Top pool and spa designs

Adding a backyard pool to your home is something you do for yourself and your family. It can provide years of entertainment space and beauty to your yard. There are many different styles of pools available, so before you get your heart set on one, consider all the different options to help make your aqua dreams come true.

Infinity Pools

One of the most beautiful types of pools available is the infinity pool. Designed to trick the eye, an infinity pool works like a waterfall with a disappearing edge. The water that flows over that edge is caught a few feet below before being pumped back into the pool. Infinity pools are as safe as any other kind of pool although they do require a specific landscape to create the illusion of the drop-off. If you have a split-level backyard or one built onto a hillside, with the right type of pool loan, a gorgeous infinity pool could absolutely be within your reach.

Lap Pools

Committed swimmers will really appreciate a lap pool which generally consists of a single lane. Lap pools are rectangular, but that does not mean uninteresting. They can be beautifully landscaped with a small waterfall in the middle, fountains shooting across the width, or a retractable awning. Although a true lap pool is 82 feet, one for personal use can be 20-50 feet in length and wide enough so you don’t hit the side with your stroke.

An interesting subset of the lap pool is the much smaller endless pool with an enclosed propeller at one end. These pools fit in very small places and keep the swimmer in one place by creating a current to swim against. This flow of water can be adjusted based on personal preference. The pump can also be turned off completely making it essentially a cocktail pool.

Cocktail Pools

If you plan to entertain but are not necessarily interested in swimming laps, a cocktail pool might be for you. These pools generally work well in a small yard as long as there is enough room for a grill and lounge chairs around the edges. They tend to be shallow as they are built more for relaxing with a poolside cocktail in hand rather than swimming.

Novelty Shapes

If you have a big enough backyard and a big enough budget, you can get a pool shaped like the state of Texas. If that’s not your style, you might like a guitar-shaped pool. Novelty pools tend to be very expensive and mostly found at the homes of the rich and famous or hotels.

Indoor Pools

Colder and warmer climate swimmers might really appreciate an indoor pool design. This type of pool can fall into two categories. One type of indoor pool is always inside. It exists in a world where leaves will never clog the pumps and the water and air is always temperature controlled. Another option is to build a pool house with a retractable roof around your pool. Just like at some ballparks, on nice days, the roof opens, and you swim in the sunshine. On foul weather days, your entire pool is in the enclosed space secure from the elements.

Standard Pools

A standard-shaped pool does not equal boring. There are many designed shapes for pools and one of them is sure to compliment your backyard. Different shapes have different advantages. Rectangular pools tend to be less expensive than round-shaped pools. A kidney shaped pool allows for defined shallow and deep ends with a wide enough lane in the middle for swimming laps. Circular and oval pools fill up large spaces nicely. Geometric, L-shape and freeform pools can be customized to the shape or space limitations of your backyard.

Baja Shelf Pool

If you want a pool that will serve your needs for years to come, consider a pool with a Baja shelf. These pools contain a gently sloping shelf into the water rather than the standard steps or ladder. This versatile option provides a shallow area for smaller children to play. As they get older, water-friendly lounge chairs can be pulled into this part of the pool for sunbathing or reading a book while dipping your toes in the water. A Baja or sun shelf also makes the pool more accessible for those with disabilities.

Natural Pools

Despite the name, natural swimming pools do require structure, they just don’t use chemicals to clean the water. Natural pools generally consist of two zones: a swimming zone in the middle and animal-friendly zone around the edges. This type of pool needs a pump to keep water moving, but it also uses plants around the border that filter water through their roots. Floating plants like water lilies and shade trees help keep the algae content down.

Pools With Spas

Pools with spas offer the best of both worlds in hot and cold weather. The versatility of this type of set-up is great as you are afforded everything from an intimate pool experience to multiple spaces for parties. Spas can be right on the lip of a pool or farther away. The boundary between the two is a great place for a waterfall or decorative rock feature. Spas generally blend in organically with the shape of the pool, and the sides can be either curved or straight.

No matter what style of pool is your dream, there are several things you can add to your backyard to make it truly magical. Landscaping really enhances the space by providing shade from trees and color and sweet scents from flowers. There are several options for dry space around the pool. Some pool owners like grass while rocks, bricks or wood decks meet the needs of others. Lighting and fountains may seem like unnecessary extras, but they really aren’t. Beautiful lighting in and around your pool will make it a warm inviting gathering space even if no one jumps in. Waterfalls add beauty in sight and sound and keep the water moving which keeps it healthier. Fountains can help regulate water temperature especially if your pool is in the full sun. Whatever shape you choose and whatever extras you add, pools are special places that can be enjoyed by generations of family and friends.