Seven Design of Swimming Pools Mistakes You Should Avoid When Planning

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Designing a backyard pool requires careful planning to avoid common mistakes and maximize enjoyment. Avoid going too deep, as shallow pools offer more space for relaxation and activities like water sports. Including a spa adds both beauty and health benefits, while features like shade elements and extended steps enhance comfort and functionality. Upgrading from traditional plaster to durable finishes, such as pebble or ColorQuartz®, improves both aesthetics and longevity. Additionally, modern LED lighting creates stunning nighttime effects, and a properly sized deck enhances outdoor living. With thoughtful design, your pool can become a perfect retreat for family and friends.

You don't have to regret your choices; you can't afford to miss out. It's easy to make mistakes when designing an inground pool if you've never done it before.

This can prevent you from getting the best fit for your family and lifestyle.

If you have had experience with gunite pools from a few decades ago, you may be unaware of the changes in technology, design, and features.

Investing in pool ownership should be the best outcome for you and your loved ones. Let's look at some mistakes you should avoid and innovations you shouldn't miss.

1. Going too deep.

In the past, almost all backyard pools had 8-foot-deep ends. This dimension enabled a "diving pool" or "diving basin" to be entered from a springboard.

The design was assumed to be sufficiently deep for diving, whether or not the pool was actually used for that purpose.

Pool builders and homeowners today know that only a small fraction of families use their pools for diving. It is, therefore, unnecessary to build a deep end.

Deep ends are not conducive to the qualities that families look for in an aquatic resort, such as comfort, safety, and ease of use.

Even better, pools that do not have a traditional deep end offer several benefits to pool owners.

It's wise to limit the depth of your pool to four and a half to six feet. This will allow you more space for aquatic activities and relaxation.

Children and beginners are better accommodated in shallow pools. They are uncomfortable in areas that are too deep, where they cannot stand on the bottom while still having their heads above the water.

Shallower pool interiors are better for water fitness and aquatic aerobics. The shorter depths do not make the pool less suitable for laps.

The pool is often configured with shallow ends at both sides and a "deep" end located in the middle. These "sports pool" are perfect for volleyball, basketball and Marco Polo.

Savings are another advantage. You will save energy and chemicals by using less water and heat to sanitize.

If diving is a priority for your family, you can still get a pool that has a traditional deep end.

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2. Skip a spa

Let's face it: A spa will add to your project budget. You may be tempted not to include it in your pool design.

The value of a spa is difficult to quantify. This amenity enhances the beauty of your swimming pool and allows you to enjoy it with your family and friends.

The small pools of hot water that swirl around are often used for socializing, relaxing, and exercising. They can also be used for romantic nights. You can't overstate how popular backyard pools are.

Numerous studies have shown the benefits of hot water immersion. Anyone with arthritis, back pain, neck pain and muscle soreness will benefit from heated hydrotherapy.

Even if these physical problems are not present, you can still enjoy a relaxing massage jet to relieve stress.

It has been proven that a hot bath before bedtime can also help you sleep better.

The spa is a wonderful place for children. The shallow spa bench in a spa is a favorite for children. They are also more comfortable within this enclosed environment.

A spa in some parts of the country can extend swimming season. The warm bubbling water of the spa is still inviting even when the weather is too cold for swimming.

A spa can be used to create an amazing focal point for any pool.

This feature, which elevates the spa at least 6-12 inches will give your poolscape a new dimension.

A raised spa's exterior can be decorated with distinctive tiles or stones. The elevated structure allows for a variety of interesting spillways that allow the spa water to flow into the pool below.

Ask your pool builder to install a rim-flow spa for even more drama.

3. Shade

The shade is a key element of comfort in the outdoors. It's easy to forget about shade when planning a backyard and pool.

Most people use pools when it is sunny. The bright, sunny outdoors is a great place to relax or splash around in sparkling pool water.

Everyone wants to be able to stay outside and enjoy the sun, but also take occasional breaks.

The shaded area around the pool is a great place to gather. It can also make a big difference in how often and for how long you use your pool.

Include features that will block these ultraviolet rays to maximize your enjoyment in the backyard resort.

A patio umbrella placed near or in the pool can provide shade.

The tanning ledge is the most popular place to put an umbrella.

Your builder will make this possible during pool construction or major renovations. The crew can include a tube-like sleeve to hold the umbrella pole while building the ledge.

A pole sleeve, using a similar method, can be integrated in the decking or coping of the spa or pool, outside the water.

You can include two or three umbrellas in your pool plan, for example one along the coping and another on the tanning ledge to provide shade for those at the spa or dining table.

An even more elaborate option is a swim-upbar with a roof overhanging the barstools submerged.

If a large rock waterfall is on your wish-list for a dream pool, then you could go with a grotto. A grotto waterfall is not only beautiful, but it also provides sun protection.

A large flat rock caps the waterfall in this faux or natural rock formation. This creates a niche that can be of different sizes beneath the stone. The grotto can provide a little shady refuge depending on its position in the yard and the size of the overhang.

The smaller, more intricate grottos often have a cave-like area under the waterfall. The secluded area is shaded and, on a hot day, the air may be cooler.

4. Failure to extend the second step

Second step. Huh?

