How to Choose the Perfect Pool Layout for Your Backyard
Water is an element that can invoke awe and tranquility in each of us. The sound of running water and calm splashes can reinvigorate the soul. If you are not living beside a large body of water, why not bring it to your backyard?
Who wouldn’t want to take a plunge into a pool after a hard day of work? It can serve as a good stress-reliever and a focal point of the household. It can be a welcoming addition to your kingdom beyond the white picket fence. The most important question you need to ask yourself is how to choose the perfect pool layout for your backyard?
Assess the space
This is the first thing to consider. Finding the place for your pool in your backyard is something akin to landscaping. Take detailed measurements of your lot and make sure you have enough space for your dream pool. Sometimes, the layout of your yard can dictate the shape and size of your pool in spite of your desires.
Also, don’t forget to take the space that surrounds the pool into consideration! You have to leave enough space around the pool to be able to move freely. Also, design a relaxation area where you can spread out your lounge chairs.
Think about the people that will be using it
You should also have other residents in mind before you decide on the layout of your pool. If there are children in the household, it would be best to add a separate pool area with shallow water they can play in. On the other hand, if you have a teenager or a spouse, you’d want to come up with a shape and depth that adds at least a minimal dose of recreational challenge.
Remember, depending on the material and sensibilities, you can mix and match and create a hybrid pool layout that offers both a lap-challenge and a recreational area.
Safety first
As you evaluate which pool layout is the best for your backyard, remember to leave enough space between your house and the pool. If there are toddlers in the household, adding a fence is the best course of action, to prevent accidental falls. You could also add a reliable pool cover that will prevent anyone from accidentally falling into the pool. Also, try to avoid adding smooth tiles around the pool area. They can become a slippery slope that will lead to a broken bone. Always remember – around pools, safety comes first.
Assess the budget
Buying a pool is not a small financial feat. The best-case scenario is a prepared financial resource for such outings. The layout you’ve dreamed about for years can end up being constrained by the depth of your pocket. Your budget can dictate both the size and the look of your pool, as well as the surrounding area. That’s why you should try to find out ways you can stretch your budget and get the pool of your dreams, which brings us to the following issue.
Think about the future
Before you buy the pool, you have to consider the material that will coat its walls and floor. This is guaranteed to affect both durability and maintenance of your pool. Maintenance, in this case, is a crucial factor because it denotes the amount of money spent on the pool over several years.
Pools are usually made with concrete, tile, vinyl or fibreglass coating. In terms of practicality, modern fibreglass pools are the optimal solution as they are quite affordable and don’t require a lot of maintenance and cleaning, but you usually have to choose among several pre-defined shapes. Vinyl pools are more customizable and they are usually cheaper, yet they do have a low “life expectancy”. Concrete pools can look spectacular and they offer you a chance to choose your desired shape and size, but maintenance is a nightmare as they are a perfect breeding ground for undesirable algae.
As you can see, every type of pool coating has its pros and cons and it is recommended that you do more detailed research before you decide to buy.
A backyard pool is a lofty dream of many families. If you are lucky enough to be able to afford it, consider this potential investment thoroughly. It will change the appearance of your lot irreversibly, and there are many people that simply don’t have the time to dip into the pool, so it can end up being a superfluous addition to your household. However, if this matches your lifestyle and you choose a perfect layout, a pool can be a source of joy for the entire family.
Article written by Lillian Connors. If one thing is true about Lillian Connors, her mind is utterly curious. That’s why she can’t resist the urge to embark on a myriad of home improvement projects and spread the word about them. As the Co-Editor at SmoothDecorator, she cherishes the notion that sustainable housing and gardening will not only make us far less dependent on others regarding the dwellings we inhabit and what we eat, but also contribute to our planet being a better place to live on. You can check her out on Twitter and LinkedIn.