Overview

Before breaking ground on your pool, it’s important to consider that there are several technical and structural decisions that will shape the outcome of your build. While you might entertain renovations or equipment upgrades in the future, you should make each choice as if the pool will remain exactly as built.

In this blog post, Aqualite Pool LLC takes you through the critical decisions that determine how your pool will function, feel, and hold up over time. We show you that the most lasting results come from early choices—those that shape the structure, flow, and usability.

Introduction

A well-built pool is the result of deliberate choices made long before construction begins. Overlook the wrong detail, and you may end up with problems that are difficult to correct later. The challenge is knowing which decisions are permanent and which ones can wait. Without a clear understanding of how these elements work together, it’s easy to miss critical steps. Learning a pool contractor’s role in these decisions is the best place to start.

Why You Should Make Key Decisions With a Pool Contractor

You may already have a clear image of your ideal pool—its shape, the way it fits into your yard, or how it’ll be used on a hot afternoon. Maybe it’s something you’ve seen in a magazine, or something you’ve always pictured. That kind of vision is a strong starting point, and one that contractors appreciate. That said, visual ideas don’t account for the structural and functional realities beneath the surface or what’s possible in your space. Depth, circulation, access points, and finish types all involve technical considerations that aren’t obvious at first glance. That’s where experience matters.

Working with a contractor from the start ensures your ideas are refined, not restricted. The right expertise helps translate what you want into something that can actually be built without compromising on performance or safety. Also, unless you plan on building the pool yourself, you’ll be working with a contractor at some point—so it makes sense to involve them early.

Choosing a Location for Pool Installation

Where you place your pool will affect everything from usability to long-term maintenance. Sun exposure, proximity to your house, and surrounding structures all play a role in how well the pool fits into your property and daily life. How big is your yard? That one question can narrow down your options quickly. The available space doesn’t just determine size—it affects orientation, access for construction, and even how the pool interacts with your existing landscaping.

Here are a few options to consider:

Close to the house: Convenient access for swimming, entertaining, and supervision; may limit available size or layout flexibility
Back corner of the yard: Preserves open lawn space but may require longer plumbing runs and more lighting
Center of the yard: Creates a focal point and balances the landscape; reduces privacy unless screened
Near an existing patio or deck: Allows for easy integration of outdoor living areas; may involve more grading or elevation adjustments

What Pool Structure Best Suits Your Needs?

It’s easy to conflate shape with pool structure, but these are distinct. Structure refers to the physical framework and materials that give the pool its form and strength. It’s what holds the water, supports the interior finish, and interacts with the surrounding soil and environment.

Making structural decisions involves weighing factors like soil conditions, timeline, customization, and long-term upkeep. Some options allow for complete design flexibility, while others offer faster installation or lower maintenance. Your choice should depend on how you plan to use the pool. For example, a fully custom concrete structure may be ideal if you want built-in steps, benches, and non-standard dimensions. On the other hand, a fiberglass shell might suit someone looking for quicker installation and a smoother surface with less maintenance.

How Soil Conditions Affect Pool Excavation

Not all soil is created equal, and for pool excavations, what’s underground can have just as much impact as what’s above. Clay, sand, rock, or loam each respond differently to digging and weight, and those differences can influence how the pool is supported and whether you need extra reinforcement.

Soil conditions can affect everything from the depth of excavation to the type of structural system used. In some cases, additional grading or engineered backfill might be required. Knowing what you’re working with early on helps avoid costly surprises and ensures the pool is built on solid ground.

What’s the Best Pool Depth?

Like most features, pool depth is defined by purpose. Whether the goal is casual lounging, active play, or swimming laps, how you intend to use the pool will shape its depth from end to end. Safety and comfort are central to making the right call, especially in shared or family spaces.

In most residential builds, shallow ends fall between 3 and 4 feet—enough for standing, wading, and entry. Deep ends often range from 6 to 8 feet, depending on how much vertical space is needed for movement or specific activities. The right depth comes down to function, not just preference.

Here are a few common options to consider:

3 feet: Ideal for entry points, tanning ledges, and shallow lounging areas
4 feet: Suitable for casual play and water aerobics; allows full-body submersion while still being easy to stand in
5 feet: A middle ground—deep enough for gentle swimming without being too difficult to stand
6 feet: Good for lap swimming and active use without requiring a diving setup
8 feet or more: Required for diving boards or slides; best for pools intended for athletic use

How Much Space Do You Need for the Shallow End?

Unless you plan to use your pool exclusively for lap swimming or diving, you’ll probably want a shallow end. It’s where most people enter the pool, gather, and spend the most time. The question isn’t whether to include one—it’s how much space to give it and how deep it should be.

The shallow end often takes up about one-third to one-half of the pool’s total length, depending on the design. The length should vary depending on who’s using the pool—families often prefer more shallow space for kids, while others may opt for a shorter entry zone before it slopes into deeper water.

What Pool Finish Should You Choose?

Pool finish refers to the material that lines the interior surface of the pool—it’s what you see and feel once the structure is complete. Beyond appearance, it plays a key role in texture and how the pool holds up over time. One of the biggest factors in choosing a finish is longevity. Plaster offers a smooth, classic look that’s long been a standard in pool construction. It may require some upkeep, but it provides a clean look and a proven performance when properly maintained.

Here are some other factors to consider:

Texture underfoot and how it feels against the skin
Compatibility with your water type and treatment system
Visual clarity and how the finish affects water color
How the finish ages or changes in appearance over time

Where Should You Include Pool Seating and Steps?

Every pool needs a way in and out, and steps are the most common solution. Whether it’s a wide entry at the shallow end or corner steps built into the side, their placement affects both flow and safety. Entry points should feel natural—not in the way, but easy to reach.

Seating, while optional, can also add a lot to your experience. Built-in benches or ledges create spots to rest, cool off, or supervise kids without leaving the water. They’re also useful for other purposes, like as social areas near tanning shelves.

Think about when and where you’ll want to pause, rest, or enter—that’s what guides placement. Steps and seating should complement movement, not interrupt it. Some designs keep them near gathering spaces; others tuck them into corners to preserve swim space.

How Surrounding Landscape Influences Pool Design

The surrounding landscape is the final layer that helps your pool feel like it belongs. You don’t want the pool to look out of place or compete with the rest of your outdoor space. At the same time, you might want it to stand out in certain ways—to act as a centerpiece without overwhelming the setting.

Consider the relationship between your hardscape and softscape, the lines of nearby structures, and how sightlines move through the yard. For example, if you have a brick patio, you might carry that material through to the pool coping or decking to create a visual link. Small choices like these can tie the pool into the landscape naturally while still giving it a distinct presence.

Start Building Your Custom Pool

Your pool should be designed with purpose. Aqualite Pool LLC works with you from the first decision to the final detail, ensuring every part of the build serves how you want to use the space.

Start building your custom pool with expert guidance—call (215) 688-0000.