Compare the Top Pool Design Software as of August 2024

What is Pool Design Software?

Pool design software offers a powerful yet user-friendly suite of tools to help homeowners, professional pool designers, and contractors visualize and plan their ideal outdoor space. It features easy drag-and-drop customization options so users can create realistic digital renderings of their outdoor areas in just minutes. The software includes a wide range of products and materials to choose from and allows users to compare prices before making a purchase. Finally, 3D visualization capabilities provide an accurate representation of the finished project before breaking ground. Compare and read user reviews of the best Pool Design software currently available using the table below. This list is updated regularly.

  • 1
    SketchUp

    SketchUp

    Trimble

    Design delightfully, collaborate clearly, and build better buildings. The joy of drawing by hand. The ease of super-smart 3D modeling software. Make sustainable buildings. Change the world, hundreds of professionally-developed extensions at your fingertips. Design in 3D. Document in 2D. Make work easier, bring efficiency to your team and the 3D community. A great idea can be its best with the right technology. Draw in 3D, analyze and improve your building’s performance, and creatively document and share your ideas with your class. Integrated with Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive. Works on Chromebooks or any Internet-connected computer. Students have access to free and intuitive 3D modeling tools. Positioning-centric information is changing the way people, businesses and governments work throughout the world. By applying Trimble's advanced positioning solutions, productivity increases and safety improvements are being realized.
    Starting Price: $119 per year
  • 2
    Total 3D Home, Landscape & Deck
    TOTAL 3D™ Home, Landscape & Deck allows you to draw rooms, select flooring and cabinetry, and choose color palettes and furnishings. Drag-and-drop Smart RoomBlocks™ and Smart YardBlocks™, create complex rooms, decks, pools, even angled rooms and walkways. Step-by-step guides and video Tutorials walk you through each step, and the simple interface makes navigating through design options easy. Includes eco-friendly design tips & videos. Import your own plan or browse 14,000 Samples, scan and trace a sketch of your dream home or garden, import a picture of any floor plan and color-code floor plans. Design and decorate virtual rooms with paint, textures, fabrics, wallpaper, and flooring. Experiment with interior color schemes and furniture arrangements. Decorate and arrange furniture and view layout from any angle including aerial and fly-through a 3D-rendering of design. Select colors, patterns, shades, valances, panels and textural treatments. Includes advanced lighting & shadows.
    Starting Price: $29.99 one-time payment
  • 3
    PoolTemplates Pro-Suite
    Our swimming pool design software add-ins will help design & estimate custom pool projects using your Excel and other popular programs. You will have a fast, easy-to-use, accurate, and affordable way to design & estimate custom pool projects in 1D and virtual 3D. Create complete 3D/1D pool & backyard designs, estimates, proposals, job schedules using Excel. Draw custom sales & construction plans with Instant 3D, 2D Plans, & movies! Estimate pool projects in minutes! Design any type of pool or project. Customizable forms, formulas, and materials, add Landscaping & water features. Imports plot plans, Google Earth maps and convert any scale (and hand drawings!) Create Layout, plumbing & electrical plan, customize all forms and prices in Excel, and instantly calculate and estimates all areas and costs for builds and remodels! Imports plot plans & survey, free Google Earth Maps, Oculus Rift 3D goggles compatible!
    Starting Price: $495 one-time payment
  • 4
    Chief Architect

    Chief Architect

    Chief Architect

    Chief Architect software brings home design projects to life. Automated building tools for home design, interior design, and kitchen & bath design make it easy to create construction drawings, elevations, CAD details, and 3D models. Download a trial and see why Chief Architect is the best residential home design software for architects, home builders, and remodeling professionals. Chief Architect software is the professional tool of choice for architects, home builders, remodelers, and interior designers. Smart building technology makes it easy to create construction drawings, floor plans, elevations, 3D renderings, and 360 panoramic renderings. Chief Architect's software is purpose‑built for residential design with building tools that can automatically generate roofs, foundations, framing, and dimensions. As you draw walls, windows, and doors, the program simultaneously creates a 3D model.
  • 5
    Virtual Architect

