Deciding to add a pool to your home to finally get that backyard oasis you have been dreaming of is no small investment in time and money. But with the glory all those successful do-it-yourselfers are getting, you may be starting to considerinstalling the pool yourself. The likelihood of success depends mostly on the complexity of the pool design you have in mind, not to mention your skills, but if you are one brave soul who is ready to take on this project and maybe save a few bucks in the process, then this guide on basic pool designs may help you get started. Or help sober you up to get a professional to do it.

Can You DIY A Pool?

The Art and Science of Water Pools

Choose a pool shape and design. There is an endless variety of pool shapes and designs to choose from. The more common ones worth considering are:

  • Oval – One of the more basic pool shapes.
  • Round – The oval’s more conservative cousin.
  • L-shaped – Shaped like the letter L, this pool design can be just as aesthetically appealing as the more complex ones when done right.
  • Lazy L – The difference of this shape from the usual L-shaped is that the rectangles are at a 45 degree angle from each other.
  • Figure 8 – Following the silhouette of a number 8.
  • Kidney – Shaped like a…well, you get the picture.
  • Grecian – This pool design incorporates elements found in ancient art. The shape is an octagon with cut corners.
  • Roman – In the same family as the Grecian, this pool shape is characterized by stylized corners and rounded ends.

The pool shape should of course take into consideration the size of the space where you are planning to have the pool installed, and is best matched with the overall design of your home. You can, of course, always create a custom shape to tailor-fit your needs.

Decide on the pool technology. The pool technology will determine the quality of the water and can have direct impact on how frequently you would need to clean your pool.

Choose your enhancements.If you are a glutton for punishment and want the whole she-bang, you have the option of adding a waterfall, fountain bubblers, or water jets. Or all of the above.Warning though, theseadditions are not for the faint-hearted do-it-yourselfer.

And then there’s above Ground Pools

Now if you found all this too intimidating, there is always Above Ground Pools For Sale online. Problem solved!