Looking for a Backyard Oasis? Dive Into A Custom Crafted Pool
If you think high-end dream pools with waterfalls and custom landscaping are found only in the backyards of movie stars, think again. With today’s technology and virtual 3-D design software, pool builders can design a high-end luxury pool that transforms the landscape of any homeowner into a spectacular dream get-away.
Unlike pools of the past that were used strictly for swimming during the summer months, today’s pools are an extension of living space. Families eat meals, entertain guests, and unwind to the soothing sounds of nature as they retreat into their private backyard oasis. Better still, a custom-crafted pool is an investment that grows in value over time.
Still, many people find themselves flummoxed when it comes to selecting a pool builder. Custom pools can vary in price from $40,000 to the upper six figures. What should you look for when selecting a pool contractor or landscape design firm?
Seamless Integration
A talented landscape architect will work with a pool builder to ensure your pool is a harmonious fit with the environment. Slopes, trees, and the use of natural stone and rocks are all used to bring about a design that matches the landscape instead of intruding upon it. Attention is given to the site’s views, privacy, orientation, and any possible architecture challenges. Drainage is addressed to ensure decking remains free of standing water, and landscaping and lighting is mapped out ahead of time.
Usability
Consider how your backyard space and pool will be used. How much time will you spend there? Do you want a pavilion? An outdoor kitchen and/or fireplace? The ability to control your pool’s amenities from a cell phone or computer? Your pool builder will discuss these and other options with you such as heating, LED lighting, jet systems, automated cleaning, and spa features in order to present you with a comprehensive master plan that prioritizes the design features most important to you.
Pricing
The techniques used by luxury pool builders to create a custom swimming pool are diverse. Hiring an experienced pool builder and landscape firm ensures your pool will achieve a total-package effect that endures a lifetime. Like a custom-home builder, a custom pool contractor takes on projects that are unique in design, and so a running budget within a pre-defined range is often the norm. They will also be able to suggest cost-saving measures such as dedicated pumps, automated cleaning features, and salt chlorination systems. Investing in proper design upfront will save you money in the end as a landscape design firm oversees every detail from equipment placement (to ensure sounds aren’t obtrusive) to details such as hidden automated pool covers, camouflaged drains, and skimmer lids.
Pre-Construction
Ready to see what your dream pool looks like? There’s no need to wait for the finished product. Today’s landscape and pool design firms create 3D renderings, scaled drawings, and cross-sectional drawings for homeowners to preview exactly what their completed project will look like. These construction documents save time and money as design elements may be tweaked before the actual work begins.
Conclusion
Unlike production pool companies who offer limited pool shapes, sizes, and features with no reference to architectural components, a landscape architect works with homeowners to develop truly unique and distinctive outdoor environments. They are as interested as the homeowner in achieving a successful project. They can shepard a design from concept through construction documents to project management, bringing a homeowner’s dream landscape to life. They often work with established high-end elite builders who construct the projects they design. If you’re looking for endless hours of outdoor enjoyment, consider a custom-crafted pool today.
The amount of detail in the way Don envisioned this project turned out to be just ideal. From the start we had total confidence in Land & Water Design's capabilities. We don't see how anyone could have better used the space to give us what we wanted. Every single feature relating to hardscape and landscape worked out to be beyond what we thought possible when we started.
