Make the right decisions before construction begins

Geometric pools suit classic or contemporary settings and work well for laps and games. Free-form pools feel more natural and pair well with waterfalls or boulders. The right shape should support both the architecture and the way the pool will be used.

Decide whether the pool is mainly for relaxation, exercise, entertaining, visual impact or children's play. Also consider whether it needs to support diving, casual play or lap swimming, because this changes the dimensions, depths, entries and systems.

Water colour is influenced by the finish, depth, sun exposure, shade and surrounding vegetation. Compare deep dark blue, dark blue, medium blue, light blue, teal and green using real pool photography—not only a dry material sample.

Plaster, quartz and pebble finishes have different appearance and performance characteristics. Premium aggregate finishes are chosen for beauty and longevity. If you want genuine PebbleTec, put the exact product family and colour in the written specification and contract.

Plan waterfalls, diving boards, sun shelves, slides, grottos, lighting, sound, safety equipment, cabanas and weather enclosures during the initial design. Retrofitting these features later can be difficult and expensive.

Review daily sun patterns, the preferred entrance, privacy, views, drainage and any existing landscaping or structures. Good placement improves both usability and the experience of the whole outdoor space.

Set the maximum investment and list the must-haves before meeting builders. Review their websites, completed work, customer feedback and showrooms. For a genuine PebbleTec pool, select a builder or authorised applicator experienced with the system.

Drawings should show exact dimensions, depth elevations, steps, special features and the pool's position. Specifications should name the finish brand and colour, equipment models, plumbing and electrical details, feature sizes and quantities, plus decking or landscaping included in the scope.