I like pictures 2 and 3. I agree the stairs across the entire width looks more elegant. You could also incorporate raised planters next to the steps...this would help break up all the hardscape and add interest. Can you do the cage screen over the entire pool deck from the house eaves?

One thing to consider: you're not going to be able to swim laps with the stairs and sun shelf oriented on the end.

mmilos:

Thank you for the response. We like #2 and #3 as well. More than likely we will be doing pool cage, and it will obviously cover the entire deck space including the tops to the eaves. The company didn't include that so we would be able to see the pool.

Also, in regards to not being able to swim laps, we are ok with that. The pool length from steps to end is 19' 6" and that is plenty adequate for us to swim around/lounge/and play with the kids, and their friends.

Thanks again.

I like the first few images as visually it looks like a well thought out space. The steps also allow for more people to be able to sit and lounge.

Thank you everyone for the comments and suggestions. We will definitely take them into consideration as we move forward.

Yardvaark you have provided me with some excellent professional advice that we will look into and talk to the pool companies about. I really like the photos that you've put together, especially the pathway to the pool equipment.

We also really like what you've done with the planters built within the steps, but not sure about the steps ending where the 1/2 bathroom door is, almost seems weird that it just ends, although I totally understand the functionality, no one will ever use the steps directly against the wall by the door.

Thanks again, I will keep this post up to date.

I have no comments on design because my favorite pool is no pool. However, we have had plain chlorine pools in the past, and we have a saltwater pool currently. My experience is that saltwater is not really less expensive to maintain. The salt cells are really expensive and have to be replaced every few years. The system boards for the automatic systems also have to be replaced every few years. You are still adding chemicals (e.g., salt, acid - so much acid, baking soda, etc.). The salt is hard on the equipment. The salt builds up on the waterline tile, and you have to scrub it off. I am told that the saltwater is easier on your skin and eyes. I have never been in the pool. The only time that I could envision myself getting in it is if I were on fire and needed to put out said fire.

"... but not sure about the steps ending where the 1/2 bathroom door is, almost seems weird that it just ends," I might not be understanding what you're saying here. If it is that the steps do not go all the way to the house/bathroom wall, it is because, as I explained above, you need space/width for the pathway outside of the door. Someone leaving might meet someone coming and they'll need space to pass one another. It would appear to be more sensible if there was a railing that enclosed the small space near the door so people did not take a shortcut and jump off of the upper level in order to get to the lower level.

"... no one will ever use the steps directly against the wall by the door." Again, I don't understand what you're saying. There are no steps directly against the wall (as there is in your original scheme.) Instead, there is a widened "landing" area outside the bathroom door. But for the NEARBY steps, wouldn't anyone use the most direct route available ... someone coming from the chaise lounge area, for example? But as I said above, it is totally conceivable that the small set of steps near the bathroom could be eliminated, especially if that path section were separated from the lower level by a railing. It's just not that far to get to the bathroom from the nearest large set of steps.

Wow smit2380 thanks for the comment. We are still trying to decide on the salt vs chlorine.

Any reason why you are so against pools? What state do you live in?

Yardvaark I understood what you wrote, but I guess the way I wrote it down was confusing.

I agree with you in regards to the railing. I am thinking about doing something like this now that you have brought this to my attention.

I originally had the steps run from one end to the other for aesthetic purposes because I felt as though it looked good. But I totally see your point regarding steps in front of a post.

Thanks again!

Or the Pool bathroom door could be an in-swing door, and the problem would be solved? Thoughts?

Sophia Z,

I live in Oklahoma currently. Here are the reasons behind my strong feelings about pools.

1. I do not consider sitting in water to be a recreational activity.

2. Pools are expensive to maintain. Ours was built in 2010. As mentioned before, the salt cells are expensive and last 3 to 7 years and are expensive. The system board lasts a similar length of time and are expensive. Pool heaters only last about 5 to 7 years. It is between $4,000 and $5,000 to replace. we have a spillover spa, the saltwater flowing over it has eaten away at the stone and some of the decking. To correct the spa, it is about $7,000. If we replace the concrete decking, that is $16,000 for concrete or over $20,000 for pavers, more for the pool tiles, we have 7 to 10 years of life probably left in the pebbletec, then we have tp replace it for $$$. Add In chemicals, automatic cleaner, filters, electricity, it adds up. Since I do not use it, I get no value out of the thousands that I spend on it. My husband who insists on having the pool, uses it a handful of times per year. If I wanted to waste this kind of money, I could throw away thousands of dollars per year and at least not have the hassle and stress of maintaining the pool.

