The Top 3 Mistakes People Make When Designing a Pool (and How to Avoid Them)
Designing a swimming pool is exciting — it’s the part of your home where you’ll make memories, entertain friends, and unwind after long days. But with so many details to consider, it’s easy to overlook key factors that impact how your pool looks, feels, and functions long-term.
At PalmSet Pools, we’ve seen how small design choices can make a big difference once the pool is built. Here are the top three mistakes homeowners make — and how to make sure your pool design works beautifully for your space and lifestyle.
1. Not Setting a Realistic Budget from the Start
Many homeowners start with a general idea of what they want, but not a clear sense of what it costs. That’s where projects can get stressful — or stall altogether.
Your pool’s price depends on much more than its size. Factors like soil conditions, access for heavy equipment, retaining walls, water features, finishes, decking, and landscaping all influence the total investment.
The best way to stay on track is to decide early what your all-in budget will include — not just the pool shell. When you work with PalmSet Pools, we walk you through each stage of the process, helping you understand where to prioritize spending for long-term value and how to plan for optional upgrades down the road.
💡 Tip: Set aside a small contingency (around 10%) for unexpected site conditions or last-minute upgrades you’ll want once construction begins.
2. Overlooking Space, Sun, Shade, and View
A great pool design starts with how it fits into your yard, sunlight, and surroundings — not just the shape or style.
We often see homeowners design around what they think will work best, only to realize later that the tanning ledge is in the shade all afternoon, or the spa blocks their view of the water.
At PalmSet Pools, we plan your layout carefully, considering:
Sun exposure: for comfortable swimming, tanning, and energy efficiency.
Shade: for natural relief in the hot Georgia summers.
Views: both from inside your home and from your outdoor living areas.
Flow: how people will move between your house, pool, and seating areas.
Taking the time to walk the space, visualize angles, and adjust proportions makes a huge difference in how enjoyable your pool area will feel once it’s complete.
3. Forgetting That Materials Matter
Your material selections — from tile and coping to decking and plaster — define not just your pool’s look, but also how it ages over time.
Choosing materials purely for price or color can lead to faster wear, slipperiness, or maintenance issues later. We help clients choose materials that balance beauty, durability, and function for the long haul.
For example:
Natural stone offers timeless character but requires sealing to prevent staining.
Porcelain tile is sleek and low-maintenance but can get hot underfoot.
Pebble finishes provide texture and depth but vary in feel and appearance.
Every choice contributes to your pool’s performance and personality — and that’s why we guide you through curated, real-world options that make sense for your lifestyle and climate.
Design with Confidence
A well-designed pool isn’t just about the water — it’s about how every decision connects. When budget, layout, and materials come together, you get a pool that feels intentional, balanced, and truly yours.
If you’re planning a new build or remodel, our team at PalmSet Pools can help you design smart from the start — and avoid the common pitfalls that add stress or cost later.
📞 Call or text us at (678) 403-2737
🌐 Learn more at www.palmsetpools.com