    Virtual Architect

    Virtual Architect Home Design Software

    Take a fresh approach to the way you live with Virtual Architect. This innovative home design software delivers the powerful tools and inspiration needed to transform your living space, plus expert help to get the job done right. It’s the ideal software for updating any room in your home, exploring your design style or redecorating using your existing furnishings. From a green kitchen to a dream home to living rooms, bathrooms and more, you’ll find all the tools you need to easily plan, create and experience your new living space – all before spending a dime. Update, Redecorate, Remodel and More! With Virtual Architect Home & Landscape Platinum Suite 10, you can plan room additions and other home improvement projects with ease, make your home energy efficient with new lighting and appliances, breathe new life into an outdated kitchen, bathroom or bedroom and so much more. You can even design your dream home.
    Starting Price: $39.99
  • 6
    YARD

    YARD

    Structure Studios

    Have you shown your clients their beautiful new spaces in Augmented Reality? Now, it’s even easier to show your designs with YARD — come rain or shine! All-new Table Mode brings the great outdoors indoors — all the way to your client’s kitchen table. No need to worry about the weather or the lighting, and no need to track before you present! Show your clients exactly what you can offer them. Draw pool designs, hardscapes, and outdoor kitchens when you use YARD’s groundbreaking new technology to move seamlessly between 2D drawings, 3D, and stunning Augmented Reality that you can explore with your client in real time, from any angle, at true scale. With thousands of fully realized objects and materials from the extensive Vip3D library — each and every one ready for you to feature directly on your client’s lawn — YARD gives you the power to transform your client's space in just seconds.
  • 7
    RealTime Landscaping

    RealTime Landscaping

    Idea Spectrum

    Create Professional Landscape Designs. Yards and Gardens. Decks and Fencing. Swimming pools and Spas. Free Trial. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. Get started quickly using our extensive user guides and online tutorials. No CAD or landscape design experience required. Your software purchase is a one-time license, not a monthly fee. Future upgrades are optional and usually available at a discount. Free email and toll-free telephone technical support are included with your purchase. Our 30-day money-back guarantee ensures the software will meet your needs. Products: - RealTime Landscaping Architect - RealTime Landscaping Pro - RealTime Landscaping Plus
  • 8
    SmartDraw

    SmartDraw

    SmartDraw

    Make network diagrams, data flow diagrams, entity relationship diagrams and more. SmartDraw is the easiest and most powerful diagram maker on the market. To start, choose from one of the many included diagram templates (there are literally thousands) and SmartDraw will walk you through the rest with intuitive tools and lots of included symbols at your fingertips. In many cases, diagrams will feel like they make themselves as Smartdraw automatically aligns shapes and objects in just a few clicks. Hundreds of professionally designed diagram templates and examples make you instantly productive. Simply choose the template that is most similar to your project, and customize it to suit your needs. Drag and drop symbols from the thousands included. With many diagram types like flowcharts and org charts, SmartDraw comes with powerful automation that builds your diagram for you, automatically.
    Starting Price: $9.95 per user per month
  • 9
    DreamPlan Home Design
    Visualize and plan your dream home with a realistic 3D home model. Create the floor plan of your house, condo or apartment. Custom set colors, textures, furniture, decorations and more. Plan out exterior landscaping ideas and garden spaces. Before you start planning a new home or working on a home improvement project, perfect the floor plan and preview any house design idea with DreamPlan home design software. Switch between 3D, 2D Rendered, and 2D Blueprint view modes, easily design floor plans of your new home. Easy-to-use interface for simple house planning creation and customization. Use trace mode to import existing floor plans, and export your design to JPG, PNG, OBJ, STL and more. Include every detail in your kitchen design, explore bathroom design ideas prior to building. Plan home decor with 3D furniture, fixtures, appliances and other decorations. Lay out and design your unfinished basement, experiment with furniture placement before buying or rearranging.
    Starting Price: $2.21 per month
  • 10
    NPT Backyard

