Top Tips For Designing A Pool
Outdoor living and swimming pools have become top priorities for homeowners over the past year, especially those wanting to transform their backyards into private retreats. Whether you're looking to build a pool from scratch or remodel an existing one, thoughtful design is key. My team at Bespoke Garden Plans are experts at helping homeowners design the pool of their dreams! I want to share some of my favorite tips for designing a pool that fits both your current needs and future lifestyle. A well-planned pool becomes the heart of your outdoor space and adds long-term value to your home.
Function First – Tips for Designing A Pool
Pool time creates lasting memories for family and friends, but it’s important to think long-term when you're planning your backyard oasis. Today, you might have young children who need a shallow end, but in ten years, will you be entertaining guests or lounging quietly with a book? Always design with future pool use in mind. Consider how you’ll integrate features like a tanning ledge, a spa area, or built-in benches. You’ll also want to think through where sun loungers, umbrellas, and your outdoor dining setup will go. Measure the typical size of chaise lounges and dining sets, then ensure your pool decking layout can support them. These details create a more functional and visually cohesive pool area.
When my team and I assist with designing the shape and helping site in the pool, we always plan for practical access around the full perimeter. One of my pet peeves is limited access to the pool. You should be able to walk completely around it with ease. This is not just about aesthetics, but also about safety, functionality, and long-term maintenance. A pool with 360-degree access allows you to clean, entertain, and relax with minimal obstacles.
Choosing the best Pool Material
There are many great options when it comes to pool construction materials, and it’s important to choose the one that fits your budget, climate, and overall backyard goals. Personally, I love gunite for custom pool designs. Gunite is a highly durable concrete mixture made of sand, cement, and water, which is sprayed over a reinforced steel frame. This method offers greater design flexibility and is known for creating long-lasting, high-end pools. It’s perfect for clients looking for a luxury pool experience.
Also consider how the interior finish of your pool will affect the look of the water. Different textures and materials can impact both safety and style. Some finishes may create a reflective blue hue, while others lean green or turquoise. I lean toward traditional tones and always love the timeless elegance of a clean, classic blue pool. It creates a sense of calm and works beautifully in both modern and traditional backyard settings.
Soften the Edges
To break up the hardness of concrete or stone pool decking, I love incorporating garden design elements like lush planting beds. These soften the transition between the pool and the rest of your backyard landscaping. For a structured, evergreen foundation, Wintergreen Boxwoods are one of my go-to shrubs. They offer year-round greenery and look beautiful trimmed or left slightly natural. In the warmer months, layer in colorful annual flowers for seasonal interest. This approach brings texture, warmth, and a curated garden feel to your poolscape, making it feel more like a resort.
Planting beds around pools can also serve as natural privacy screens or borders between activity zones. When selecting plants, always consider their tolerance to sun, heat, and potential splashing from chlorinated water. You want plants that can handle poolside life and still thrive.
Artificial Turf Makes a Difference
If you've ever had grass or mulch near a pool, you know how easily it ends up in the water. Whether it’s from kids running around or just everyday foot traffic, these organic materials are tough to keep out. That’s why I often suggest artificial turf around pool areas. It offers a clean, low-maintenance solution that always looks manicured and fresh. Modern turf options feel soft underfoot and are designed to drain well and resist fading.
For hot climates, choose a turf product that includes a cooling technology or temperature-control feature. Some turf gets too hot to walk on in summer, so this little detail can make a big difference. Artificial turf is a great way to maintain a tidy, family-friendly pool environment and can also help reduce long-term maintenance costs.
Finishing Touch: Container Gardens
When it comes to adding a personal touch to your pool area, container gardens are one of my favorite design tricks. But here’s a tip…go big. Small pots can dry out quickly in summer heat and end up looking sparse or neglected. Larger containers not only make a stronger visual impact, but they also retain moisture better, which keeps your plants healthier. Look for tall, wide vessels in materials like terra cotta or glazed ceramic that can handle the outdoor elements. I always choose pots that are 24” diameter or greater for my clients’ poolside containers.
Less is often more when it comes to container garden placement. Instead of scattering small pots everywhere, choose a few focal points and plant boldly. Use dramatic foliage, trailing vines, or tropical accents to create a lush, vibrant poolside feel. This approach ties in beautifully with the rest of your landscape design and helps frame the pool as a destination.
For new pool construction, we like to install drain boxes beneath large containers. This prevents water overflow from damaging your pool deck and helps with soil drainage. It’s a simple upgrade that preserves your hardscape investment and ensures your container garden thrives all season.
Connect With Me
Whether you're building a new custom pool or enhancing an existing backyard design, I’d love to see your inspiration and help bring it to life. Share your pool ideas with me and let’s create an outdoor living space that truly reflects your lifestyle. At Bespoke Garden Plans, we specialize in tailored outdoor design.
You’ll find even more inspiration on my Instagram and Facebook pages, where we’ll be sharing some of my favorite pool designs and answering your top questions about backyard makeovers, pool materials, and planting strategies. Let’s design the pool of your dreams together!
I’d love to see your pool inspiration and will be sharing some of mine on as well as answering some of your questions! Be sure you subscribe to my blog for all the latest tips and inspo.