When planning for an in-ground swimming pool, it is important to think beyond the water, since every detail counts in creating a cohesive, functional outdoor retreat. During the design process, consider the following:
Functional Considerations
Steps From an Existing Patio
Will your existing patio connect to the pool structure being built? How many steps will it be from the home?
Retaining Walls
If there is a difference in ground height between your pool and yard, a retaining wall may be necessary to prevent water runoff and provide structural support.
Lighting
Hardscape and pathway lighting is essential for safety. Add ambiance with color-changing, energy efficient lighting.
Where Will People Find a Shady Spot?
Remember to include canopies, retractable shades, and umbrellas to get out of the sun. Or, consider:
Outdoor Living Structures
Pool houses, pergolas, or outdoor kitchens allow the fun to continue outside.
Patio
With numerous materials to choose from, your new build can be seamlessly blended into your existing property.
Coping and Decking
Essential for protecting the pool’s structural integrity, coping and decking also ensure safety by providing a non-slip, durable surface for walking and sitting.
Privacy and Safety Fencing
In Kentucky, there are legal requirements for fencing around a pool deeper than 24 inches.
Automation Systems
Control heaters, lights, and water features via smartphone, so your pool can be ready for you when you get home.
Automatic Pool Covers
Provide peace of mind for safety while reducing debris and evaporation.
Leisure and Design Considerations
Water Features
Sheer descents, deck jets, bubblers, or rock waterfalls add ambiance and a create a tranquil atmosphere to the entire area around the pool. The soothing sound of running water provides stress relief while masking unwanted noise, and they improve water circulation and create a cooling mist.
Fire Features
Fire pits, fire bowls or tiki torches create a cozy, resort-style atmosphere. They enhance nighttime ambiance with warm, flickering light, provide essential warmth for cooler evenings, and create dramatic focal points for socializing. Plus: smores.
Decorative Boulders and Rock Gardens
Use rock to integrate your pool into your environment with natural beauty and drama. Long-lasting and low maintenance solutions for erosion control, drainage, and seating, large boulders and rock-planted areas can create natural, sturdy privacy screens to block neighbors.
Hot Tubs and Spas
After some high-energy swimming (or instead of it), spas help relax muscles and alleviate aches They also offer a more intimate, cozier setting for socializing compared to a large pool, and while pools are mostly for warmer months, an integrated spa provides year-round use, extending the usability of your outdoor space.
Landscaping
Landscaping blends your new additions into your yard, softening and adding beauty. We stress the importance of using native plants and low-maintenance greenery in your landscape design. These plants are naturally suited to the local climate, so they not only enhance the beauty of the space, they help keep it stress-free. Non-flowering plants are also recommended to minimize debris and bee attraction.
