A series of terraces lead one from the house down to this rectangular gunite pool. Natural cleft bluestone decking mixes with brick and cut granite terrace walls.
With Covid 19 making the home the center of the universe for most people, an outdoor swimming pool can be a fantastic addition to your property. However, these are typically one of the more complicated landscape projects to bring from design to the finished project, made even more so by the current times.
Here are some things to keep in mind as you begin to plan your pool project:
1. Type of pool
Usually one of the first considerations is gunite vs. liner pools. In our view, gunite (a process of spraying a cement and sand mix around a steel skeleton) pools are built to stand the test of time with the least amount of long term issues. They also provide flexibility in the shape of the pool, as liners generally just have a few cookie cutter options. Gunite pools will also allow for unique tile and plaster colors and finishes.
A raised spa with ashlar veneer and bluestone coping sits partially within this curvilinear gunite pool.
2. Design considerations
How is your pool going to be used? Do you have large parties? Are your children young and are games going to be played in the pool? Is this more of a small soaking pool, or a lap pool? Take some time to consider how big your pool needs to be. Oftentimes the layout and finishes of the pool should take their cue from the site and architecture of the home. Even minor slopes need to be seriously considered to be sure that drainage issues are accounted for. Sometimes steeper slopes can provide great design opportunities with features like a vanishing edge. No two projects are alike!
3. Check your local zoning and building codes
Municipality rules vary (sometimes drastically) regarding distance from the house, septic systems, and setbacks off the property lines. You should always check with your local building department before starting any project.
4. The team
There are many players needed to bring a pool project to life. It typically starts with a detailed survey to understand the site constraints and opportunities, then moves into some early conceptual planning of all of the outdoor elements. We highly recommend having a conversation about the budget during the concept phase to be sure that the project will be within your comfort level. Sometimes there is an environmental permitting process which needs to be navigated. Finally, a number of different contractors need to be engaged and schedules managed to be sure everything is done on time and on budget.
A pool house with kitchenette and bathroom, fire pit, and lounging area provide different spaces around this rectangular liner pool.
5. COVID impacts
The COVID-19 pandemic is causing some challenges to be aware of during this process. Pool demand is quite strong, and many pool companies are having difficulties being fully staffed. There are also unforeseen supply chain issues that are popping up- a recent example was a lack of inventory of heaters made in China. It is important to start planning as soon as you can for a pool to be started and installed in 2021, as well as being understanding of the many challenges facing contractors. I always tell my clients to have a long term view- it’s a process to get to the finish line, sometimes there are unforeseen bumps in the road, but the end result will be something your family and friends will cherish for many years!
Now is the time to start planning you project for 2021. Just give us a call for a free consultation.