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What's hot in swimming pool design
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Pools, landscaping and outdoor renovations are calling for complete, efficient packages.
Lovingly created pool and landscaping packages are emerging as a preferred way to achieve cutting-edge looks outdoors. The latest trends are also seeing pools integrated into the design of a home for a seamless transition from internal living to water spaces.
"Landscape design should be integral with the pool design to make the finished project complete and functional," says Out from the Blue landscape architect Francis Dickinson.
Entertaining, lounging, access and the way the pool and landscape relate to the house are not separate agendas but a cohesive planning scheme that engages all the project and site issues. Chunky, thick edges with few grout lines are popular as a counterpoint to the use of the coping paver, which is now seen as a fairly clunky and outdated solution to the pool edge.
"The use of windows into pools and spas again gives the water a new dynamic influence on its surroundings," says Francis.
Lighting, colour, fencing and design are other aspects to consider in getting the look .
Lighting allows the pool to be a 24-hour feature, as well as being practical, mood creating and delineating with the highlighting of particular elements in the pool and landscape.
Pool shape is a tricky one in terms of trends. While obviously dependent on the particular needs and requirements of each individual project and site, Francis says geometric shapes such as squares, rectangles, circles and triangles or combinations work best, as they stand the test of time.
If you look at the natural-look trend emanating from the 70s, these pools are looking dated and really only work in resort settings.
Pool colour can be important in setting a scene or creating an effect. White is popular at present as it creates a real sense of clarity and coolness in the water.
Careful thought is also required for fencing, so that its impact is as negligible as possible, at the same time being safe.
"Fencing can cage a pool or divide a landscape," says Francis. The use of frameless glass is a good way of making fence lines disappear.
The style and finishes on the house will also affect the look of your pool area. Contemporary, classic, resort, clean lines or amorphous style choices can be project directives from the start to achieve a particular look. If you only have a vague idea of the look you're after, magazines and design books are a great place to find concepts that appeal.
"Finding a range of elements and precedents that are attractive is a great starting point in creating your own unique space," says Francis. Try not to be too preoccupied with one particular look, as it may not work for your space - but the ideas that went into it will.
