We’ve been talking about installing a pool for years now. Here in Tennessee, it’s hot pretty much all year, and by July and August, it feels absolutely impossible to enjoy being outside unless you’re in a body of water. Plus, we really wanted to create an amazing space for our kids to play and gather with friends, so a pool just felt right. For us, installing a pool isn’t just about beating the heat—it’s about creating this timeless place for connection, laughter, and all those family memories you hope your kids will carry with them forever.
We’re sharing our pool journey so far: what inspired us, what we’ve been thinking about, the design choices we’re making, and honestly, all the lessons we’ve learned along the way.
Why We Finally Said Yes to a Pool
Our decision to build a pool really came down to two things: climate and lifestyle. Tennessee is hot for nearly eight months of the year, and a pool just gives us the ability to actually enjoy being outdoors without feeling miserable from the heat and humidity.
But beyond that, we wanted a way to stay connected with our children as they get older. Pools create those spaces where families naturally gather, where teens want to bring their friends, and where memories just happen. Both Derek and I grew up with pools, and honestly, some of our very best childhood memories came from those long summers spent in the water. We want our kids to have that same experience.
What We Had to Think Through First
Pools are such a major investment, so cost was definitely the first thing to consider. With today’s prices easily reaching $100k or more, we wanted to feel really confident about when to dive in (pun intended).
Our children were another huge consideration. At five and six years old, we knew we wanted them to be strong, confident swimmers before having a pool right in our backyard. After a full year of swim lessons and watching their confidence grow in the water, we finally had that peace of mind to move forward.
The timing of construction mattered too. Digging a pool means heavy equipment, which leaves you with this massive pile of dirt and a completely torn-up lawn. Since we were already planning the build of our guest cottage, we decided to time both projects together so we wouldn’t have to disrupt the yard twice. Being smart about timing saves your sanity.
Keeping It Simple and Intentional
Our home has this simple, serene, cottage-in-the-countryside feel that we absolutely love. We wanted the pool to reflect that same peaceful aesthetic. Our vision leans toward luxury pool design, but without all those unnecessary bells and whistles that can feel overwhelming.
The pool will be rectangular with three wide steps, surrounded by grass rather than tons of concrete everywhere. No benches, minimal decking—we’re keeping the design clean and timeless. We’re really drawn to that European-inspired style that feels understated but still elevated. Less is definitely more in our book.
What This Process Has Taught Us
Planning this pool has been quite the learning experience! First lesson: get multiple quotes and really consider both fiberglass and gunite options. Every material has its trade-offs, and the costs can vary so dramatically that it’ll make your head spin.
Second, trust in your builder is absolutely everything. We chose a company that our neighbors used, with five-star reviews and, honestly, quite the waiting list. A long wait might be inconvenient, but we’ve learned it’s often a good sign of quality work and high demand.
Third, those contracts and warranties need your close attention. Pools are such a long-term investment, so getting clarity on maintenance and coverage is essential.
The Surprises We Didn’t See Coming
Even with all our careful planning, the process threw us some challenges. The biggest one was figuring out where to put the pool equipment. We just didn’t have any hidden spots available, so the equipment will sit behind our guest cottage. Looking back, we wish we had planned for a dedicated pool house or integrated the space into our guest cottage design from the start.
Another surprise was dealing with underground utilities. This meant some adjustments to our original plans. These are the kinds of details that homeowners overlook at first, but they can make a big difference in your planning.
Making It Feel Like Home
We didn’t want the pool to feel like some random backyard addition that doesn’t belong. We wanted it to feel like an extension of our home. Our main house and guest cottage naturally form this lovely courtyard space, so we’re placing the pool right within that area.
The white tile will connect beautifully to our white brick exterior, and we chose white pavers around the pool, so that everything flows together. All those details—the pool tile, water color, furniture choices, landscaping—they all play an important role in creating this cohesive feel. When you approach the design thoughtfully, the pool feels timeless and connected to your architecture instead of just tacked on as an afterthought.
Our Advice If You’re Considering This Journey
If you’re just starting to dream about installing a pool, here’s what we’d tell you: get a design or rendering, get quotes so you can start budgeting realistically. Planning ahead with materials is huge, too. Pools often come with all these additional costs you don’t think about at first—fencing, landscaping, and outdoor furniture. Getting quotes and budgeting early prevents those heart-stopping surprises.
And here’s a big question we had to ask ourselves: would we rather save for 15 years until we can pay cash, or finance it now and actually enjoy it while our kids are little? There’s honestly no right or wrong answer here—only what feels right for your family and your situation.
How We’re Picturing Life by the Water
We imagine lazy afternoons spent reading and relaxing by the pool, family games together, and summer lunches outside. The pool will become a natural gathering place for hosting friends, cooling off on those hot days, and just enjoying the nature that surrounds our home.
Where This Journey Has Brought Us
This whole experience has shown us that installing a pool really isn’t just about construction and contractors. It’s about creating a space where life’s best moments can unfold naturally. With thoughtful design, patient planning, and really clear priorities, a pool can become such a natural extension of your home.
A pool might start out as relief from the heat, but over time, it can become the heart of your family’s favorite moments.
See some of the materials we selected for our pool below!
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Welcome to The Cottage Journal - our corner of the internet where we share the heart behind Wiersma Homes. Here you'll find stories from the job sites, design ideas we're loving, behind-the-scenes decisions from our own builds, and the lessons we've learned helping families create homes that feel timeless and deeply personal. Whether you're dreaming, planning, or already building, we hope these notes inspire and equip you to create a home you love living in.
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