Installing an inground pool in your backyard can bring feelings of excitement, fun, and gratification to your whole family. Doing the proper research and planning for your pool design will prevent you from feeling stressed or overwhelmed. At Speck USA, we want to make the pool-building experience as positive as possible, so we’ve compiled a list of our top pro tips for planning your pool design:
- Do your research on types of pool designs
- Choose your must-have pool design features
- Decide on a vinyl liner vs. a concrete pool
- Plan for cold Iowa winters
- Complete your pool design with a pool deck
Do Your Research on Types of Pool Designs
Do you like an angular, clean-cut, modern look, or do you prefer to feel “at one with nature”? Do you want to make a statement with bright colors or find your calm with neutral tones? You’ll never know all the options available to you unless you look for them.
As with anything else, pool style trends change over time. Do you like to keep up with the current trends, or do you prefer to step outside of the status quo? If you want to ensure you don’t end up with an outdated design, research what styles are popular now.
What Will Be the Function of Your Pool?
You should also consider how you plan on using your new pool. Are you planning to train for a triathlon? Then a rectangular lap pool might be in order. Do you plan for your home to be the hang out spot for your children and their friends? Then a slide or diving board over deep water might be more your style.
Choose Your Must-Have Pool Design Features
There’s no limit to the number of cool features you can add to your pool design. These features might be functional, like custom stairs for pool entry and exit, calming, like cascading waterfalls, or purely for fun, like a gas fire pit. Find inspiration by asking other pool owners about their favorite pool design features.
It’s a good idea to make a list of your “must haves” in order from highest to lowest priority. This way, if it all doesn’t fit into your budget, you can save the features at the bottom of the list for a pool renovation in the future.
Decide on a Vinyl Liner vs. Concrete Pool
Thorough pool research means learning the pros and cons of installing a vinyl liner pool versus a concrete pool.
Generally, a vinyl liner pool is less expensive and faster to install than a concrete pool. Vinyl is smooth to the touch with no spaces for algae to take grasp onto the surface. You can also repair small leaks or tears fairly easily. Additionally, replacing a liner is much less expensive than refinishing a concrete pool.
On the other hand, a concrete pool will last for decades longer than a vinyl liner. The vinyl liner will need to be replaced every 10-20 years, depending on how well it’s cared for. Unlike a vinyl liner, sharp objects cannot puncture a concrete pool.
They are similar in that both choices allow for beautiful shape and color options. They can both provide innumerable hours of summer fun, but also need to be cared for properly to increase their longevity.
Make a Plan for Pool Maintenance
Whether you pick vinyl or concrete, maintaining pool cleanliness and appropriate chemicals are significant factors in how long your pool will last. Luckily, the pool maintenance experts at Speck USA are just a phone call away. We not only build pools, we also provide the care and chemical balance that will help them last for many years to come.
Plan for Cold Iowa Winters
There’s nothing like having your own pool to keep you cool in the summertime. But in northern climates, owning a pool requires extra steps to take care of it during the in-between seasons.
Plan for a Cover in Your Pool Design
Living in Iowa, you’ll definitely want to plan for a pool cover. Not only are they necessary for winterizing your pool, but they are also helpful during the summer months. Whether you go with a manual or automatic pool cover, it will help with heating your pool, keeping it clean, and keeping your children and pets safe when it’s closed.
You’ll need to keep your pool covered consistently during the cold months from about Thanksgiving until Easter (as a general rule of thumb). An expert pool maintenance company like Speck USA can help you winterize your pool in the fall and open it back up for business when spring is here.
Consider the Benefits of a Pool Heater
Iowa may have a shorter swim season than Texas, but you can extend the amount of time your pool is swimmable by investing in a pool heater. A pool heater will also protect your expensive pool equipment in the event of a surprise freeze before your pool is winterized.
Complete Your Pool Design with a Pool Deck
A concrete pool deck is like the cherry on top of your pool design. You and your family need a clean, solid, non-slippery surface to jump off when practicing your cannon balls. Concrete is superior to other pool deck materials because it is durable, low maintenance, and highly customizable. And the concrete experts at Speck USA know just how to get the job done right.
Customize Your Concrete Pool Deck
Your concrete pool deck can be as unique as you are. Stamped concrete is a common choice among pool owners because the texture makes it more slip resistant. Whether you choose the texture of slate, wood grain, or cobblestone, you can tie the look into the rest of your backyard by customizing the concrete color.
Hire the Best Pool Contractor in Des Moines
We saved the best tip for last! All the planning in the world won’t get you anywhere if your pool builder’s work is sub-par. Choosing Speck USA for your concrete or vinyl pool installation sets your project up for success. If you don’t know exactly what you want yet, that’s okay! Our friendly experts will guide you through every step of the planning process. Contact us today to schedule your consultation. You can transform the look and function of your backyard with a stunning pool from Speck USA.