    NPT Backyard

    NPT Backyard

    Turn your backyard dream into a reality. Design, customize, and view your pool in seconds. Get inspired to create your perfect pool by choosing between 5 of the most popular shapes from our top builders. Once you choose a base shape, continue to customize with stair types and placement locations. From stunning glass, to a simple waterline, your tile is a focal point of your poolscape. The NPT tile collection will help you discover a pool tile that’s a reflection of your own personal style. From rustic pebbles to striking glass beads, the NPT pool finish collection offers a wide array of colors and textures to make your pool as unique as you are. Coping is the protective edging that is placed around your pool. The NPT Hardscapes Collection features a wide variety of natural stones in different colors, patterns, and textures. to fit every taste and every space. The choices for your pool decking pavers are vast and beautiful.
    Starting Price: Free
  • 11
    Vip3D

    Vip3D

    Structure Studios

    Vip3D is the 3D outdoor living design software that’s easy for everyone to use — AutoCAD experts and new designers alike. With its intuitive interface and powerful design tools, Vip3D expands landscaping software and pool design software so that it now takes just one click to transform 2D project drawings into fully interactive 3D presentations that are ready to customize and share. Design absolutely anything with the best 3D pool and landscaping design software, featuring 3 smart drawing tools and 5 powerful editing tools. With 3D Pool and Landscaping Design Software Features, 3D objects update seamlessly so you can respond quickly to your clients’ requests. Simply type in your client’s address to access GIS data, plus 5 ultra-high-resolution images, for your next landscape design. Draw the property grade quickly when you import topographic lines from AutoCAD, scan in site maps, or use the GIS database to automatically generate terrain lines on your landscape design.
  • 12
    Planner 5D

    Planner 5D

    Planner 5D

    An advanced and easy-to-use 2D/3D home design tool. Use the 2D mode to create floor plans and design layouts with furniture and other home items, or switch to 3D to explore and edit your design from any angle. Edit colors, patterns and materials to create unique furniture, walls, floors and more - even adjust item sizes to find the perfect fit. Use the Snapshots feature to capture your design as a realistic image - this adds shadows, lighting and rich colors to make your work look like a photograph! Use Planner 5D for your interior design needs without any professional skills. Use the Snapshots feature to capture your design as a realistic image - this adds shadows, lighting and rich colors to make your work look like a photograph! Experiment with both 2D and 3D views as you design from various angles. Arrange, edit and apply custom surfaces and materials. Explore our project gallery and browse our content. We have something great in store for everyone in our user-generated library.
  • 13
    Pool Studio

    Pool Studio

    Structure Studios

    See your pool design ideas transform into fully interactive 3D with just one click. This is the professional 3D pool design software that makes creating custom, shareable results easy for everyone, not just the AutoCAD experts. The intuitive interface and smart 3D design tools make creating immersive 3D presentations featuring your expertly designed swimming pools a breeze. And the built-in library offers an extensive array of hand-crafted 3D options to enhance your swimming pools. With 3 drawing tools and 5 editing tools, it has never been easier to create in 3D the incredible custom pool designs your clients want. Smart 3D design tools detect changes automatically and recalculate instantly, so handling pool design change requests has never been easier.
    Starting Price: $84 per month
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Pool Design Software Guide

Pool design software is a specialized type of tool that allows individuals to create and customize their own backyard swimming pools. It serves as a tool for both professional pool designers and homeowners alike to easily draft, edit and visualize potential designs.

Pool design software typically comes with a vast library of objects and features such as shapes, patterns, tiles, plants, stones, decks and stairs – allowing one to construct virtually any kind of pool imaginable. Most software applications also include an easy-to-use 3D rendering engine so users can view their designs in full 3D with realistic lighting and textures applied. This can be extremely useful for anyone looking to make sure their final pool design is just what they dreamed it would be.

Additional features may include helpful tools such as budget estimators, material lists for purchasing supplies, construction guidelines and other documentation to help the user through the process from start to finish. Many applications are also compatible with various web services so users can share their work online with friends or get feedback from industry experts quickly and easily.

Overall, pool design software is an excellent tool for anyone looking to plan out the perfect backyard retreat while considering all the details associated with modern swimming pool construction projects. Whether you’re creating a paradise oasis or simply trying out a few ideas; this type of software is definitely worth looking into if you want fast results without any headache.

