Today’s backyard designs are tomorrow’s most sought-after projects

by jason_cramp | November 20, 2015 9:23 am

By Carla Sovernigo

[1]

The allure of the swimming pool has passed through time undiluted. From the grand bathhouses in Rome and Greece to today’s sleek, sophisticated designs, pools transcend geography and demographics. Often a symbol of luxury, current popular designs and features provide elegant living and effortless convenience. Modern-day pool owners want more than to bask in the shimmering reflection; they want to create an environment that is an extension of their home, a space where form and function are one with an overall design that supports their desire for more family time and a healthier lifestyle.

Pools were once considered an addition to the backyard. Today, however, designs are carefully incorporated into new construction as well as home remodelling. Homeowners are planning the pool to be an integrated and central component of their home’s function and design. That said, the following are some of the most popular trends the industry is seeing, which are sure to continue into the 2016 design/build season.

Water in transit

Water in transit is certainly one of the most popular trends in pool design. It appeals to several senses, including sight, by using clean geometric lines, and sound, by offering the tranquil and soothing acoustics of moving water. Often achieved in pools with an infinity or knife-edge, the sophisticated lines of water in transit make this design element a favourite amongst many homeowners.

[2]

Diving into this trend a little deeper

The infinity pool design (also referred to as a vanishing-edge or perimeter-overflow pool) made its first appearance decades ago in luxury homes that afforded huge panoramas. Today, this design has been fine-tuned to allow it to be used on pools in much smaller spaces. When the water surface visually blends into the horizon, the result is a breathtaking design, causing the eye to roam, thus making a small space seem much larger.

Infinity pool design is often used when the property’s elevation does not provide the space required for a traditional installation. The result can often be two-fold in that the stunning views offered by the infinity edge also provide an exciting, unexpected element as the water flowing over the pool edge creates a calming, beautiful waterfall.

Finally, knife-edge pools are probably one of the most complicated when it comes to design and construction techniques. What makes it so unique is that there is virtually no edge material or coping around the pool’s perimeter. Water simply disappears into a slim slot opening, which contributes to these pools’ seamless-mirror effect.

Custom designed and incorporated water features, such as fountains, waterfalls, rain walls, and deck jets are also considered water-in-transit features. Nothing enhances an outdoor space like the soothing sound and shimmering sight of falling water. Today’s designers are finding it easier and more affordable than ever to include spectacular water features in pool designs that give a homeowner the ability to transform the atmosphere around their pool from a fun family waterpark to a romantic oasis. These features also provide the homeowner with a lot of flexibility, allowing them to customize their outdoor space to suit a variety of moods all with the push of a button.

[3]

Smart technology

Pool and spa/hot tub manufacturers have made huge strides in the last four years to provide enhanced, mobile automation products designed to make pool ownership easier. From managing water chemistry to controlling lights, water features, pumps, cleaners, and spas, almost every element of the pool environment can be controlled via an app—giving pool owners 24-7 access and control.

Ultraviolet (UV) sanitation

The majority of residential swimming pool owners use some form of chlorine (Cl) to sanitize water. Normally, chlorine levels in a pool are maintained in a range of one part per million (ppm) to three ppm. With the ability to save up to 70 per cent in costs and chlorine consumption, UV disinfection systems have become a popular water maintenance accessory.

As water passes through the system’s chamber, the UV lamp destroys pathogens by altering their DNA. Algae and bacteria are also eliminated, resulting in clean and clear water for bathers to enjoy, making the pool safe and easier to manage.

These systems are being requested in new pool construction and are becoming increasingly more common in pool upgrades and renovations.

UV sanitation units also appeal to ecologically minded consumers who are learning that luxury and eco-friendly living can co-exist.

Automatic covers

Automatic pool covers have been available for some time, but their popularity is certainly on the rise. One reason for this is today’s research-savvy consumers not only understand the obvious advantages of these covers in terms of safety, but also recognize the additional benefits when it comes to savings. For example:

• Energy—pool covers act as a passive solar heater. They capture the sun’s radiant heat and reduce evaporation. This keeps the pool warm when the air temperature cools off at night, dramatically reducing heating costs while extending the swimming season. On indoor pools, a cover prevents evaporation, and in many cases it also helps to minimize the need for dehumidification systems, and in doing so, saving money.
• Time—keeping the pool covered can easily reduce the amount of dirt, leaves, and debris that enters the pool. This reduces the amount of time involved in cleaning the pool, not to mention the wear and tear on filtration equipment.
• Money—by saving heat, chemicals, cleaning, and extending equipment life, pool owners can recoup a large portion of the cost of an automatic cover. In some cases, consumers can save up to 70 per cent on their pool operating costs when using a cover.

[4]

Glassed-over pools

One of the hottest trends in pool and home décor is glass tile. As a pool finish, this option is becoming increasingly popular in Canada, especially in British Columbia where it has become an ever-growing trend that separates style setters from followers. Glass tile is a beautiful product that comes in many shapes, colours, and textures. This finish can change a pool from a basic backyard oasis to an elegant, stunning work of art.

Depending on the look the consumer wants, costs can run from affordable to extremely expensive and everything in between. However, when carefully selected and installed, the one constant that remains is the effect glass tile has in transforming a pool from drab to fab.

Best room in the house often is not inside

Outdoor living spaces are bringing traditional indoor gathering areas such as family and dining rooms outside. This practice has become one of the most in demand design trends. Often, with the pool as the focal point, homeowners appreciate the ability to extend their entertaining and living spaces by adding an array of customizable features that include lighting, music, fireplaces, and kitchens, which are all helping to redefine the term ‘living poolside.’

Thanks to advances in all-weather materials, furniture and accessories are now available in numerous shapes, sizes, and styles to highlight and display the customer’s unique style all while flowing seamlessly from indoor to outdoor décor.

Another trend is the love of Mediterranean-style living, which offers a wide array of flexible entertaining scenarios and is widely used in a lot of newly created outdoor spaces. Homeowners are realizing that expanded entertaining areas, adjacent to the pool, not only extend their living space, but also enhance the way they live.

The pool is often the focal point of the house, bringing people together much in the same way the kitchen has always been credited. Today’s favourite kitchens just happen to be outdoors by the pool, complete with fireplaces, pizza ovens, specialized light-emitting diode (LED) lighting, entertainment areas with televisions for outdoor viewing and speakers that play music above and below the water. All of these accessories have made their way onto the consumer’s wish list.

What does the future hold?

When a consumer is planning a new pool or a renovation project, encourage them to consider all of the things they love to do with their family and list any personal and/or family goals they are trying to achieve. Once the homeowner has an idea of the activities and areas they would like to see included in their pool design, an experienced designer can step in and guide them through the design process, often offering guidance that can enhance their plans. The goal is to incorporate items into today’s design that will be at the top of tomorrow’s list of trends.

[5]Carla Sovernigo is president/chief financial officer of Alka Pool Construction Ltd., in Burnaby, B.C., and has been involved in the pool industry for more than 30 years. She is proud to serve as the chairman of the board of directors of the Master Pools Guild, a global network of luxury pool builders from around the world. The group meets twice a year to share and discuss new technologies, techniques, best practices, and design trends. Sovernigo can be reached via e-mail at carlasp@alkapool.com[6].

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/todays-backyard-designs-are-tomorrows-most-sought-after-projects/

---