Are you on the brink of installing a new pool in your backyard? Are you a little unsure which comes first - the pool or the landscaping? And most importantly who runs the project when installing a pool?
With so many pool companies and options to consider, it's crucial to pause and reflect on some invaluable advice we've gleaned from over three decades of creating more than 550 gardens, many of which boasted pools as their focal point.
This article delves into some of the most significant challenges you might face when installing a pool. Our insights could potentially save you a substantial amount of money, prevent you from wasting precious time, and ultimately help you achieve a garden with a pool that brings you joy, rather than settling for compromises.
What's the priority: Pool or Garden?
When embarking on a pool installation project, it's not uncommon for all your attention to become fixated solely on the pool itself. After all, for many homeowners, the pool is the centrepiece of your new outdoor space.
People often say, "We're putting in a pool," rather than "We're redesigning our backyard landscape, with a pool as the central feature."
While the pool may indeed take centre stage in your new garden, it's essential to remember one crucial aspect: you're not merely installing a pool; you're integrating it into a beautifully designed landscape. Overlooking this can lead to functionality issues and a less-than-ideal outcome.
Your pool should blend seamlessly with the rest of your garden's elements. Questions regarding pool size, type, placement, and how well it will integrate with the surrounding features of your new garden are all vital considerations.
A Pool Without Proper Landscaping?
Imagine installing a pool without any accompanying landscaping (a scenario often seen with above-ground pools). Picture stepping out of the pool onto a bare, muddy lawn, with no deck to lounge on or path to navigate back to the house for example.
This is where the expertise of a landscape designer becomes indispensable. By involving a landscaper from the outset of your new garden project, you ensure a more holistic approach to your outdoor space, resulting in a garden that harmonises with your pool.
The Real Secret: Who Manages the Project?
Deciding to let the pool builder run your project instead of the landscaper can lead to a world of pain. If you let the pool builder take the reins, the focus will be solely on the pool. In contrast, a landscaper will view your garden as a unified design, ensuring that the pool integrates seamlessly with the surrounding landscape elements.
The Pitfalls of Installing the Pool First
Attemping to install the pool before coordinating the landscaping works can lead to a host of problems and additional expenses. A landscaper's keen eye can spot potential issues early on, such as inadequate space for decking, safety concerns with existing features, or regulatory hurdles.
Scheduling and Coordination
Pool installation and landscaping are best done in parallel with each other as there are often overlapping steps. Effective coordination between the pool installer and landscaper is crucial to avoid delays, cost overruns, or design clashes.
For some more understanding of the potential issues that can arise without proper coordination between the pool company and landscaper please read this article - Getting things right with your pool installation
Aesthetics Matter
Beyond practical considerations, the aesthetic appeal of your pool is paramount. An ill-placed or mismatched pool can detract from your home's overall aesthetic. A skilled landscaper will ensure that your pool enhances the beauty of your garden in a way that complements your property's architecture.
Choosing the Right Team
While pool companies specialise in pools, landscapers possess expertise in both gardens and pools, making them by far the better project manager. By entrusting your project to a landscaper and landscape designer, you ensure a more cohesive design and smoother construction process.
Project Management Essentials
Ultimately, whenever installing a pool it's vital that allow your landscaper to assume the role of project manager to ensure all aspects of the project are coordinated effectively. Insist on clear, regular and open communication between the pool company and landscaper to avoid conflicts or costly delays.
Take the First Step
Ready to transform your backyard into a stunning oasis? Schedule a free consultation with us to learn more about our comprehensive approach to garden design and project management, including seamless pool integration. Click below to get started:
