There are many ways to make your pool area fresh and enjoyable. Do you want to build an aesthetically pleasing backyard pool? Some creative designs will always look good, yet there are also designs that emerge each season.

Your pool area design might already be outdated which is why it is best to update it according to what is on trend this year. Here are some swimming pool ideas that might spark your interest:

Smart Lighting

Lighting up your pool creates a sensational effect which is why it is an idea you must never underestimate. Installing lights underwater will illuminate a diamond-like spark on the surface of your swimming pool water.

Installing proper lighting in your pool area or on the pool itself will significantly improve the space. However, traditional lights are now a thing of the past as people tend to choose smart lights nowadays.

This is why it has become one of the popular trends this year that you can incorporate into your pool area. The smart lighting trend is also expected to stay for a very long time which makes it a good investment to make.

Additionally, smart lights are more efficient to utilize, easy to monitor and on top of it all it is aesthetically pleasing to the eyes. You can literally control the settings of your smart lighting directly from your smartphone. You can also sync the lights to an entertainment system to add fun to your outdoor pool area.

Shade Sail As Protection

You do not want your backyard pool to be exposed to direct sunlight whether you are swimming on it or not. Shade sails are now widely used as outdoor area protection due to their functionality and stylish design.

Compared to other shade options, shade sails will let you become creative and style your pool area the way you want it to be. Play with different colours and sizes and combine two or more shade sails to achieve the layout that you want.

Additionally, shade sails are also cost-efficient and can be easily installed. Regardless of how light the material is used for this type of shade, you can ensure that it can effectively block the UV rays from the sun and provide maximum protection to your pool and for whoever swimming on it.

Infinity Pool

The infinity pool design has been around for quite some time now. This trend is the kind that will never go away. Due to how beautifully it is designed and how space saver it is, more and more people are opting for this layout.

This design is sometimes referred to as a seamless or edgeless pool. It gives an illusion of the pool smoothly meets with the lawn or the background. If you want a sleek swimming pool design then opting for an infinity pool will surely provide the look that suits your taste.

Wood Deck

Do you know that wood decks are not just for your patio? It can also be placed around your pool area to add a more rustic vibe to the setting. Wood is the best material you can use if you want to achieve a luxurious design in your home, especially in your pool area.

Because of how classy wood decks look, having them installed in your pool area will significantly increase your property value. If you are looking into selling your property, it is best to follow this trend to ensure that you can sell it in the market at a high price.

Tropical Lagoon

Transform your backyard pool into a lagoon by incorporating natural elements around it. Opt for tropical plants such as hibiscus, birds of paradise, papyrus and palms. You can also add stone slabs and stack them to create a more natural-looking pool design.

Add as many plants until you achieve the tropical lagoon vibe. The more vegetation you add the better. Go for stone flooring or artificial grass to complement the theme. If you want to go the extra mile, you can add a mini cave to your pool. This cave can also serve as a minibar.

The tropical lagoon design provides more greenery in your pool area and will help cool down the place. Once you have established the core of the design, you can then start throwing in items you think will enhance the design in general.

Rain Curtains

Waterfalls are still amazingly beautiful, which is best for classic swimming pool designs. However, rain curtains are the next big thing. This swimming pool add-on is becoming more popular as a waterfall alternative because of its stunning effects.

Most people that are opting for a more modern theme installed rain curtains into their pools instead of a waterfall because it is more appropriate for the design.

You can add different coloured lights to your rain curtains to make them visually satisfying. If relaxation is your top priority, then the sound of falling water a rain curtain provides will surely make you feel relax and at peace.

Sun Shelves

Another swimming pool trend that is circulating this year is the sun shelves or also referred to as the tanning ledge or Baja shelves. This is the flat and shallow part of an outdoor swimming pool that can be used to enjoy the sun while keeping yourself refreshed with the cool water from the pool.

Sun shelves are also one of the pool trends that doesn’t disappear. In the previous years, sun shelves can only be seen on swimming pools in exclusive and high-end hotels and resorts. But today, even your backyard pool can have sun shelves so that you can enjoy this feature anytime you want.

Having sun shelves on your backyard pool can let you enjoy the water and the sun without changing into your swimming outfits. You can also chill on your lounge chair and soak your feet in the cool water and enjoy the refreshing feeling.

Cocktail Pool

You do not have a pool yet? Is your backyard space small? No need to worry, cocktail pool design is here to save the day. Cocktail pools are small pool best fit for small spaces.

This hottest and newest pool trend measures around 400 square feet only and comes with a compact design. It is not made for swimming but instead built as a plunge pool. It is best for keeping yourself refreshed and cool during the hot summer days in Australia.

Cocktail pools are also less expensive and eco-friendly compared to full-sized pools. Most homeowners who opt for a cocktail pool add some customized features such as heaters, seating, and jets to make it more like a spa.

