Sorry, no. I can only offer sympathy. Roughly a dozen years ago I bought a CAD program that not only allowed one to draw a floor plan then see it in 3D, but also allowed for exterior lot planning. I could change the slope of my virtual yard from level to steeply sloped, and add features such as a pool or fish pond. The program had a lot of features, but it was still limited. Learning to use the tools takes time, and they weren't always easy to manipulate. If you list the name of the program you purchased, someone else might have more specific information. Also, check for an online support site for your product. My program had both tutorials and a forum where users could ask for help or clarification on specific problems. My answer may bump your question back to the top of the list.

I’m a visual person, too. Unfortunately, I don’t know of any easy-to-use software for the general person to use. In your case, I would recommend sitting down with a landscape architect who works with a company that also does pools. He/she will be able to provide the best insight and advice. Yes, it will cost a little bit, but having a solid plan will pay off in the long run. An expert can help you not only visual what you want, but develop a 1, 5, 10, etc. year plan to get you there.

Unfortunately we aren't running into many of those people in our area. The ones we have found will only do a design once we commit to using them for the installation. We don't mind paying for the design but at this point we haven't found anyone to do only the design.

Try googling Youtube tutorials on swimming pool designs using free 3D Google Sketchup: Sketchup tutorial (Make a swimming pool)

Keep looking for a pool contractor. If they are not willing to show you a design that is personalized and incorporates your home without a contract then do business elsewhere. We ran into the same thing, there's pool companies that literally draw a design on a piece of paper and think that's good enough to commit and put down a deposit. I need a visual and something far more professional if I am going to shell out the money a pool requires. I researched it and went with a pool contractor who did the following:

1 They asked for the land survey and blueprint of my home.

2 They LISTENED to our wants/needs and budget

3. They took my home into consideration for pool construction. They positioned the pool so that when I am doing dishes in the kitchen or watching TV in the living room, we can look out and see the pool at the best view. Makes for a nicer dishwashing experience. :)

I gave them the survey, blueprint, wish list and made an appointment to see a design they came up with . I walked into the showroom and they had my house and pool up on a big screen, showing me how it looks from inside the house and on the deck. After contacting so many companies that were not willing or had the ability to do this, I almost cried when I first saw the pool design. This was all without signing a contract. Make the pool company earn your business.

I got 2 people out and got 3D concepts from them for free with the bids. One was even via youtube video.

I use Realtime Architect. It will do most anything you want.