How Do I Begin Planning For A Pool?

One of the best ways to begin planning for a swimming pool is to begin looking at swimming pools and talking to your friends about what they like and dislike about their pool. There are many factors concerning size, shape, and depth of pool that you need to consider before installing a pool such as:

What size does the pool need to be?
The average residential pool being built today is approximately 15' to 16' wide and approximately 30' to 32' long. Diving pools are typically slightly larger than this and non-diving (or sport) pools are typically this size and smaller. In addition, lap swimmers tend to like longer, narrower pools. We typically recommend a maximum swimmer load of approximately 25 sq. ft. of pool surface area per person (For a 500 sq. ft. pool, that would be a maximum of 20 people using the pool at one time).

How deep does the pool need to be?
Diving pools are typically at least 8' deep and most non-diving pools are no deeper than 6'. Most of the pools that are currently being built are non-diving (or sport) pools. Non-diving pools have increased in popularity because of the desire to play water sports such as volleyball and basketball. Non-diving pools are slightly less expensive to build and the costs associated with filtering, heating, and chemically treating the water increases in proportion to the depth of the pool.

What are the legal restrictions?
The local building codes can determine placement of a pool due to setback restrictions, which determine how close the pool can be to the property line. In addition, utility or drainage easements must also be considered. Your survey plot plan contains property line and easement information, which is helpful and needed when planning your pool.

Are there obstructions that I need to consider?
Underground obstructions such as utility lines and septic tanks must be considered as well as overhead obstructions including utility line and trees. Typically utility lines can be relocated in order to place the pool in the desired location in the yard.

Is my yard sloped?
The elevation, or slope, of the yard is a factor to consider to avoid future drainage problems. Considerably sloped yards are usually slightly more expensive to build a pool than flat yards.

What part of the yard do I want the pool?
When attempting to place a pool properly in a yard, the elements of the sun, shade, and wind must be considered to keep the swimmers comfortable in and around the pool. The ideal pool has both sunny and shaded areas to accommodate all of its users.

Should it be close to the house?
A pool should be easily accessible from the house. Otherwise, the nuisance of getting to and from it will overshadow much of the pleasure derived from using the pool. Pool builders are restricted against installing a pool too close to a foundation. Also related to size and depth is the location of the entry and exit points. Whenever possible, steps and benches should be placed in strategic locations to access the house, pool house, diving board, or spa.

Can I see the pool from the house?
Generally speaking, the pool should be in complete view of the house, yet laid out in harmony with it. In addition, if children are to be using the pool, a view from the house to the pool becomes even more important as a safety issue.