May 26 2006
As Memorial Day approaches, many homeowners will be spending time outdoors, and perhaps wishing to cool off in their own pool. When the time comes to install that new pool, often more thought is given to the type of features a homeowner wants installed, than on how the location of the pool will affect group dynamics and the overall aesthetics of a pool’s design. The Concrete Network, the largest and most comprehensive resource online for residential concrete information, offers these tips for choosing the ideal pool location.
“Think of the entire pool area as a total swimming environment, with the pool as the focal point,” says Jim Peterson, president of The Concrete Network. “Also, the pool deck complements the pool itself and considerations should be given to its size and shape.” For example, provide more ample deck space in a certain area to encourage people to congregate in that particular area. And allow enough room for people to pull out chairs from a table or set drinks and reading material next to a lounge chair.
In addition, while it may seem most "natural" to have a deck layout in which people have the house at their backs, this is not always desirable. A home with a striking, well-landscaped rear façade may well have that as its most aesthetic view, as opposed to a backyard fence and view of a neighbor’s home environment.
A pool close to the house is convenient and easy to watch over, but it may be very noisy for occupants of the house when there is a group of children playing and splashing in it. On a large property the pool and deck can be constructed well away from the house as a separate identity. It is better to use a freeform style design, possibly with a more natural set of finishes to complement the exterior landscaping for a pool set away from the home.
On a smaller property, the pool may have to be located close to or adjoining the house itself. This makes it more a part of the home’s architecture, and may have to have more formal lines (i.e. a rectangular or oval shape) in order to fit in with the typical home’s design. In this case, the pool deck should be designed to match or complement the color and materials found on the home’s exterior, as opposed to those of the natural surroundings. Look at the types of material used for garden edges, back of the house paths & any adjacent driveways. Choose a deck finish, such as colored concrete, stamped or stained concrete that either blends in with these, or is totally contrasting.