By Bryan Hull, Co-Owner Del Val Pools

Upon arrival and meeting a client for the first time, there are several perspectives that drive design. Budget is most certainly first and forefront, but from there, topography of the yard, egress from the house, access from existing patios or outside structures all contribute to the pool design. This is where a gunite pool can prove to be the best investment for in ground construction. This allows me to maximize the client’s vision with our abilities to construct any shape in either an open or confined space. It’s very important in that first meeting to draw the shape and size of the pool into the yard using spray paint. That’s the best way to visualize the size as opposed to talking linear footage and overall gallons. This is usually the starting point because it’s vital for our client and me to appreciate that the pool is just one part of a larger landscape.

Clients sometimes sit for several days looking at the painted shape in their yard before meeting again. During this time, I encourage them to walk around the proposed pool, place some furniture in strategic places to get a sense of potential traffic flow. A pool has a powerful influence on surrounding outdoor living spaces and can be the focus of an entire landscape. It’s a time for our clients to hone their vision and a time for me to bring that dream into a constructive reality. This is the design phase and the best time to consider special water features and lighting. Again, since the design phase can be a moving target, gunite is the ideal construction tool. When it comes to shaping, the only limitations lay in one’s imagination.