Create a shape for the pool by using the drawing tools to design a custom shape or by using a template.
Stage Options
Height: This option allows the pool height to be adjusted.
Height Label: By default, the height of the pool is labeled. Uncheck this option to hide this label in the 2D view and in Construction.
Coping: Toggle that allows you to add or remove coping to the pool.
2D Line: By default, the coping line of the pool is represented by an outer line around the pool shape. Uncheck this option to hide this line in the 2D view and in Construction.
Width: This control allows you to adjust the overall width of the coping. The limit ranges from 1″ to 24″.
Lip Style: Here you can select the lip style for your coping from the drop-down menu.
Lip Height: This control allows the height of the Lip to be adjusted from 1″ to 6″. Default is 3″.
Water Level: This control allows the water level to be adjusted. The default is – 3″, half the height of the default waterline tile height.
Set to 0″ for the water to appear at the bottom of the lip. Set a positive value to move the water onto the lip.
Note: The Water Level value cannot be set above the Lip Height.
The pool will be filled with water in the 3D view. To make it more convenient to work on the inside of the pool, you have the option to hide the Water under Hide/Unhide until you create the 3D presentation.
Waterline Tile: This option allows you to add a tile line to the pool. Uncheck this option to hide the tile line.
Tile Height: This control allows you to adjust the overall height of the tile line. The limit ranges from 1″ to 36″.
Pool Cove: By default, the pool cove creates a smooth transition between pool walls and floors, resulting in a more realistic pool bottom. Uncheck this option to create a hard edge.
Cove Radius: This control allows the radius of the Pool Cove to be adjusted from 6″ to 12″. Default is 8″.
Floor Design Mode
Activate Floor Design Mode to add swim lanes or create a beautiful tile design on the pool floor.
With the drawing tools, you can bring to life any design you envision.
Width: Adjust the overall width of the floor design lines. The limit ranges from 1" to 24".
Position: Extend the line to the left, right, or center.
Rotate Material: Toggle to rotate the material 90 degrees.
Pool Slope
To set the depth of the pool, select the pool to activate the Pool Depth buttons.
Pool Slope is covered in detail in our Pool Slope Article.
Multiple Pool Slopes: Useful for "L" shaped pools, or unique shaped pools. This works very similar to Multiple Slopes for Terrain.
Single Pool Slope: Useful for the average geometric or free-form pool shape.
Modify a Complete Pool Shape
If you want to change the shape of your pool after it has been completed, there are two main methods you can use.
The first method is to use the Move tool, which allows you to drag and lengthen the segments of the pool. To do this, select one of the segments with the Move tool and drag it. As you drag the selected segment, the other segments of the pool will automatically adjust and increase in length. This allows you to easily modify the shape of your pool.
Another method to change the shape of your pool is by deleting and redrawing segments. First, select the pool shape using the Move tool. Then, choose either one segment by clicking on a midpoint or two segments by clicking on an end point. Press the delete key to remove the selected segments. After deleting the segments, you can redraw them to modify the shape of your pool.
Inside the Pool
Steps and benches can be added to your pool in the Steps and Benches Stage.
Pool Interior surfaces are applied to the pool interior in the Materials Stage.
Pool Information
Object Properties displays information and measurements about the currently selected Pool.
You can find the Area, Perimeter and Gallons.
For more information, see Object Properties.
Insert Spillover
To add a spillover, select the pool to activate the Insert a Spillover button.
When you left-click the Insert a Spillover button, the spillover will automatically snap to the edge of the pool. As you move your cursor to the viewport, the spillover will follow the pool until you left-click to place it.
The spillover will also conform to the shape of the pool, bending around corners and curving around arcs.
Once the spillover is placed, you can customize the Spillover under Object Settings.
Length: This control allows you to set the length of a spillover or edge feature, adjusting how wide or narrow it is. As you increase the length of the spillover or edge feature it will continue to conform to the shape of the pool.
Adjust the length in a single direction with the Spillover grab handles. With the Move tool, click and drag the points at the end of the Spillover to adjust it.
Lip Style: Here you can select the lip style for your coping from the drop-down menu. A preview of each style is to the left of the name.
Lip Height: This control allows the height of the Lip to be adjusted from 1″ to 6″. Default is 3″.
Covered Spillway: This option allows the beam to continue over spillovers. Uncheck this option to remove coping from above the water feature.
Water Flow: This toggle turns the water flow of a water feature on or off. This allows you to show the dam wall without water.
Foam: This check box turns the foam from the water on or off.
Pressure: This slider allows you to adjust the pressure at which the water flows over a spillover or edge feature.
Volume: This slider allows you to adjust the sound of the water feature in 3D and Presentation Mode.
Tiered Spillover Settings:
Step Height: This control allows the height of the steps to be adjusted from 1″ to 12″.
Step Count: This control allows you to set the number of tiers/steps on the spillover.
First Step Fixed: This checkbox allows you to set a fixed width for the first (top) step.
Last Step Fixed: This checkbox allows you to set a fixed width for the last (bottom) step.
Auto Width: This displays the size of each tier/step based on the step count.
Pool Templates
The Library contains a variety of templates for different pool shapes that have been previously drawn. These templates are conveniently organized by type within the Pools category in the Design Tab.
To use a pool template, simply select the one you want to insert and click on the Insert button or double left click on the template image. As you move your cursor to the viewport, the template will follow along until you left-click to place it in your design.
Save Pool Templates
You can also save pool templates you have drawn for future use with the Save to Library button.
When saving a pool template to the library, a dialog box will appear with a preview image of the template. From there, you can select the category and type for the template and give it a name. If desired, you can also enter a description for the pool.
To create a new category or type, you can simply enter the desired category or type name instead of choosing from the dropdown list. Once you have entered the name, click the Ok button to complete the process.
Beach Entries
To create a beach entry in your pool, activate the Multiple Slope option.
Use the Outline Tool to trace the line of the pool where the beach entry begins and set the contour depth to 0″.
Next, draw a second line to represent the end of the beach entry and set the contour depth to a value greater than 0″.
In the example, we added 3 depth measurements:
- 0 ft. Creates the beach entry point.
- 1 ft. Creates the gradual slope entrance.
- 3 ft. Indicates where the pool depth begins.
Freeform Shapes
To create a freeform pool, use the Arc and Freehand tools. You can also import a background image as a guide for the freeform shape.
Negative, Infinity and Zero Edge Shapes
Add spillovers and negative edges to pools and spas, create catch basins, and create an infinity or zero edge.
In-Pool Seating
To create a dry in-pool sitting area, add a hidden spa to your design.