For many Australians building a new home, a pool isn’t just a luxury – it’s the heart of an outdoor lifestyle, a place for relaxation, entertainment, and making memories. But with so many design options available, finding the perfect pool style to suit your home can feel stressful. Don’t worry! We’re here to help. Below, you’ll find the ultimate guide to swimming pool designs to help you create your dream oasis and spend those hot days chilling in style and comfort.
Table of Contents
Inground vs Above Ground
One of the first things you need to think about when deciding which pool design you want is whether an inground pool or an above ground pool would work best for your space. Let’s take a closer look at each of them to help give you some inspiration.
Inground Pools
Inground pools are more popular in Australia because they provide a permanent addition to the property, not to mention they’re pretty stylish compared to above ground pools, too. These swimming pools are usually made from materials like fibreglass, concrete, or vinyl, with fibreglass being the easiest to maintain. Unlike above ground pools, they can also be customised to any shape and size, making it easier to blend with your backyard’s landscaping.
Above Ground Pools
Above ground pools are a great option for anyone looking for a cost-effective, flexible option that doesn’t come with the same level of commitment as inground pools. This is because they can be installed quickly and moved if needed, which is also ideal for renters or if you’re hoping to relocate in the future. Likewise, they’re a good choice for small backyards where space is limited and doesn’t necessarily allow for a pool year-round.
Different Pool Designs
Once you’ve decided what type of pool style suits your home and your needs best, it’s time to think about the design. Here’s some more information on what’s on offer:
Family Pools
A family pool is the ultimate in backyard fun! These pools are usually pretty large and have shallow areas for younger children to splash and learn to swim, as well as deeper sections for adults and more experienced swimmers. The design elements don’t end there, though! They can also include integrated seating, water features, and even a built-in spa to ensure the entire family can enjoy the swimming area.
Lap Pools
Are you an exercise lover? A lap pool could be the perfect choice! These long pools are designed for swimming laps (hence their name), and this makes them ideal for fitness, rehabilitation, or simply keeping active. They aren’t exclusively used for these reasons, though, and they’re also a great option for narrow backyards or properties where space is limited, but style and functionality are still desired. Also, many lap pools can be heated, so you can enjoy them all year round, whether it’s for exercise or chilling out.
Plunge Pools
A plunge pool is a small yet stylish option for cooling off on a hot day. These pools are perfect for small backyards where space is limited, and they can also be designed with built-in seating and water jets, giving you more of that relaxing, spa-like experience. Another great thing about plunge pools is that their compact size means they are often easier to maintain and require less pool equipment, making them appealing to anyone looking for a low-maintenance pool.
Infinity Pools
If you’re lucky enough to live in a home with a killer view, you can make the most of it by choosing an infinity pool, also known as a “vanishing edge pool.” This design features water flowing over one or more edges, creating an effect that merges the pool with the surrounding landscape, ocean, or horizon. This adds a luxurious touch to a long pool and really elevates your view to new heights.
Indoor-Outdoor Pools
If you want the best of both worlds, indoor-outdoor pools offer you a unique design that seamlessly integrates an indoor space with your backyard. Put simply, these pools are partially enclosed, allowing you to swim from an indoor space to an outdoor area without having to get out of the water. There is usually a large wall or retractable doors that can be opened or closed to section the areas off, and the indoor portion can also be climate-controlled for use during the cooler months. Basically, you’ll have a pool you can use all year round, and you’ll be sheltered while you swim should the heavens open above you!
Living Pools
Sometimes referred to as “natural swimming pools”, living pools are a sustainable, chemical-free alternative to traditional pool designs. They usually use natural filtration systems, such as aquatic plants and biological filters, to keep the water clean without the need for chlorine or other harsh chemicals. They’re pretty much designed to mimic a natural pond, and this means organic shapes, rock formations, and water gardens that come together to create a backyard oasis that takes connecting to the surrounding nature to a whole new level.
Materials
No matter what design appeals to you most, another important aspect of choosing your swimming pool is what material it is made from. Here’s a more detailed look at the most popular material options.
Fibreglass Pools
Fibreglass swimming pools are pre-moulded, which means they come in various shapes and sizes, are manufactured in a factory, and then transported to the site. This type of pool is often the best choice for people looking for a quick and easy installation, as it can be built and installed within a few days to weeks.