3. I am sure you will love your pool. Lots of people like pools and do not consider the money spent on maintaining them a waste.

i am not posting to talk you out of a pool or to dampen your enthusiasm. I am just saying saltwater is ok, but it is not substantially cheaper or better than chlorine.

I live in Australia, where most of your renderings would not meet code. All pools here are required to be fully fenced, with childproof gates. The reasoning is simple: too many small kids have drowned in unfenced pools. Your kids, the neighbors kids - proper fencing protects them all.

We have had our in ground salt water pool for nine years. We love it! ( We are empty nesters)The salt does not eat away anything...it’s not salty enough for that. If you get build up on tiles and such it is the minerals in your water not the salt - we have very hard well water. I do agree with Smit that it is not cheaper in the long run as the generator and such needs to be replaced every few years which is probably comparable to buying chlorine every week. The feel and smell of the salt water is much better in our opinion. We use our pool for a lot of lounging...wish we had more bench shelving to sit on. In our opinion the sun shifts too much to make the umbrella insert worth while. We live in N. California and solar makes our pool useable a good six months of the year.

Jmm... they will have to have fencing and alarms on the house doors...

smit2380 that all seems insane at the end of the day, I hope my husband and I do not have those types of headaches! You haven't steered me away, but I am definitely more aware of these extra costs now.

jmm1837 The pool will be screened in and there is a baby barrier as shown in picture #5. Also Daisy is right, there will be alarms on all windows/doors.

Daisy S Thanks for the input. We are still unsure of the salt water initially. $1,600 now, or $2,000 later.

I will also talk to the pool companies to see about more seating in the pool.

Thanks again!

"Or the Pool bathroom door could be an in-swing door, and the problem would be solved?" If you mean -- and not widen the walk near the door -- it ends up seeming as if the architect cheaped out. Doors -- all doors -- need extra walking space at each side. Just like stoves need some counter space at each side. I think that as you have shown it in the last iteration, widened and with the railing, the problem is nicely solved.

My pool was built with a stem wall in SW Florida because I didn't want to walk down to the pool from the lanai. Here's some pics of what I did just as another thought. The great thing about the stem wall pool is that the ledge on the grass side is additional seating. Obviously my lot is a lot smaller than yours.

What I like about having it on my lanai level is that those who are using the pool, or just putting their feet in can still be conversing with those on the lanai.

Also be aware that for wind protection in FL, all exterior doors should swing outward.

cpartist wow that ks truly beautiful. How did you get away without having to put up a baby barrier? I thought it was mandatory?

Anyways, I love your design, and everything about your pictures. I totally see your points in regards to having a stem wall, I'm just not sure we can justify the additional cost. 3 of the pool builders we have been in contact with have told us a stem wall would increase the price by $7,500-$10,000.

Also with you bring in South Florida and not having a screen how do you like it? How are the bugs?

Thanks again!

cpartist wow that ks truly beautiful. How did you get away without having to put up a baby barrier? I thought it was mandatory?

Thank you. We are retirees so no babies. We have a fence around the whole property and when we got our CO we had alarms on all windows and doors.

Anyways, I love your design, and everything about your pictures. I totally see your points in regards to having a stem wall, I'm just not sure we can justify the additional cost. 3 of the pool builders we have been in contact with have told us a stem wall would increase the price by $7,500-$10,000.

I honestly don't know what the price would have been without the stem wall because I never asked. Most of our friends are older and I figured it would be easier on them too if they didn't have to climb up and down stairs to get to the pool.

Also with you bring in South Florida and not having a screen how do you like it? How are the bugs?

I prefer not having the screen. When I go to a house with screening, I feel like I'm in a cage. However, We have no large overhanging trees and I'm also only 3 blocks from the bay and we almost always have a breeze here so the bugs haven't been bad at all. (Unless you consider the army worm caterpillar infestation we just had in our planter box. All those pretty pink flowers are now gone between what the caterpillars ate and what we pulled out. Sigh.)

If I lived further east, I would have definitely done a cage because the bugs are definitely more prevalent.

Thanks again!