Things to Keep in Mind When Designing Creative Freeform Pool Shapes
It’s fun to create something completely unique. It doesn’t matter if your canvas is a piece of paper or your literal backyard, there’s no better feeling than total creative license.
But even the most unique and beautiful designs think about the big picture, not just the next brush stroke. Custom pool designs are an excellent place to flex your most bombastic and exciting design ideas. Here are some things to consider when you’re working with freeform pool shapes.
How You’re Using the Space
Sure, the concept looks cool. But is it an efficient use of the space? This won’t matter to every pool owner. Some people will hold fast to their design philosophy regardless, and that’s still something to celebrate!
However, if you find custom pool designs intriguing and you also hope to install a deck someday, this is something you can’t ignore. One of the best things about freeform pools is that they’re flexible enough to take the rest of the yard into account, so plan your limited space accordingly.
How You’ll Consider Safety
Safety should be every pool owner’s number one priority. But it’s not as cut and dry with freeform shapes as it would be with rectangular pool designs.
You’ll want many of the safety elements you’d see with traditional pool designs, like fencing, pool covers, and self-closing gates. However, safety also means making sure the pool is clearly marked. This means having depth markings since it might not be as obvious which side of the pool is shallow vs. deep.
Contractors also suggest having multiple entry and exit points for freeform pool designs. One entry should be shallow and gradually get deeper. This should be clearly marked for less confident swimmers or young ones.
You should also talk to your designers about covers. The unique shape of your pool might mean combing through a lot of options until you find the right fit, but a cover is an essential feature that keeps both your pool and your family safe, so it’s crucial.
Why You’re Building the Pool
More first-time pool owners should ask themselves how they see themselves using their pool. It can make a massive difference in how you approach the design, and that’s especially true if you’re building it without a pre-existing shape in mind.
Even something as simple as acknowledging that you want to do a few laps before work every morning is extremely important. You’ll want to build a shape that allows for that, so your pool doesn’t just become a decoration.
Conversely, if you’re hoping to have big backyard get-togethers, you want to build the pool in the correct spot to create a good flow for your guests (and make it less likely that they will accidentally fall in).
Why You Should Consider a Freeform Pool Design
Do you want a freeform pool design because it looks neat? That’s a perfectly valid reason, but it’s far from the only one that makes these designs so popular. They look fantastic with lush, natural landscapes. They are more flexible for smaller spaces or yards with slopes. No matter the size or shape of your backyard, you can make a freeform pool fit.
However, knowing why you want it can help inform the design process. A good example would be if you’re mostly interested in building one because you love the natural look. This will likely be in the back of your mind while selecting materials and locations so you can highlight the beautiful flora in your space.
How You Want to Customize Your Swimming Pool
Go beyond the shape and think about ways to accentuate the unique design. You can highlight your pool’s one-of-a-kind curves with clever lighting and gorgeous tiles. Many designs think about how the lights and tiles play together to create optical magic.
Custom shapes also give you more leeway to play with natural rock formations and waterfalls. These are an excellent addition to any pool that can make it feel more integrated with its natural surroundings. Many even blend in with other elements, like patios or hot tubs, to integrate with the manmade surroundings as well.
Your Cost Budget
Freeform pool designs are more expensive than rectangular swimming pools. That shouldn’t deter you from building them — there are plenty of ways to build one on a budget. Still, you should at least have a clear budget and ensure it’s as big as your dreams for your backyard oasis.
More complex shapes mean a higher overall ticket price. You can lower the cost by using different materials or going with a smaller pool. You might also consider waiting on a few extra features and staggering their construction to lower your initial out-of-pocket cost. There are many ways to accomplish a freeform pool on a budget — you just have to use the same creative energy with your budget as you do with your design!
Your Tolerance for Maintenance
Pool maintenance doesn’t have to be a monumental task. But it’s hard to find a pool owner who doesn’t have their hands full with some amount of maintenance, even if they opt for lower-maintenance materials.
Some designs might require more effort to keep clean. For example, pools with unique shapes might be harder to clean without specialty equipment. That might not be an issue once you secure that equipment, but it’s still something to consider while you’re designing.
Your pool’s shape and size can also change the efficacy of its filtration system. If it’s challenging for your system to reach certain areas of the pool or circulate fresh water, you’re looking at higher chemical costs and more frequent cleanings.
Keep in mind that your budget should also include maintenance considerations. You’ll still spend a decent amount on cleaning throughout your years of pool ownership. Your design might cost you in the long term, even if the upfront cost of carving the shape doesn’t seem like much.
Shape Freeform Custom Pool Designs With Tampa Bay Pools
Let the team at Tampa Bay Pools bring out the freedom of expression in your custom pool build! Contact our team today to start brainstorming ideas.