7 Pool Design Mistakes We See in Grandview, UA & Dublin (And How to Avoid Them)
- Samantha Mooney
- Aug 13
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
You’ve been dreaming about it for years — a sparkling pool that feels like an escape to your favorite resort, right in your own backyard. But here’s what most homeowners don’t realize until it’s too late: one wrong decision in design, materials, or planning can turn that dream into an expensive frustration.
At Landfare Ltd., we’ve been designing and building pools and luxury landscapes for decades in Upper Arlington, Grandview & Dublin; and we see the same mistakes over and over again — even in high-end neighborhoods. Today, we’re pulling back the curtain to share what can make or break your investment.
Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong Pool Material
Fiberglass pools may seem easy, but the truth is they fade and dimple over time because they’re plastic.
“We see so many clients disappointed with fiberglass,” says John Spayde, Principal & Designer at Landfare Ltd. “They’re drawn in by the promise of a quick installation, but don’t realize they’re sacrificing beauty and longevity.”
Instead, we recommend natural stone or, if budget requires, a high-quality liner pool with expert installation. Stone doesn’t just look more refined — it ages gracefully, and with proper maintenance, it will look stunning for decades. See examples of our stone pool installations →
Mistake #2: Ignoring the Tile and Lighting Details
Pool tile is more than just decoration — it’s a design statement. From deep Mediterranean blues to modern neutrals, the right tile creates the mood every time you step outside. Lighting is equally important.
“We often design pools that are even more magical at night than during the day. Lighting should highlight the water, the stonework, and the landscaping, so the space is an experience, not just a pool," says Spayde.
Explore our tile and lighting inspiration here:
Mistake #3: Designing Without Considering Scale & Garden Growth
We’ve seen budget pool contractors design a plan with a spa, bubblers, and fountains — only to cut major elements when costs run over. The result? An awkward layout that feels incomplete.
A thoughtful design process considers scale and how the surrounding garden will mature. Flower beds, hedges, and sculpted boxwoods (see our Little Green Sculptures guide) should be positioned to frame the pool beautifully now and five years from now.
Mistake #4: Planting Messy Trees Too Close to the Pool
A big oak shading your pool might sound romantic — until you’re skimming leaves every single day. Trees with heavy foliage, seed pods, or berries can wreak havoc on your filtration system and leave your water looking less than inviting.
Our approach: plant thoughtfully, and select species that provide shade without constant debris. We also recommend using mature hornbeams or evergreens for privacy without the mess.
Mistake #5: Skipping the Automatic Pool Cover
An automatic pool cover isn’t just a luxury — it’s a must-have. It keeps the water clean, protects children and pets, and dramatically reduces heating and chemical costs.
Mistake #6: Overlooking Stonework Quality & Maintenance
From natural stone pool masonry to porcelain decking, the surface underfoot sets the tone for the entire backyard.
“We set all of our stone on 6,000 psi concrete and grout with 4,000 psi for strength and longevity,” says Spayde. “That’s why, 10 years later, our work still looks as beautiful as the day we installed it.”
Mistake #7: Not Planning for Year-Round Maintenance
A pool is a living feature — and like a luxury car, it requires expert care. From weekly cleaning to seasonal flower installations, irrigation checks, and stone inspections, every detail matters.
Many of our clients enjoy full-service pool and landscape maintenance, so they can simply step outside and enjoy their investment. As Spayde says, “The best part of a pool isn’t the day it’s installed — it’s three years later, when the gardens have matured, the stone has settled in, and the space feels like it’s been there forever.”
The Takeaway
If you’re investing in a pool in Upper Arlington, Dublin, or Powell, avoid the “quick fix” mindset. The right materials, thoughtful design, and long-term maintenance plan will not only give you a pool — it will give you a lifetime retreat.
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