The perfect pool for your space

Summer is fast approaching so it’s time to think about how your family plans to take the edge off those hot and lazy afternoons. For the perfect summer outdoor lifestyle, you can’t beat a pool in the backyard, especially if you live far from the coast or a river. The latest pool trends reveal that geometric shapes are in and rounded designs are out. There’s also a huge variety of pool colours to choose from, and lots of night lighting so you can still cool off well after the sun goes down.

Concrete versus fibreglass
In-ground swimming pools are made from both these materials.

Fibreglass pools are pre-fabricated so you can’t alter the size or the shape, you buy it as is. That said, you can literally save thousands on installation because construction only takes between 3 days and 2 weeks. You can also choose from a range of colours and add aesthetic extras like a waterline tile band and functional swim jets.

Concrete pools let you custom-design virtually anything so you can create the atmosphere of a tropical island resort getaway in your backyard. Almost any pool size and shape is possible, and you can add features like sheer descent waterfalls, spas, a little beach area which can double as a wading area for small children, tiled feature walls, landscaped surrounds or Fijian or African thatched poolside huts. With this much flexibility, concrete pools are the most expensive option and can take around 12 weeks to build. But they certainly add value to a home when it’s time to sell.

Wet Edge
Also known as a disappearing edge or infinity edge pool, this innovative design creates a look where the water seems to slip over the side of the pool. They are fantastic for an area with a water view so there is no seam from where the pool ends and the ocean or river begins. You can also select a pool colour that matches the ocean or river so it looks even more seamless. This type of pool also works really well with a view overlooking bush or a valley.

Lap Pools
When yard space is limited and you’re looking for a pool that’s low maintenance, lap pools are ideal. Great for townhomes or a duplex with a narrow backyard and can be as little as 2 metres wide. They create a fabulous minimalist and sophisticated look which you can add lots of finishing touches to, like surrounding decking or paving, even a stackstone feature wall to make the pool more private or sleek glass transparent fencing. You can also add surf jets or extend part of the pool slightly on one side with a wading step area to sit in and sip cocktails.

Above ground
These pools are waning in popularity but they do have their pluses; they are much cheaper, you don’t need to carry out extensive excavations, they can be installed in just a few hours and you can take the pool with you when you move house. Additional space is needed around an above ground pool for supports so make sure you calculate that into your measurements.

Heating
Heating can extend the enjoyment of your swimming pool well into the cooler months. There are three ways to heat pools; solar, electric or gas. Solar heating is the cheapest and most environmentally friendly option; however using electricity and gas tend to heat the pool better. Electric heat uses an energy efficient pump system that works in a similar way to an air conditioning system where heat is extracted from the air. Gas is the most effective way to heat a pool because it heats the water quickly, but it is also the most costly.

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