Before you start looking at swimming pool designs, it is important to think carefully about your goals for your overall outdoor area before you begin. What type of look do you want to achieve? There are many possibilities, including contemporary, classic, tropical, Balinese and any number of other styles. It is important to consider how the theme you choose will fit with other existing features, such as the style of your home. The following checklist will help you get started:
Exercise
- Swimming laps – you’ll need around 1.2m under you to do turns
- Low-impact exercise
Therapy
- Easy entry
- Steps
- Shallow entry
- Spa – spa jets
General Play & Recreation
- Water sports/games
- Seating areas
- Centrepiece for outdoor entertaining
Central Feature
- Major element in design
- Pool integrated with garden and house
- Enhance view from the house and garden
Secondary Element
- Isolated from garden immediately around house
- In its own area
Seasonal Considerations
- Summer sun
- Autumn leaves
- Winter view
Night-time Considerations
- Pool lighting
- Deck and garden lighting
- Night-time view from the house
Style Options
- Classic – geometrical, symmetrical
- Contemporary
- Pool colour
Paving/Decking
- Partial garden or lawn area
- Only at the entry point
- Extensive
Materials
- Consistent with architecture
- Comfortable for bare feet
- Not too slippery when wet
Other Considerations
- Seating space
- Dining – table and barbeque area
- Entertaining
- Water feature
- Fountain
- Speakers in the garden
- Pergola/gazebo
- Spa
- Pool games and toys
- Pool equipment
- Pool chemical and maintenance supplies
- Cushions for furniture
Pump/Heater Location
- Visual issue
- Practical limitations
- Noise
Utilities
- Underground
- Electric
- Gas
- Water
- Sewer/septic
- Cable
- Overhead electrical wires
Legal Regulations
- Fencing requirements
- Council Consents
Soil and Site Considerations
- Small space
- Steep slope
- Waterlogged soil
- Bedrock/rocky soil
- Expansive soils
- Access to site for large equipment
- Soil compaction
- Tree roots/trees to be protected during installation
- Windy location
- Shady spots
- Vegetation – overhanging trees will drop leaves into the pool
- Supervision – can the pool be easily seen and supervised
The Milan 10m x 3m fibreglass swimming pool
The Athena 6m x 3m fibreglass swimming pool