The idea hits on a hot afternoon. You picture the glimmer of water, the splash of laughter, the perfect cannonball. Maybe a margarita in hand. And suddenly, a pool feels less like a want and more like a need.
But before you dive in—literally—there’s more to building a pool than digging a hole and filling it with water. A lot more. And it’s often what people don’t see on the surface that makes or breaks the entire experience.
It’s Not Just a Pool
A pool isn’t a standalone feature—it’s a living, visual extension of your home. When it’s done well, it feels like it belongs there. When it’s rushed or designed in isolation? It can feel like someone dropped a giant blue rectangle in your backyard.
This is where many homeowners get it wrong. They think about the pool, but not how it fits the flow of the property.
- Where does the sun hit at different times of day?
- Will the deck connect naturally to your outdoor dining space?
- How does the pool look from your kitchen window—or from inside the house?
Function Should Always Shape the Design
Pools are fun. But they’re also functional. Are you swimming laps? Entertaining? Hoping to create a safe splash zone for kids? Or a quiet retreat for you and a good book?
Every choice—depth, steps, materials, shape—should answer those real-life questions. Otherwise, you risk ending up with a pool that looks great in photos but never quite works in practice.
The Overlooked Details That Matter Most
- Drainage and grading:
If you don’t get this right, you’ll be managing puddles and mud instead of enjoying your new oasis.
- Lighting:
Not just inside the pool, but around it—ambiance, safety, and a whole new level of nighttime magic.
- Integration with landscaping:
The right plantings and hardscapes don’t just hide the pool equipment—they create an atmosphere.
Start with Vision, Not Just a Quote
At Patrick T. Sharkey, we design pools as part of the larger outdoor experience. That means blending architecture, landscape, and lifestyle—not just dropping water in the backyard and calling it luxury.
Because a pool can be a feature… or it can be a destination. The difference is in the planning. So if you’re dreaming about that first swim, great—dream big. Just don’t forget to dream about everything around the water, too. That’s where the magic really lives.
