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You are here: Home / Pool Design / Do I Have the Right Yard for a Pool?

Do I Have the Right Yard for a Pool?

March 23, 2021 by Philip Kessler

There is absolutely no shame in sharing your children’s pool with them on a sweltering summer day. So, what if there’s only enough room to stand in the water… one foot at a time.

If you’ve considered putting in a pool but shelved the idea for further thought, maybe we can help you make your final decision. Inground swimming pools are a major investment but the years of enjoyment they provide cause many of us to take the plunge.

You’re about to discover that nearly every yard is right for a pool.

Spacing it out

The size of your yard isn’t normally an issue because an inground swimming pool can be as small as 10 feet x 10 feet. Your pool designer should be able to help you create or add different elements that will make it appear larger than it is which adds to the allure.

Features such as slides, diving boards, or waterfalls probably aren’t going to be an option for a smaller pool but where there’s water, there’s fun, nonetheless.

You need to check with your city government to see if there are any ordinances in effect that limit how close your pool can be to your house or the property line.

Rough terrain

Some soil isn’t ideal for an inground pool because it doesn’t provide enough support. Sandy soil makes the list but mainly because it shifts easily and can cave in during excavation. The problem is alleviated by reinforcing the sides of the pool.

Sometimes the pool hole begins to fill with water during excavation. This is a normal—and anticipated—occurrence your contractor will be prepared to pump out groundwater if it presents itself.

Level up

If you’re concerned that your yard isn’t level enough to host an inground pool, cross that worry right off your list. Pool builders can overcome most issues with multi-level yards, elevations, or slopes—for a price.

When you discuss your pool plans with your builder, they can help you determine if the spot that you’ve chosen is the best place for your pool to be installed.

Land down under

Pool contractors can nearly always overcome a hidden underground obstacle, but, again, expect it to increase the cost of your pool. Encountering rock and underground utility lines are the most common obstacles that can cause issues during excavation.

Utility lines include any combination of phone, electric, gas, water, sewage, septic, and cable. Arrangements are made prior to digging to have a utility-identification company come out and flag the areas where underground utilities are buried. If a utility line is buried under the spot that you had planned for a pool, it may be possible to have it relocated for a reasonable cost. However, a better—and less costly—solution may be to slightly reposition your pool.

Every now and then, builders come into contact with an unmarked line but, these days, it’s a rarity thanks to advances in technology.

Design and features

Standard rectangular or circular pools remain popular choices for homeowners, but there is no limit to designing your pool… other than maxing out your budget anyway. Naturally, the more extravagant your pool is, the higher the installation cost.

Water features enhance the beauty of your pool and instantly transform your property. Moreover, the sound of running water is extremely relaxing for most of us. Rock water features create a rustic look while a modern, contemporary pool design is better suited for streamlined sheet falls or laminar jets.

Some popular water features include:

  • Waterfalls
  • Fountains
  • Cascades
  • Sheetfalls
  • Water walls
  • Spillways

Water features add the “wow factor,” whether you’re looking for a striking focal point or just want to create a cozy atmosphere.

Lighting is something else to consider because it sets the stage for those nighttime swim sessions. Colored lights create visual interest or can be used to accentuate a water feature.

Privacy ideas

We love our neighbors but sometimes it’s nice to feel isolated from everything and everyone. Installing a privacy feature makes an amazing difference in the ambiance.

Privacy hedges, privacy fences, or walls are all good options. Enclosing your pool with privacy screen is too because, in addition to feeling secluded, you’ll gain these benefits:

  • Free airflow—Mesh privacy screen enclosures allow air to circulate. Not only will you catch every breeze, but there’s also less chance that mold and mildew will get a foothold in your pool area.
  • Shade—Privacy screens don’t entirely block ultraviolet rays, but they provide some protection which means you won’t be applying sunscreen as often.
  • Keep bugs out—Swatting at bugs and mosquitoes while your sitting poolside is going to be a thing of the past.
  • Block debris—When storms blow through, they can wreak havoc on a swimming pool. Enclosing your pool keeps it cleaner which means less skimming.
  • Safety—Privacy screen enclosures block unwanted access. You won’t have to worry about small children or pets falling in while they’re playing in the yard.

Automate maintenance

If keeping up with the maintenance of it all is what’s holding you back from having a pool of your own, it’s really not so bad if you set up a pool schedule. If it’s just not your thing, save the expense of hiring a regular pool guy.

Technology can do most of that stuff for you! You can purchase add-ons to maintain the water level. There are also systems that sanitize the pool maintaining the perfect chlorine balance.

Does your yard measure up?

There aren’t many places where it would be impossible to install an inground swimming pool. However, the more labor-intensive it is to excavate the area, the higher the cost.

A pool creates the perfect environment for making wonderful memories—your family and friends will gladly volunteer to help. It’s a costly investment, but the odds are greatly in your favor that it will be well worth it.

Filed Under: Pool Design

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