A Simple Checklist to Help you Design your Backyard Oasis

We’ve put together a checklist to help you start designing the backyard of your dreams! You can also download our swimming pool checklist.

Your Inground Swimming Pool

Swimming Pool Dimensions: Shape, Depth, and Size

What shape will you build your swimming pool? How big do you want it to be? Will it have a deep end? When considering the size and shape of your swimming pool, consider how it will complement your house’s scale, shape, and style.

Aside from the obvious names and shapes (rectangle, circle, straight-sided oval, etc.), it’s not unusual to find that one name will be used to describe more than one shape; or the same pool shape will have more than one name. This happens a lot because manufacturers want to have unique names for their pools. When you meet with your contractor for your estimate, make sure to describe what you are looking for in addition to telling them the shape.

Generally speaking, these are the most common pool shapes:

• Circular (oval, round)

• Freeform (completely custom)

• Geometric (including L-shaped, lazy L-shaped)

• Kidney

• Lagoon (similar look to many custom pools)

• Multi-Sided (hexagon, octagon, decagon, straight-wall oval etc.)

• Rectangular (rectangle, Roman, Grecian, lap pool)

Type of Swimming Pool

What type of swimming pool will you build? Each type has its benefits. There are three types of inground pools:

• Concrete (gunite, shotcrete)

• Fiberglass

• Vinyl

Water Features and Other Outdoor Amenities

What type of water features will you build? What else will you add to your backyard paradise? There are so many options to choose from! Here is a list of common water features and amenities:

• Diving Board and Slide

  Diving boards and slides require a deep-end.

• Fireplace or Fire Pit

  Do you want to extend the season of your outdoor living with a built-in fireplace or fire pit?

• Fountain

  Will your fountain be a part of the swimming pool (including decking) or standalone? If you put your fountain is part of the pool, where will you add it? Along the edge?

• Gazebos, Outdoor Shelters & Structures

• Grotto

  Grottos are cave-like structures built in your pool. Grottos can truly transform your swimming pool into a complete getaway!

• In-Pool Seating

  This could be stools or a bench along the edge, or even steps that are large enough to comfortably sit.

• Invisible Edge

• Lanai

• Lazy River

• Outdoor Lighting

  How do you want to light your backyard? Along a path? Along the perimeter of the pool or decking? Along the perimeter of the patio?

• Patio, Outdoor Living Area, Outdoor Kitchen

  How much outdoor seating and furniture do you plan to have? Do you want to build a patio or just the decking surrounding the swimming pool? What material will you build your deck or patio? Do you want an outdoor kitchen area? How close will it be to your swimming pool? What appliances would you add to your outdoor kitchen?

• Spa

  Do you want your spa attached to your swimming pool or separate? Elevated or on the same level as your pool?

• Swim-Up-Bar or In-Pool Dining

  Do you want to build a place for your friends and family to eat in the pool? You can build a swim-up-bar that has stools in the water and a counter that is also part of your patio and outdoor kitchen area counter. You can also build a table and stools in the swimming pool itself!

• Tanning Ledge

• Waterfall

  Where will your waterfall be located? Will your waterfall be part of your landscaping? Come from your spa? A rock formation built on the edge of your pool?

• Zero and Beach Entry

Your Landscaping, including Hardscape

How will your landscaping complement your new swimming pool, patio, and any other structures? Will it be simple or elaborate? Will you need to hire a landscape designer? Will you incorporate any water features in your landscape design? Will elements of your landscaping, like a retaining wall be an integral part of your swimming pool’s structural integrity or design? Find more on our blog >>