The first thing to consider in landscape pool design is the size and shape of the pool.  It must be constructed in the complex of a larger and more comprehensive landscape master plan.  The geometry of the pool should complement the architecture of the home.  It should also tie in with other hardscape elements, outdoor architecture, and garden landscape designs.

Your Houston landscape designer should be the first person you talk to about landscape pool design.  He or she will be able to balance the many aesthetic demands of the world beyond your pool patio with the aesthetic contained within.  The expertise of the pool contractor will better contribute to the aesthetics of your home and backyard if managed by experts who know how to make multiple elements work together to create a sense of aesthetic unity. 

The location of your pool depends largely on your house and surrounding yard elements.  Landscape pool design is all about establishing relationships with other points of interests and easy access to and from the water.  You do not want a pool that appears like a world unto itself, cut off from the rest of the yard; nor do you want a pool that is difficult to get to. 

Instead, the aesthetic of the pool should be something that people in other parts of the yard will readily notice and at least appreciate, if not be drawn to.  There are a number of things that can make a pool stand out in this way without overpowering the landscape.  A few custom garden plantings with outdoor lights, or decorative planter walls along the sides of part of the patio, can grab the attention and invite guests to come closer and see more. 

Safety is always a factor in Houston landscape pool design.  Patio surfaces, steps leading into the water, and pool interiors need to provide a firm grip for the feet to prevent slips and falls.  When small children, elderly, or physically challenged individuals are expected to be present, other special safety measures will need to be built into the structure.  Perhaps a very shallow end just for the kids will need to be built, or handrails leading down to the water so people who have trouble walking can maintain their balance. 

In spite of such practical demands, landscape pool design offers enormous creative freedom when it comes to building recreational features into the form.   Spas are very popular with Houstonians.  They provide a blend of comfort and luxury and look superb when up lighted with underwater lights.  Spas are also great therapy for people who are recovering from injuries or for those who suffer from arthritis. 

Water features can be added to either a spa or some other part of the pool that the homeowner wishes to add aesthetic emphasis to.  Waterfalls are very popular and can be built at either end of thepool, as part of a spa, or even along the side of a pool.  Waterfalls make swimming exciting and entertaining.  They add vertical impact to the pool and create a sense of magic when illuminated at night.

Water jets are another popular water feature that adds dynamic drama to events, and good times and laughter for children and adults alike.  Fountains can also be custom built into swimming pools.

Swimming pool patios can be anything from decorative concrete to something as ornate as finely cut, polished stone that is meticulously laid down by hand as if to imitate something from Nature itself.  Patio dimensions and geometry should complement the pool and lead into surrounding garden and outdoor architectural designs.  Landscape pool design specialists carefully balance the aesthetic of the patio with the size needed to accommodate the anticipated number of guests.