Modern Pool Styles Influenced by Designs From Around the World
When you think of a backyard swimming pool, you probably picture a typical rectangle, oval, or kidney shape filled with the perfect cerulean hue of pristine, chlorinated water. However, these styles are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to innovative pool design.
Interesting shapes, unexpected materials, and extras like waterfalls, bubblers, and deck jets can all find their way into your pool construction project when you work with experienced contractors, designers, and installers. Want to take it a step further? Incorporate inspired design features from across the globe.
From Japan and Bali to Greece and Australia, international pool designs run the gamut of creative potential, with options to turn your backyard into an outdoor oasis. Which modern styles from around the world should you consider when planning your own custom swimming pool area?
Infinity Pool Designs
This trend in pool designs, popular in Bali, is meant to create a pool area that merges seamlessly with the nature surrounding it. In some cases, a pool edge facing another body of water, such as an ocean view, appears to flow into that water, regardless of how far away it is. In other cases, you see the illusion of water running into the landscaping.
How is this possible? It’s an optical illusion created when one edge of the pool is lower than the level of the water, causing water to spill over it. The water falls into a catch basin below, where it is recirculated back to the pool, so the water level doesn’t drop. The effect is that water seems to be flowing infinitely over the side, hence the name of this magical design.
In-Pool Hot Tubs
Soaking is practically an art form in Japan, where the activity symbolizes relaxation, purification, and in some cases, even a religious experience. It’s no surprise, then, that this island nation supplies pool design inspiration in spades.
In the U.S., it’s common for pool and spa areas to be separate. This may be because of the different temperature and chemical requirements of the two, but it could also be chalked up to simple design preference or budgeting factors.
In-pool hot tubs offer some enticing benefits, like the ability to move more easily between the pool and spa, not to mention the seamless aesthetic integration. This design can also be easier to maintain, although it may not be as cost-effective if you heat your spa year-round, since it would be difficult to cover just the spa.
Beach-Entry Pools
You may not have the location or funding to recreate Australia’s famous ocean pools, which are carved into the coastline so they can be filled with warm, natural ocean water. However, you can still lean toward pool designs that offer the beachy ambiance you crave.
One appealing option to consider is a zero-entry, or beach-entry pool. Instead of using steps to enter the shallow end, you’ll simply walk down a gradual slope from the deck into the water, just as you would on a gently sloped ocean shore. You can lounge half-in and half-out of the water or place a chair in the shallows.
If you don’t have a lot of space available to install this custom design, consider adding a sun shelf instead. This small, flat ledge at the pool entrance usually holds just a couple of lounge chairs so you can dip your toes in the water while you sunbathe.
Mosaic Tile Installations
Greece is not a country that separates easily from history. In fact, it plays a role in many aspects of modern life, including design. Greek-inspired mosaic tiles have long been used for everything from decorative entry flooring to wall murals to pool architecture.
Vibrant and dynamic, these tiles deliver eye-catching appeal and elevate function. Their purpose is to reflect sunlight and help keep water cool on hot days. This is probably why the application is still in use today.
Sustainable Pool Design Features
Japan’s onsen pools are naturally heated by geothermal means. If you’re familiar with geothermal heating for homes, you know that it comes from air or water underground, where the ground temperature at 10 to 20 feet or more below the surface is more stable than the air above.
In the U.S., the ground temperature at about 20 or more feet below the surface is roughly 50 to 60°F, although this may depend on various factors such as air temperature and soil composition. When this air is drawn into the home to create a base temperature, you only have to heat or cool from, say, 55°F, as opposed to starting with outdoor temperatures that could be sweltering or freezing.
Onsen pools operate on the same principle, except they are built around hot springs created by volcanic activity. While you can’t rely on this as a homeowner, you can use sustainable geothermal heat pumps to keep your pool water lukewarm and curb the energy needed to maintain a constant water temperature.
Global Pool Designs Offer Statement Style and Enhanced Function
Pool designs aren’t a one-size-fits-all proposition. Embracing international styles and design influences can help you create a pool area that exceeds expectations for function, aesthetics, and sustainable performance.
The seasoned team at Tampa Bay Pools is always ready to help you discover design and customization opportunities that surprise and delight. Contact us now to request an at-home pool consultation with our expert pool designers and discuss your upcoming home improvement project.