What’s new and different in backyard pool design? Over the last few years several trends can be seen in backyard landscaping and some new ideas have been surfacing in pool design. Here are some things we would like to see more of!
Pool Size – New homes seem to be getting bigger and bigger, while lot sizes only seem to feel smaller, so we have seen an increase in demand for smaller plunge pools and swim spas to accommodate these changes. We think a personal plunge pool is a great way to incorporate a water feature into a smaller backyard. Popular sizes range from 8 to 10 feet wide by 16 to 20 feet long. Even in larger backyards a smaller pool will allow you to keep more of your backyard for other uses like gardens, patios, fire pits, cooking centers and play areas. You definitely don’t need a big pool to enjoy the benefits of swimming, cooling down and getting aquatic exercise, and a smaller pool means less maintenance, lower costs and a faster (and lower cost) install. We are 100% behind this trend and hope to see it grow in the coming years.
Pool Shapes – For the last 10 to 15 years we have seen an increased demand for lagoon shaped pools that finally seems to be slowing down. Recently we have seen more interest in rectangles and pools with clean, straight lines to fit into the modern backyard. The traditional kidney shaped pool has also been a great option and compliments just about any backyard design.
Alternative Sanitation Systems – Any time you talk about pools the conversation eventually comes back to chlorine. Many people want to know more about salt systems, some are looking for “chemical-free” pools, and most are unfamiliar with alternative purification systems that utilize ozone or ultraviolet light. Many consumers are misinformed about how they actually work and once they learn the truth they feel let down. Have no fear! In general, fiberglass pools are already very easy to maintain, and there are lots of options to keep your workload to a minimum. Utilizing better technology like cartridge filters, ozonators and high flow 2″ plumbing intakes will mean your water will always look clean, smell fresh and require as little chlorine as possible. While there are “chemical-free” pools being installed around the world, they are still uncommon and a little bit unknown to the majority of the pool industry.
Total Backyard Living– An exciting trend we have seen is the increased demand for complete outdoor living spaces. It’s very interesting to talk to people about the long list of what they would like to include in a backyard design, like outdoor kitchens, dining centers and covered pavilions. Who wouldn’t like to enjoy cocktails or host a barbecue with friends by their pool? Other popular items have been fire pits, fire pots and fireplaces, which elicit visions of cuddling up beside your loved ones in front of a roaring fire after a late night swim. Even fireplaces with built in pizza ovens were on the short list of necessities for many people we have spoken with. A good design should encompass all the things you would like to use your backyard for, even if it needs to be completed in stages over several years because of the cost or complexity. A pool can be just one of the pieces to make your backyard the best hangout on the block.
Water Features – Waterfalls, deck jets, fountains, fire & water bowls and the like are all great accessories in your pool project. 
Even something simple like two or four deck jets can make a big impact at an affordable price.
Big stone waterfalls have been popular for a long time now, though tend to be more in place alongside a freeform shaped pool.
What is newer to the pool market is using fire bowls around the pool to create a stunning visual centerpiece. There are only a handful of companies who manufacture these features, like Grand Effects Inc, and their products are mostly seen in commercial landscapes. The fire/water bowls they make can be pricey, but the wow factor they provide is guaranteed to impress.
With so many different options for the backyard it can be difficult to visualize how all these trends can be incorporated with a pool installation. We recommend working with a designer to make sure you will be happy with the finished product, since once it is installed a fiberglass pool can give you lifetime of enjoyment. Why not start planning today?
