Central New York summers are short, so when the warm weather arrives, you want to spend every minute of it outside. An in-ground pool becomes the center of family life from Memorial Day to Labor Day and beyond.
Syracuse Lightscapes designs and builds in-ground pools in Syracuse and Central New York, together with the patios, landscaping and lighting around them. Here's how to plan yours.
- Choosing a pool shape
- Pool types at a glance
- Features: spas, waterfalls and slides
- The pool deck and landscaping
- Safety, permits and timeline
- Frequently asked questions
Choosing a Pool Shape
Freeform and kidney shapes
Curved, natural shapes blend into the landscape and pair beautifully with boulder waterfalls and planting beds.
Rectangular and geometric
Clean lines suit modern and traditional homes alike, work well for lap swimming and look great with large-format pavers and turf strips.
Sun shelves and tanning ledges
A shallow shelf at one end lets you lounge in a few inches of water, and it's a favorite spot for small children.
Pool Types at a Glance
| Vinyl Liner | Fiberglass | Concrete | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shape options | Many standard and custom shapes | Set by the manufacturer's molds | Fully custom |
| Upfront cost | Typically lowest | Mid to high | Typically highest |
| Long-term care | Liner replacement over time | Low-maintenance surface | Periodic resurfacing |
| Build time | Moderate | Often fastest | Longest |
We'll recommend the right construction for your yard, budget and design.
Features: Spas, Waterfalls and Slides
- Attached or spillover spas for warm soaks well into the fall
- Natural stone waterfalls and grottos
- Sheer descents and deck jets for a modern look
- Slides and diving rocks for family fun
- Underwater and landscape lighting for nighttime swims
The Pool Deck and Landscaping
The pool is only half the project. A slip-resistant pool deck, privacy plantings, retaining walls, fencing, a shade structure and lighting make the space feel finished. Because we design the pool and landscape together, everything fits. Read our pool landscaping ideas.
Plan ahead: Think about where the pool equipment, fence, gates and future pool house or pavilion will go before construction. Moving them later is expensive.
Safety, Permits and Timeline
Pools require permits, and New York has pool safety requirements including barriers such as fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates. Most projects follow this path: design and permits in fall or winter, excavation and pool construction in spring, then decking, landscaping and lighting before swim season.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start planning an in-ground pool in Central NY?
Fall and winter are ideal for design and permitting, so construction can begin as early as possible in spring and you can swim that summer.
What are the main types of in-ground pools?
The three main types are vinyl liner, fiberglass and concrete (gunite or shotcrete). Each has different costs, shapes, timelines and maintenance needs. We'll recommend the right construction for your site and goals.
Do I need a permit for an in-ground pool?
Yes. Pools require permits, and New York has pool barrier and safety requirements such as fencing and self-closing, self-latching gates. We help navigate permits and safety requirements.
Can you add a spa, waterfall or slide?
Yes. Attached spas, spillover spas, natural stone waterfalls, sheer descents, deck jets and slides can all be designed into a new pool.
Do you build the patio, landscaping and lighting too?
Yes. As a landscape design-build company, we design the pool together with the pool deck, landscaping, fencing, water and fire features and lighting.
Related Services
Start Planning Your Pool
Design this winter, swim next summer. Request a free consultation for your in-ground pool and backyard.
Request Free ConsultationOr call 315-751-0540
