Smart tips for creating your own backyard pool

Dreaming of having your own pool in your backyard? We're sharing 8 smart tips to make your dream pool a reality. These tips are for creating a luxurious and practical pool, whether you're a seasoned landscaper, an experienced garden architect, or just an enthusiastic homeowner.

1. Choose the right type of pool

Discover the best pool options that fit your style, garden space, and budget. There's a lot of flexibility in finish and size for most types of pools. Whether it's a smaller plunge pool with skimmers or an impressive large infinity pool, find the right pool partner who understands your needs.

Prefab polyester pools: Low maintenance - durable and require minimal upkeep. Often installed as a single unit with a smooth finish.
Structural concrete pools: Customizable - offer maximum flexibility in design and shape. Tailor-made for unique and luxurious outdoor spaces.
Stainless steel pools: Extremely durable - can be delivered prefab or welded on-site with plates. Highly resistant to corrosion.
Natural pools: Ecological balance - combine a swimming area with a biological filter area. Strive for ecological balance with a natural appearance.

2. Set a realistic budget

Prefab pools are the fastest and usually the most affordable solution. These are fixed shapes and sizes that you can install ready-made. Depending on the size and finish, a budget starting from $35,000 is realistic for a nice solution.

Structural pools involve customization, are more labor-intensive, but offer complete design freedom. Budgets are harder to estimate, but a budget of $70,000 is more realistic than $45,000.

Keep in mind that pool technology and equipment can significantly increase the budget. Consider factors like filters, heating, lighting, or even jet-streams.

Maintenance costs:

On average, professional pool maintenance costs about $500 for products like chlorine, filters, chemicals, and fresh water.

Energy costs:

Pay attention to your choice of pool heating. Sometimes a higher upfront cost can save you many dollars. Consider, for example, a heat pump. When combined with solar panels, this can result in significant savings. Generally, heating a pool in the summer months costs around $600 per year.

3. Consider sustainable materials

Get well-informed. Consider not only the durability of the pool but also factors like:

Porous paving that allows rainwater to drain naturally into the ground.
LED lighting is now standard, but energy consumption of your pool technology remains a concern. A combination with solar panels is highly recommended.
A saltwater pool can be a more sustainable alternative to traditional chlorine pools. The salt content is lower than in seawater and requires fewer chemicals.
Biological filtration system, such as a natural pool. No harmful chemicals are used, making it the most sustainable solution.
Stainless steel has extremely long durability and requires almost no maintenance.
Wood finishing with an FSC certification (Forest Stewardship Council). This ensures that the wood comes from sustainably managed forests.

4. Optimize pool placement

Sunlight: Place the pool where it receives sufficient sunlight throughout the day. This not only helps to naturally warm the water but also enhances the swimming experience.
Wind direction: Consider the prevailing wind direction in your region. Place the pool, if possible, on the sheltered side of the house or use windbreaks to prevent wind from affecting swimming pleasure.
Privacy: Create a sense of privacy around the pool. Consider using plants, fences, pergolas, or other structures to shield the space from prying eyes.
View: Think about the view from the pool. Position it so that you can enjoy attractive elements in the garden or the surrounding landscape.
Accessibility: Place the pool in a location easily accessible from the house. Consider installing walkways or a pool house for added convenience.
Safety: Ensure adequate safety measures, such as fences, alarms, or pool covers, to prevent unauthorized access and accidents.
Garden design integration: Integrate the pool into the overall garden design. Consider how the pool harmonizes with the existing landscape architecture.
Landscape elements: Add landscape elements around the pool, such as flower beds, trees, shrubs, and other plants. This contributes to aesthetics and helps create a natural environment.
Shade provisions: Think about shade provisions, such as umbrellas, pergolas, or shade sails, to create shaded areas for relaxation and sun protection.
Underground infrastructure: Check the underground infrastructure before digging. Ensure there are no pipes, cables, or other obstacles at the intended location.
Ease of maintenance: Place the pool so that it is easy to maintain. Access to the filter and pump system should be convenient, and the location should be free of overhanging trees or leaves.
Legal considerations: Check local building codes and permit requirements before installing the pool. Ensure compliance with all legal requirements.

5. Integrate luxury features

Add a touch of luxury with these tips for integrating waterfalls, lighting, and other high-quality features into your pool.

