Building & Renovating >> Planning Your New Swimming Pool and Spa

The first step in creating your backyard oasis comes in the planning stage. The possibilities are endless so putting together a plan for your project is essential. Check out the articles and tools below to help you get started: 

ARTICLES:

• Fire and Water Unite for a Spectacular Poolscape
  The attraction of fire is undeniable. And with so many unique and beautiful options now available, it’s no wonder fire elements are one of today’s hottest trends in swimming pool and landscape design...Read More »

• The Biggest Mistake Made Building A Swimming Pool & Spa
  The lack of extensive pre-planning by not developing an all-inclusive outdoor design concept is a costly and easily avoidable mistake...Read More »

• Simple Backyard Extras to Discover Your Poolside Paradise
  Your pool is the focal point of your backyard—a place for family fun, poolside entertaining and a refreshing place to relax. We’ll go over some things that are practical, but there are lots of extras and features around your pool that just look cool and will make you the envy of the entire neighborhood...Read More »

• Adding Some "Green" To Your Backyard Scene
  Our pool business, Cox Pools, has taken backyard transformations one step further and are now adding putting greens and synthetic turf yard playgrounds to our array of outdoor living services...Read More »

• Glass-Walled Pools Offer Breathtaking Views and Create Reality-Altering Design Possibilities
  If you're dreaming of the ultimate statement in daring design, a glass-walled pool may be the answer. Pioneered at a handful of luxury hotels, glass walls are now within reach of discerning private owners...Read More »

• Removing Barriers So All Can Swim
  Many heroes will be coming home soon. Many of our heroes gave a part of themselves for our freedom but it also took away some of their personal freedom to move about freely...Read More »

• Vinyl Liner Pools - Do You Need A Soil Test Before Building?
  As I was doing research recently on vinyl liner fungus I came across the International Code Council (ICC) Acceptance Criteria for Vinyl-Lined Residential Swimming Pools (AC279). I found some of the information very interesting. This is not information that most builders, retailers or customers ever see but I find some of it very important...Read More »

• “Spools” Let You Think Small, Enjoy Big
  Do you think that your small or unconventionally-shaped lot is standing in the way of your backyard pool dreams? Not anymore. Pool builders are creating a new generation of smaller, but feature-rich pools that synch up wonderfully with a growing trend toward compactness and simplicity...Read More »

• Pool Design Online Possibilities Explorer
  When building a swimming pool, the possibilities are endless. Whether you plan to create a relaxing sanctuary, an exotic oasis or a fun-filled gathering place for family and friends, use our online tool to discover more about the choices available to bring your vision to life. When you're finished, you'll be able to print a reference guide of your selections to review with your builder...Read More »

• Planning Your New Swimming Pool
  Like any investment of this size, it is critical that you take your time in making decisions. Following are some tips to help get you started on the proper path when purchasing a swimming pool...Read More »

• Working with a Pool Pro
  Having a trusted and experienced contractor working to build your dream pool will help the process run smoothly...  Read More »

• Pool Types & Materials
  With today's technologies there are a multitude of different materials that can be used to construct your pool. Your contractor can direct you to the material that would work best with your budget, location and vision... Read More »     

• Basic Landscaping Principles
  A pool isn’t just about getting into the water to get refreshed.  When you properly plan the environment around your pool, it can become a magical place that stimulates all of your senses… Read More »     

• Gallery
  Visit the photo gallery for inspiration for your new pool . You'll find a large collection of photos posted by pool owners, builders and renovators.  Visit Now »

Have a question about building or renovating a pool? Post it in our Pool Design, Building & Renovating Forum to get answers from pool owners and pool professionals.