Are you looking for backyard swimming pool design ideas? A swimming pool can be the perfect addition to your backyard. It will provide hours of fun, relaxation, and exercise for your family and guests. As swimming pools are now much more affordable and can increase the value of your home, there isn’t any reason not to consider investing in one today!
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5 Steps in Creating Your Swimming Pool
Swimming pools these days come in many different shapes and sizes. Below are some backyard swimming pool tips that you may want to consider to make your swimming pool look perfect. Let’s get started!
1. Choose a swimming pool design
The first step is to decide which swimming pool design you would like the most or whether you want assistance choosing one. Below are the most common types of swimming pools.
- In-ground swimming pool: In-ground swimming pools are permanently installed in the ground, which means you don’t have to worry about filling it up from scratch or emptying it. They can be an excellent option for people who live on slab property and want a pool all year round.
- Above-ground swimming pool: These swimming pools are typically made of plastic, and they are placed outside on the ground. Above-ground swimming pools take a little more effort to fill up but don’t need any special care other than routine pool maintenance.
- Indoor swimming pool: These swimming pools are designed to be installed inside. Indoor swimming pools can be a good option for people who live in climates with extreme weather.
2. Consider the size of your swimming pool
Another thing to think about is how big or small you want your swimming pool to be. The average swimming pool holds around 20,000 gallons of water to cover a 347 square metre area. But if you only have a tight space in your backyard, it may be better to go for a swimming pool with a smaller footprint or even an above-ground swimming pool.
The best way to reduce the size of a swimming pool is with above-ground design, as this can be deflated and stored when not in use. They are also not as large as inground pools.
3. Choose the right swimming pool shape for your yard
In terms of swimming pool shape, there are a few options to choose from. One of the most popular swimming pool shapes is the kidney shape because it offers plenty of swimming space and plenty of seating. A lot of swimming pools are designed in a kidney shape which can be either in-ground or above-ground.
The hexagonal swimming pool is another popular choice. It has more room for swimming than a round swimming pool with the same water volume and it’s a good option for those who want to have their own section for swimming.
Triangle swimming pools are the perfect shape for small yards and those who don’t spend a lot of time in their backyard. It allows the option to cool off, but without as much maintenance as other designs.
If you have a large yard, consider opting for an oval swimming pool or one with curves that will take up more space, but look beautiful when finished.
There are many different swimming pool shapes to choose from, so be sure that you’re making the right decision before committing to a swimming pool design.
4. Select a filter system that best suits your needs
Once you’ve decided on the swimming pool size and shape that will work best in your yard, it’s time to choose a filter system. There are many different swimming pool filters available for purchase, so how do you know which one is right for you?
The three main types of swimming pool filters include sand filtration systems, cartridge filters and diatomaceous earth filters.
- Sand filtration swimming pool systems are economical, but they require a lot of maintenance in the form of backwashing to remove most sand particles from the filter media.
- Cartridge swimming pool filters have less frequent upkeep because there aren’t any moving parts that need to be cleaned or replaced often, such as with sand filtration swimming pool systems.
- Diatomaceous earth swimming pool filters are another popular filter because it doesn’t require backwashing. Still, it needs to be vacuumed every six months to keep the swimming pool water clean.
So depending on your budget, maintenance needs and amount of swimming space you have available in your backyard, it’s essential to choose a swimming pool filter that will suit all of these requirements.
5. Add decorative features
One of the best ways to make it feel even more inviting and relaxing is by adding decorative features, such as waterfalls or fountains. These features will add depth to your pools design and create a talking point.
There are swimming pool fountains that attach to the lip of your swimming pool and pump water through them. You can also add a swimming pool fountain if you have an in-ground wall or ledge.
If you want something bigger, consider installing a large outdoor waterfall on one side of your swimming pool, so it blends seamlessly with the swimming pool and landscape.
There are also swimming pool waterfalls that have a recirculating pump to keep it flowing so you can enjoy the sound of running, cascading water while swimming or sitting against one side of your swimming pool.
It’s essential to think about how the decorative features will work in your backyard before installing them, because they can take up a lot of space, which will make swimming pool maintenance more difficult.
How should you care for your swimming pool?
Circulation, cleaning, and chemistry are crucial to keeping your swimming pool clean and safe for you and your family. Keep reading for the details.
Effective water circulation
You don’t need to be a chemistry teacher to know that still, stagnant water isn’t good for you. Similar to the great outdoors, moving water is safe, clean, and clear. Ensure efficient circulation in your pool so that you don’t worry about your health and safety.
If the circulation in your pool is good, you don’t need to worry about things like pool algae infestation or cloudy water. Therefore, you should run the pump and filter system daily for the best circulation in your pool. Ideally, the pump should run 24/7, but that’s a lot for your budget and equipment. You should at least have the pump running for 10 to 12 hours a day.
Backwashing the filter
The water flow is reversed through the filter with backwashing, and the dirty water is pushed away. Also, the collected contaminants are taken to the waste port and away from the pool. Learn how to clean the pool filter and include cleaning in your regular pool care routine.
The method you choose to clean and backwash the filter depends on the filter’s type.
Stick to pool cleaning schedule
Proper circulation is essential, but it’s just one step to have clean and clear water in your pool. Put some old-fashioned elbow grease to clean the swimming pool. Here’s what you need:
- Pool brush
- Net skimmer
- Pool vacuum
Leaves, mold, frog and duck residues, shampoos, hair products, and perfumes end up in the water. The risk of bacterial contamination is high, and you must clean the pool for safe swimming.
