Where should my pool equipment go?

One thing we always consider when building a new pool for our customers is where will the pool equipment be located? The proper functioning of your equipment along with on-going maintenance is key to keeping things running smoothly. But who wants their view of their beautiful new outdoor oasis to include seeing filters, heaters, pumps, plumbing, and PVC pipes? Some things are better left unseen and when it comes to your new pool, your equipment probably falls into that category. That’s why when we’re in the initial planning stages, we pay careful consideration to finding a spot that will make your equipment accessible, but also stay relatively out of sight. So, what are the options we consider when trying to hide these necessary, but not exactly attractive, pieces of equipment?

Ideas for Hiding Pool Equipment

Landscaping

• Bushes: The denseness of bushes make them a great option for hiding pool equipment. They are also able to grow thick and tall enough to create a pseudo wall, which also helps with filtering out noise! Your current backyard may not have a spot for where these bushes could go but we’ll certainly be looking at those possibilities. When selecting bushes for concealing equipment, we always recommend ones that don’t grow too fast or drop a lot of debris. That includes avoiding any that flower or drop fruit – the berries can stain your deck and also attract insects.
• Ornamental Grasses: Tall, ornamental grasses are another great way to hide your pool equipment. Though not as dense as bushes, grasses can also grow tall enough to hide any filter, plus they’re low maintenance. Ornamental grasses will give a whimsical feel to your backyard and complement any other landscaping around the pool. We’ll be happy to recommend a few  that don’t seed or become invasive.

Enclosures

• Privacy screens: There is a vast selection of different vinyl screen options that you can purchase from almost any home improvement store. They are durable, won’t fade in the sun, rust from the rain and are also very easy to clean. You can find screen options to match your house – anything from a traditional white picket fence to vinyl that is molded and textured to replicate bamboo sheets or real wood panels.
• Covered enclosure: Some homeowners opt for having an enclosure built to hide pool equipment that can be designed in sync with fencing, stonework or other design features  in the pool/patio area. This is something you can take on yourself or ask for our recommendation on who could help turn your vision into reality.

Walls

• Wood: Always a go-to material for outdoor enclosures, wood blends in well in outdoor spaces and is a great option for a wall to block your pool equipment. It can be left natural, painted, stained, or even be wood that was rescued from other projects or structures.
• Concrete: Most pads for equipment are made of concrete. But you can also opt for concrete walls to hide the equipment. If that’s something you’re considering (or an option we think could work), the ideal time to get it done is when your pool is being poured. Once finished, the wall can be be painted, or you can choose to use pre-stained or colored concrete to match other design elements of your pool area.
• Stone: Some backyard pools require retaining walls, creating an ideal spot for your equipment to be stored. Or, you can echo design features of stone work around your pool or deck to create a wall that shields the equipment from view but still has a natural look to it that blends in to the overall look of your backyard.
• Vinyl: Vinyl board-like planks are another option that allow you to create whatever type of enclosure you’d like. Vinyl boards can be found made from recycled materials or molded to mimic real wood grain, color and textures.

Sheds/Pool Housing

• Pool box: Pool equipment boxes not only hide your pool pumps and filters, but also protect the equipment from the elements. Depending upon your set up, you may only need a 3-sided enclosure with a hinged lid or access door panels if your pump and filter sits up against the wall. With any enclosure, it’s important that there is plenty of room and adequate ventilation for the pump motor.
• Pool shed: You usually think of a shed as a place to store your lawn mower and yard maintenance tools, but you can house your pool equipment in them, too! A pool shed becomes a multi-purpose place to hide pool equipment as well as store your yard tools, pool floats and toys among other things. If this sounds like an idea you’re interested in, make sure you tell us in the early planning stages.
• Pool house: Wouldn’t it be amazing to have a place where people can go to change and towel off that’s not in the actual house? Pool houses are a great way to do this and can also be designed to accommodate all of your pool equipment – but you have to have the means, budget and the yard space to build one. Again, it’s key to plan for such an endeavor as we’ve created pool houses that also turn into outdoor kitchens and entertainment centers.

As you can see, there are many fun and unique ways to hide your pool equipment. The key is to plan for it. Discuss it with us at our initial meeting – and if you don’t bring it up, we certainly will!