Over the years, my team and I have noticed something interesting about the world of patio renovation. Most projects start when a homeowner decides they would love to have a fiberglass pool installed on their property. Then, they continue by adding other elements like a deck, a hot tub, or an outdoor kitchen around that centerpiece. The end result is something that’s much nicer and more valuable than a simple pool with decking would be.
That flow of inspiration makes a lot of sense. Typically, your pool will be the focal point of your outdoor space. However, what you should really be looking for isn’t just a bit of water to float in on hot summer days. Instead, you should try to create a sort of at-home private resort that you can go to whenever you want. The pool is a part of that plan, but not the entirety of it.
I’ve followed that patio design philosophy for 20+ years, and it has worked well for both my company and its customers. In today’s post I want to help you make a similar plan – one that extends beyond just a fiberglass pool and gives you the ultimate outdoor space. Below are some ideas you can follow to lead yourself in the right direction.
Consider Context First
Before you think about pools, patios, or accessories, you should give some thought to the way you’ll actually use the space once it has been completed. Someone who loves to entertain will likely have a different vision than another who prefers to sit quietly without guests. New parents will have different needs than retired empty-nesters. You get the idea.
Here are a handful of questions I usually find useful when interviewing new customers:
- How do you want to enjoy your backyard?
- Who do you want to enjoy your outdoor space with?
- What will you do when you’re around the pool?
- What else will you do outdoors?
- Will your new patio be used all year round?
- How can you make your patio more inviting?
None of these is directly related to fiberglass pool styles, paver colors, or any other details. Those aren’t important until you have a good grasp of what your patio will be used for. It’s also worth considering the future as you go through this exercise. What you want today isn’t necessarily the same as what you’ll want five from now. Do what you can to balance immediate and upcoming concerns so you can have a patio design that will match your lifestyle as you look ahead.
Think in Terms of Patio Zones
Even assuming that your fiberglass pool will be the centerpiece of your patio, you’ll probably want to have surrounding areas made for lounging, conversation, or reading and relaxing. You might want to build in some shelter and shade, either through trees or a pergola. You may also need seating on chairs or built-in benches, or tables that are set under large umbrellas that can be moved.
Don’t forget, too, that you may want to leave space for outdoor cooking. That could be as simple as having a gas grill installed or even opting for an outdoor kitchen. That’s something many homeowners think they don’t want or can’t afford until we start getting into the design phase of the project. Then they realize that their budget and space can go farther than they imagined.
That brings me to a good point. Once you’ve thought about where your pool will go, and what kinds of zones or areas you want to put around it, you can begin digging deeper into the specifics.
Get More Specific With Details
I always want customers to dream for a while before they worry about anything that’s “realistic.” That’s because the brainstorming process is usually the best way to get what they really value from a renovated patio. I would rather focus on that than some things that just seem like good ideas in a picture. It’s also true that homeowners can often get a lot more than they first imagine so there isn’t any need to squash their best ideas from the start.
At some point, though, it’s a good idea to start thinking about things like slopes, drainage, permits, and access for heavy equipment (if it’s required). These details don’t matter as much as the overall plan, but they do obviously factor in the final design.
Luckily, working with an experienced patio renovation team will give you access to all the knowledge and perspectives you could ever need. A professional will find out what you want and then show you how to put the pieces together in a way that preserves what matters most to you.
Make Decisions on Budget, Style, and Priorities
In the same way that I don’t want new customers worried about technical details from the start, neither do I want them to focus on money or minor aesthetics. We all know these things weigh into the choices that ultimately have to be made, but they don’t need to be the first consideration.
Again, this is where a good patio renovation team will help you make smart decisions. If they know how you want to use your space, what look or style you’re going for, and what your budget constraints are like they can help you to check all the right boxes. Then, you’ll be well on the way to building a patio that starts with a fiberglass pool but incorporates so much more.
Want Help Bringing Your Patio Dream to Life?
At Stefano’s Landscaping, we have 20+ years’ experience with patio design and fiberglass pool installation. We can help you to find and install the right pool. But even better, we can help you to design and create the kind of space that makes you feel like you can have a vacation without going anywhere.
If you want to see what it’s like to work with us or just get answers to your most important patio renovation questions, then we encourage you to schedule a free consultation today. We’ll send a member of our design team to meet with you at your home for no cost or obligation.
After we know what you want to enjoy on your property, we’ll help you to create a plan for your perfect outdoor space. Then, you can decide whether to take the next step or not.