Are you thinking of building a swimming pool in your backyard? If you are, then you know how confusing the entire process can be.
Should you get an in-ground or above-ground pool? Should you use fiberglass or concrete in its construction?
What about sanitation options? Should you use salt or chlorine? Don’t even get me started on the swimming pool shapes.
The whole process can be overwhelming, to say the least. For now, we’ve created a comprehensive guide on the different pool shapes and designs available to help you take the plunge. Read on.
1. Rectangular / Lap Pools
The rectangular pool is like the little black dress every lady has in her closet. It’s a timeless design that never goes out of style. It is best suited for traditional homes that ooze both quiet luxury and exquisite elegance.
Its clean straight-line edges are the perfect complement to a property’s ageless magnificence, effortlessly elevating its sophisticated aura. Aside from enhancing a property, rectangular pools are quite functional as well.
If you’re into exercise and fitness, then it’s the natural choice for hitting those laps. The size of the pool can be built to the owner’s specifications.
If you feel that a lap pool feels a tad bit utilitarian, then your designer can switch things up a bit to create an L-shaped pool. That way you kill two birds with one stone to get the best of both worlds: You can swim those laps and still have a pool whose aesthetic blends in perfectly with the rest of the property.
2. Freeform Pools
Freeform pools are ideal for virtually any kind of property. They don’t play by the rules of geometry and can be any abstract shape your designer comes up with. They blend in with properties that have a rustic feel to them or are surrounded by nature.
They seamlessly morph into the tropical settings making them appear as though they’re nature’s own creation. With the right creative juices flowing, abstract pools can take the form of a lagoon-shaped pool, an idyllic waterway or even a secret garden oasis. If your backyard is asymmetrical, a freeform pool would be an excellent choice for your space.
3. Geometric Pools
If you have a contemporary home with lots of straight lines and hard edges then a geometric pool is the perfect complement to your modern home. Geometric pools integrate lots of triangles, rectangles, squares, ovals and perfect circles in their design.
Some design features that can be incorporated to enhance their design include overflows and spillways, as well as, vanishing edges and fountain bubblers. You could think of them as the high-fashion couture of pool styles.
4. Kidney-Shaped Pools
As far as types of pools design go, kidney-shaped pools are by far the most common ones you see around. It’s no coincidence though. They were extremely popular for residential properties in the 50s and 60s.
Their classic retro design goes well with a myriad of architectural layouts, satisfying both style and functional goals. The space around the kidney’s indentation can lend itself to special design features like landscaping to incorporate a bit of nature.
They are a great choice if you have a smaller backyard or you have a smaller budget to work with. When in doubt, install a kidney-shaped pool. You can never go wrong with them.
5. Figure-8 Pools
Figure-8 pools represent a more contemporary take on their kidney-shaped older cousins. The pool is essentially made up of a small oval above a larger oval making up the figure 8, albeit with a thicker bottom.
It’s ideal if you want slightly more swimming area than what the kidney-shaped pool offers. What’s even better is that it costs less to build this pool, than it would, to build a kidney pool. So if you want a modern, yet functional pocket-friendly pool, a figure-8 is your best bet.
6. Swimming Pool Shapes: Grecian and Roman Designs
Grecian and Roman pool shapes draw inspiration from centuries-old Greek and Roman architectural styles. These old classics elevate simplicity to elegance.
The Grecian style combines a rectangular shape with the 90-degree corners chopped off to form an octagon. The updated versions of this design soften the hard edges by rounding them inwards.
The Roman pool design is by far more popular than its Grecian counterpart. The Roman design outwardly rounds off the two shorter ends of the rectangle. Both pool shapes complement formal backyard settings and classical home architecture designs, more so those of Aegean and Tuscan heritage.
As you build your dream house, Grecian and Roman Pools will give it that wow factor. Talk to your builder for more details on their design concepts.
7. Custom-Shaped Pools
If you’re someone who doesn’t like to play by the rules, then a custom shaped pool is just what the doctor ordered. Some homes have quite a unique style. It’s only natural then that the pools take on a completely unique design that goes beyond the usual pool shapes.
The custom design is limited only by your imagination. So, if music is your thing, for instance, a guitar-shaped pool could be something to think about.
The Main Takeaway
There are no swimming pool shapes that are better or more superior to others. It all boils down to how much you’re willing to spend, the size of your property and what your ultimate goal is.
In the end, work with your designer to determine how best to shape the pool for both you and your property. Turn your backyard into your own private resort.
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