Best Pool Design Tips – Are you Building a new Pool? Are you looking for the best pool builder?
Jim’s Pool Care looks after thousands of pools around Australia every month and as such get to see a range of pool design ideas that we think work well in the areas of pool functionality and pool design.
7 Best Pool Design Tips
When building a new pool or thinking about your new pool construction we think the below 10 tips will ensure that you ask the right questions of your pool builder and ensure you think about a design that will suit you.
Pool Design Tip 1 – DRAFT A POOL DESIGN
Have a design in mind before you meet your pool builder. If your not the creative type, that is fine, but have a serious think about the type and shape of pool that will suit your yard. Draw out a rough concept and a mud map of the possible location. If you are thinking of using a fibreglass pool builder they will have a range of shell shapes to choose from but start with your own idea. Once things get moving you can confirm that the size, shape and location are all workable and will also meet your local council requirements.
Pool Design Tip 2 – POOL CONSTRUCTION COUNCIL RULES
Now that you have had a think about your pool design why not visit your local council to find out what the rules are with building a pool. You may not be able to build in the location you want because of an easement running through your block or your council may have rules that state you have to build a certain distance away from fences and boundaries.
Pool Design Tip 3 – FEATURES OF YOUR POOL
Now that you have a rough shape of your pool and some information from council start to think about the finer details.
- Which end would you like the deep end to be?
- How deep do you want your pool?
- Do you have young children who may benefit from a shallow “beach area” or several “benches” for safety?
- Where do you want to enter the pool and where would the pool steps be?
Are you thinking of having a pool water feature or waterfall?
Pool Design Tip 4 – POOL EQUIPMENT LOCATION
Now that you have a design and potential location of your pool you will need to think about the location of your pool equipment. The standard setup will include a Pool Pump, Pool Filter and Salt Water Chlorinator but depending on your pool and budget there could be a huge range of extra equipment that will need to be located in the same area. Think about if you have an existing shed that could house some of this equipment or a wall or boundary fence. Also think about constructing a Pool Equipment shed or cover over your equipment to help extend the life and keep it out of the weather. These sheds can also reduce noise. You will also need to think about a waste line for when you want to backwash a filter or empty water from your pool. Where will this pipe run to?
Pool Design Tip 5 – WHAT POOL EQUIPMENT DO YOU NEED AND WANT?
This can be tough for someone who has not built a pool before or owned a pool. What pool equipment do you need to think about?
- Pool Pump
- Pool Filter (Sand or Cartridge)
- Salt water Chlorinator or Chlorine Dosing System
- Pool Cleaner – Suction versus Robotic
- Water Features
- Pool Heating – Solar, Gas & Heat Pump
Maybe ask a friend with a pool, call Jim’s Pool Care for a consultation about pool equipment trends and the current market place or even visit your local pool shop for advice on this. Like most products pool equipment has a range of prices. You can get a pool pump for $600 and they range up to $2500. The same applies for filters, chlorinators, robotic cleaners and pool heating.
Pool Design Tip 6 – SELECTING A POOL BUILDER
Now this is the challenge. What is your criteria for a good pool builder? Are you wanting the cheapest pool? Are you wanting a reputable pool builder? Are you wanting a complicated unique design? Are you wanting a fibreglass pool with a standard design? What we recommend is get at least 3 quotes for the same designs and specs, ask for referrals and check them out online, simple.
Pool Design Tip 7 – LEARN POOL MAINTENANCE OR BOOK A PROFESSIONAL
Once you Pool has been built you will need to maintain in regularly. Water balance is important for both bather comfort and the life of your pool equipment. You can do this yourself with home test kits, take a sample to your pool shop or get in a company like Jim’s Pool Care who take care of everything for you. You have just spent from $35,000 to $60,000 and upwards so why not invest in some regular pool maintenance with regular service calls starting from $75 depending on your city and how frequent you want service.
Ask lots of questions before building your new pool
last of all don’t be shy in asking lots of questions of everyone involved in the process. Unfortunately once things start moving your not going to be able to move a pool so ask the questions up front and feel comfortable that you have done all you can to ensure you are getting exactly what you want with the pool equipment and features that will suit you and your families needs. All the best.
