WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN DESIGNING YOUR POOL
There are a lot of decisions that go into designing a pool area that feels DREAMY and RESORT LIKE. It is no accident that designer pools look incredibly inviting!
A good pool project team, extends the thinking beyond the pool build. Though we work within the parameters of build, regulation, structure, we also take a broader view of the design, the overall balance, styling, feel, flow and functionality of your pool area...the detail in a well thought out design considers all of these at its core.
Queue this month’s blog on pool design:
“How do I make our pool look relaxing and resort like without blowing the budget?? oh, AND it needs to be low maintenance and functional for my family.”
1) Pool position - If there is an easy link between your house and pool, the pool will no doubt be used more often. Consider where you might need a solid shade structure - often this is not thought about until too late, and results in there not being enough space for shelter where you need it in the hot afternoon/midday sun. Even if its not in budget at pool install, design it in, in case you decide you need it in the future.
2) Shade - look at where the sun hit your pool over the year, in the morning, at midday, and the afternoon. You have hot afternoon sun drenching our pools as we do in Perth, then some sun shelter is essential. High wind areas are less suitable for umbrellas and shade cloth, so consider this if you’re on the coast and invest in a solid shade structure in a place that you are likely to sit
3) Above or below ground - a semi-above ground pool should not be discounted without thought even on a flat block. A slightly raised pool can double as a bench seat, be incorporated with raised garden beds, can be used for retaining if on a slope, and results in less leaves in the pool! Its not for everyone, but has the potential to look superb.
4) Plants - select carefully! Select trees with non invasive root systems, Check the mature size of the plants to ensure they can stay long term, and ideally choose trees and shrubs that don’t grow too fast as there’s generally less leaves and less maintenance this way. Avoid plants with very small leaves as they can block the filter. Choose plants with less leaf drop - bamboo, while gorgeous near pools drop ALOT of leaves. Consider salt/chlorine splash (some plants are more salt resistant than others). Choose hardy in pool areas as there will always be extra glare and sun, and I say it again, check the size that the plants will be at maturity to avoid having to remove them in 5 or 10 years time!
5) Pool fencing - with some thought pool fencing can look stylish AND meet safety regulations. There are some beautiful new fencing options out there, in steel, timber, with curves, glass, powdercoated colours, mesh, wire and more. A mix of materials can look very effective, and reduce cost compared with a fully glass installation.
6) Paving - in hot climates, checking the heat retention of your pavers. Some pavers (darker greys, granite, bluestone etc) look fabulous on Pinterest, however hold heat like there’s no tomorrow and simply make your outdoor space too hot to spend time in during the afternoons. Travertine is the coolest natural stone available at the moment, however there are a number of alternatives that can be considered - all will get hot on a 35deg plus day but some less than others.
7) Spacing - make sure there is enough space to easily move around your pool - two people should be able to walk side by side around the pool 1.2m on 2 sides is the ideal minimum (so you could easily walk around someone sitting on the edge). Consider whether you need a wider area near the deep end for kids to do their bombies too. Where will you store pool toys, pool equipment, pool blanket (for which you will thank yourself for a thousand times if you can budget in an underground system) , a place to put your towel, a place to sit, place a table for cut watermelon, etc!
8) Styling and feel - a lot of unseen factors go into styling. Selecting a colour scheme and materials that give you the look and feel that you are after, must work with each other, as well as the surrounding areas and your home. They should also create a balance between warmth and cool, and minimise glare. Time and thought should be put into making sure all parts work cohesively together and you have made smart choices in layout, plants and materials, result in a timeless finish that you love.
Of course a designer will help step you through these decisions..one of the smartest things you will do with a large investment is to hire professional help, and invest well in this. A quality plan is not only a design but should aim to achieve a beautiful, long lasting end product. It will provide you with a clear planning tool to help your install run as smoothly as possible, avoid costly misunderstandings, and achieve a finished product that is just as you envisaged.
If you would like some help, or someone to bounce your ideas off, feel free to book in an on site consult with us - we can talk through all these aspects of your pool planning and more.
Click here to book an intro call with Kylie!