Pool Design Software Features

  • Design Tools: Many pool design software packages come with a variety of tools to help you create the perfect pool. This includes tools to draw lines and shapes, choose colors and textures, set up lighting effects, and even simulate water flow. You can also add plants and other landscape elements to your design.
  • 3D Rendering: Pool design software allows you to view your project in real time in a 3D rendering so you can get an idea of how it would look when constructed. This helps you visualize the finished product before committing to building it.
  • Deck Design: Most pool design programs offer deck designing capabilities so you can create an integrated outdoor living space with everything from seating areas to pergolas. This can be done by customizing pre-made structures or creating one from scratch with architectural elements like columns, walls, and railings.
  • Pool Accessories: Pool design software usually allows users to choose from a selection of accessories such as slides, ladders, diving boards, fountains, jets, and lights for their swimming pools. Some packages may even have more advanced options like bubbling benches or swim-up bars for luxury projects.
  • Cost Estimator: Many pool design programs come with cost estimators that allow you to compare different materials and components based on their prices when making purchasing decisions for your project’s budget—helping ensure that your dream swimming pool doesn’t break the bank.
  • Cloud Sync: Many pool design software packages allow you to sync your project with cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox. This allows you to easily access and share your designs from multiple devices for collaboration.

Types of Pool Design Software

  • CAD Design Software: CAD (Computer Aided Design) software enables pool designers to create precise and detailed 3D images of a swimming pool. It is often used in the initial design phase when a designer is working with a client to draw up plans for the pool.
  • Visualization Software: This type of software allows pool designers to show clients what their finished project will look like before construction begins. It can be used to simulate different materials and finishes, as well as lighting and water features, to give clients an idea of what their finished product will look like before any physical work begins.
  • Simulation Software: Pool simulation software enables designers to run virtual tests on their designs prior to construction. They can use simulation software to test different aspects such as water flow rates, material strength, hydraulic efficiency, and other variables that can affect the performance of the pool.
  • Estimating Software: Estimating software helps designers calculate more accurate estimates for the cost of materials, labour and other expenses associated with building a swimming pool. This makes it easier for both parties involved in the project - client and contractor - to budget accurately for every aspect of the build process.
  • Landscaping Design Software: Landscaping design software helps pool designers create a complete landscape plan for the area around the pool. This includes trees, shrubs, grasses, and other landscaping elements that will enhance the aesthetic of the final product.

Benefits of Pool Design Software

  1. Ease of Use: Pool design software is easy to use, allowing users to quickly and easily create detailed and sophisticated designs for pools. The intuitive interface allows users to drag and drop pre-made components to create the exact pool they want. Users can also adjust the size and shape of any given component with a few clicks, giving them complete creative freedom when designing their pool.
  2. 3D Visualization: Pool design software can generate realistic 3D visualizations of the user’s design, making it easier for them to visualize how their pool will look in real life. This allows users to make sure every piece of their design looks perfect before construction begins.
  3. Flexibility: With pool design software, there are no limitations on what can be designed or constructed. From a simple lap pool to an infinity edge plunge pool or even an outdoor jacuzzi, anything is possible with this type of software. Furthermore, all components can be customized, allowing homeowners to get exactly what they desire out of their new pool.
  4. Cost Savings: By using a pool design program, homeowners are able to save money by avoiding costly mistakes during the construction process. Since these programs allow users to adjust each component down to its most minor detail before construction begins, they can make sure they aren’t stuck paying for extra labor or materials due to errors made during the building phase.
  5. Time Savings: With pool design software, the entire process of designing and constructing a pool can be significantly reduced. Users are able to get their desired results in a fraction of the time it would take without such software, allowing them to enjoy their new pool sooner than ever.

Who Uses Pool Design Software?

