urban spaces or large rocks or rock ledges may present a problem.

Pool Size

A typical pool size is 20’ X 40’ but can be as small as 10’ X 20’ for a lap pool. These dimensions do not include the 1 – 2’ band of coping that surrounds the pool.  Depth is another consideration.  Pools range in depth from 3’ – 8’ but can be deeper. Eight feet deep is the minimum pool depth if you wish to dive in your pool.

Consider whether your pool can double as an interesting water feature. A water feature cascades into this intimate-in-size-lap pool. Dark pool bottoms create a beautiful reflecting effect in the landscape.

Larger gardens offer the opportunity to create a destination - a garden room dedicated to swimming. Photo by Rob Cardillo

Cost

Another question you should ask is “am I prepared to pay for the design and construction for an in-ground pool?” Pool costs vary greatly based on size and the materials specified. 

Considering the Options

Do you want a hot tub integrated into your pool or will it be a separate feature? Will your pool have an automatic cover? This will dictate form and whether a hot tub can be integrated into the pool. Where will you place the mechanical units the pool requires? Do you desire a pool house? What about a changing room? Or outdoor shower? How will planted areas be impacted?

Chemicals?

How will you keep your pool safe? Are you interested in a saltwater pool? What about a natural pool? Natural pools and swimming ponds are popular in Europe and use plants to treat water quality.

How will you enjoy the space around your pool? It’s important to plan for lounging spaces and gathering/dining options too.

Materials

There are different components to consider when choosing materials for your pool. Outside of the pool, there is the deck and coping.  A common choice is for the deck to be wood, and the coping to be concrete. Another option is to forego the deck completely and replace it with lawn or planting up to the coping. Coping material choices are generally limited to concrete, brick, or stone, but deck materials offers a wider range of choices. 

If your pool is custom concrete, you have a few options for interior finishes.  Plaster is the most common choice, but it requires the most amount of upkeep and maintenance. Quartz, pebble, and tile finishes are other interior surface options that require less maintenance and are less rough to the touch than plaster.  Ultimately, material choices depend on your texture and color preferences.

Below conceptual alternative plans for an existing pool offer options for different pool decking and the surrounding landscape - including variations for a necessary retaining wall.

Available Space

After you have determined whether there’s enough space and an adequate budget for a pool, you can begin the process of finding a pool designer. If constructing a pool is part of a larger property redesign, we recommend contacting a landscape architect for a master plan.  This will help you evaluate various pool locations, pool deck space, and give you an idea of how your pool will feel once its constructed.  A landscape architect will help your vision come to life and assist in siting the pool in the way that best fits you and your property.

Our client wanted to integrate a new swimming pool into an existing garden, while still allowing enough open area for unprogrammed play. Fitting the pool into the garden so that it looked natural and pleasing to the eye was also important to the client.

Timeline

The timeline of design to finished pool construction varies with each project.  Getting local agency approval for a project takes time and can range from one month to three or four, or even more, depending on the agency’s backlog.  Pool construction can take an additional two to three months or more depending on the design and level of customization.  During busy times, contractors may be booked far in advance, which could delay installation.  Begin planning early to ensure you have your dream pool come next summer!

Planting up to the edge of the coping creates interesting reflections and allows the pool to double as an attractive water feature. A landscape architect can help you create a beautiful and functional swimming pool.