The possibilities are endless. Interesting developments include:

Counterflow: An integrated or hanging unit in the pool creates a counterflow. A valuable addition for enthusiastic and sporty swimmers.
Overflow pool: Particularly beautiful with a semi-in-ground pool, creating an infinity pool effect. Overflow systems ensure that the water is filled to the edge. The overflow is captured, filtered, and pumped back.
Nanobubble technology: When oxygen is mixed with ozone, it has a disinfecting effect, reducing the need for chemicals. Small ozone bubbles mixed with oxygen are pumped into the water. This is why animals prefer running water over stagnant water for drinking.

6. Prioritize safety

Safety comes first with your own pool. Learn how to ensure a safe swimming environment with these tips.

Pool fencing: Install a fence around the pool with a self-closing gate. The fence should be at least 4 feet high and have no openings through which a child can crawl. Also, consider securing access gates.

Pool alarm: Consider installing a pool alarm that sounds when unauthorized access to the pool occurs. Various types of alarms are available, including those that detect movements in the water.
Safety cover/net or pool cover: A cover or net signals that the water is inaccessible. However, it can also be extra dangerous if someone falls into the pool with the net. A pool cover that complies with safety standards and can support an adult is much safer.
Lifesaving equipment: Keep lifesaving equipment, such as a lifebuoy or hook, within reach of the pool. Learn how to use them in emergencies.
First aid kit: Ensure a well-equipped first aid kit is near the pool. This can be useful in case of minor injuries or emergencies.
Pool rules: Establish clear pool rules, and ensure that all users, including children, are aware of these rules.
CPR Training: Learn basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and make sure other adults in the household or nearby are also aware of this life-saving skill.

7. Plan for ease of maintenance

Save time and effort with these handy tips for maintaining your pool. A simple maintenance plan keeps the pool in top condition.

Weekly:

Check water chemistry: Measure pH, chlorine levels, and alkalinity. Adjust chemicals as needed to stay within the recommended range.
Clean skimmer and basket: Clean the skimmer and basket to remove leaves, insects,
and other contaminants.
Brush and vacuum: Brush the walls and bottom of the pool to remove dirt and algae. Use a pool vacuum to suck up debris.
Check water level: Monitor the water level and top it up if necessary. The water should stay at the recommended level.
Check for algae: Look for signs of algae and add an algaecide if necessary.

Monthly:

Clean filters: Clean the pool filters. The frequency may vary depending on the filter type and usage intensity.
Check the pump: Inspect the pool pump and ensure it is working well. Clean the skimmer and pump basket if necessary.
Inspect pipes and equipment: Check all pipes and equipment for signs of leaks or defects. Repair any issues promptly.
Add algaecide: Add algaecide monthly to prevent algae growth.

Seasonal:

Winterize (if applicable): Conduct a thorough seasonal closing if you're not using the pool in the winter months.
Check the pool cover: Inspect the pool cover for damage and ensure it fits properly.
Professional inspection (annually): Consider an annual professional inspection of the pool and equipment.

Consider outsourcing the complete maintenance to save yourself the worry and time. Your pool builder can undoubtedly help with this.

This maintenance plan is intended as a guideline and can be adjusted to your specific needs and circumstances. Also, keep an eye on the manufacturer's instructions for pool equipment and chemicals for specific guidelines. Consistent maintenance helps maintain a clean, safe, and properly functioning pool.

8. Create a timeless design

Ensure that your pool remains an eye-catcher not only now but also in the future. We recommend consulting with the expert, whether it's a landscaper, garden designer, or pool builder.

Some tips to consider in this advice:

Simple and clean lines: Opt for a design with simple and clean lines. Avoid overly complex shapes or trends that may quickly become outdated.
Neutral colors: Use neutral colors for the pool and the surrounding space. Gray tones, white, and natural colors contribute to a timeless look.
High-quality materials: Invest in high-quality, durable materials such as natural stone, good-quality tiles, and stainless steel finishes. These materials maintain their appearance and performance over time.
Functionality and ergonomics: Design the pool with attention to functionality and ergonomics. Consider practical aspects, such as easy access, comfortable seating, and sufficient relaxation space. Remember that a pool lasts for decades, and you'll want to enjoy it even in 10 or 20 years.
Atmosphere-enhancing lighting: Choose atmospheric lighting that transforms the pool into a visual delight at night. A timeless design includes subtle and effective lighting that enhances the ambiance.
Innovative technology in the background: Integrate innovative pool management technologies in a subtle way. For example, hide modern filtration and cleaning systems to maintain aesthetics. Consider a

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