A pool can be a great addition to your backyard. It helps you stay cool during the summer and gives you an excuse to throw pool parties. It also adds value to the property, which is something to consider even if you don’t plan to move anytime soon.

The only thing to have in mind is that you need to choose the right pool for your yard and for the way you plan to use it. If you don’t, it might seem tacky or overcrowded. Not to mention it will ruin the look of the whole outdoor space.

The size

The size is the first thing to plan because it will determine the cost, the length of the installment and how the pool will be used. The main problem is the size of your yard. The pool should fit into it comfortably and leave you enough room to move around.

Consider who will be using the swimming pool (mainly if the kids will use it) and if you plan to do laps inside it or just lounge and relax. When you get this figured out, move on to the shape of the pool because it can also affect the size in some cases.

The materials

When it comes to choosing the materials, you’re going to need to sacrifice either quality or money. The truth is that the better the materials the greater the price. But have in mind that a cheaper option might require more repairs later on.

Concrete is the most common option, and it’s also the most expensive. Once it’s done, there’s practically nothing else to do except keep the pool clean. Vinyl is the second best option, but it comes in a limited amount of sizes and shapes. Fiberglass comes in close third – cheaper than concrete, but more expensive than vinyl. While its installation is faster than that of a concrete swimming pool and the maintenance less expensive, it’s also not customizable.

The accessories

Once you get the basics right, you might want to think about the accessories that will make the swimming pool more pleasant, easy to use, and maintain. There are many of these, and the number of pool supplies depends mostly on your preferences. What you do need is a couple of additional filters and pumps while the rest is negotiable.

You might also want to add some torches or other fire decorations to the yard because they look great when reflected in the pool, especially if you’re having a party.

The shape

Choosing the shape of the swimming pool is both an aesthetic and a functional decision. You want to be able to relax in it and swim around every once in a while, but you also want the pool to fit into the overall appearance. There’s one thing that never goes old, though: simple is more elegant and easier to maintain.

Geometric pools

These pools are the most common and they look pretty slick and simple, which means that they work well with any yard design. This doesn’t mean that they have to be boring and rectangular. All geometric shapes can work well. They also give you the option to create little pockets in the pool where people could have a drink in the water.

Roman swimming pools

Roman swimming pools are among the most popular. They are called this way because the tradition of this design goes back to the ancient Rome. It’s an ordinary geometric shape with two spheres on both sides. It looks luxurious regardless of the materials and it could also be used as a divider between the swimming and the relaxing section of the pool. You might also want to use different colored tiles for the two sections.

A swimming pool could be a source of great family fun. Take the time to pick the one that’ll suit all your needs and you’ll enjoy it so much more.