Where will your pool go in your back yard? That seems like such an easy question to answer, and sometimes it is. We certainly come across homeowners who will point at a spot on their property and ask us how soon we can start digging.

When you’ve been in the fiberglass pool installation business for as long as we have, though, you learn that not everything is straightforward. A customer’s first instinct isn’t always the best one, and there are more factors to consider than you might first realize.

In today’s post, I want to share just a few of them. Maybe they’ll cause you to rethink the location for your fiberglass pool. Or maybe they’ll just convince you that you were right all along. Either way, you can learn from my experience and have more confidence when speaking with your fiberglass pool installer.

With that in mind, below are the details I would recommend you keep in mind when searching for the right place to install your pool.

You’ll Usually Want to Follow the Sun
While every property and situation is different, you’ll almost always want your pool to sit in a spot on your property that gets plenty of sunshine. That might mean keeping it clear of shadows, gradients, and obstructions (like neighbors) that keep the light away.

Obvious as it might seem, I’ve seen plenty of fiberglass pools installed in heavily shaded areas. It might make sense on paper, but it almost always ends up with the pool being used far less than intended. 

In all but the most extreme circumstances, sunlight should be your top concern.

Think About Sightlines and Privacy
Most people won’t find it very relaxing to lounge around in swimwear while in full view of neighbors or passing traffic. And even if you aren’t the kind of person who is bothered by the attention, some of your guests or family members might not be quite so outgoing.

There are usually ways to add privacy to a fiberglass pool (like fences, walls, or structures), but it’s good to consider sightlines from the start.  You may also want to consider the possibility of noise traveling to or from your pool area and think about ways to dampen it.

Wind Can be a Major Concern
Wind exposure is an easy detail to overlook when you’re thinking about the placement of a fiberglass pool. However, it can have a big effect on the enjoyment you get from your finished patio. 

Not only does wind make people feel colder when they’re around your pool, but it can be noisy and even disruptive. Pool parties and lazy afternoons feel like a lot less fun when tables and chairs are turning over.

Even if you don’t think of your outdoor space as being particularly windy, it’s a good idea to consider which parts of your yard have shielding or exposure.

You Might Work Around Existing Features
Sometimes the best place to put your fiberglass pool is where something else isn’t. What does that mean exactly? In our part of the country, you can find ancient trees, old barns, sub-surface stones, storm cellars, utility lines, and dozens of other obstructions.

While many of these can be safely moved or taken away altogether, it’s always good to think about the consequences before you make the decision. Otherwise, you could add to the time and expense of your fiberglass pool installation or end up losing a piece of your property you were attached to. 

It’s Usually Best to Keep Trees at a Distance
Having trees near your fiberglass pool can be a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand they provide privacy and absorb sound. But on the other hand, they can spread leaves or needles into your pool, not to mention the surrounding deck and patio. Nearby trees can also attract birds and squirrels that leave droppings or damage furniture.

Having trees close to your pool can also create problems you can’t see as easily. That’s particularly true if the roots interfere with excavation or press against the bottom of your pool after it has been installed.

In general, it’s best to place your pool away from trees and avoid planting them too close by.

Make Room for the Rest of Your Patio
Your fiberglass pool probably isn’t going to sit on its own. It might be surrounded by decking. Or you might include pavers, tables, retaining walls, and lighting. You could incorporate a slide, or maybe even an outdoor kitchen.

All of these elements require space. The pool might be the centerpiece of your patio renovation project, but it’s still a single element. To get the most beauty and enjoyment from your finished project, treat your outdoor space as a whole and plan accordingly.

You’ll Want to Be Close, But Not Too Close
It’s no fun having your fiberglass pool feel like it’s too far from your home. You probably don’t want to step right off of your back porch and into water, but neither do you want a long walk back and forth. It’s time-consuming, naturally, but also means you may eventually end up with guests tracking mud in your house if they want to get a snack, use the bathroom, etc.

Finding the perfect distance is mostly a matter of feel and experience. That’s where a good fiberglass pool installer comes in, which brings me to one last detail.

We Know Fiberglass Pool Installation Inside and Out
At Stefano’s Landscaping in Saugus, MA we’ve been renovating patios for 20+ years. Along the way we’ve become one of the highest-rated fiberglass pool installation companies in the region.

If you want to add a pool to your property – and want the details handled perfectly from the start – contact us today. We will be happy to schedule a free survey and consultation at your home, and it could be the first step towards getting the patio you’ve always dreamed of.