Choosing the right shape and how to work with Meramec

Site Evaluation:

• Meramec begins with a free consultation to understand your yard’s size, shape, slope, sun/shade patterns, existing landscaping and structures.
• They’ll look at grading and drainage: does the yard slope toward the house or away? Are existing hardscapes level or do they need re‑grading?
• They’ll also check neighbor setbacks, utility lines, trees, fencing, and view lines from the home.

Lifestyle & Use‑Case Discussion:

• Do you plan to swim laps, host parties, lounge and entertain, or have a mixed‑use family pool? The shape may differ accordingly.
• Do you need shallow tanning ledges for kids/pets or full‑width splash pads for lounge chairs?
• Will the pool integrate with outdoor kitchens, fire‑pits, seating walls, and landscaping? Meramec offers full outdoor‑living packages (hardscapes, kitchens, fire features) beyond just the pool.

Shape vs. Yard Fit:

• They’ll overlay the pool models (such as the six shapes above) onto your property plan to see available clearance and how the pool aligns with patio, house, views.

• They’ll consider orientation: maximizing sunlight, minimizing wind, providing privacy.

• They’ll select a pool size and shape that fits the footprint, for example, a 40′ long pool might not work in a 30′‑deep backyard without encroaching on patio space.

Landscaping, Hardscape & Amenities:

• After shape is chosen, they’ll design decking and coping: material, color, texture, how it flows into existing patio or creates a new patio.
• They’ll integrate landscaping: plantings that soften pool edges, privacy hedges, accent lighting, water features, fire features, seating walls.
• Grading and drainage remain fundamental: they’ll ensure water flows away from the house, the pool rim is level, and surrounding hardscape meets code for safety and aesthetics.
• They’ll work to ensure the pool flavor matches the home and landscape style: formal rectangle for modern/traditional homes, kidney/freeform for organic garden‑style yards, plunge for compact urban/backyard.

Timeline & Process:

• Meramec’s fiberglass pools installation can be quicker (3‑6 weeks typical if site conditions are favorable) compared to shotcrete/gunite which can take a little longer.

• Their process: Consultation → Planning & Approval → Construction & Installation → Wrap‑Up & Relax.

• Because they handle full outdoor living packages, you have the advantage of a one‑stop builder for pool + landscaping + hardscape, which simplifies coordination.

Final Thoughts:
Selecting a pool shape isn’t just about picking a pretty outline, it’s about matching your backyard’s physical context, your family’s lifestyle, your home’s architecture, and your vision for outdoor living. From the clean rectangle of the Elegance™ to the cozy compact of the Palladium Plunge™, you have a range of options with unlimited options if you choose to go with a Meramec shotcrete pool.

Working with a professional builder like Meramec Pools & Outdoors ensures the pool you choose isn’t just dropped into your yard, it’s integrated with grading, decking, landscaping, and amenities so your backyard feels like an oasis. They’ll help you navigate how the pool sits, how the deck flows, how plants and hardscape wrap around it, and how your yard functions for years to come.