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With its arid climate, living in Phoenix, Arizona comes with many perks. Not least of which is the ability to swim several months out of the year instead of just June through August. In fact, even though nights may be chilly, the days are often hot, and that means cooling off with a dip in your backyard pool. If a backyard dip is on your wishlist, you’ve probably researched the different pool type and shape ideas. When you envision floating in the cool water or entertaining friends and family poolside, what does your perfect pool look like?
Quality is an often overused word, but if you want a pool that’s going to last you for several years, you have to choose a company that focuses on quality first.
Ask for recommendations and research the landscaping companies in your area before you choose one.
What does quality mean? Simply put, it’s choosing to use the best materials, and working with an expert team that’s skilled in bringing your Arizona pool ideas to life.
When it comes to pool materials there are three main types that stand for quality: fiberglass, concrete and vinyl. Of these three, fiberglass is the only one that comes pre-fabricated and ready to install. The build takes less time, overall, but doesn’t sacrifice on quality. All the features you desire are built-in, including stairs and seating, based on your specifications.
Concrete pools, also known as gunite pools, are the most flexible in terms of design. They can be wide, narrow, big or small — there’s no limit. The pool is literally built from the ground up starting with excavating and plumbing installation. If you’re looking for a completely unique design, concrete is the way to go. Plus, its longevity means you can go 5 to 10 years with little maintenance. Vinyl pools tend to be popular. They’re not made entirely of vinyl, but rather include a vinyl liner that covers the structure of the pool. Liners can last up to 15 years when properly cared for. Like fiberglass pools, they’re non-porous, making them easy to clean.
A reliable landscaping team can take your vision of a desert pool idea and bring it to life. They work with you every step of the way, even improving on your vision and showing you how to expand upon it. They explain the steps that go into the different types of pools and which one is best suited for your lifestyle — in terms of maintenance and use. In the end, you’re left with a stunning backyard feature that will serve as the focal point for years to come.
There are certainly no shortages of pool landscaping ideas. You can find tons of Pinterest boards and idea articles dedicated to these backyard oases. Before you get started, though, it’s a good idea to know your options for types and shapes.
One of the most important decisions you’ll make involves choosing between an above-ground and inground pool. Some people consider above-ground pools because they take less time to set up, but inground pools come with major perks, they:
The beauty of inground pools is that you can choose a small or large design to fit your specifications. Not all backyards are expansive, in fact, most people have smaller backyards these days. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the luxury of taking a plunge. Small pool ideas are plentiful, and with a custom layout, you can easily add one to your backyard. The beauty of a custom pool is that you can:
With a smaller landscape, it’s a good idea to avoid placing a pool in the center of the yard. Instead, place it closer to the house and then take advantage of the space around it to place plants.
If you’re stuck, consult with your design team and let them show you a myriad of ways to make your current landscape work.
When it comes to designing your inground pool, there’s a myriad of options at your fingertips. Whether you like the traditional shapes or want to go more modern, your landscaping team can make it happen.
Traditional shapes include those like:
These four are the most popular shapes among homeowners who install pools. They give off a classic look that most people fall in love with and are drawn to when they’re looking to install a water feature in their backyard.
Contemporary pools take a step away from the ordinary. They include shapes such as:
These pools are designed to create an impact. They’re made to wow visitors and in many cases, showcase luxury. If you’re thinking of adding rocks and cascading waterfall features, these are the pool shapes to do it with.
If you’re truly looking for something unique, though, you can always opt for a custom — or freeform — design.
This is one that you and the design team come up with, depending on your personal taste and your particular landscape.
For an exotic look, consider a pool with multiple layers, for example, where one pool sits above another, but you can easily switch between the two. Some people want to go even further and form the pool in the shape of something they’re passionate about. For example, some musicians have pools in the shape of a guitar.
For a truly relaxing spa experience, a hot tub alongside the pool, or even as part of the pool with a divisive barrier, is the perfect way to unwind after a swim.
Once you’ve got the design you want in mind for your backyard pool, you have to decide how deep you want it to be. The most common type of pool is sloped which has a shallow to deeper construction, and is friendly for all ages and swimmer levels.
Deep pools have their advantages, too, namely that you can easily install a diving board or slide, upping the overall entertainment factor. They’re also excellent for exercising and athletic training.
Shallow pools are mostly for relaxing and lounging as opposed to swimming and entertainment. They’re easier to maintain and use less water.
If you decide to go with a multi-layered pool, you can have one layer of shallower waters and traditional depths in another. Let your creativity lead the way.
You don’t want to just put a pool in and call it a day. In order for it to truly shine, you need to have outstanding landscaping features.
An elaborate deck with just the right amount of greenery and maybe even colorful flowers to enhance the tropical theme.
Talk to your design team about potential pool landscaping ideas you can implement, and you’ll be surprised at just how many options you have.
Think desert plants such as cacti and agave, along with flowers including marigolds and poppies.
Consider adding a ramada or pergola to the deck area, for a covered space where you can relax at night. Outdoor kitchens are a perfect complement if you love to entertain. What’s better than a cookout while everyone basks in the summer sun poolside and jumps in the water to cool off? Add a refrigerator and you can house cool drinks within an arm’s reach.
When you’re searching for and hiring a Phoenix pool company to lead the way in implementing the pool type and shape ideas you have, we promise that there’s no better team to trust than us.
Our process is straightforward and you’ll know where the project stands at any given time. We believe in full transparency and in delivering on our promises. That’s who we are.
If you’re ready to take the (literal) plunge and break ground on that swimming pool you’ve had in mind since you bought the house — you’ve come to the right place. Our expert team at Straight Line Landscape is ready to turn your dreams into reality. Let us show you how we can go above and beyond, taking your desert pool idea and stepping it up.
If you’re ready to bring your backyard poolscape to life, contact us today and get the best experts in Phoenix, Arizona on the job.
"The primary source of our business has been organic referrals — from the neighbors and friends of our customers who see the quality."
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