7 Essential Considerations When Designing Your Backyard Pool
Having a pool at home means you have an oasis where you and your family can relax, bond, and have fun. The pool is also an investment with added health benefits, especially if you spend most of your time at home. You can even have your own backyard wellness zone around the pool and an outdoor kitchen for open-air gatherings.
But pool installation is not as simple as buying a pool and putting it anywhere in your yard where it fits. You must first develop a design that works best for you and your space.
When designing your outdoor pool, swimming pool contractors in Dubai share the following essential design considerations that you should be aware of.
1. Proximity to your house
The distance from your house to the pool will depend on some factors. If you intend to use the pool for extended periods within the year, situating it nearby is recommended to minimize the walk to and from the pool during cold weather. But if you prefer to place it some distance away from your house, take into account the pathway. Avoid putting lawn areas between the pool and the changing facility so bathers won’t bring mud, dirt, grass clippings, and animal droppings to the pool. Otherwise, the debris will place unnecessary demands on the pool sanitizing chemicals and cleaning frequency.
2. Pool size and shape
When choosing your pool size, you have to consider the following:
- The space you have to work with
- The people the pool must accommodate
- How you plan to use the pool
As for the pool shape, the sky may be the limit; but still, there are some predominant styles you must choose from when setting up the pools installed nowadays. These include:
Rectangular – This is the most popular pool shape because its geometric proportion makes it a fitting style for outdoor spaces.
Free-form – This is a non-linear pool with flowing lines that can take any shape. Commonly used shapes include the C-series and I-series.
Lagoon – This is a free-form pool design with an improved serpentine shape.
Roman-end – This pool shape has a squared end with a centered arch.
Vanishing end – Otherwise known as infinity edge, this pool has one side (or more) that is lowered so water spills over the pool lip, which appears like a vanishing waterline.
3. Pool material
Outdoor pools can be made of different materials, too, including concrete, vinyl liner, and fiberglass.
Concrete and vinyl liner pools are more flexible when it comes to design because you can customize their size and shape. On the other hand, fiberglass pools are pre-formed and shipped to the side in a single piece. But because of their low maintenance benefit, speedy installation, beauty, and durability, fiberglass pools are increasing in popularity.
4. Paving
Besides aesthetics, choose a paving material that can also prevent the excessive entry of contaminants into the pool and ensure the safety of users. The surface must be non-slip, not loamy, not sandy, and laid over a stable base.
5. Plants
Whether you opt to plant them in the ground near or around your pool or grow them in containers, there are several poolside plants you can add.
Generally, choose plants and lawn grasses that are resistant to chlorine and other pool cleaning compounds. Most importantly, opt for those with little to no leaf litter. For instance, succulents are a great way to dress up the poolside with little debris, but you need to keep those with spines at a distance so they won’t pose a danger to anyone.
If you want to bring in a wide range of interesting textures and colors, consider using large pots or containers. A superb mix can create brilliant shows with a unique variety. But plants in pots will require more water since containers tend to dry out faster than garden beds.
Another tip when choosing poolside plants is to select those that can withstand the reflection of the water. Even if the pool is concrete or tiled, it can still get hot. So choose plant varieties that are drought-tolerant and heat-loving. Moreover, you have to raise the container plants off the hot surface using saucers or rollers.
6. Safety and security
Though there are regulations governing pool safety in Dubai as there are in other countries, pool safety and security should be prioritized, especially if you have kids at home. This will also prevent unauthorized access to your space, thus minimizing the risks of accidents like drowning.
Some of the measures that you must evaluate include securing the area using a suitable fence with a lockable gate, an enclosure that can be installed and locked, or an alarm system.
7. Lighting
Outdoor lighting is a vital consideration too because it provides added aesthetics and ensures the safe use of the pool and pathways from dusk to dawn.
Besides opting for lighting fixtures that are functional and aesthetically pleasing, they should not be a nuisance to your neighbors.
A swimming pool is a wise addition to your home, but they can be challenging to design, install, and manage. Pleasing aesthetics, efficient water treatment, and user safety must all be considered when designing your pool. And once you have a design, find a reliable construction company in Dubai to build your backyard oasis. Preferably, work with contractors who also provide pool and landscape maintenance services.
AUTHOR BIO
Rachel Hennessey manages the Pools and Landscaping Division of Hennessey LLC. She also works on Tender and Pre-Qualification and brings in new business to the company's Construction, Interiors and Civils Division.