Planning a Pool? Here’s What You Should Know First

November 13, 2025

Planning a Pool? Here’s What You Should Know First

Installing a swimming pool can transform your backyard into a personal oasis, a place for relaxation, entertainment, and making lasting memories. The idea of stepping out your back door for a refreshing dip on a hot day is a powerful one. But before you can dive in, there’s a lot to consider. A pool is a major investment that affects your property and lifestyle for years to come.

Understanding the entire process—from initial design to long-term maintenance—is crucial for making informed decisions. Proper planning ensures you get the pool of your dreams without any costly surprises along the way. This guide will walk you through the essential factors to consider before breaking ground, helping you navigate the journey from a simple patch of grass to a stunning backyard retreat.

We’ll cover everything from defining your budget and choosing the right type of pool to understanding local regulations and planning for ongoing care. With the right information, you can confidently move forward and create an outdoor space that you and your family will enjoy for years.

Defining Your Vision and Budget

The first step in any major project is to define what you want and what you can afford. Think about how you plan to use your pool. Will it be a hub for family fun and kids’ parties? A serene spot for exercise and relaxation? Or a sophisticated centerpiece for entertaining guests? Your answer will influence the size, shape, and features of your pool.

Once you have a vision, it’s time to talk numbers. A realistic budget should account for more than just the pool itself. Key costs to factor in include:

Installation: The cost of the pool structure, excavation, and labor.
Decking and Landscaping: Materials like concrete, pavers, or stone for the surrounding area, plus any plants or structures like pergolas.
Fencing: Most municipalities, including those in Salt Lake County, require a safety fence around the pool.
Features: Waterfalls, slides, lighting, and spas will add to the overall price.
Long-Term Maintenance: Factor in the recurring costs of chemicals, electricity, and potential repairs.

Having a clear budget from the start helps you and your pool contractor make design choices that align with your financial expectations.

Choosing the Right Type of Pool

There are several types of in-ground pools, but gunite pools are a top choice for their durability and design flexibility. Let’s explore why they are so popular.

Why Gunite Pools are a Great Investment

Gunite pools are constructed by spraying a mixture of sand, cement, and water over a rebar framework. This method creates a highly durable and porous shell that can be customized into virtually any shape or size you can imagine.

Key benefits of gunite pools include:

Design Freedom: Whether you want a classic rectangle, a freeform lagoon, or a complex geometric design, gunite can make it happen. This flexibility allows your pool to perfectly complement your home’s architecture and landscape.
Exceptional Durability: Gunite creates a reinforced, monolithic structure that is incredibly strong and built to last for decades. This makes it an excellent choice for the varied climate of Salt Lake County.
Custom Finishes: The interior surface of a gunite pool can be finished with a variety of materials, including plaster, aggregate, or tile. This allows you to customize the color and texture of your pool’s interior for a truly unique look.

At Palmetto Pools, we specialize in building custom gunite pools because we believe they offer the best long-term value and design potential for our clients.

Understanding the Installation Process

Knowing what to expect during construction can make the process smoother and less stressful. While every project is unique, here is a general overview of the steps involved in building a gunite pool:

Design and Permitting: First, we work with you to finalize the design. Once you’re happy with the plan, we’ll handle the process of obtaining the necessary permits from your local municipality.
Excavation: Our crew will mark the pool’s outline in your yard and begin digging. This is when your vision starts to take physical shape.
Steel Framework: A grid of steel rebar is installed within the excavated area. This framework acts as the skeleton of your pool, providing its shape and structural integrity.
Plumbing and Electrical: We install all the necessary plumbing for filtration, water features, and drainage, as well as any electrical conduits for lighting.
Applying Gunite: The gunite mixture is sprayed at high velocity to form the pool’s shell. This shell then needs to cure, which typically takes several weeks.
Coping and Tile: Once the shell has cured, we install the coping (the edge around the pool) and any decorative tile you’ve selected.
Decking and Features: The surrounding pool deck is installed, along with any features like waterfalls or pergolas.
Plastering and Filling: The final interior finish is applied, and then it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for—we fill the pool with water!
Startup: We’ll balance the water chemistry and ensure all equipment is running correctly before handing over your new backyard oasis.

Don’t Forget Landscaping and Features

A pool is the star of the show, but the supporting cast of landscaping and features is what creates a complete backyard resort. Consider how you can enhance both the beauty and functionality of your pool area.

Pool Decking

The material you choose for your pool deck impacts the look, feel, and safety of the space. Popular options include:

Concrete: A versatile and cost-effective choice that can be stamped or colored to match your aesthetic.
Pavers: Available in a wide range of colors and materials, pavers offer an elegant look and are durable and easy to repair.

Water Features

Adding movement and sound can elevate your pool from a simple body of water to a dynamic work of art. Waterfalls, bubblers, and deck jets create a relaxing ambiance and a fun environment for swimming.

Spas and Pergolas

Integrating a spa offers a year-round space for relaxation and hydrotherapy. A custom-built pergola provides a shaded area for lounging or dining, extending the usability of your outdoor space on hot, sunny days.

Ready to Create Your Backyard Oasis?

Installing a pool is a significant undertaking, but with careful planning and the right partner, it can be a rewarding experience. By considering your budget, design preferences, and long-term needs, you can create a beautiful and functional space that brings joy for years to come.

If you’re ready to turn your backyard dreams into reality, the team at Palmetto Pools is here to help. We specialize in designing and building custom gunite pools for homeowners across Salt Lake County. Our experienced team will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your new pool is everything you envisioned.