Swimming Pool Design Information

Swimming pool design used to mean a kidney-shaped pool with a deep end and a shallow end, a concrete deck, and a diving board. The pool design
industry has come a long way. Today, you can find residential swimming pools that range from long narrow lap pools to exotic shapes with vanishing edges to waterfall-laced lagoons reminiscent of the tropics.

These days, if you can imagine it, you can build it. Swimming pool design isn't just limited to the shape of your pool, either. Colorful murals can add interest to pool bottoms and walls. Around the pool, statues and columns can add an elegant look to the area. Popular today, and seen in most of the luxury home and swimming pool magazines, are the pools with vanishing edges (sometimes called negative edges or an infinity edge)
where the water appears to go off into thin air. Fiber-optic lighting is popular in swimming pools today because of the unique ambience it creates and the relative ease to install and maintain. Natural-looking pools often have water features incorporated into their design. A fountain, majestically lit by fiber-optic lighting, might draw the eye while a gurgling stream and waterfall combination tumbles down rock formations. You can even install a misting system to create a subtle
fog around the pool and patio area.

As you're planning your swimming pool design, you'll want to take into account the following things:

• Is your pool meant primarily for exercise or for the kids or a combination of both?
• Do you want a private, relaxing escape or a party space?
• Will the pool be the focus of the backyard or should it complement a majestic view?
• Will it be used by a lot of people at a time or just a few?

Plan things out before you contact a designer or contractor. Figure out the dimensions of your yard, exactly what you want to do, and what sort of deck and landscaping you're going to want to have around your pool.

One thing to keep in mind if cost is a consideration is that you can often get the best deals by having your pool built in the off season. In the winter, pool contractors have fewer clients and may be able to cut you a deal in order to get your job.