Let's rewind. The design of pools has changed over the years. Builders and homeowners both noticed how people used the pool.

The interior of the pool is receiving more attention today. People were more likely to use the steps of the pool for socializing and lounging than for simply entering and leaving the water.

New pool features have been created to accommodate the fact that pool users like to relax in shallow waters.

The newest of these is the extended second step.

This pool design has the second step wrap around the wall of the pool for several feet. This elongated, 18"-deep step is a large bench.

This feature may appear basic and uninteresting. Pool owners are often surprised by how many people use these seating areas.

The lounge seating is a great way to relax and it's often one of the most popular social hubs in the pool.

These features are also ideal for children that enjoy playing in shallow waters.

Entry steps can not only be functional, but also attractive depending on the overall design and shape of your pool.

You can dress up your steps with accent tiles or mosaics, even the second step that is specially designed.

5. Settling for plain plaster

Marcite, an old-fashioned plaster, was the only option available for pool surfaces.

Marcite is usually white or light-blue and applied to the concrete shell of the pool (gunite/shotcrete).

The material is used to create the shimmering, iconic image of a pool. It is also prone to stains, scratches, and other signs that it has deteriorated.

Some builders still use marcite, which is the cheapest option in the short term.

If you are looking for a durable interior surface with a better appearance, there are other options.

Upgrade your pool finish with either pebble or ColorQuartz (r) aggregate. Both are available in a wide range of colors, styles and textures.

A ColorQuartz (r) finish isn't your father's plaster. This speckled mix expands the possibilities by adding fine hints and reflective qualities.

The pebble finish is a popular choice for its multidimensional texture and beautiful appearance.

Quartz and pebbles are durable materials that look great.

Quartz and pebble finish pools are more resistant to chemically treated water than marcite, especially if they are not balanced.

Swimming pool plaster is prone to certain problems. These upgraded finishes are less susceptible to UV rays fading and etching because of the various ingredients.

This means that a pool's interior will retain its appearance over time, without the need to apply a fresh coat of plaster every so often (assuming that pool chemistry has been maintained).

Quartz is less visible for blemishes and easier to clean. Marcite is also outperformed by quartz in terms of long-term performance.

High-end pebble finishes are even more durable, they will hold their color for 20 years and usually last longer.

Color quartz and pebble require a larger budget than plain marcite. These options will compensate for the higher cost over time with better performance and looks.

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6. Skimping on lighting

In the past, the deep end of most backyard pools was lit by a single light. The glare of the bulb was compared to that of a locomotive.

The same technology that was used in your parents' swimming pool is available to you. Why would you do this?

Illuminating a pool has entered a new era with the introduction of fiber optic lighting and LED technology.

The LEDs used in swimming pools are multi-colored and beautiful.

LED systems transform pools into stunning nighttime attractions.

When the sun sets, LEDs bathe your pool and spa in a rainbow of colors, including blues, pinks, whites golds and greens.

You can set your LED system to cycle continuously through the spectrum or to stay static at a jewel tone.

You can choose to synchronize or contrast the colors of the pool and spa.

You want to be able to create spectacular "lightshows" to enhance the evening entertainment. These dynamic pre-programmed shows are produced by better pool LED systems.

These mesmerizing programmes flash dozens, or even hundreds, of colors in pre-set patterns at different speeds depending on the theme.

A "tranquility theme" would be a slow-moving collection of blues and whites. However, the "Mardi Gras party playlist" is a fast-paced mix of green, gold and purple.

LEDs are not only a great way to attract attention, but they also save energy. This technology is far more energy-efficient than traditional light bulbs.

LEDs are also more efficient. You can expect many years of performance since the diodes will last thousands of hours.

7. Under-sizing your deck

Size is important when it comes to pool decks.

Some pool owners regret not dedicating enough space in the backyard to hardscape. Do not be one of them.

What you do around the water can be just as relaxing and fun as what you do on the water.

A deck that is the right size can make a huge difference in your backyard.

It is important to create a deck which makes your backyard and pool more functional, attractive and versatile. The total square footage should be carefully considered and budgeted along with the decking material, configuration and size.

The deck area of most average-sized pools is at least 300 square foot. This is the absolute minimum for decking to be able to cover three-quarters to the entire perimeter of a swimming pool.

Most people should at least have enough space on their deck to accommodate a few lounge chairs and perhaps a small side table. This is just the beginning.

Are you a four- or five-person family who uses the pool and patio frequently? Are you planning to invite friends for pool parties in your backyard? Do your kids' friends often join them in the pool?

You will need more than just some chairs and tables to fill your deck.

You might also want to eat outdoors from time to time. You may need to plan your space so that it can accommodate a dining room table and chairs.

What are your plans for grilling? Preparation and serving of meals outside? You'll need to have a place for a barbecue or perhaps even an outdoor cooking area on your deck.

What about a fireplace? There will be steps or a path that connects the deck to your home. Both require some deck space.

As a rule, you should have at least as much deck space as there is in the pool.

A 15 x 30 foot pool, for example, is 450 sq. ft. It is recommended to have 450 square foot of decking at the very least.

Investing in decks that allow for a comfortable flow around your pool, provide features for relaxation, recreation and socializing, and accommodate features to relax and enjoy with friends and family

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