Inground Pool Design & Installation
Inground Pools Rochester NY
Starting a pool project ?
Many homeowners are not sure where to start.
Not sure where to Begin ?……….No worries! Your not alone, most homeowners are not really sure where to start and it can be hard to get useful, yet unbiased information on pool installation without getting too far into the process.
Most homeowners don't realize they can or should create a plan that considers the overall backyard before investing in the pool.
Hi, my name is Bill Carr, owner of Woodstream Landscape Inc. I design pool projects for homeowners in Rochester NY. I hope that you will consider hiring me to work on your project. However, even if you don’t, you will hopefully find the information on these pages helpful.
Invest time in planning......before installing your pool
Outdoor spaces invite you to step out of the house but not stray very far. Their purpose is to provide enjoyment outdoors…. conveniently. You will find that you spend much more time outdoors, entertaining, cooking, eating, swimming or just staring at the Waterfeature ( its not just a bland pool yard….if you do it right )
In order for a pool & overall backyard to deliver on its potential as a exceptional outdoor living area it needs to be planned well.
A pool is a big investment. Not only in terms of money, but the fact that a pool will take up a major portion of space in your backyard.
Make the most of your investment
Don't leave that whole investment up to chance
It still amazes me that such a large project, in terms of cost and impact on your property, is typically implemented with very little pre-planning.
On a majority of the pool installations, core elements that will impact spatial perception ( “feel” ) of your backyard & pool space………. are usually an afterthought.
This can create a very “piecemeal” feel to your backyard space.
For example:
- pools finish grade & surrounding grade
- pool fence layout
- patio layout
- Planting beds
These core elements, are not really thought out…..they’re just put together…on site… with some spray paint… as the project goes along.
“If you think that good design is expensive, you should look at the cost of bad design.”
- Ralf Speth. CEO Land Rover
About Me
All the information on this site is based on my formal education in Landscape Architecture combined with over 25 years of professional experience, designing inground pools & backyard living areas in Rochester, NY & Hilton Head, SC.
A design provides a great deal of value by ensuring everything is visually and functionally integrated. It provides a reference for different contractors up and down the line, so you don’t end up with a mishmash of awkward spaces and meager proportions. All the answers are provided right there on the plan.
I always enjoy the opportunity to work with homeowners to re-imagine their surroundings. This site has 100’s of pictures that will give you an overview of my abilities and I hope that you will consider hiring me to work on your project.
However, even if you don’t consider using me for your project, you will hopefully find the information on these pages helpful In avoiding the mistakes that so many homeowners end up making.
Inground Pools
What to Know Before starting
Inground pool cost
What to Know Before you install a pool
Pool patio Options & costs
Pool patio design
Pool planning
“…the key is to remember that the pool is just one part of your overall backyard…”
Planning a pool in your Backyard
.....Thinking about design is hard, but not thinking about it is worse
If you are thinking about adding an inground swimming pool, spend time planning your overall backyard. It still amazes me that such a large project, in terms of cost and impact on your property, is typically implemented with very little pre-planning.
For example: On a majority of the pool installations, core elements that will impact spatial perception ( “feel” ) of your backyard & pool space………. are usually an afterthought. This can create a very “piecemeal” feel to your backyard space.
- pools finish grade & surrounding grade
- pool fence layout
- patio layout
- Planting beds
These core elements, are not really thought out…..they’re just put together…on site… with some spray paint… as the project goes along.
Plan ahead...........Begin with the end in mind
The number one thing I can tell you is that you need to think about and plan how you want your backyard to look and function once the pool is in.
Even a simple plan you do yourself will help you to solidify and understand your own objectives. A pool company is not there to design your overall backyard space.
They are there to give you a pool. They’re skill set is to install a high-quality swimming pool, but that’s probably the extent of what you get.
Don't Leave your Backyard Layout to "chance"
“......Everything is designed. Few things are designed well......”
“…….you lose the opportunity to integrate your spaces which “could have provided more value and function for the same price.”………”
“…….outdoor projects have a high Return on Investment. ………However with pools, the trick is the presentation….”
“….Most pool projects continue to have a very outdated “Look and Feel”……..the ROI suffers as a result….”
“Instead of a homebuyer simply accepting that a pool comes with the house, you’ve created something they desire, which translates to more Value.”
