A swimming pool is one of those upgrades that instantly changes how a home feels. One day your backyard is just a backyard.  The next it’s a “we are outside every day” situation.

The good news is that pool design doesn’t have to feel complicated. It’s really just about choosing the right style, the right materials, and a builder who knows what they’re doing.

Shotcrete Design: Total Freedom, Your Way

Shotcrete pools are for people who want options. Curves, clean modern lines, built-in seating, tanning ledges—it’s all on the table.

It’s essentially a reinforced structure shaped on-site, which means the design can follow your vision instead of forcing you into a preset mold. If you can picture it, there’s a good chance shotcrete can make it happen.

Think of it as the “custom order” option—like telling a chef exactly what you want and somehow it actually shows up better than expected.

Fiberglass: Fast, Clean, and Easy to Love

Fiberglass pools come pre-formed and get installed in one piece, which makes the process feel refreshingly simple.

You choose a shape you like, and it gets delivered.  Before you know it, you’re in swim mode. Smooth surfaces, built-in features, and easy maintenance make it a favorite for people who’d rather swim than wait.  It’s a “plug-and-play” option that works for a lot of people . . . for a reason.   

Which One’s Better?

Both . . . just for different reasons.   

Shotcrete is about full creative control.
Fiberglass is about speed and simplicity.

Both lead to the same result: a backyard you suddenly care a lot more about and enjoy a lot more.

Why Your Builder Really Matters

Here’s the truth:

• The right builder makes everything feel easy.

• The right builder helps you choose the right system, guide the design, and keep things moving without turning it into a second job for you.

• A great builder takes “I want a nice pool” and turns it into “this is exactly what I pictured!”

• A great builder even makes you wonder why you ever thought it would be stressful.

The Fun Part: Design

Meramec Pools and Outdoors has solid expertise, and this is where it gets exciting for us. We get to know you and tailor your experience to exactly what you’ve been dreaming about, from the pool to the lighting, tile, water features, color, and layout, everything it takes to turn a pool from “nice” into “wow, we’re never going inside again.”

Even small choices—like shallow lounging areas or where the steps go—change how you actually use the space day to day, and this is where our design team comes into the picture.

FINAL THOUGHTS

A pool isn’t about complexity—it’s about enjoyment.

Whether you go shotcrete for full customization or fiberglass for simplicity, the goal is the same: step outside, relax, and feel like you’re on vacation without packing a bag.  And if your biggest problem becomes “everyone wants to come over,” that’s usually a sign it turned out right.

The Meramec Pools and Outdoors team is ready to meet you, walk your yard, and talk through your ideas—no pressure, no confusing jargon, just a real conversation about what’s possible for your space.

We offer free in-home consultations because the best pool designs don’t start in an office… they start right outside your back door.