Start with how you will use it
Swimming laps, family play, relaxing and entertaining each need different shapes. A narrow lap pool, a wide family pool and a lagoon with ledges are very different designs.
List the top three things you want to do in the water.
Length and width
Longer pools suit swimming, and wider ones suit games and groups. Balance the size of the pool with the size of the yard so that decks, seating and planting still fit.
A pool that takes up the whole yard leaves no room to enjoy the space around it.
Depth profiles
Shallow areas suit children and lounging. Deeper water suits swimming and diving, though diving needs a specific profile. A gentle slope or stepped ledges add comfort.
Plan the depth change around steps, ledges and benches.
Ledges, benches and entries
A tanning ledge, a bench or a beach entry creates places to sit and play. They also add safety for young swimmers. Spacing them with deeper areas keeps the pool useful.
We draw these into the design so you can see them in 3D.
Space around the pool
Allow room for lounge chairs, walkways, seating and planting. A deck that is too narrow feels cramped. We plan the pool and surroundings together.
Think about shade, views and where people will gather.
Equipment and cost
Larger pools need larger equipment and more water to heat and treat. A volume calculator helps estimate gallons, and the right size equipment keeps running costs reasonable.
Our tools can help you explore options.
Design around how you will use the pool, then fit the size to the yard so there is room to enjoy the space around it.
