Articles on: Web Dashboard + Mobile App

Create Your First 3D Pool Design

Creating your first 3D pool design in VirtualPools is easier than you might expect. You begin with a blank project, an empty space, and gradually shape it into a complete, realistic pool that’s ready to present to a client.

Everything happens visually and in real time. As you select a pool, adjust its dimensions, choose materials, and add features, the design instantly updates in front of you. There’s no complicated setup and no technical steps to memorize. You simply build, adjust, and refine until the result matches your client’s vision.

Open the app and start designing

Open the VirtualPools app on your iPad and tap New Project.

From here, you select a pool from your collection and place it into the scene. As soon as you choose one, it appears instantly in 3D. From that moment on, everything you change updates in real time.

Adjust the size, switch materials, add stairs, you immediately see the result on screen.

The app is built to feel simple and visual. You don’t need technical knowledge or design experience. You tap, adjust, and explore. If something doesn’t look right, you can change it at any time.

At the bottom of the screen, you can switch between different views:

Top View to see the layout from above
Free View to move around in 3D
Live Mode to place the pool into a real garden

Customizing the Pool

Tap Customize to open the pool settings. This is where you control the size, style, and main features of the pool.

Start with the dimensions.** **You can adjust the length, width, and depth using the plus and minus buttons. If you need an exact measurement, simply tap the number and type the precise value. Every change appears immediately in the 3D view, so you can clearly see how the proportions evolve.

1. Adding accessories

After setting the size, you can move on to the look of the pool. Choose the pool colors from the suppliers available in your collection. Then select the coping or border finish to define the edge of the pool. Trying different combinations only takes a few seconds, and it helps clients visualize different styles instantly.

Stairs are often the first feature clients focus on. You can choose between different types, such as standard stairs, corner stairs, double stairs, or a first step. Once selected, you can adjust their width and position them in the corner that best fits the layout.

If you want to focus on details like stairs or finishes, you can temporarily turn off the water to get a clearer view. This makes it easier to see shapes, materials, and transitions.

Adding Terraces and Surroundings. Terraces help place the pool into a realistic setting. Select the side of the pool where you want to add a terrace, activate it, and choose the material. You can define the length and even use different materials on each side to match the client’s garden style.

As with everything in the app, changes appear instantly. This makes it easy to compare options and discuss preferences directly with your client.

You can further personalize the pool by adding features such as covers, lighting, counter-current systems, inlets, and drains. These elements help transform a simple pool into a complete, realistic project.

If a feature isn’t visible in the app, it may not yet be included in your product collection. You can manage and expand your available products in the dashboard.

See “Build Your Custom 3D Pool Configurator” to learn how to update your collection.

2. Adding objects

Once the pool and its features are set, you can bring the entire scene to life by adding objects around it. Open the Objects menu to explore all available items in your collection. These can include elements such as heat pumps, pool houses, outdoor furniture, garden features, and other decorative or functional additions.

Objects help transform a pool design into a complete outdoor space. Instead of showing only the pool, you create a realistic environment that clients can better imagine themselves using. Simply select an object and place it in the scene. You can move it, rotate it, and adjust its position until it fits naturally within the layout.

Objects can be added during the design process or later while presenting in Live Mode. They are often the final step that turns a technical pool configuration into a fully visualized backyard project.

3. Using Effects

Once your design is complete, you can refine how it feels.

Open the Effects menu to adjust environmental settings such as time of day or season. Changing the lighting can dramatically influence how materials and water colors appear. A bright midday setting highlights details clearly, while an evening setting can create a more atmospheric presentation.

These adjustments help tailor the visual experience to your client and enhance the overall presentation. While you can experiment with Effects during the design phase, they become even more impactful in Live Mode, where real-world lighting, reflections, and shadows make the scene feel fully immersive.

You may also see the Human Detection feature. This allows the app to recognize a person in the camera view during Live Mode, making it possible to place the pool naturally around them, whether they are standing next to it or appearing inside the scene.

This adds an extra level of realism and helps clients better understand scale and proportions. Human Detection will be explained in more detail in the Live Mode guide.

Visual Walkthrough

Prefer to watch a step‑by‑step demo?

Disponible en español : https://youtu.be/gZdWCbA4VIo?si=V-HXdwbAegRWSMH7

Auf Deutsch verfügbar : https://youtu.be/Lc9PlwyeGF0?si=lHxG5_LQPQRW7V2u

Disponible en français : https://youtu.be/Nf13zO36dDI?si=Kw8myk9FlrtDhCrx

Updated on: 26/02/2026

Was this article helpful?

Thank you!