- Article quote from The Chicago Tribune
Create more value....by design
Increase the perceived value of your pool
Before the trend toward outdoor living, people did not use their backyard as part of their everyday lives. The backyard was simply functional space.
So most swimming pool installations looked pretty much the same. A bland space, disconnected from the rest of the yard, functioning for a single purpose . A pool was often seen as a liability when considering a homes resale value.
Today’s homeowners & home buyers value outdoor living space, especially when it’s well designed. In fact, studies done by national association of Realtors show a high rate of return ( around 100% ) on outdoor living areas.
".....Design your pool to "Read" as one part of an overall living environment...."
When your pool is carefully designed to be integrated into your overall backyard living space, it becomes a valuable asset. Visually, it will “read” as a captivating water feature which is part of a multi functional backyard environment.
Then it is No longer Perceived as “just a pool” and when you go to sell your house, that whole “Outdoor Experience” is seen as an Asset, not a Liability.
"......Then it is No longer Perceived as “just a pool” and when you go to sell your house, that whole "Outdoor Experience” is seen as an Asset, Not a Liability...."
Quality of landscaping impacts home value
"Beautiful Space.....Pays for itself"
Find out more about inground pool design
Pool Design
A Good Pool Design Will Pay for Itself
The benefit of hiring a designer
Maximize your investment....But it has to be done right
When thinking about an inground pool installation many homeowners are not sure where to begin.
Swimming pools are a big investment which takes up a large portion of your backyard. An overall design is a key first step which will help you visualize and prioritize important elements of the project.
It can be tempting to rush to get your new pool in the ground, to be using it as soon as possible. However, the possibilities for the whole backyard become much more restricted once the pool is already in place.
No surprises. No guesswork, no worries!!
The right design will maximize the overall function and appeal of your entire pool and surrounding area. It helps clarify your expectations, establish your budget and helps you to visualize and prioritize multi-phase enhancements to your pool and outdoor living area.
The Benefit of working with a highly regarded landscape design/Build company, as opposed to your pool installer and then a landscaper afterwards, is that the designer will have the whole job in mind.
It’s an investment that is guaranteed to improve your end result. It ensures synergy in all phases of the project, not just the pool portion of it.
Take that extra time for careful planning and you will get the right pool, in the right spot, with the right outdoor living area surrounding it.
No surprises.... No guesswork... no worries!!
Don't Leave your Backyard Layout to "chance"
A pool company is not there to design your overall backyard space. They are there to give you a pool.
“….Impact studies done by the National Association of Realtors & Clemson university found that outdoor improvements have the highest Return On Investment…..”
Pool Gallery
Rochester NY Pool Projects
"Check out some more pool project pictures in our Pool Gallery"
Pool Designs for Rochester Homeowners
Pool Design Process
Learn about our process and the cost for our services
1) Free onsite consultation
Our process begins with a FREE onsite consultation. This meeting provides us first, with an opportunity to listen to the various elements you desire in your ideal Backyard, but also the chance to exchange ideas that may reveal other design considerations.
We will begin gathering site information which will ensure an accurate and thoughtful design. This information includes:
- Locating existing structures, trees, etc.
- Evaluate site drainage patterns.
- Evaluate site elevations including site topography.
- Relevant finish floor elevations.
- Locate property lines, easements, etc.
- Identify privacy concerns.
2) The Design
A plan is designed that will meet customer desires as well as harmonizing with the realities and existing features of the property. The pool location and height are designed to minimize or eliminate any functional conflicts of the site.
I also prepare an estimate of work that you can choose to have my company provide. Typically we would do:
- Paver Patio ( if customer chooses this option)
- Landscaping & Plantings
- Hardscaping such as steps, planters, retaing walls
- Grading
- Lawn (sometimes)
3) Project Installation & Management
If you choose to have us perform some of the work we include project management for Free. I work with your pool builder during the initial phase to layout the location and finish grade for the swimming pool and main site features.
As your pool build progresses I layout the concrete patios for the mason ( if you choose that option instead of pavers).
After the flatwork is completed, my company installs the landscapes, grading, other hardscaping. I then stake corners & paint out the fence location for your fence installer.
pool design cost
Pool Design
2D Plan view
This is the classic architectural “floor plan view” layout. A 2D plan is like a floor plan for an outdoor area. A landscape design creates a visual representation of a site using scaled dimensions.
It allows for “take offs” when estimating the materials during cost estimation, ensuring accuracy in bidding. It is also important for laying out site features during the installation phase of your project.
