What to Consider When Building a Pool With Natural Stone Features
You’ve decided that you want a custom pool builder to design your dream pool, and you’d also like a pool with stunning natural stone features. It’s an excellent choice, but it’s not without some crucial caveats and considerations. Here’s a look at the factors that influence a project with natural stone features and how you can design your pool to take full advantage of the beauty of stone.
Choosing the Right Stone Features for the Project
The first question to answer is which type of natural stone to use. There are many options, and each comes with its own unique benefits and drawbacks, but one particular option that is popular for it’s affordability:
Travertine
You may not have heard of travertine before, but it’s an industry favorite because it’s less slippery than other options and even has naturally cooling properties. Unfortunately, it’s not as durable as granite and limestone, but it is relatively inexpensive. This can be a decent trade-off if you’re operating with a tight budget.
Chat with your custom pool builder to review their options and see if they have any recommendations for types of stone that can best suit your situation.
Securing Your Curb Appeal
Aesthetics are a key point of any custom pool, but they are particularly important if you’re building a pool with natural stone features. If you want your pool to be the talk of the town, think about how the stone you choose fits into the rest of your landscape.
Color Palette
How well does the stone integrate with the color palette of your home and yard? There’s merit to having stones that match seamlessly with your existing look, but you could also go with something bold to make your pool stand out — the choice is ultimately yours!
Texture
Natural stone features are so popular because they add a design element many don’t often consider: texture. Smooth stone provides a sleek look, while rougher textures have a rustic charm.
Just remember that texture will impact the comfort of your pool area as people walk on it, so you want to balance form and function. Textured surfaces can also help reduce slips and falls, and that’s good to know if you want to include more safety features.
Blending With the Landscape
Aside from the colors, how well does the stone blend with the surrounding flora? You want your pool to feel like a natural extension of your yard, so ensure that the stone you’ve chosen is harmonious with all the other elements in your outdoor space.
Maintaining Your Natural Stone
It’s never the most fun to talk about maintenance when considering your dream pool. Still, maintenance is a major part of pool ownership. You’ll thank yourself later for caring about it before beginning the pool construction process, especially since natural stone features can be higher maintenance than many people realize.
Different stones have different maintenance needs, so it’s possible to choose a material that requires less maintenance if you still want the beauty of natural stone without all the extra responsibility.
Probably the most notable maintenance requirement for natural stone is frequent sealing. Sealing helps protect stones from stains and weathering so they stay beautiful even when exposed to harsh conditions. Regular cleaning is equally crucial to prevent algae and dirt from building up — this can be unsightly and even pose a safety hazard on certain surfaces.
It’s also wise to periodically check for cracks or other damage to your stone. Addressing these issues early with pool professionals can help save you from costly repairs down the line. If you’re worried about the level of maintenance your stone might need, consult your custom pool builder and let them know what you’re looking for; they can steer you in the right direction.
Consider Your Swimming Pool Design and Budget
Natural stone can get expensive, even if it’s worth the investment. It’s tempting to go all out and create something extravagant, but sticking to a budget is essential when building a custom pool.
Here’s what you can do to help manage costs.
Consider Alternative Stones
If you’re flexible on material choice, don’t hesitate to explore alternatives. There are plenty of beautiful options that won’t break the bank.
Plan for Long-Term Costs
Your budget should also factor in maintenance, repairs, and potential upgrades — all of which could include your natural stone features. Budget for more than just the initial cost so you aren’t confused when owning natural stone turns out to be much more expensive than you bargained for.
Get a Quote
If there’s a custom pool builder you’re considering partnering with, get a quote from them and see how they can work with your budget. This will help you save money and ensure you’re getting the best quality stone for the price.
Hire a Pro
It might sound counterintuitive when considering how much you could save by going with someone less experienced, but the cost of fixing a subpar installation will almost always put you over budget. Spend money to save money, and find custom pool builders who do it right the first time.
Call Tampa Bay Pools for Custom Pool Builders Who Understand Natural Stone
Because natural stone installations are a significant investment, you don’t want to entrust such a project to just any contractor — you want one with experience to bring custom designs to life. You’ll find that when you team up with Tampa Bay Pools. Call us today to learn more about our process and get a quote for your pool project.
