Pool Design – From the perspective of a pool builder

When considering your ideal pool you should start with the things you like in a pool. Look at magazines, go swimming at local pools take note of things that you like and dislike, ask pool owners what they would have different. Depths, height/width of steps & benches. Remember that with a concrete pool nothing is standard. Everything can be customized.

As a swimmer I know I like to sit at the entrance of the pool usually on the stairs after a work out. After swimming my 1500mtrs I can often get a bit overheated I like to sit on the stairs cool off, and stretch. It would be ideal in my situation to have a second step slightly wider so I can lean back a little. I may also consider having the pool edge about the height of my arms so I can rest my arms while leaning back on the stairs. Just some ideas to get you started!

As a child I grew up in a part of New Zealand that had an abundance of heated natural springs (Ngawha Springs). I was always intrigued by the wooden troughs that carried this naturally heated spring water to our spa and the other spas in the complex. As I am reminded of such memories I often think how can I integrate these ideas as part of my own pool design. Do you have any ideas for your own water features? Remember, as you materialize your ideas and step away from what is normal, your experience with building a pool will become all the more rewarding. Nothing is standard, everything can be customized.

You should also think about your pluming and placement of pumps, skimmers, water returns and lights. Remember nothing is standard. There are some definite things I would recommend. Lights face away from houses so that you are not blinded when looking into the pool at night. For the same reason you may have skimmer boxes facing away from your house, or hidden away, so not to cause an eye sore. Plumbing should push and pull water in a cycle, from one end to the other end. Preferably to a Skimmer or cleaning area and pushed out at the opposite end.

Edges, Water features, Depth. The considerations are endless and you are the architect.