Are you thinking about designing your own pool?
Or perhaps you want to get into the pool design business?
Either way, learning how to design a swimming pool is no easy feat.
With so many crucial factors to consider, it takes time, skill, and a lot of hard work to design a pool.
That being said, if you are willing to put in the effort, there is no reason why you can’t design a stunning and fully functional swimming pool for your home.
Within the below guide to pool design, you will learn everything there is to know about pool design, including how to choose the right pool shape and where to build your pool for maximum enjoyment. Read on to find out more.
Choosing a swimming pool shape
When it comes to designing a swimming pool, there are lots of different shapes to choose from. Ultimately, the one you pick will depend on how much space you have available and your personal preference.
Some of the most popular swimming pool shapes are:
Rectangle
Rectangular-shaped swimming pools are the most popular and tend to be sleek and modern in their design. This pool shape is perfect for people who like to do laps and is the easiest shape for installing an automatic pool cover.
On the flip side, some people find this pool shape to be a little too rigid in its design due to its lack of curve appeal.
You can find wholesale pool supplies online for your new swimming pool, with great deals to be had on all equipment and supplies, including lighting, filters, heating systems, and raw materials.
Freeform
A freeform-shaped pool is both elegant and luxurious in its design, providing a natural and flowing feel. This shape enables you to bring a touch of your own personality to your pool, which makes it a popular option for many homeowners.
The only downside to this pool shape is that you may have to compromise a little on size to make room for the curbed edges.
Roman
If you can’t decide between a rectangular and freeform pool, then a Roman shape offers you the best of both worlds. Boasting both straight and curved edges, this pool design is timeless and guarantees to make your backyard look beautiful.
However, it is worth noting that it is harder to include an automatic pool cover with this shape, and there are fewer options on the market.
Custom
As the name suggests, a custom-shaped swimming pool can be whatever shape you want it to be. The ideal choice for anyone who likes to be different, you can potentially design a pool that no one else in the world has.
The disadvantage of designing a custom pool is that these tend to cost quite a bit more, and you are unlikely to be able to find an automatic cover to fit your shape.
Decide where to build your pool
When it comes to deciding where to build your pool, you have three main options:
Outdoor
If you would like to design an outdoor pool, then you need to look for the largest area that has the fewest obstructions. Ideally, you want to use a space that gets plenty of sun, and that is away from any trees or plants, which will make pool maintenance harder.
You may also need to look into planning regulations in your area to see if there are any restrictions.
Indoor
If you want to be able to use your swimming pool all year round, then an indoor pool is a great choice.
In terms of design, indoor pools require a little bit more work as you need to consider factors such as acoustics and ventilation.
Ideally, you want to build on the side of your home that gets a lot of natural light and, again, that is not overshadowed by trees or bushes.
Hybrid
A hybrid pool is one that has been built partly indoors and partly outdoors. Offering both the associated benefits of indoor and outdoor pools, this is fast becoming a popular option with homeowners in the United States.
If you think that you want to build a hybrid pool, then there are a few additional factors that you need to consider, such as separate water treatment plants so that the indoor pool can be heated for everyday use and the outdoor pool heated only in winter.
Think about what the pool will be used for
When designing a pool, you need to carefully consider what it is going to be predominantly used for.
Family fun
If you intend to use your pool to have fun with your family, then you need to make sure that it is safe for them to use. Ideally, you will want to have a shallow and deep end so that your children can enjoy the pool even if they are not the strongest of swimmers.
You may also want to incorporate a beach feature, which is highly popular with families.
Training purposes
If you are designing a swimming pool for training purposes or you intend to use it predominantly to swim laps, then you should opt for a traditional rectangle-shaped pool.
It is worth knowing that domestic pools should not be used for diving, so there is no point in incorporating this into your final design.
Relaxation
For those who intend to use their pool for rest and relaxation, you may want to include a spa area that can be kept at a different temperature.
Waterfall features are also popular, with the sound of cascading water being very therapeutic and relaxing.
Final thoughts
There is no denying that designing your own swimming pool will be quite a challenge. That being said, you can save a lot of money by doing it yourself, and you can ensure you get exactly what you want.
Alternatively, if you feel like you need a little helping hand, there are many talented pool designers whom you can hire to work alongside you and help you to design the perfect pool for your home.