Skim, brush and vacuum the swimming at least once a week. It’s an important step to keep debris out of the pool and maintain the pool walls impeccably. Baking soda paste is excellent for the walls and won’t damage tile or vinyl.
Similarly, you can use an automatic pool cleaner to save time and energy. However, the cleaner won’t eliminate the need for skimming and brushing. It will, however, take the cleaning out of your hands.
Here are some handy cleaning tricks to try:
- Put several tennis balls into the skimmer basket or right inside the pool. They will soak in surface oils that cosmetics produce.
- Wrap the skimmer basket with pantyhose to obtain an excellent filter that collects more contaminants than a skimmer.
- When the socks and tennis balls look dirty, you should replace them.
Extra tip
The drains built into the bottom of the deep end with in-ground pools ease out the clearing of the debris when cleaning. Above ground pools don’t come with such drains, but you can use a manual pool vacuum for similar results.
Balance the water chemistry
Pool chemistry may intimidate an entry-level user, but it’s easier than thought. A water testing kit is the most crucial equipment to balance water chemistry. The aspects to examine with water chemistry testing are:
pH levels
Low pH levels are acidic, whereas high levels are basic. You need 7.4 to 7.6 pH for your water pool.
Alkalinity
It reduces the risk of spikes in acidity and basicity and works as a pH buffer. Ideally, it should range between 100 and 150 parts per million (ppm). Use some baking soda to increase the alkalinity in your pool.
Sanitizer levels
It refers to the amount of bromine, chlorine, etc., in the pool water. The sanitizer you use affects the levels. Once you have all the numbers, you can proceed with balancing the water chemistry. Always take time, follow all instructions, and be 100% sure before adding chemicals to the pool.
Add pool shock every once in a while!
The sanitizer will need some help from time to time. Do it after many people have used the pool or after a rainstorm. Avoid shocking the pool during the day because the sun’s ultraviolet will eat up the chlorine before doing its job. Instead, add the shock to the water in the evening and run the pump for eight hours.
Have a maintenance schedule
We strongly recommend creating a pool maintenance schedule to stay on top with cleaning, balancing, shocking, etc.
Write down the pool maintenance schedule and tape it in a place where you can quickly notice it. Should other people in your home be prepared for it, they can take the maintenance job out of your hands from time to time.
Who takes care of your pool when you’re on vacation?
If you plan a nice vacation for more than a week, ask a family friend or a neighbor to keep up with the pool maintenance schedule. Here are some tips:
Find a helpful neighbor/friend
Ideally, you want someone who also owns a swimming pool and is familiar with pool maintenance. It will spare you the time to explain everything they need to do for the pool. Otherwise, include a shortlist for daily care:
- Empty the skimmer basket
- Skim the pool’s surface
- Check out the water chemistry with test strips or test kit
- Examine the filter pressure and backwash, if need be
- Add chemicals, if necessary
Install a pool pump timer
In a perfect life, your pool pump is a model with a timer. If not, you should rush into a store and get one, as they’re fundamental for efficient pool care.
Once you install the timer, you may set it to run at least 8 to 12 hours a day. A model that allows you split up the times is preferable. Otherwise, you can run it for 24 hours a day. You want to keep the water clear, and running the pump and filter is essential. Plus, you won’t need to worry about forgetting to run the pump when using a pump timer.
Check the water before going away
Play it safe and take a pool water sample to the local pool store to test it. If anything is wrong, make sure you make the necessary adjustments before you leave on vacation. Make sure to balance pH and alkalinity and have excellent sanitizer levels.
Conclusion
Swimming pools are a great way to take advantage of the warm weather and enjoy swimming during the summer. You must have all your facts straight before getting started with this project, because it can be time-consuming.
After reading this blog post, we hope it gives you an idea of the steps involved in creating your perfect pool design for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it expensive to have a pool in your backyard?
Due to excavation costs, in-ground swimming pools are more expensive than other types of pools. Expect to spend anywhere from $35,000 to $100,000 and up for installing an in-ground swimming pool. The average cost for such pools is around $50,000.
Will the pool add value to your home?
The experts don’t seem to agree on how much a pool will increase a home’s selling price. A recent study reveals that a backyard swimming pool can increase the home’s value by 7%. As long as the conditions are ideal, an average in-ground pool will increase your house’s value by 5 to 8%.
What’s the most affordable in-ground pool?
Overall, the most affordable in-ground pool is the vinyl liner pool. It’s challenging to find a pool builder willing to build a fiberglass/concrete pool for the price of a vinyl liner pool. However, this doesn’t mean that vinyl liner pools cannot get expensive.
How far should your pool be from the house?
According to the national and local requirements, all swimming pools should be at least 10ft away from the house walls. It’s the distance that protects electrical wiring from floods, splashes, and leaks.
What is the longest-lasting type of pool?
Installation of a concrete pool lasts anywhere from three to twelve weeks. As a result, the concrete swimming pools will last the longest. Additionally, concrete swimming pools allow refinishing, rebuilding, enlarging, and updating. Most of the other types of in-ground pools won’t allow such works.
Do pools have ideal shapes? If so, which shape is that?
Rectangular pools with 90-degree corners have been the customers’ favorites for decades. They’re perfect for swimming laps and water exercising. The rectangular shape we all easily recognize is both formal and sleek and has a modern feel. Plus, rectangular shapes always allow changes for highly customized results.
