In-Ground Swimming Pool Design – Minneapolis St. Paul, MN

Creating a concrete gunite in-ground pool or other aquatic recreation facility at a home or commercial property is a complex process. The very first step in that process is designing the pool and its surrounding area. A step-by-step process can streamline that aspect of creating the project, but it involves a multitude of decisions, each of which plays a role in the overall success of the project. You’ll have an estimate of costs as the design proceeds, but decisions made during the pool design period will affect the cost of the swimming pool, so an accurate total cost cannot be determined until late in the design process. Once a firm figure is reached, the owner and your Minnesota pool construction company will create and execute a contract for the project.

• Site Analysis – At this early stage of a swimming pool or other aquatic project, the overall size and shape of the in-ground pool and its surrounding area is determined. Other factors, such as the grade of the property, soil type, water table depth, and more are determined, since each will influence the design. Careful attention to size, proportion, and other factors all play a role.
• Overall Pool Design – At this stage, property owners may consult with an architect or designer to create an image of what the pool will look like when built. Our Minnesota pool company can also work directly with a property owner on this stage, and can generate an image of the pool, which can be altered at any point until it is finalized. Either way, there are many factors to consider:
  • Pool Size – Your in-ground pool should be proportional to the space it occupies, and must allow for decking, housing for mechanical components like pumps, heater, filters, etc. Outbuildings such as pool houses and changing rooms, along with additional facilities such as barbecue and dining areas must also be considered.
  • Shape and Elevation – Will the in-ground pool be a standard recreational shape or an exotic shape? Will it incorporate above ground elements, such as stone waterfalls, water slides, or be multi-level in pool design, with a raised spa or other features?
  • Pool Usage – How will the pool be used? Will it incorporate a diving board, water slides, and other features? Is a spa part of the design? Should the in-ground pool have a separate wading area for children? Is lap swimming the primary purpose? For senior living center pools, aquatic exercise and therapy may be a major use. All of these factors affect the design.
  • Pool Entry – Will the pool use traditional steps and ladders for entry and exit, or will it be a zero entrance or beach entry pool, with a gradual sloping entrance? Does it need to incorporate handicapped access features? Much depends on who will be using the pool and how they will be using it.
  • Special Features – Will the pool have an invisible edge, a feature that creates the illusion of the pool going on infinitely? This feature, introduced at exotic resorts has grown in popularity wherever there is a dramatic view from the pool area. How about animated fountains, or customized lighting that can be controlled to create light shows? The number of special features that can be added to a pool has grown dramatically in recent years. Almost anything is possible.
  • Aesthetics – The plastering materials available for concrete gunite pools are almost endless today, and include exposed aggregate materials that feel like a sandy beach or that sparkle in the sun like gemstones. Luxurious tile borders, coping, decking, tile mosaics, and much, much more are all part of the choices you’ll be making during the design process. Our Twin Cities pool builder can show you an almost infinite number of ways you can make your pool unique and beautiful. We’ll help you make the right decisions.
  • Mechanical Components – Late in the initial design process, choices of mechanical components like pumps, filters, heater, skimmers, pool lighting, water purification equipment, automatic pool covers, and more must be made. Our concrete pool company only recommends top quality equipment and will make recommendations based on the size and design of your pool. You can rely on us to supply the best equipment available.
  • Pool Accessories – Diving boards, water slides, and other accessories for your pool are also important decisions. Atlantis Pool can supply a wide variety of pool accessories from many manufacturers and will be happy to show them to you and make recommendations.
• Engineering Design – For commercial pools, once the overall design of your pool is finalized, the project is turned over to a licensed professional aquatic engineer, who produces a complete set of detailed plans for the pool. These plans will be a complete set of blueprints, detailing every aspect of the pool for the builder. The plans will be in compliance with all building and safety regulations and act as a guide for the pool builder in every aspect of construction. The plans will be submitted to state and local building authorities for checking and approval. Any changes made in the overall design after these plans are complete may require revisions in the engineering design, so it’s important to pin down the details before the aquatic engineer begins his work.

Once all aspects of the pool design are finalized actual construction can begin. The design process can take some time, and changes in the design once it is complete can slow down the construction of your pool and create additional costs, so it’s important to take all the time you need to come up with a final design that is exactly what you want.

Minnesota Concrete Gunite Pool Design

At Atlantis Pool & Spa, we know the design process of a concrete pool project is complex and sometimes confusing. Our pool consultants will help you at every stage of the process, showing you your options and making recommendations based on our 30+ years of pool building and pool design experience. We want you to have exactly the pool you imagine, so we never rush you into making decisions you’ll later regret. We establish a relationship with our pool customers that’s based on mutual trust, so you can count on us for expert, practical advice at every stage of the design of your pool or aquatic recreation center. Contact us today to get the process started. We’d love to help you create exactly the pool you want for your Minneapolis and St. Paul home or commercial property.