Building a pool is an exciting process, but it can become a headache if you’re not careful enough. You have to consider various factors before building a pool and plan everything carefully with the help of an in ground pool builder to avoid costly mistakes. And which mistakes are we talking about? Well, here are some common ones
Pool Design Mistakes To Avoid
Not Integrating The Pool With The Landscape
A pool with a beautiful shape and an attractive finish and color that doesn’t match well with the surrounding landscape will not look as great as you would like. The pool, the deck, and the landscape, everything should integrate and look like one to really pull off a serene and amazing aesthetic.
So, get in touch with a pool designer and builder who would assess your backyard and then design and build something that would look like it really belongs there.
Not Choosing The Right Pool Location
Pool location is one of the vital factors of pool design, functionality, and comfort. Experts suggest picking a pool location carefully after considering the sun and wind exposure, privacy, proximity to the trees, utility lines, and drainage or septic system, ground slope, and other factors.
For example, if you pick a location for the pool that is too close to trees, it can make maintenance a real pain as there will be fallen leaves, seeds, and debris clogging the filters frequently.
But there is a bigger problem with trees in close proximity to a pool. And that is tree roots damaging the pool’s plumbing or the structure. If it’s the structure, it will either be a costly repair or a full replacement.
Picking An Incorrect Size
A pool that is too big or too small for the yard or your intended purpose would quickly become frustrating. Let’s tackle the first problem. If the pool is too large for the yard, there won’t be enough space for the deck and furniture, and the entire space will appear disproportionate. On the other hand, a pool too small for the yard may not integrate well with other structures in the yard if not designed properly.
When it comes to functionality, size still matters. A pool that is too small due to space or budget constraints may always look crowded and not enough. Conversely, a pool that is too large for your needs will cause increased building costs and excessive water and chemical use.
Ignoring The Space Around The Pool When Picking The Size
This is also a pool sizing mistake, but it’s more about the surroundings. You should consider the surroundings and how much space other structures like the pool deck, shed, landscaping, and others will take before picking a pool size. Sometimes, homeowners choose a bigger pool size and then realize that there isn’t enough space for a decent-sized deck.
Choosing The Wrong Depth
Pool depth is a crucial factor that not only affects your experience, but also other things as well, like your safety, the heating capability, and the cost of the pool. So, picking the right depth that is suitable for your purposes is important.
Many homeowners choose to build a pool with an 8-foot deep end when it’s hardly used. Because of that, the pool building cost and heating and maintenance costs increase. A pool that is 8 feet or deeper is mostly for divers. So, if diving is not your thing, it’s better to go for a shallower 3-6 feet pool.
Therefore, define your purpose before choosing the depth. Usually, 3-4 feet is for lounging, 5-6 feet for lap swimming, and 8+ feet for diving.
No Shallow End
A shallow end is a common feature in residential pools, but it’s still important to state that pools should have shallow ends, unless you’re building an infinity, lap, or natural pool. If there is no shallow end, the entry and exit would become difficult, the pool won’t be ideal for kids and pets, and it won’t be suitable for lounging and games.
Choosing A Plaster Finish Without Knowing Its Limitations
Plaster is a common finish that gives a classic look to your pool. You can choose classic white or colored plaster. Now, it’s popular due to its low cost, and it’s a good finish if you’re fine with the limitations or drawbacks.
The drawbacks of a plaster finish are that it’s very high maintenance, it’s the least durable among pool finishes, as it only lasts 5-7 years, and feels rough upon touch. So, it means you will need to resurface your pool every 7 years if you choose a plaster finish.
If budget is no issue for you or you want something low maintenance and long-lasting, choose pebble finish (lasts 10-20 years) or tiles (lasts 20+ years).
Not Giving Much Thought To The Pool Deck Material
A pool deck should be visually pleasing, but it’s equally important for it to be durable, slip-resistant, and heat-resistant. Of course, not all material can be that. So, avoid these materials:
- Stamped concrete: Slippery when wet
- Limestone: It can chip easily, gets hot under direct sunlight, and can be slippery
- Pressure-treated wood: High-maintenance
- Softwood (pine, cedar, etc.): High-maintenance
- Dark-colored materials: Dark colors absorb heat much more than light colors
Get suggestions from an expert to choose the right materials according to your preferences and your climate. These pool decking options are considered ideal for most homes:
- Porcelain pavers: Non-porous and slip-resistant
- PVC: No risk of rot and mold
- Travertine: It’s highly heat-resistant, but choose the right texture to avoid a slip hazard
- Concrete pavers: Durable, cost-effective, and slip-resistant
Skipping A Pool Heater
Even if your region’s climate is mild or you intend to use the pool in summer only, skipping a pool heater or heat pump can be a mistake. Even though there is heat from the sun that can warm up the water, you may need a pool heater for cloudy days and night swims to keep the water temperature constant and comfortable.
If you want to save energy costs, you should use a solar cover with a pool heater to retain heat overnight.
Ignoring Safety
Pools are fun and exciting, but if you’re not careful enough, they can turn into a hazard very quickly. Ignoring safety can be a step in the wrong direction, you don’t want to take. So, when designing and building a pool, you must include these safety features:
Pool Fencing
A pool fence is a barrier around the perimeter of a pool to keep children, pets, and adults (in certain circumstances) from accessing the pool without supervision. On Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk County), you’re required to have a fence of at least 4 feet in length for a pool that is more than 2 feet deep. Plus, the gates must be self-closing and self-latching.
Pool Alarms
NY State requires homeowners to install a pool alarm that detects if a child accesses the water by sounding an alarm around the pool and inside the house. Moreover, if there is a door that opens to the pool, it must have an alarm as well. Plus, there must also be window latching devices for windows on the same wall.
Pool Safety Covers
Pool safety covers are not required by law, but they can act as both a maintenance and a safety feature. Regular covers are for preventing leaves and debris from falling in the pool, whereas safety covers can also hold weight and keep anyone from getting submerged in the pool when covered.
Above-Ground Pools Safety
You can also install a pool cover for your above-ground pool, however, you must remove and lock the ladder when the pool is not in use.
Conclusion
A pool design sounds something simple, but it requires careful planning to ensure the pool is aesthetically pleasing, practical, and serves the intended purposes perfectly. So, consult a pool contractor Long Island who can help you with the pool design and avoid costly mistakes.