Building a swimming pool isn’t just about digging a hole in the backyard and filling it with water. It’s a detailed process that combines design, engineering, and long-term vision. Whether you’re planning a sleek plunge pool, a luxurious infinity design, or a family-friendly oasis, the decisions you make in the early stages will shape your experience and your budget for years to come.
Unfortunately, many homeowners rush into the process without understanding what’s at stake. Partnering with a reputable swimming pool building company can help, but knowing what not to do is just as important.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the 10 most common (and expensive) swimming pool building mistakes. And how to avoid them with smart planning, professional help, and a touch of foresight.
Let’s dive in with the first five mistakes.
10 Mistakes to Avoid Before the Swimming Pool Building Process
Mistake #1 – Rushing the Planning Phase
It’s exciting to imagine the sparkling water, the weekend barbecues, and the Instagram-worthy moments your new pool will bring. But hit the brakes, rushing the planning stage is the fastest way to sabotage your pool project before it even begins.
Skipping Design Consultations
Great pools don’t start with shovels. They start with smart pool designs. Skipping a design consultation means you miss out on tailored advice regarding layout, depth, finishes, and features that match your lifestyle. Not every yard is built for a lap pool, and not every homeowner wants a deep end.
Not Researching Local Zoning or Permits
Every municipality has its own set of zoning rules, safety codes, and permit requirements. Overlooking this step could result in costly delays, fines, or even having to modify your pool after construction begins. Professional swimming pool builders in Toronto, for example, are well-versed in local regulations and can guide you through this maze with ease.
Ignoring Long-Term Functionality
It’s tempting to build a pool for your current lifestyle, but what about five or ten years down the road? Consider whether you’ll need child safety features, aging-in-place accessibility (like wide steps or rails), or design elements that increase your home’s resale value.
Mistake #2 – Choosing the Cheapest Contractor
Building a pool is a significant investment, and it’s natural to compare quotes. But if one quote seems suspiciously lower than the others, it’s not a discount; it’s a red flag.
Low Bids Often Equal Low Quality
Cut-rate contractors may use subpar materials, outsource to inexperienced subcontractors, or rush timelines. The initial savings can disappear quickly when problems arise.
Importance of Credentials, Reviews, and Site Visits
Don’t just take a contractor’s word for it. Look for certifications, ask for references, and—if possible—visit one of their ongoing or completed projects. Reputable swimming pool building companies should be transparent about their work.
Hidden Costs of Rework
Poor craftsmanship can result in leaks, structural cracks, or uneven surfaces—repairs that cost more to fix than they would’ve to do right the first time. Choosing an experienced team of pool builders can help you avoid these financial headaches.
Mistake #3 – Poor Site Assessment
Your backyard may look like a blank canvas, but underground and underfoot, there could be a range of issues waiting to surface.
Ignoring Soil Type, Slope, and Drainage
From clay-heavy soil that retains water to sloped yards that require retaining walls, the specifics of your site will affect everything from the pool design to structural stability.
Impact on Design and Construction Timeline
Failing to assess your site thoroughly can lead to delays mid-project as the team scrambles to adapt. Worse, you may end up compromising on features you originally planned for.
Added Costs from Overlooked Terrain Issues
You don’t want surprise line items like “extra excavation” or “emergency drainage system” popping up in your final invoice. A thorough site assessment up front protects your budget and your vision.
Mistake #4 – Skipping a Soil Test
Soil tests might not sound glamorous, but they’re essential for a structurally sound swimming pool.
Why Soil Testing Matters (Especially with Clay or Sand)
Soil with high clay content swells and contracts, while sandy soil lacks cohesion—both can jeopardize your pool shell over time. Knowing your soil conditions informs how your pool is engineered and reinforced.
Structural Consequences of Ignoring It
Without a proper understanding of soil type, you risk cracked foundations, leaks, or shifting structures. These aren’t small fixes—they’re thousands of dollars in repairs and days or weeks of lost use.
Long-Term Stability of Your Pool Structure
Think of soil testing as an insurance policy. It might add a bit to your upfront cost, but it saves you from future disasters. Any high-quality swimming pool building company will recommend it.
Talk to a Pool Design Expert
Mistake #5 – Overlooking Pool Orientation and Sunlight
You’ve picked your design, chosen the contractor, and cleared permits—but have you thought about where the sun hits your yard?
Sunlight = Warm Water, Less Heating Cost
Positioning your pool where it gets maximum sunlight helps keep water warmer, reducing your reliance on heaters and lowering energy costs in the long run.
Wind Direction, Privacy, and Glare Considerations
Pools positioned in windy spots can lose heat quickly and require more cleaning due to debris. Also, glare from the sun or lack of privacy can make even the most beautiful pool feel uncomfortable.
Optimizing Views from Inside the House
Don’t just think about how the pool looks from the patio. Consider the view from your living room, kitchen, or upstairs windows. A well-placed pool adds visual value even when you’re not using it.
Mistake #6 – Underestimating Ongoing Maintenance
You built the pool. It’s beautiful. The kids are thrilled. But no one told you about the weekly cleanings, monthly chemical balancing, and the occasional surprise leak.
