Designing a swimming pool is an exciting step toward creating the perfect outdoor space in Old Westbury, NY. However, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can disrupt your backyard oasis's overall look and feel. When working with landscape professionals, these issues are addressed early in the design process, ensuring the pool enhances the space for relaxation and enjoyment.

1. Poor Pool Placement

The placement of your pool is crucial to the overall experience. If a pool is positioned incorrectly, it can disrupt the natural flow of the backyard. A landscape professional will consider sunlight, wind direction, and proximity to your home or landscaping. Pool placement should maximize privacy, reduce wind exposure, and enhance outdoor aesthetics. A professional will ensure the pool fits seamlessly with the rest of the landscape, providing the best view and use of space.

2. Insufficient Poolside Space

A common mistake is underestimating the space needed around the pool. The pool area should allow for comfortable movement and space for lounging, dining, or simply relaxing. The pool area can feel crowded without enough space, limiting its functionality. Ensuring adequate space around the pool allows for a smooth transition between the pool and the rest of the backyard. A landscape professional will account for the right balance of open space and other outdoor features, creating a harmonious environment.

3. Lack of Proper Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting around the pool serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. Without enough lighting, your pool area can feel dark and uninviting. Good outdoor lighting enhances the pool's beauty and provides visibility for evening activities. A landscape professional will install proper lighting around the pool’s perimeter and surrounding landscape, ensuring your pool area is both comfortable and inviting during the nighttime. The right outdoor lighting adds ambiance, turning your swimming pool into a stunning feature after the sun sets.

4. Ignoring Integration With Landscaping

The swimming pool should feel like a natural extension of your backyard, not an isolated feature. Integrating landscaping elements around the pool can soften its edges and make it blend seamlessly into the environment. Without thoughtful integration, the pool can look out of place in the backyard. Landscape professionals will incorporate plantings, trees, and structural elements that complement the swimming pool, creating a balanced and inviting outdoor environment.

5. Choosing the Wrong Pool Shape or Size

The pool’s shape and size must align with the size and shape of your backyard. A swimming pool that is too large for the space can overwhelm the area, while a pool that is too small may not serve its intended purpose. Choosing the wrong size also affects functionality and enjoyment. Landscape professionals will work with the available space to create a pool that fits naturally within your backyard, ensuring the best use of space without overcrowding or underutilizing it.

6. Focusing Only on the Swimming Pool

While the swimming pool is the focal point, the rest of the backyard matters just as much. Many designs focus solely on the pool and neglect other important outdoor features such as seating areas, fire pits, or walkways. The pool should be part of a broader landscape design to create a complete outdoor oasis. Landscape professionals can seamlessly integrate the swimming pool with other outdoor living spaces, creating a harmonious and multifunctional environment.

7. Forgetting Future Needs

Designing a swimming pool is not just about the present. It’s also about what might be needed down the road. Whether it's additional features like a hot tub, or a change in how the space is used, it’s important to account for the future. A professional landscape designer will ensure that your swimming pool can evolve with your needs, leaving room for future additions or alterations as your lifestyle changes.

7 Common Swimming Pool Design Flaws to Avoid for a Perfect Backyard Oasis in Old Westbury, NY