Concrete Pools
Concrete pools are highly customisable, so they’re an excellent choice if you want a unique or elaborate pool design. The construction process involves pouring concrete into a formwork and then finishing the surface with other materials such as plaster, tiles, or pebblecrete. Also, because concrete is so durable, this type of swimming pool can withstand heavy use and extreme weather conditions, making it not only a good choice for a family pool but for any region that sees the worst of the elements throughout the year.
Vinyl Pools
Vinyl-lined pools consist of a frame structure (usually made of metal or plastic) that supports a flexible vinyl liner. They are less common in Australia compared to fibreglass and concrete pools, but they offer some pretty good benefits. For instance, they are generally the most affordable option in terms of upfront costs, and although not as customisable as concrete, they can still be made in various shapes and depths.
Customising Your Pool for Maximum Impact
Creating a pool design isn’t just about the size, shape, and materials. There are also some finer details to think about that can make your swimming pool and the entire area it’s placed really stand out! Here are some design ideas to help improve your pool design even further:
Water Features
Certain water features, like waterfalls, fountains, or jets, can add a dynamic element to your swimming pool. This isn’t only through creating the relaxing sound of running water but also by generally making the pool seem more stylish and inviting. For example, a cascading waterfall built into a brick patio or a jet shooting water into the air will give a modern pool a playful touch.
Landscaping
The landscaping around your swimming pool can hugely impact the look and feel of your outdoor space and create an inviting atmosphere. You can create a resort-style feel in your own backyard by using a combination of mature trees, greenery, and other plants that thrive in the Australian climate. Likewise, strategic planting can provide extra privacy and shade, making your pool area a lot more comfortable during those blazing-hot summer months.
Lighting
Adding pool lighting isn’t only practical for night swimming, but can also enhance the look and add an extra level of safety to your pool area. LED lights are a particularly good choice for this, and they can be used to highlight the shape of the pool, illuminate water features, or create a dramatic effect with coloured lighting. Whatever you want to highlight, you’ll be transforming a standard backyard pool into a stunning area with a focal point.
Decking & Furniture
A pool area shouldn’t only be about swimming – it should also include comfortable spaces for lounging and socialising. A well-designed deck is ideal for this, as it provides a dedicated space for lounge chairs, dining tables, or even a barbecue, creating an all-around outdoor entertaining area. Just remember when you’re choosing materials for decking and furniture that they should be made from non-slip options that can withstand exposure to water and sun, such as teak, composite wood, and stone.
Pool House or Cabana
For a touch of luxury and functionality, consider building a pool house or cabana close to the swimming pool. This space can be used for changing, storage, or even as a small entertaining area, complete with a kitchenette and bathroom! Just remember to blend it with the pool’s style and surrounding planting, and you may find that you’ve not only created an appealing space but have added value to your property.
The Importance of Maintenance and Pool Equipment
No matter how stunning your pool design is, proper maintenance and quality equipment are needed to keep it in pristine condition. Maintenance goes beyond cleaning, too. It includes balancing the water chemistry, ensuring the water level is kept topped up and addressing any wear and tear issues that can affect both the look and functionality of your pool.
The equipment you’ll need to do this includes filters, pumps, and automatic cleaners. These will keep the water clear by circulating it and removing debris that has fallen in. Likewise, regularly testing the water chemistry will ensure that the pH and chlorine levels are balanced, preventing algae growth and protecting the surfaces from damage.
So, while it may not be the most exciting part of designing your pool, maintenance is still something that you need to consider as part of the overall picture. After all, by staying on top of maintenance and using the best quality pool equipment, you can ensure that your swimming pool remains a safe and enjoyable feature in your backyard for years to come.
Make a Splash with Your Pool Design
From fibreglass pools to custom-built concrete designs and even living swimming pools, there’s an array of options to suit every taste, budget, and backyard. However, before you decide which swimming pool design is right for you, take the time to consider all of the styles, how you plan on incorporating them into your backyard (landscaping, lighting, etc.), and how easy it will be to maintain. By doing this, you can create a haven in your own backyard that is perfect for cooling off, having fun, and making memories for years to come.
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