Not Budgeting for Cleaning, Chemicals, Repairs
Even if your pool is perfectly constructed, there will be ongoing costs. Water testing kits, chlorine or salt, filtration maintenance, and occasional repair work aren’t “extras”—they’re the reality of ownership. Many homeowners forget to factor this into their annual budget.
Why Features Like Self-Cleaning Systems Pay Off
Automatic pool cleaners, robotic vacuums, and self-cleaning circulation systems cost more upfront, but they pay for themselves in convenience and longevity. Ask your swimming pool building company about options that reduce daily maintenance time.
The Myth of “Low Maintenance” Pools
No pool is truly maintenance-free. Even fiberglass or saltwater systems require attention. If a builder claims their pool needs “almost no upkeep,” ask for specifics—or get a second opinion.
Mistake #7 – Overloading on Features Without Considering Space
It’s easy to fall in love with pool designs on Pinterest or glossy brochures. Infinity edges, in-pool bars, LED fountains, tanning ledges… we’ve all been tempted.
Infinity Edge, Spa, Waterfalls… Sounds Great, Right? Until It’s Cramped
Cramming every trending feature into a compact yard can make your pool feel overcrowded. Instead of relaxing, you’re constantly navigating around fixtures.
Importance of Balance Between Aesthetics and Usability
Yes, your pool should look stunning, but not at the cost of comfort. Consider how your family and guests will actually use the space. A swim-up bar might look great, but be completely unnecessary if you’re rarely entertaining outdoors.
Think People Flow, Seating, and Storage
Think beyond the water. Do you have enough deck space for loungers? Can guests walk around without stepping on wet towels or outdoor furniture? Every great pool design includes room for movement, storage, and social zones.
Mistake #8 – Not Future-Proofing the Pool Design
Your lifestyle will evolve, and your pool should evolve with it.
Your Needs Today vs. 5–10 Years from Now
What works for a young couple might not suit a growing family. A shallow splash area for toddlers may later need deeper swimming zones. Consider all life stages when finalizing your swimming pool building plans.
Add-Ons That Are Hard (and Expensive) to Do Later
Want to add a heater, automation system, or lighting later? It’ll cost more and often require digging or electrical rerouting. Plan for flexibility now—even if you don’t install every feature right away.
Energy-Efficient Systems, Automation, LED Lighting, Heating
Technology moves fast. Prioritize eco-conscious upgrades like variable-speed pumps, smart automation, and LED lighting. They’ll reduce running costs and increase your pool’s lifespan.
Mistake #9 – Failing to Understand the Warranty Terms
Warranties can be lifesavers or they can be sources of frustration.
Warranty on Structure vs. Equipment vs. Workmanship
Most pools have separate warranties for the shell, filtration equipment, and the contractor’s workmanship. Make sure you understand the scope and duration of each.
Read the Fine Print: Who’s Liable for What?
If the filter malfunctions, does the manufacturer fix it, or the contractor? What if your pool tile cracks due to poor installation? Know which party covers which issue before signing anything.
Importance of Documented Communication
Always keep written records of conversations, changes, and commitments. Verbal agreements rarely hold up when disputes arise. A transparent swimming pool building company will always provide thorough documentation.
Mistake #10 – Not Hiring a Full-Service Pool Builder
DIY-ing your pool with individual contractors may seem like a money-saver, but it often creates chaos.
Fragmented Contractors = Miscommunication and Delays
One guy handles excavation. Another deals with plumbing. Then someone else installs the lighting. The more moving parts you introduce, the higher the risk of delays, finger-pointing, and cost overruns.
Benefits of Turnkey Swimming Pool Building
Hiring a full-service swimming pool building company, especially one experienced in your region, like many swimming pool builders in Toronto, ensures that everything is streamlined under one roof. Design, permitting, construction, and finishing are all handled with coordination.
Single Point of Contact = Fewer Surprises
When you have one project manager, you’re not juggling updates from six vendors. There’s accountability, consistency, and most importantly, peace of mind.
Bonus Tip – What To Do Instead
Avoiding these swimming pool building mistakes isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being prepared.
Work with an Experienced, Transparent Pool Builder
Choose a builder with a strong track record, real testimonials, and a clear portfolio of completed projects. They should guide, not push you through every decision.
Invest in Planning, Permits, and Future Flexibility
The best investment you can make isn’t a waterfall, it’s a solid plan. From zoning permits to optional upgrades, plan smart and plan ahead.
Ask Questions. Lots of Them
There are no silly questions when it comes to building a pool. Ask about timelines, soil, warranties, energy efficiency, maintenance, and anything else that concerns you. A reliable swimming pool building company will always have answers.
Final Thoughts
Building a pool should be exciting, not stressful. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’re not just creating a backyard feature, you’re building a lifestyle investment that brings years of relaxation, recreation, and value to your home.
Whether you’re dreaming of modern elegance or family-friendly fun, the right planning and the right team make all the difference.
Work with a Landscape Designer in Toronto Who Gets Everything Right
Building a swimming pool is only part of the picture. What truly brings your backyard to life is thoughtful, cohesive design. As a seasoned landscape designer in Toronto, we don’t just focus on the pool itself. We design entire outdoor environments that balance beauty, function, and long-term value.
From zoning and layout to finishes, lighting, and surrounding landscaping, we ensure every element works in harmony. The result? A seamless backyard retreat that looks stunning and feels effortless.
