Renovating any part of your property takes planning. This is particularly true when including a pool in your landscape design. Before you start, consider the swimming pool dos and don’ts from a professional you can trust.
Summer days are upon us, and nothing is better than swimming in your very own backyard. If you’ve been dreaming about building a pool for years or if a staycation is your plan, embarking on a backyard project of this scale can require a lot of planning.
That’s why we’ve put together the swimming pool dos and don’ts for your upcoming pool design.
Before you cannonball into the deep end, read over these helpful planning tips.
Do Know the Rules for your Community
Before you can break ground, you need to make sure your community allows you to have a swimming pool. NJ building compliance codes for landscaping could affect your design. Some cities have strict zoning and safety laws regarding poolscapes.
Additionally, if you live in an HOA neighborhood, guidelines may not allow certain pool styles.
Once you get the green light from your town and community, you’ll be ready to break ground.
Don’t Skip the Research
When it comes to pool types, you have a lot of options. These can include fiberglass, preformed shapes, or concrete options.
It’s a good idea to research your options and find the pool type that will work best for you and your home. Look at landscaping trends for incredible outdoor living and poolscape ideas.
Consider warranties, longevity, maintenance, and other features you want to include. The planning and research stages are the right time to think about all your options.
Adding to your poolscape after installation is typically much more expensive.
Don’t Forget Landscape Design
You might already have an idea of where you would like your new pool. But ordinance and topography play critical roles during installation.
A landscape design team will be able to incorporate your pool into your existing space in a safe and legal way. They will know how to plan a landscape design. With the help of an expert, you can combine safety with aesthetically pleasing decor.
Do you want luxurious potted palms shading you from the sun or will you need a privacy fence? What type of hardscape will surround your pool? Will you incorporate seating into your design?
These are some of the questions a professional can help answer while landscaping for your home’s style.
Do Look at the Calendar
Pool installation can take time to complete. Some pool designs can be completed within a week.
For others, it may take about a month. It varies based on size, materials, and the topography of your landscape. For example, if you have a rocky landscape, it may take more time to dig out the area for your pool.
If you are hoping to use your pool during summer, it’s a good idea to get started right away.
Don’t Overextend Yourself
Don’t overextend yourself financially. A pool can be a big investment. Sure, it increases your property value. But you can always add on to your design later.
Starting your plan now will give you a better idea of the cost. It can also help you focus on the outdoor living elements that are most important to you.
If you aren’t ready for a pool this year, you can still work with a landscape designer to start planning. They can create a design that leaves you space to grow.
For instance, maybe you wish to install a patio and soften your hardscape this summer and add a pool the next year.
Don’t Overlook Safety Features
Safety should be the utmost priority in your pool design.
Every precaution for safety should be made. Otherwise your family and home will be at risk.
In New Jersey, your pool must be surrounded by a gate or fence to protect against neighbors or animals wandering into your poolscape.
Including all possible safety features in your design from the start will make your entire project more cohesive.
If you don’t like the look of your safety features, you can always camouflage it and your pool equipment.
Do Think Beyond Diving Boards
There are lots of reasons to get poolside this summer. There are so many fun pool features you can add. From crazy water slides to sun tanning ledges, pools are hubs for entertainment.
You can install a zero entry beach-style pool instead of stairs, a swim-up bar, or infinity edges. Some of the best designs have a hot tub built right into the pool.
If a diving board is a feature that you really want, there are many options to include. You don’t have to go with the plain white board at the end of your pool anymore.
Create a waterfall or feature for swimmers to jump from. Or use materials for your diving board that match your hardscape design, such as stone, so that it blends.
Don’t Overlook Maintenance
Before breaking ground, consider how much pool you can maintain. Having a plan for maintenance will help extend the life of your pool and your return on investment.
If you’re not into DIY pool care, there is no shame in hiring a certified pool technician for pool maintenance.
Don’t Worry About a Thing
There are a lot of details that go into pool design and installation. Choose a landscape designer with years of experience to save yourself from worry.
A professional will have the knowledge and experience to handle planning, permits, regulations, construction, materials, and scheduling. They know how to bring all the aesthetic elements together at the end.
Sponzilli Landscaping Group creates lavish, sophisticated, luxury residential landscaping designs for distinctive properties throughout Northern New Jersey and New York City.
Residential landscaping encompasses all aspects of design, including hardscaping, lighting, outdoor living, drainage, plantings, garden design, and water features.
Our talented design team will work with you to create a pool design and layout from the simple to the exotic. We have constructed award-winning custom swimming pools that include pool decks, water features, and complete outdoor living rooms around the pool.
For more information about pool design and installation or any of our other services, please contact us today .
