Landscaping and hardscaping your outdoor space is a wonderful way to add value to your home while creating a relaxing, private area for your entire family to enjoy! For instance; adding a backyard swimming pool will get everyone excited, but before you start digging, don’t forget to plan ahead for the pool patio.
Building a pool patio isn’t a very difficult project. The key is taking the time to properly plan the project and prepare your site. The best time to install your swimming pool is in the fall or right before the winter so you can allow for the backfill to settle for at least 3 months before you install your swimming pool patio. Follow this timeline and your pool and patio will be ready to use in late spring or early summer.
Your new pool patio can be the centerpiece of a backyard transformation that will create a resort-like environment where your friends and family can come together to relax, dine, socialize, and enjoy a healthy lifestyle!
Here are some helpful tips for planning and building your pool patio:
Planning Your Pool Patio
Properly planning your backyard transformation can save you time and money. A common mistake many homeowners make when planning a pool patio is shorting themselves on the size of their patio area to save money. Not building a big enough patio can affect the visual appeal of your entire pool area.
Ask and answer these questions when planning your project:
How do I determine the minimum size of my pool deck?
Like indoor carpeting or flooring, outdoor patio space is designed and installed in terms of square footage. A general rule for your patio’s square footage is that it should be at least the same as your pool’s square footage. For example, if your pool is a 15 x 30 feet rectangle, the minimum size of your pool patio should be 450 square feet.
Which backyard areas receive regular foot traffic?
Place your patio on the route that most people will travel. For example, if your pool is near a back door that is used to get from the house to the pool area, build your patio so it has plenty of area on the “house side” of the pool to ensure that it serves the space where people will gather most.
How many people will use the space and what furniture will be on the patio?
If you have a large family, you’ll need enough space to accommodate everyone. In addition, if you are planning on adding seating, or a fire pit where people will gather, make sure you plan for the space required and the amenities you want to add. Visualize exactly how you will use the space.
Building Your Pool Patio
You’ve got a plan, you installed the pool, and now it’s time to build your patio. Here in New England, when you build is important. The best time to build your patio is after the danger of frost has passed, which means late spring to early fall. The freeze/thaw cycle can cause pavers to shift. Starting your build when the possibility of frost has passed will allow your patio to acclimate over time to seasonal changes.
Make sure you properly prepare the underlayment of your patio. Dig down about 8 to 10 inches and use a quality barrier to prevent shifting of sand and gravel. Make sure you use the proper gravel for your base layer and compact it well. Cover the gravel with a 3- or 4-inch layer of concrete sand, level, and compact it again before laying your pavers.
If you’re ready to begin your backyard transformation, give us a call! At Old Station Outdoor and Landscape Supply we carry all the materials you’ll need to complete the job. From construction aggregates to the latest paver technology from Unilock, Techo-Bloc, Belgard, and Ideal, we can deliver all the materials for your project. Stop by or give us a call. We’re always happy to help you with your backyard makeover!