  • Pool Contractors: Pool contractors use pool design software to create detailed designs for the swimming pools they are building. This includes information on construction materials, such as plumbing and electrical components, measurements, features, and accessories.
  • Homeowners: Homeowners who want to build their own pools can also benefit from using pool design software. It helps them plan out the entire project in detail, including size, shape, style of the pool, decking options, and other features they may want to include.
  • Landscapers: Landscapers use pool design software to help create outdoor living spaces that incorporate a swimming pool or spa. Designers will be able to determine location and orientation of the space relative to existing structures or terrain.
  • Architects: Architects utilize specialized pool design software for commercial projects that require exact specifications for sizes of water bodies, as well as accessibility regulations for public areas within a facility. Pools designed with this type of software must adhere to strict codes enforced by local authorities regarding safety requirements.
  • Builders: Builders will use 3D renderings generated by the software for visual representation of their projects before construction begins. This helps verify adherence to building plans and ensures accuracy when it comes time to break ground on new development sites.
  • Interior Designers: Interior designers often turn to swimming pools as a way of creating unique focal points in any interior environment — be it a resort or private residence — while using space efficiently at the same time. Pool design software allows these professionals to visualize how different elements such as tilework or fountains will interact with each other prior to implementation.
  • Engineers: Engineers use specialized pool design software to help them with the engineering of complex pools, such as infinity and vanishing edge pools, that have many intricate details needing precise calculation. From water flow and filtration systems to structural components for walls and basins, all data is calculated in exacting detail using the software.

How Much Does Pool Design Software Cost?

Pool design software can vary in cost depending on the features and capabilities it offers. Basic pool design software may cost anywhere from $200 to $500, while more advanced versions can range into the thousands of dollars. Professional-level pool design software can even cost up to $10,000 or more. Depending on your budget and needs, you can find a version of pool design software that fits your budget.

For those who are looking for an inexpensive option but still want powerful features, there are many free or low-cost alternatives available online which offer basic pool design templates and easy-to-use tools. Many of these online platforms also provide customer support and tutorials so users can get up to speed quickly with their designs.

Overall, when shopping for pool design software one should consider factors such as price and capabilities as well as customer support options before deciding which product will best suit their needs.

What Integrates With Pool Design Software?

Pool design software can integrate with a variety of other types of software in order to help streamline the design and engineering process. The most common type of software that pool design software integrates with is CAD (computer-aided design) software, which provides an extensive library of 2D/3D imagery that users can use to create custom pool designs. Other types of software that may be used alongside pool design software include civil engineering tools like water analysis programs, land surveying packages, landscape design libraries, and automated estimation programs. Additionally, document creation and management tools can also be integrated with pool design software for keeping track of documents related to the project such as permits and budgets.

Pool design features can also be part of a broader home design software suite.

Pool Design Software Trends

  1. Automation: Pool design software is becoming increasingly automated, allowing customers to design their own pools with virtual reality, 3D drawings, and landscape visuals. This trend has made pool design easier and more affordable than ever before.
  2. Customization: Pool design software allows customers to customize every aspect of their pool’s design. Customers can choose the exact materials, shapes, and sizes they want for their pools. This trend has allowed people to get exactly what they envision.
  3. Energy Efficiency: While designing a pool with software, designers can look into energy efficient options such as LED lighting and heat pumps that utilize natural sources of heat rather than electricity or gas-powered heating systems. This has led to increased savings on energy bills for pool owners.
  4. Safety Features: Many pool design software packages now come with safety features built in, such as lifeguard alerts and warning alarms if someone accidentally falls into the pool. This increases the security level for both adults and children who are using the pool.
  5. Eco-Friendly Options: There are many eco-friendly options available in today’s market when it comes to pool design software packages – from using non-toxic chemicals for water filtration to installing solar panels on roofs to generate power for lights and pump motors. These types of green solutions help conserve resources while also reducing costs over time.

How To Pick the Right Pool Design Software

  1. Identify Your Needs: Before shopping for pool design software, consider what features and capabilities you will need to create the best design for your project. Think about things like 3D renderings, cost estimations, or any other necessary components of your project.
  2. Research and Compare Features: Once you have identified what type of software is necessary for your project, research different products to compare their features. Some key areas to consider include user-friendliness, interactive tools, library of designs and materials, customization options, price points and customer support services.
  3. Read Reviews: After narrowing down your search based on features and price points, read reviews from customers who have used the product before purchasing it. This can give you a general idea of how well the product works in a real-world setting. Use the tools on this page to compare pool design software by user reviews, features, pricing, integrations, operating system, and more.
  4. Get Professional Support: Depending on the size and complexity of your project, having access to professional support can be beneficial if you run into any issues during installation or usage of the pool design software program. Consider this when making a purchase decision as well as any additional costs associated with acquiring professional support services if needed.