Build The Pool of Your Dreams With These Top Tips!

Building a pool is about creating a place you’ll want to escape to every chance you get. It’s your personal staycation spot, party central, or the chill zone for lazy Sunday afternoons.

Maybe you’re already daydreaming about the perfect setup — sparkling water, a few shady palm trees, and a lineup of colorful kids’ sleepover beds ready for serious relaxation. Sounds pretty great, right? The good news: getting the pool you’ve been picturing is absolutely doable with a little planning.

Here’s how to make it happen.

Think About How You’ll Really Use the Pool

Before you start dreaming about infinity edges and mosaic tiles, think about what your pool is actually for. Are you planning to swim laps every morning? Host neighborhood BBQs? Float around with a drink in hand every weekend?

Being honest about how you’ll use your pool helps you design it to fit your life, not just your Pinterest board. If it’s for fitness, you might want a longer, rectangular shape. If it’s for parties, you’ll want wide steps, shallow lounging areas, and maybe even a built-in ledge for chairs or floats. If it’s for the kids, a big shallow end and a durable surface matter more than a fancy waterfall.

TLDR: Dream big, but design smart. A pool that fits your lifestyle will get a lot more use (and a lot less regret).

Plan Your Space, Not Just the Pool

It’s easy to get tunnel vision on the pool itself, but the magic really happens when you think about the whole backyard. Where will people sit? Will there be shade nearby? Is there room for a grill or a mini fridge for those all-important cold drinks?

Picture the flow: lounging, swimming, drying off, grabbing a snack, maybe hopping back in. You don’t want a beautiful pool squeezed into a yard with nowhere to relax or entertain. Even simple touches — like making space for comfy chairs, umbrellas, an outdoor shower, or a spot to stash your floaties when they’re not in use — make a huge difference.

Choose the Right Size and Shape for Your Lifestyle

Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to pools. Sure, a huge resort-style lagoon sounds dreamy, but if you’re mostly floating, cooling off, and hosting a few friends, you probably don’t need a pool the size of a football field (or the maintenance bill that comes with it).

Think about your actual needs, not your fantasy. Smaller pools are often easier to clean, heat, and maintain, and they still give you plenty of room to swim, splash, and lounge. Plus, the right shape can make even a modest pool feel like a centerpiece. 

Rectangular pools are great for swimming laps and a clean, modern look. Freeform designs feel more natural and relaxed, perfect if you want to mix in landscaping or have an irregularly shaped yard. Choosing the right size and shape is about making your pool feel like an effortless extension of your home, not a massive project you have to wrestle with every weekend.

Don’t Forget About Poolside Fun

The pool itself is only half the party. Setting up the right vibe around it can take your backyard from “nice” to “why don’t we just hang out here every weekend?”

Think about the fun stuff: a spot for a Bluetooth speaker to blast your favorite playlist, some sturdy outdoor furniture that’s actually comfortable, maybe a fire pit for cooler nights. Even simple extras like an outdoor bin for towels or a mini snack station can turn a regular swim into an all-day hangout.

And if you’ve got the space (and the budget), think even bigger: outdoor kitchens, games like cornhole or giant Jenga, or a shaded lounge area for mid-afternoon naps. Creating a full experience is what really turns a pool into the dream spot you’ll never want to leave.

Pick the Right Pro for the Job

Once you’ve mapped out your dream pool, it’s time to find the right person to actually build it. The best design in the world won’t mean much if the contractor cuts corners or doesn’t get what you’re aiming for.

Start by asking friends, neighbors, or local Facebook groups for recommendations. Check reviews, ask to see examples of their work, and make sure they’re licensed and insured. A good contractor will listen to what you want, walk you through realistic timelines and budgets, and won’t shy away from answering all your questions. It’s worth taking your time here — a little extra homework up front can save you a ton of stress (and money) once construction starts.

Ready, Set, Swim!

And there you have it — top tips to help you build a pool that actually fits your life, not just your wishlist. Take your time, work with the right people, and don’t stress about making it picture-perfect. The best pools are made to be experienced. Plan it right, and you’ll be making memories before you know it.