Swimming pool building isn’t as easy as it might initially sound. Surprisingly, it isn’t just a matter of digging a hole in the ground. There’s a lot more that goes into it. The odds are that swimming pool building will be a job for the pros – they’ll be able to get the permits, find the pipes and wires in the ground, and make sure that there isn’t any detrimental property damage.

There are eleven primary phases to swimming pool building. They are:

1. Fencing
2. Design and engineering
3. Layout and excavation
4. Rough plumbing and electrical
5. Steel
6. Gunite or Shotcrete
7. Tile and Rock
8. Decking
9. Equipment set
10. Plaster
11. Construction clean-up and pool start-up

Once the swimming pool building is done, that’s when the real fun begins, because there is so much to the design and accessories of a yard with a pool that you’re bound to have a great time. After all, what is a swimming pool for but for parties and good times in your yard.

Your next challenge after swimming pool building is, therefore, the landscaping around your swimming pool area. Though this does seem a bit on the daunting side at first, when the ideas start flowing, you’ll find that it’s actually a lot more fun than you would have thought.

Begin on the outside and work your way in with design and accessories. Therefore the first piece to work on is the fence. Many municipalities require a fence of a certain height around a yard with a swimming pool. It may also require a certain kind of a latch on the gate, so you will need to research that ahead of time. You will want one that meets the legal requirements, is functional, and is visually appealing next to your house, too. Remember that the fence will be part of the backdrop for your new swimming pool, so you can’t have something horribly ugly surrounding your dream yard!

You also don’t want your fence to be too close to your pool, or it will create some awkward issues. This includes the fact that you won’t be able to plant shrubs or flowers around your pool area, and it may even be awkward to walk around. This makes the pool more limited, and may make it more challenging to maintain.

The design and accessories of your pool area will depend on the kind of pool you have and the shape. Above-ground pools look nice with wooden decks around them, while in-ground pools usually have cement sidewalks, flagstones, or other similar materials to surround them. Your decking should compliment both the pool and the fence that you’ve chosen.

Your next step is flowers, shrubs, and trees, as well as your patio furniture. Throw in a barbeque and you’re all set for your first pool party!