I learned so much designing my pool from this forum. My takeaway lessons, in no particular order:
- Test your own water and avail yourself of TFP's tools -- my water is always perfect -- THANK YOU!!!
- Sun shelf at 12" is too deep -- I'd go 9" or less
- You don't need step-outs on your perimeter seats - waste of seating. You DO need tons of perimeter seats, tho -- more is more in this case.
- Shallow areas (4-5 feet) define your pool with a crowd -- include lots of these areas.
- Keep you steps low -- 8" vs 12" rises make a big difference.
- Lighting, perimeter lighting, all of it, is critical because you use your pool a lot after dark. And the bats that visit at dusk are cool.
- A gas pool heater is necessary in Maryland, and don't be afraid to RUN it. I didnt at first, and then I figured out it was pretty cheap, at least in MD.
- Use 6x6 waterline tiles to ease cleaning maintenance.
- Landscape. Enough said!
- SWG is so easy -- consider it.
Thanks for sharing and glad you are seeing the benefits of being a TFP pool owner. 
