Quick Summary
Selah Pools built a complete outdoor environment for the Blough family in Wylie featuring a 21x16-foot rectangular pool with 13,572 gallons, expanded tanning ledge, five integrated steps and benches, pool decking, equipment pad, and integrated planters.
Key Takeaways
- The Blough family worked through seven design revisions to perfect their compact Wylie outdoor living space
- The 21x16-foot pool includes expanded tanning ledge, five steps and benches, and 487 square feet of pool decking
- Integrated planters and relocated skimmer in the final design create clean sight lines and softened hardscape
- The 13,572-gallon pool flows from 3'6" to 5' depth across 509 square feet of water surface area
- Multiple design iterations reflect Selah's commitment to perfecting every detail for each family
When square footage is precious, every design decision carries weight. The Blough family's Wylie outdoor living space maximizes intimacy over expanse — a 21x16-foot pool that feels perfectly proportioned rather than constrained. The design evolved through multiple revisions, each refinement adding function without compromising the compact footprint. An expanded tanning ledge creates shallow-water lounging, while five built-in steps and benches provide natural gathering zones throughout the pool perimeter. The relocated skimmer and added planter in the final iteration demonstrate how thoughtful adjustments transform good concepts into great spaces.
Materials & Finishes
The 13,572-gallon pool flows from 3'6" to 5' depth, creating comfortable swimming zones across 509 square feet of water surface. Five integrated steps and benches totaling 53 linear feet provide seating and entry points around the pool's 95-foot perimeter. The expanded tanning ledge emerged during design development, recognizing that shallow-water relaxation would be the family's primary activity. Pool decking spans 487 square feet, while additional decking areas extend the entertaining space to nearly 500 total square feet.
Design & Features
The equipment pad's compact 12-square-foot footprint keeps mechanical systems discreet. Through seven design revisions, the layout evolved to balance swimming function with social gathering — each step and bench positioned where conversation flows naturally. Integrated planters soften hardscape edges, completing the vision.
Project Highlights
The Blough family worked through seven design revisions to perfect their compact Wylie outdoor living space
The 21x16-foot pool includes expanded tanning ledge, five steps and benches, and 487 square feet of pool decking
Integrated planters and relocated skimmer in the final design create clean sight lines and softened hardscape
The 13,572-gallon pool flows from 3'6" to 5' depth across 509 square feet of water surface area
Multiple design iterations reflect Selah's commitment to perfecting every detail for each family
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you maximize pool function in a compact space?
Thoughtful design makes compact spaces feel generous rather than cramped. The Blough family's 21x16-foot pool demonstrates how strategic feature placement creates multiple activity zones within a smaller footprint. The expanded tanning ledge provides shallow-water relaxation, while five integrated steps and benches offer seating around the perimeter. Every square foot serves multiple purposes — the tanning ledge doubles as social seating, steps function as in-water lounging, and the surrounding 487 square feet of decking flows between swimming and entertaining zones. Seven design revisions perfected this balance.
What's the benefit of integrated steps versus separate entry?
Integrated steps and benches create natural gathering zones while maximizing swimming space. The Blough pool features five step and bench areas totaling over 53 linear feet — these aren't just entry points, they're social architecture. Families naturally gravitate to these areas for conversation, children use them as play platforms, and adults appreciate comfortable seating within the water. Separate entry steps consume pool space without adding function. Integrated features serve as both access and amenity, making every element of the pool's 95-foot perimeter useful for daily enjoyment — transforming a swimming pool into a complete aquatic living room.
How many design revisions are typical for a custom pool?
Most families work through three to five design iterations before construction begins, though some projects require more refinement. The Blough family's seven revisions weren't excessive — they were thorough. Each addressed specific lifestyle needs: expanding the tanning ledge for shallow-water relaxation, repositioning the skimmer for cleaner sight lines, and adding planters to soften hardscape edges. Design development is where great pools separate from good ones. We encourage clients to visualize daily routines in the space, then adjust accordingly. The goal isn't minimizing revisions — it's ensuring every detail serves your family's specific needs.
Can you add planters and landscaping during pool construction?
Integrating planters during pool construction creates seamless transitions between hardscape and landscape. The Blough family added integrated planters in their final design revision, recognizing that greenery would soften the pool's geometric lines. Building planters simultaneously with the pool ensures proper drainage, irrigation access, and structural integration with the surrounding 487 square feet of decking. Retrofit planters often look added-on rather than designed-in. Incorporating landscape elements during initial construction allows for buried irrigation lines, coordinated drainage, and material continuity between pool coping and planter walls — creating an outdoor living space that feels cohesive from day one.
What depth range works best for family swimming and lounging?
The 3'6" to 5' depth range balances adult swimming with comfortable standing depth for most family members. The Blough family's depth progression allows children to touch bottom throughout most of the pool while providing enough depth for active swimming. The shallow end supports the expanded tanning ledge, while deeper zones accommodate play and exercise. This range eliminates safety concerns of traditional deep-end pools while maintaining swimming functionality. Most families spend more time standing, playing, and socializing in water than swimming laps. The Blough pool's 13,572-gallon volume across this depth range maximizes usability for the broadest age range.
Your Perfect Pool Starts with Great Design
Every outdoor living space has potential. Let's discover what yours could become with the right approach.
(817) 618-5731
