A new pool is a fantastic addition to any backyard. Besides providing your family and friends with a fun way to cool down in the summer heat, a new pool is an excellent opportunity to launch a backyard design and build project.
One of the biggest challenges is creating a backyard design that makes proper use of the pool, rather than dropping it in the middle of the yard and calling it a day. With these helpful tips, you’ll learn how to design a yard that flawlessly integrates a new pool, to create a backyard living space that’s both beautiful and functional.
Why you need a holistic design approach for your new pool
When you’ve finally decided that running through the sprinkler isn’t going to cut it for “summertime entertainment,” a new pool can be a sure-fire way to transform your yard and summertime routine instantly. But a pool is a big-ticket item, and you’ll want to make sure that you get the right one for your needs. While deciding on liners, diving-boards, and pool shape may be top of your to-do list, don’t forget how your new pool will “fit” in your backyard.
When we say fit, we’re not talking about size concerns (though that is super important), we’re talking about how a new pool should feel like a natural extension of the design and function of your yard; in other words, a holistic design approach.
A holistic design approach looks at individual parts of a design (think garden, deck, pool, shed, water feature…) as intimately interconnected, fundamental to the “whole.” When it comes to installing a new pool, it’s super important to ensure that all the individual parts contribute to the “whole” of your backyard. There’s nothing worse than plopping a new pool in a yard with too much shade, or installing a pool too far from the shed, or too close to the gardens. That’s why you need a holistic design approach to create a backyard you’ll love (and live in)!
What to consider when adding a new pool to your yard
To properly integrate a new pool into your backyard, you’ll need to be aware of a few essential design features, including:
- Size and shape of the pool
- Pool placement
- Decking and patios
- Other permanent buildings & structures
- and, of course, landscaping features
Careful planning that takes into account all of these features will help your design work together, combining all the unique elements into a seamless whole. A holistic approach is at the heart of design & build landscaping. Find out more about this approach, and why you need them to work together.
Size and shape of the pool
One of the more obvious design considerations you’ll face is that it’s essential to be aware of the pool’s size and shape. This is likely the first thing to decide on. Will this pool size fit in our yard? Does the shape make it difficult to place the pool, or does it complement existing features? A landscape architect will help you decide on the best pool size and shape for your yard.
Pool placement
Where to put the pool is more often than not one of the most significant design decisions you’ll have to make. You’ll have to balance shade and sun considerations, local by-laws, proximity to water and electricity supply, distance from the house, gardens, and other landscape features.
Proper planning for pool placement is key to creating a backyard you’ll love forever. It might be a good idea to sketch out your design plans, considering sun and shade, as well as major geographic features.
Decking & patios
A deck or patio is generally synonymous with a backyard pool. While design choices for decks and patios will often boil down to personal preference, it’s a good idea to think about how these features can contribute to the overall design of your yard.
If choosing to install a deck, you’ll want to consider the type of wood and design of the deck in relation to the aesthetic of the home. Is the deck simply a way to access the pool, or does it become an integrated part of your backyard living set-up? If the latter, what else will you need to consider in your deck design? Perhaps a hot tub or barbeque? Stairs and railings? General access to the pool itself? Are the stairs on the complete opposite end from where you enter the backyard?
Knowing how the deck or patio fits as an important aspect of the entire backyard experience can help you define your design needs and wants.
Other permanent buildings and structures
When it comes to backyard pool design, you’ll also need to be aware of the location of other buildings and structures. If you’ve got a pre-existing shed with critical equipment for the maintenance of your yard and pool, perhaps you’ll want it closer, rather than farther, from the pool. What about a pergola, gazebo, or even a new pool house? How will that work in the space and placement of your new yard and pool? Do these structures create any unwanted shade or disrupt the line of sight from the house to the pool? Maybe you can use them strategically to create some extra privacy as you wade in the water or tan on the patio.
Other landscaping features
Location, location, location. Extensive landscaping and geographical features can quickly put a halt to any extravagant pool plans. If you’ve got a steeply sloped yard, installing a pool will be hard (though not impossible). A large garden or massive tree might cause some problems, the least of which is root structure when digging for an in-ground pool. Taking these “permanent” fixtures in to account is extremely important when planning for a new pool. Luckily, a landscape architect can help create a plan to avoid any complications with landscape and geographic features.
When it comes to adding a new pool to an existing backyard, there are many things to think about. Make sure you have a plan that includes all the current design features of your yard, a budget, and a strategy for proper placement of your pool. If you’re looking for more information on how to create the backyard of your dreams, talk to us. We offer free consultations to help you make the right decision about backyard design and build projects.
If you’re ready to take your yard from blah to bliss, we’d love to help!
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