The stuff I see every day—like the steps and the coping—matters way more to me.
That’s interesting, because I’ve noticed clients often get fixated on details that end up fading into the background once the project’s finished. I’m curious—did you find yourself second-guessing any of the bigger elements, like the layout or materials for the coping? Sometimes those decisions have a bigger impact on daily enjoyment than we expect. I wonder if focusing energy there might be more rewarding in the long run...
Funny you mention the coping—I’ve had clients agonize over tile color for weeks, but then barely notice it once the pool’s filled. Meanwhile, the shape of the steps or how the sun hits the shallow end ends up making or breaking their daily swim. I always tell people, don’t underestimate the stuff you’ll interact with every single day. Materials matter, but layout’s what you’ll feel every time you use the pool. I’ve seen folks regret not spending more time on that part.
- 100% agree, layout trumps materials every time.
- I spent days picking out the “perfect” tile, but honestly, now that it’s done, I barely notice it unless I’m cleaning.
- What I do notice? The awkward step placement… wish I’d thought more about how we’d actually move around in there.
- Sunlight makes a huge difference too—our shallow end gets way too hot by midafternoon. Didn’t even cross my mind during planning.
- If I could do it again, I’d focus way more on how we use the pool day to day, not just the finishes.
If I could do it again, I’d focus way more on how we use the pool day to day, not just the finishes.
Couldn’t agree more—function over fancy tiles every time. I got obsessed with eco-friendly pavers, but now it’s the weird bench placement that bugs me. Also, that “sunlight” issue? Solar covers help, but only so much...
I hear you on the bench placement—ours ended up right where the afternoon shade hits, so it’s basically useless after 3pm. I spent ages picking out “period-appropriate” coping to match the house, but honestly, I wish I’d prioritized a better spot for the steps and benches. The sunlight thing is tricky...we tried solar covers too, but if your pool’s in a shady spot, there’s only so much you can do. Sometimes I think the practical stuff just gets lost in the excitement of picking finishes.
