Designing your own backyard pool is a pretty hefty project. And unless you’re a pro, you’re probably going to need a lot of help. But if you’re worried about having too many hands involved, don’t be! Building a backyard pool allows you to not only design but oversee the entire process every step of the way. This way, you can ensure that your dream pool becomes a reality without overworking yourself.

If you have plans to design your very own backyard pool, here’s what you should handle and what’s better left to the pros.

What You Can Do Yourself

Building a backyard pool is a lot of work. But before you call the pros, take a look at what you can realistically do yourself:

Picking a Design

When it comes to designing your backyard pool, the world is your oyster. You can research tons of different pool designs, styles, and features to help inspire you. Check out magazines, home improvement shows, and social media sites like Pinterest or Instagram to see what appeals to you.

Selecting a Layout

Because this is your backyard pool, you have the ultimate say in how you want it to look. This includes choosing where you want the pool, pool deck, landscaping, and other pool features. Try sketching the layout of your pool so you can better visualize its design and give the pros a clear picture of the look you’re going for.

Choosing a Basic Shape and Size

Your pool will need to fit on your backyard property, so you’ll have to consider just how big it should be. You can determine its general shape and size — i.e. a traditional rectangular pool, a freeform shape, or a customized design — based on your preferences, available space, and budget.

Landscaping

Decorating the area around your pool is a fun way to give it a visual appeal. And luckily, you don’t need a professional to do it.

Consider the type of aesthetic you want your pool to have. For example, if you want to design a tropical oasis, exotic flowers, plants, and trees such as orchids, ferns, or palm trees can promote a natural, serene ambiance. Or for a Mediterranean escape, incorporating aromatic herbs like lavender and rosemary is the next best thing to being in Italy.

What To Call the Pros For

Now that the fun part has been decided, it’s time to start the heavy lifting. This is where you can let the professionals take over to complete the job. Here’s what they’ll do:

Permitting

Unless you know a lot about zoning and safety, hiring a permitting specialist for your backyard pool is the way to go. These pros can handle all the boring stuff, from obtaining the necessary permits for pool construction to ensuring your pool adheres to all safety and building code regulations.

Excavation and Construction

To avoid getting your hands dirty, you should hire a professional pool builder for excavation and pool construction. They can do everything from laying the pool shell to installing plumbing and equipment so you don’t have to.

Electrical and Plumbing Work

Next, you’ll need to make sure your pool isn’t just pretty to look at, but comfortable to swim in as well. This means installing a heating system, lighting, filtration, and more, which is where electricians and plumbers step in to help. They can help you install wiring for pool lights, pumps, and heaters so that your pool is safe and ready for use.

Water Quality and Chemical Management

Maintaining your pool is just as important as designing it. But doing so can take up a lot of time, which is why many people hire a pool maintenance professional to do it instead. Pool maintenance professionals have extensive knowledge about water quality and chemical management to help you keep your pool clean and safe.