What to Consider When Planning a Pool Patio

While a swimming pool will likely serve as the centerpiece of your yard, the patio space surrounding it can have a major impact on the overall beauty of the pool area and your enjoyment of your new outdoor living space. Therefore, it’s important to take your time and plan your pool patio carefully. If you will be building a brand-new inground pool and the surrounding patio, here are a few of the most important factors to consider:

• Pool size and shape. When building a custom inground gunite pool, your options for size and shape are virtually endless. From small plunge pools—which typically range in size from 6½ to 10 feet wide and 10 to 22 feet long—to large, freeform, resort-style pools, you can work with your pool designer to create the style of pool that best suits your needs, vision, and budget. However, consider the terrain in your yard and how much space you have available, making sure to leave enough room for seating and other features you may want to include on the patio.
• Patio material. Aside from the pool itself, the patio decking is the largest and most important part of the pool area. The most popular types of material include concrete, natural stone, brick, and synthetic wood, as well as pavers that are typically made from stone, concrete, or aggregate. When choosing a patio material, be sure to opt for something that will not become slippery when wet, will be resistant to water damage, mold, and chemicals, and will reflect heat so it doesn’t become too hot to walk on with bare feet. Additionally, consider the other hardscape materials found on your property and look for something that will have a complementary aesthetic.
• Whether you’d prefer a streamlined look with low-maintenance plants, a lush, tropical vibe, or anything in between, the landscaping surrounding your pool can set the style of your entire pool area. When choosing plants, make sure that you understand how much sunlight they need and how big they’ll grow when deciding where to place them. For instance, you won’t want to have large plants obstructing the walkways around the pool, or trees overhead that will drop their leaves into the water.
• Building codes. As with any other construction project, the applicable building codes in your city and state may affect the design of your pool patio. Working with a professional pool builder who is knowledgeable about the regulations in your area is the key to ensuring that your project is compliant.
• Custom features. Once you’ve decided on the key elements of your backyard oasis, another factor to consider is any custom features you may want to incorporate, such as fountains and other water features, fire features, LED lighting for both the pool and the landscaping, and countless other options.

At Aqua Pool & Patio, our experienced team of pool designers will guide you through each step in the process of planning your pool patio, from conception through completion. Contact us today to get started!