Building a pool is a big commitment, but will be well worth the effort. In fact, the more detailed your plan is, the more likely you are to be satisfied with the results.

In this guide, we’re going to discuss important considerations and decisions you should make before building your pool.

This is Aqua Blue Pools’ comprehensive pool planning guide.

Where do you want your pool to be?

Simply wanting an ‘outdoor pool’ is too vague for pool builders. Not every outdoor space is suitable for building a pool — and we’re not just talking about size. Here are some considerations for the location of your pool:

Is the terrain suitable?

Hilly areas may not be suitable for a pool. If your backyard is hilly or sloped, you may need to have the ground reshaped before you can start building on it. Another option is to install retaining walls to prevent your pool from shifting and sliding in the ground. Ideally, your pool should be built on flat ground.

Do you live near a body of water?

You can’t build or install a swimming pool within 100 feet of a lake, ocean or river. These areas typically have a high water table, and a high water table can make the installation process difficult or impossible to manage. Inground pools may also rise as the water table rises — you don’t want to wake up one day to find that your inground pool is no longer in the ground!

Can you leave enough space from your house?

Most municipalities require a pool to be at least 25ft away from your home. Too close and you risk damaging your property during the installation.

Pool Planning Guide Checklist

What is your budget?

Consider how much you have to put into the project. Pool prices vary drastically depending on the type of pool you want, the size, and any special features or extras. You should also consider whether you wish to build a whole pool area around the pool, as this will increase the price further.

Prices start from around $50K but could exceed $100K depending on the project. At Aqua Blue Pools, we offer a pool finance option to help you spread your payments over a number of months, making pools more affordable.

Does your state or area have restrictions or zoning rules for pool building?

Each municipality, town, city, or state has rules and regulations concerning pool building. Many authorities require you to obtain a permit before your project can go ahead. To obtain a pool permit, your project may be subject to inspection. Authorities will consider a range of factors — safety, construction standards, location to public infrastructure — and grant you a permit if they approve of the project. In some cases, they may need to visit your site to conduct testing or do surveys.

If you are unsure about the restrictions in your area, either contact the authorities in your local jurisdiction or give Aqua Blue Pools a call.

What type of pool do you want?

The style and design of your pool will influence the price and duration of the project. It’s also important to remember that not every style will be suitable for every backyard. Some styles might look out of place or be impossible to build if your yard is an unorthodox shape.

You should also get an idea of any extras you might wish to add. Do you want a rock pool? Do you want an outer pool area? All of these elements will influence the price.

There are three main types of inground pools available in the United States: concrete, fiberglass, and vinyl-lined. All of these types have pros and cons, so you’ll want to consider each one carefully before going ahead with the project.

While there are just three main types of pool available, there are a huge range of styles to choose from to help make yours unique. At Aqua Blue Pools, we can build the following styles of pool:

Again, ensure the style of pool you want is suitable for your backyard. A qualified pool builder can talk you through each of these options if you want a better idea. Simply get in touch with Aqua Blue Pools and we’ll be happy to help you further.

Building your Pool Blueprints

How deep would you like your pool?

You must consider whether you want your pool to include various depths or one single depth. If you have small children or weak swimmers who will be using the pool, we recommend building a pool with a shallow end.

Some styles are better tailored to providing multiple depths, so that may factor into your style choice.

What type of decking would you like around your pool?

If you’ve decided you want decking surrounding your pool, your next consideration is the type.

At Aqua Blue Pools, we can build the following deck surrounds:

Paver — affordable, easy to repair, and comes in a variety of colors
Stone — provides a natural, elegant look
Glass — a modern aesthetic that enhances the look of your pool and its surroundings
Concrete — a long-lasting, versatile decking that can be stained, stamped, engraved, and more.

What features do you want with your pool?

Customize your pool with a range of features. Aqua Blue Pools offer all of the following pool features to make your pool extra special:

Heater/chiller — perfect for getting your pool water to your ideal temperature
Spa — relax and unwind with bubbles and jets
Lighting — set the mood with dimmable LED lights
Lounging and seating — lounge in the sun on comfortable, stylish poolside seating
Waterfalls — cascading water to give your pool that special touch
Fountains — create a water show from your pool with shooting jets and fountains
Fire pits — dip in the pool then roast some marshmallows with a poolside fire pit

What type of landscaping do you want?

Pool construction will alter a lot of your backyard — you may wish to invest in professional landscaping to improve its aesthetic. This is usually achieved by adding new plants or trees during or after the construction stage.

It’s important to give pool landscaping some thought. You might want to turn your pool area into a lush, green space teeming with attractive plants, but you also don’t want to restrict access to the pool itself. You also want to consider how much debris might fall into the pool if you have a lot of foliage nearby.

A few other considerations to take into account include:

Maintenance requirements
Environmental conditions
Sun and shade patterns
Roots

Planning for your pool build will ensure the finished product is everything you ever dreamed of, and our team is here to help you every step of the way. Aqua Blue Pools has been South Carolina’s leading provider of pool construction and custom pool designs for nearly 30 years. Our pool builders take all your requests on board to design and build your ideal pool. It’s no wonder we’ve won multiple awards and were voted best pool and spa service.

Let us bring your dream pool to life. Contact our pool builders today.