Suggestions and comments on design please

[Wudmanwud]

Hello,

This will be my first pool. I have some size limitations due to a 14’ utility easement in my back yard. I have been messing around in AutoCAD with a pool design and I also found a trial version of a pool builder software that I have been using. Here is what I have come up with to maximize the size of the pool while keeping the utility easement in mind. Please offer any comments that you think would be helpful. I will be giving this to the pool builder as a basis for his final design.

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

3’6” from existing building to water may require a surcharge on the steel plans due to setback is less than depth of pool.
Also check regulation's on safety glass requirement distances.

 

[Wudmanwud]

3’6” from existing building to water may require a surcharge on the steel plans due to setback is less than depth of pool.
Also check regulation's on safety glass requirement distances.

Thanks. I will bring both of these issues up with the builder.

 

[JJ_Tex]

Thats challenging with the utility easement, but I really don't like the design. It feels tucked into the corner and way too close to the house.

I'm assuming the 14' utility easement is not likely to ever be used, but obviously you cannot have any part of the structure in the easement and anything else should be somewhat removable like pavers. Here is what I would do:

- Shift the whole pool to the right to start closer to the edge of the covered patio
- Obviously you lose your concrete decking by moving the pool, but I would do pavers and have that in the easement area behind the pool.
- Shift the pool closer to the easement and further from the house (your windows will thank me)
- Play around with the tanning ledge location. I would do a shallow end in front of the concrete patio, then flip the tanning ledge to the deep end (tanning ledges are cool in the design, but not used that often IMO)
- I also do not like the ledge running along the deep end for safety reasons when jumping. If you do have the ledge where people will be jumping, line the edge with "toe tile" so it stands out and hopefully prevents someone from hitting their head or teeth on the ledge.

 

[pjt]

You've got some tough constraints. I would consider relocating the tanning ledge to create a swim lane along the long axis of the pool.

3.5' is a bit too shallow. 4' is a good depth for the shallow end.

6' is an awkward depth since it's too deep for people to stand, but too shallow for diving, etc.. I'd suggest 5' or commit to a true deep end.

 

[Wudmanwud]

Thats challenging with the utility easement, but I really don't like the design. It feels tucked into the corner and way too close to the house.

I'm assuming the 14' utility easement is not likely to ever be used, but obviously you cannot have any part of the structure in the easement and anything else should be somewhat removable like pavers. Here is what I would do:

- Shift the whole pool to the right to start closer to the edge of the covered patio
- Obviously you lose your concrete decking by moving the pool, but I would do pavers and have that in the easement area behind the pool.
- Shift the pool closer to the easement and further from the house (your windows will thank me)
- Play around with the tanning ledge location. I would do a shallow end in front of the concrete patio, then flip the tanning ledge to the deep end (tanning ledges are cool in the design, but not used that often IMO)
- I also do not like the ledge running along the deep end for safety reasons when jumping. If you do have the ledge where people will be jumping, line the edge with "toe tile" so it stands out and hopefully prevents someone from hitting their head or teeth on the ledge.

Thanks I am going to see what kind of option I can come up with taking these points into consideration.

 

[Wudmanwud]

You've got some tough constraints. I would consider relocating the tanning ledge to create a swim lane along the long axis of the pool.

3.5' is a bit too shallow. 4' is a good depth for the shallow end.

6' is an awkward depth since it's too deep for people to stand, but too shallow for diving, etc.. I'd suggest 5' or commit to a true deep end.

Thanks. I am going to put together another option. I was not quite sure what the typical depths were for a backyard pool.

 

[DSMinAtlanta]

Our pool is very similar in size and design (minus the tanning ledge). We couldn't build any bigger due to similar limitations (impervious buffer from creek at the back, easement from stormwater pond, and easement from property line). We are very happy with the overall design given the size (12'x24' not including the bump out for our steps). The full-length bench has been great, especially when we have people over. We went with a depth of 3.5' to 5.5'. I guess 4' could have been better in the shallow end but then we may have ended up with another step. The 5.5' deep end is perfect for me as I'm 6'4" and when I stand up the water is just at my chin.

 

[Wudmanwud]

Our pool is very similar in size and design (minus the tanning ledge). We couldn't build any bigger due to similar limitations (impervious buffer from creek at the back, easement from stormwater pond, and easement from property line). We are very happy with the overall design given the size (12'x24' not including the bump out for our steps). The full-length bench has been great, especially when we have people over. We went with a depth of 3.5' to 5.5'. I guess 4' could have been better in the shallow end but then we may have ended up with another step. The 5.5' deep end is perfect for me as I'm 6'4" and when I stand up the water is just at my chin.

I may end up going with 4’ to 5.5’. We were concerned that anyone 6’ would think the pool was too shallow. Thanks for the height reference.

 

[pjt]

I may end up going with 4’ to 5.5’. We were concerned that anyone 6’ would think the pool was too shallow.

I would suggest depths suitable for the heights of an average person. 5' water is perfect for a 6' person. A 6'4" person is well above average height.

 

[kimkats]

I agree with the long bench on the side. Instead you can put a "corner" seat for people to hang out on and to use as a step out.

I would not give up so much pool for the big shelf. You can sun on the area outside the pool when you want to. You can also just sit on the side of the pool and hang you feet in.