Thinking About a Pool? Here’s What to Consider Before You Start

Deciding to put in a swimming pool is exciting, but there’s a lot more to consider than simply choosing the pool you like best...

The size and shape of your backyard, access to the property, how you want to use the space, landscaping, tiles or concrete, heating, filtration and even where the afternoon sun falls can all influence the final result. Taking the time to look at the entire outdoor space from the beginning can make all the difference between having a pool in the backyard and creating an outdoor area that feels like it was always meant to be there.

Start With How You Want to Use Your Pool

Before choosing a pool shape or size, think about how you actually see yourself using it.

Is it primarily somewhere for the kids to spend their summers? Do you want plenty of room for entertaining? Are you looking for a larger pool for swimming and exercise, or something more compact that leaves space for lawn, landscaping and an outdoor entertaining area? There isn't one pool that's right for every property or every family.

Understanding how you want to use the space helps narrow down the pool designs that are going to work best for both your lifestyle and your backyard.

Consider the Whole Backyard, Not Just the Pool

One of the biggest things we encourage clients to consider is what they want the finished backyard to look and feel like. The pool might be the centrepiece, but everything around it plays a part in the final result. Pool surrounds, landscaping, lawn areas, fencing, pathways, outdoor entertaining spaces and planting should all work together. Thinking about these elements early can also help avoid making decisions

that feel like an afterthought. At GV Unique Pools & Landscaping, we can look beyond the pool itself and help bring the different elements of your outdoor space together.

Choosing the Right Size and Shape

It can be tempting to choose the largest pool that will physically fit, but bigger isn't always better. A well-proportioned pool should leave enough room around it for movement, furniture, landscaping and the other things you want to enjoy in your backyard. As an authorised Leisure Pools dealer, we have access to a wide range of fibreglass pool designs and sizes, making it possible to find options for more compact spaces through to acreage backyards. The position of the pool is just as important. Sunlight, views from the house, privacy, existing structures and how people will move between the home and pool area can all influence where it should sit.

Don't Forget About Site Access

This is something homeowners don't always think about when they first start their pool journey. Before installation can happen, we need to consider how machinery will access the property, how excavation will be carried out and how the fibreglass pool shell will be brought onto site. Every property is different... Existing homes, sheds, fences, neighbouring properties and narrow access points can all affect how a pool installation needs to be approached. That's why a proper site assessment is such an important part of the planning process.

Think About the Features You'll Want Later

It's worth considering your pool equipment and upgrades early rather than waiting until construction is underway. Do you want pool heating so you can extend your swimming season? Would you prefer a freshwater or mineral system? Are you interested in automated cleaning? What about lighting, water features or other additions?

Even if you're still deciding, discussing these options during the planning stage means they can be considered as part of the overall project.

Visualise It Before We Build It

Sometimes it's difficult to look at an empty backyard and imagine what it could become.

That's where 3D pool and landscape design can be incredibly useful.

We can create a visual representation of the proposed pool and surrounding outdoor area, helping you understand the scale, positioning and overall design before construction begins! It also gives you the opportunity to explore different ideas and make changes while they're still on the screen, rather than after work has started.

Plan for the Finished Result

A pool is a significant investment and good planning from the beginning can make the entire process much easier. Rather than making each decision separately, consider how the pool, landscaping, surrounds, equipment and entertaining areas will ultimately work together. At GV Unique Pools & Landscaping, we can help with the complete process, from initial ideas and 3D design through to excavation, pool installation, concreting, equipment, landscaping, permits and more! If you're considering a fibreglass pool in Shepparton, the Goulburn Valley or surrounding areas, come and have a chat with our team. We can help you explore what's possible for your property and start turning that empty backyard into a space you'll actually want to spend your summers in.