Integrated Spas

A spa can be added to an existing pool during a pool renovation. It can also be constructed seperately next to the pool.

The COVID-19 pandemic increased the popularity of spas and any home entertainment facilities.

Some designs separate the spa from the pool by a dam wall to keep the heated water of the spa inside and the cooler water of the pool outside.

Another option is an above ground hot tub.

Saltwater Pool Systems

A saltwater system is far better than chlorinated pools. Exposure to the chemicals used in maintaining a regular pool can be harmful in the long term. This swimming pool system uses salt to dissolve in the pool water to generate chlorine.

Saltwater pools are not as salty as the ocean. It has ten times less salt. The ocean has around 35,000 parts per million salinity while the saltwater pool has only around 3,000 parts per million. This trend is also popular amongst luxury hotels, resorts, and cruise ships.

This alternative still has chemicals in it yet it is much fewer compared to a regular chlorine pool. The saltwater system is also more expensive than a typically chlorinated pool.

Mineral Pools

Mineral swimming and baths have been around for centuries. These systems still require chlorine use but at a much reduced rate (up to 50% less).

The process is called electolysis. Your pool chlorinator cell coverts the minerals you add to the pool into small doses of chlorine which are distributed through your pool water. This keeps it clean by eradicating bacteria and algae.

These minerals not only have a positive effect on the water but for swimmers as well. This gives the water a “softer” feel.

The main minerals found in swimming pool minerals include-:

• Magnesium Chloride
• Potassium Chloride
• Sodium Chloride

Lap Pool

A lap pool is often built for fitness and health. Sometimes it is the only option for a narrow space. Homeowners build lap pools so that they can swim in them for exercise. swimming is a very effective form of exercise. Having access to a lap pool is enough to do few laps a day.

This pool design is longer and narrower compared to the conventional rectangular swimming pool. Although lap pools are mainly built for exercise, they can still be used for recreation and fun activities.

The Purpose Of The Pool

The very first step you must consider before designing your pool is the purpose. Swimming pool designs do not only provide visual appeal but functionality as well. The most common purpose why homeowners add a swimming pool to their yard are:

• Recreational
• Exercise
• Entertainment
• Relaxation

By pinpointing what is the main purpose of the pool, you will then figure out what design is best to achieve its goal. You must also take into account if you are planning to make the pool area the main lounge where you will receive your house guests.

Do not rush in this step. You must understand your needs first and then you will figure out the whole purpose of your swimming pool area.

Consider the Future

When designing your pool area, you must also consider any possible future features that you might want to add. Although it is not happening at the present, preparing the space for a possibility will give you ease when the time comes that you will install any add-ons.

This is why it is best to create the entire concept and plan which one you will install now and which one will be a future possibility. To give you an idea, the following are the common add-ons that most homeowners added into their pool area:

• Pergolas
• Cabanas
• Fire Pit
• Trellises
• Landscaping features

If you are looking to have one or more of the mentioned add-ons, it is best to figure out where and when you would want them to install.

Budget

When picking a design for your pool area, you must first know how much you are willing to spend. It is recommended to set a budget during the early planning process. Knowing exactly what you want and understanding the limitation is vital in designing your pool.

You can ask an experienced contractor to provide an estimation of the design that you want. Once you have the numbers in hand, you can now start making your plan a reality.

Materials To Use In Your Pool Design Ideas

There are countless materials available when it comes to designing and building a swimming pool. However, the rule of the thumb is to choose materials that complement your home’s features. Following this rule is the safest approach you can do when picking materials to use for your pool area.

If you want to be more creative, choosing materials that are completely opposite of your house’s features can be a bold move. If opting for this approach, you must create a perfect transition of the two completely different spaces on your property.

When choosing what material to use, it is also best to look at your budget first. There are types of materials that are more expensive than the others and you do not want to go over budget for the materials alone. If your budget is tight, opt for less expensive yet quality materials.

Landscaping

When you design your pool area, you must take your landscaping design into account. The landscaping alone has its own theme and you do not want to miss match your pool to its background. If your pool is already existing and you will just want to improve it, it is best to install add-ons that will fit the landscaping background of your pool.

If you are still planning to dig up your yard and create a pool, the existing landscaping design of your backyard will significantly affect the shape, size, and location of the pool. It is best to design your pool and its surroundings according to the landscaping.

Picking out a pool theme that complements the existing landscape will also help you save money. What you will need to do is to focus all your resources on the pool itself and only add small details to enhance the overall look. You will never have to spend or worry about landscaping anymore.

In Conclusion

The design of your swimming pool area plays a significant role in how it can serve its purpose. If you feel that the features of your swimming pool are not relevant anymore, you can always alter its design and follow new relevant trends.