The backyard is dirt, the pool builders charge $$$, we have never had a pool, and everything takes some time. Gulp. Now, I am going to try this on my own. Help TFP!
I have some landscaping and irrigation experience with small to large residences and modest commercial areas as well as landscape design coursework from college about 15 years ago, so I have some knowledge but nothing fresh and no experience on pools except the occasional use over a few years of my parents pool they acquired after I was an adult. Hey, I found some architectural and engineering rulers in some boxes! After meeting with three pool builders, and mining them for design ideas, we have a decent idea of what we want it to look like. We used marking paint a couple weeks ago to mark out the lines in our backyard. I drew up my own design. Now, I gotta figure out the the how to's, the who does it, and for how much.
Priorities of backyard, in somewhat order of preference:
Other considerations:
I have some landscaping and irrigation experience with small to large residences and modest commercial areas as well as landscape design coursework from college about 15 years ago, so I have some knowledge but nothing fresh and no experience on pools except the occasional use over a few years of my parents pool they acquired after I was an adult. Hey, I found some architectural and engineering rulers in some boxes! After meeting with three pool builders, and mining them for design ideas, we have a decent idea of what we want it to look like. We used marking paint a couple weeks ago to mark out the lines in our backyard. I drew up my own design. Now, I gotta figure out the the how to's, the who does it, and for how much.
Priorities of backyard, in somewhat order of preference:
- Kids, kids, kids will be using it. We have a dozen or so (my wife says 5, but I lose track), and they have friends. Also, some parents. Make it pretty as budget and safety permits, although the safety fence will likely destroy our pool view until our kids can all swim the English Channel;
- Pool, preferably with 6 feet depth at deepest so bigger kids have to swim sometimes;
- Spa, so kids can use a mini pool year round, and so parents can be persuaded to get wet;
- Patio, because we have just dirt right now; also much glass from when our home was vacant prior to purchase, I think the windows were used for neighborhood target practice. Possibly Kool Deck type covering for those 115 degree days;
- Safety fencing around the pool, because... kids;
- Play area that is accessible when the pool is closed for winter; fake grass, possibly padded with a small swing set and/or slide;
- Pool lights. But the pool builders quote $1,500 for color changing LEDs. Really? A basic light or two should suffice;
- Wet deck, because... little kids, and mom time;
- Salt chlorine, because wife says our kids hair fairs better;
- BBQ/Grill area so I can feel hip;
- Concrete driveway that extends from street to backyard for shed to hold kids bikes, etc and possibly future boat (dreaming, likely), with visibility blocked by plants or use of walls;
- Some plants and rocks aka "landscaping" to add a touch of beauty and possible block some views from peering neighbors.
Other considerations:
- Cleaning system using those sprinkler type heads?
- Some type of pool pump automation / controller
but some stuff just takes a long time to line up and complete 
