How to Design an Inground Pool for a Sloped Backyard
Every Florida homeowner dreams of owning an inground pool. But for some, those hopes are dashed the moment they take a good look at their yard. Depending on their location, it’s possible that the surrounding terrain just isn’t well-equipped for a custom-built pool.
Does that mean that these disappointed pool lovers have to give up on their ambitions? Thankfully, the answer is a resounding “Not at all!”
The guide below will show you how to make your yard work for you instead of against you in your quest to build the perfect pool. It’s time to dive into the various ways inground pool designs can be modified to better suit sloped backyards!
What Challenges Do You Face With a Slope Near Your Pool?
First and foremost, it’s good to know what challenges homeowners with sloped landscapes might face during the design phase. The most notable of these actually have little to do with the pool itself and more to do with your home:
Drainage
When it comes to ensuring proper drainage, slopes make that more complicated. A homeowner with a sloped yard will likely find water flowing unevenly across the landscape, which can lead to patches of excess standing water. If you aren’t careful with how you address these, you’ll heighten your chances of erosion or potential water damage. Building a new inground pool will inevitably shift the landscape, so it’s important to discuss a drainage plan with your pool designer before construction begins.
Accessibility
Another major concern with sloped backyards and pool design involves ease of access. Steep inclines are harder to maneuver for some, especially children and the elderly. Depending on how mobile the person is, getting up to or down from a pool could be outright dangerous. You can combat these risks by being smart about entry points, installing handrails, and creating pathways with materials that provide traction (like gravel).
Expenses
The last challenge is one that all homeowners dread: the cost. Building on a slope can make custom inground pool designs significantly more expensive to see to fruition due to labor costs or the need to retain walls and grading. It’s an unavoidable reality that’s really only mitigated by hiring industry professionals who know the ins and outs of building pools in sloped environments.
Planning for an Inground Swimming Pool Design
Despite the unique hurdles homeowners with sloped yards face, pursuing a custom inground pool build is certainly not an exercise in futility.
Here’s what you should focus on during the planning phase before you worry about the design:
Consider Your Space
Developing inground pool designs isn’t easy to begin with, but the process gets a lot harder if you aren’t realistic about the space you have to work with. Take note of how steep your yard is and any other factors in the landscape that you’ll need to overcome in designing and construction.
Consult a Professional
It’s best to outsource a build like this to a pool design professional with proven experience working with sloped properties. They will ensure your concerns are taken to heart and review both your property and design concepts with their in-field expertise to back up their initial thoughts.
Additionally, if there’s anything about your property you’re unsure of, a professional can help smooth out any wrinkles. The result is the peace of mind you need to proceed with building your dream pool.
Learn About Regulations and Secure Permits
Homeowners don’t necessarily need to be experts in the law, but being totally oblivious to local ordinances isn’t a good idea, either. Check to see if there are any specific guidelines for pools in sloped areas, including setback requirements or safety regulations.
Designing and Creating a Pool With a Sloped Backyard
Now it’s time for the exciting part: learning how to construct beautiful inground swimming pool designs!
Here’s some information you can take straight to your designers and contractors to help build a pool for your sloped backyard that’s right for you:
Choose the Right Size and Shape
The size of your pool is an obvious consideration; you can’t build it if you don’t have the space. However, shape is an interesting thing when it comes to sloped areas. You may want to consider a freeform pool, as these are ideal for building around uneven terrain or natural features. But if you’re set on something geometric, you might still be able to squeeze one snugly into a slope if there’s enough space.
Use Natural Landscaping Elements to Work in Your Favor
Many homeowners don’t want the uneven landscape to disrupt the otherwise clean lines of their new pool. There’s a simple solution for that: natural landscaping elements, like stone or plants. These will allow the eye to seamlessly flow between your yard and pool. Not only will they make your pool area more beautiful, but you can even plant larger native foliage for more privacy.
Design for a Spot With Sunlight
An often overlooked design aspect of new pools is how much sunlight they will get. That may not seem like a big deal on paper, but once you consider how much the sun can save you in heating costs, you’ll understand that it’s one part of the design process you don’t want to forget!
Make the Most of Your Space With Inground Pool Designs from Tampa Bay Pools
Don’t let a sloped landscape get you down — no matter how steep your slope or uneven your backyard, the professional pool designers at Tampa Bay Pools can turn your outdoor space into the oasis you’ve always dreamed of!
Chat with our team today to learn more about our design options surrounding inground pool designs and their cost, or book your appointment for a consultation/quote.