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Backyard resort: Top trends in pool design

Arial view of a backyard and pool

If your clients are considering adding or remodeling an existing pool in their landscape design, you can help them achieve their swimming pool construction goals. Whatever they envision, a backyard oasis or a classic outdoor living space, you can guide them toward a smart investment with these pool design trends.

Here are a few current trends that can help you and your client plan a space that meets their needs, whether that means space for entertaining, backyard lounging or anything in between.

Mood lighting

Take your swimming experience to the next level with LED pool lighting. Whether you’re needing a dimmer light for during the day, looking to brighten things up for a quick night swim or wanting to create a party-ready atmosphere, using smart LED lighting is the way to go. With a variety of energy efficient lights ranging from classic white to color-changing, you can set the perfect mood for any occasion.

pool lighting
Create the perfect mood lighting for any occasion with the use of powerful LEDs. Source: Desert Grove

Creating efficiency

Pools are fun, but the maintenance can sometimes be on the pricey side. By investing in pool equipment like solar heaters, cartridge filters and variable-speed pumps you will ensure efficiency by reducing energy use and daily maintenance needs – saving you time and money.

pool efficiency
You can also make your pool more efficient by combining it with your hot tub. Doing so will warm up the pool water without the need for a separate heater. Source: Peressin Pool + Landscaping

A Square Deal

A popular trend in swimming pool design is simple, geometric shapes. Many people are opting for simple geometrics shapes like a rectangle or square to better fit a smaller yard. This trend offers a contemporary, modern look and is complementary to a small, minimalist backyard design. These simple designs also integrate well with the architecture of most homes, and their clean lines blend nicely with various landscape choices.

The clean lines of this rectangle pool blend nicely with their landscaping and firepit area. Source: Narellan Pools, Instagram
The clean lines of this rectangle pool blend nicely with their landscaping and firepit area. Source: Narellan Pools, Instagram

 

Shelf Life

The addition of baja shelves (also called sun shelves, a baja step, lounge ledge or tanning ledge) has become a popular trend in pool design. This feature provides a shallow and expansive warm water shelf for pool entry or for lounging in the sun while remaining partially submerged.

Baja shelves can be customized to fit pool designs with tile, flagstone or mosaic designs. The dimensions of the shelf are typically 4 feet to 8 feet in length and a minimum of 3 feet in width, which creates a large enough space for an adult to relax in the sun or a shallow play area for children.

The baja shelf allows you to relax in the water without being fully submerged in the pool. Source: Tributary Revelation, Instagram
The baja shelf allows you to relax in the water without being fully submerged in the pool. Source: Tributary Revelation, Instagram

To Infinity and Beyond

An infinity edge or vanishing edge design is also popular in new pool construction. This design feature creates the visual effect of the water being level with the patio or appearing to blend into the horizon line. There is no visible edge on one or all sides of the pool. It can add an eye-catching, luxurious and resort-like feel to your cleint’s backyard pool.

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An infinity pool creates the illusion that the pool has no edge. Source: Tributary Revelation, Instagram

Zero Regrets

Along with the infinity edge, the zero edge (also called zero entry or beach entry) design feature is gaining popularity in new pool construction. This is a pool design feature in which one or more sides gradually slope or transition into deeper water. It not only provides warm, shallow water for sunbathing, the design also allows children, the elderly and/or people with disabilities to enter the pool more easily.

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Beach entries make pools more accessible for all ages and abilities and add a resort-like vibe. Source: Beach Bliss Living

Natural Drama

Fire and water features in pool design are trends that are worth considering as part of a pool remodel or update. These design elements can be an inexpensive and versatile way to add a natural feel to any outdoor living space. Fireplaces, firewalls and fire pits provide warmth, light and ambience to an outdoor pool area. There are many wood-burning or gas options depending on preference and budget.

Water features such as fountains, waterfalls, spillways, cascades and water walls are just some of the stunning elements that can enhance the beauty of a pool’s design. Adding a vertical water element can bring a pool design to life with the use of sound and visual elements.

Fire features convert a backyard into an oasis. Source: Luxury Pools
Fire features convert a backyard into an oasis. Source: Luxury Pools

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