I provide accurate linear and square foot measurements for Hardscapes which is better than relying on “take offs” from a third party. It helps eliminate uncertainty, which can cause bids to be “padded”. Just by having me do that, it usually more than covers the cost of a plan and you are assure of getting what you paid for.
Cost for 2D Plans
- Inground Pool Design: Backyards that include an inground Pool are Usually $395 for an average Rochester, NY home site.
- Backyards without a pool are usually $295 for an average Rochester, NY home site.
- Front yard Landscape Design is $250 for an average Rochester homesite.
A couple Notes for 2D Plans
- Note: Some Renovation Plans for existing homes can be a little more. It depends on the amount of existing trees & site features.
- Note: Sites with larger than normal grade changes can cost more to design.
Landscape Design
3D Renderings
One of biggest challenges when looking at a traditional landscape design is to get a real “feel” for what a complex design would look like in the actual space where the project would be installed.
3D renderings can be used in the design stage of a project to help visualize the overall layout. They are not used for project layout so you can consider them as optional.
A 3-D design can give an “in the landscape viewpoint” that helps give you a sense of ‘scale; and ‘proportion’ because it shows you the actual height of plants, walls or pergolas & other elements.
It is a worthwhile investment that is not meant to merely wow you with technology, but to aid you in truly envisioning the landscape.
A 2D plan is needed before a 3D Rendering can be accurately put together. A 3D plan is not needed to layout your project, therefore you can consider it as optional/add on.
Cost for 3D Plan/Rendering
- Backyard 3D plan/Renderings are usually $250 for an average Rochester, NY home site.
- Inground Pool 3D plan/Renderings: Backyards that include an inground Pool are $300 for an average Rochester, NY home site.
- Front yard 3D plan/Renderings: are $250 for an average Rochester, NY home site.
Project Layout (Limited) Free
Project Layout...........$450
*NOTE: If you decide to hire us to perform some of the landscape work on your project, I will meet with your pool contractor to layout pool, patios, and fence so that everything gets installed according to the plan.
*NOTE: We only do project layout on jobs that involve us performing some of the landscape or hardscape work.
we can help you design your space
Why are our projects always so different? Partially it’s the quality of the materials we use and the care we take in our installations, but mostly it is about creative and thoughtful design.
The right design will maximize the overall function and appeal of your entire property. It helps clarify your expectations, establish your budget and helps you to visualize and prioritize multi-phase enhancements.
Extensive time and detail is put into these plans so that your landscape will continue to add curb appeal, function & increased Home Value, Not maintenance and frustration.
It is for this reason we charge a fee for design work, which is around $200-$400 for a traditional 2D architectural plan for most front or backyard landscape Projects.
Backyards that include a Pool run about $395 Total due to the extra time involved, such as measuring and laying out grades, drainage, setbacks etc.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Reach out.
- (585) 202-0623
- wdstrmpool@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
$395 for a traditional 2D architectural plan which is what is used for planning and layout of the pool and surrounding spaces for your project. 3D Renderings are usually $300.
We do Planting, Landscaping & Hardscapes installs, (other than concrete). We will provide estimates for any of that work. We don’t accept every install inquiry. It mostly depends on our backlog, distance, type of work.
You choose the pool builder. They will install the pool, including backfill, rough grading and fence.
On projects where we are doing some of the installation work (like landscaping)….. we lay out fencing and concrete so it gets done according to plan.
We actually will be working for you. We manage a project with your best interests in mind. With that said, we work with whoever you choose as your pool builder.
No problem! As long as we are doing some of the other work (like Landscaping) I will layout the design for the mason to ensure it gets put in according to the plan.
Not at this time. Since we don’t accept every installation project we’re offered, ( even though we might have done the drawing ) we instead opt to keep the design fee reasonable across the board, in order to keep it “Fair”.
Around $250 for a traditional 2D architectural plan for most Frontyard landscape Projects. We do offer 3D renderings for about $250, but it’s more for visualization and not critical for planning and layout of the project.
Around $295 for a traditional 2D architectural plan for most backyard landscape Projects. We do offer 3D renderings for about $250 extra.
Sometimes, yes. But it depends. More so in winter. Just shoot me an email. The fees will usually be a little higher because there is no installation aspect. I’m pretty familiar with plants in the East down to about zone 8. I worked in Hilton Head, SC. for 7 years.
