HELENE RAVLICH: POOLSIDE STYLE FOR SUMMER

OUTDOOR LIVING HELENE RAVLICH:

POOLSIDE STYLE FOR SUMMER

Now it’s spring and the sun is shining more often than not, I think we can safely say that the long, hot, lazy days of summer are just on the horizon. For some, that means heading off to busy seaside hot spots and family baches, for others it’s soaking up summer at home – especially if you’re lucky enough to have a pool in your own backyard.

A well-designed pool not only serves a function focused most firmly on fun, but it can be a stunning focal point in an urban backyard oasis. The key to designing the perfect pool is to make it feel like part of your home, but installing one can be a huge investment, so planning is key. Wherever you are and whatever your outdoor aesthetic, you’ll want a solid plan before the installation professionals come in and start their work.

To start, you want to consider what the ground is like in your backyard. You’re in luck if you have level ground because you’re already on the right track to having an above or inground pool with fewer modifications to your backyard design.

However, if you have your backyard on a hillside or sloping surface, or if the ground is very uneven and rocky, you may be worried that you won’t be able to bring your dream pool design to life. This isn’t the case though, and choosing an above-ground pool is a great solution. For example, you can install a fibreglass shell for an above-ground pool on any terrain, including rough, uneven or sloped surfaces.

Next, where do you want your pool in your backyard? A lot of pool design involves having a centrally located pool that draws people to one beautiful location. Other people choose to put their pool closer to their home so they can create a nice transition from the house to the backyard to the pool. If indooroutdoor flow is top on your list of priorities then lean towards the latter, which is also a great idea if you’ve got smaller family members you’re keen to keep an eye on.

One of the final stages of the backyard design planning process is how you plan to use your pool.

If you have a family, a lap pool could be a good pick because it has easy-access ledges that are slightly wider to support children or people just learning how to swim. Lap pools — the narrow, refined cousins of the old-school backyard pool — also look so elegant, especially if you’re working with a tight space.

If you have a compact backyard, a plunge pool is another small but deep option that will take up minimal space while still giving you the versatility of having a pool without taking up your entire garden. You can even double it up as a spa by adding a few jets – the possibilities are endless!

When it comes to dressing your pool space, great design doesn’t have to stay inside. Brands like Design Warehouse, Calypso, Lujo, Coast, Poynters, Refined Living, Urban Beach and Dawson & Co offer a world of beautiful pieces crafted to withstand the elements; it’s just a matter of refining your aesthetic and curating exactly what you need.

According to most designers, choosing outdoor furniture is all about a finding a balance of form, function and materiality. Understanding how the furniture will be used and in what context is also key, especially if small children and pets are likely to be using the furniture.

Selecting more durable pieces with stain-resistant qualities is essential, as well as pieces that are easy to clean and move around. Material choice is also super important. By opting for premium, where and when you can, you will have pieces that you love now, and that will also last a lifetime outdoors. Teak, marine grade stainless steel, and coated wicker are always popular, and are easy to care for as well as being able to withstand the elements.

Once the use is clear and you done a little research into materials that may work best for you, the next thing to consider is the size of your poolside living space. Ensuring the outdoor furniture you choose isn’t too large or too small for the space is more important than you think. Oversized furniture can make a statement in a grand space, but if the area is a little more on the compact side, it can quickly make it feel cramped and uninviting. Often, opting for softer pieces in materials suitable for the conditions, and throwing a few all-weather bean bags into the mix, which can easily be moved around or stored for when and where you need them, is the best option for smaller spaces. A poolside chaise for all-day lounging is a must-have, and can do double duty for outdoor lounging and sunbathing by the pool in ease. A teak Adirondack Chair is another piece that will fit perfectly into most outdoor living settings and has long been regarded as a popular choice for poolside relaxation all over the world. Designed for hours of lounging, the legendary Adirondack makes it almost impossible not to relax once you've reclined into its high back, backward sloping seat resting so close to the ground. An added bonus: extra-wide armrests for balancing drinks and small plates, right when you need them.

A modern sun lounger is another absolute poolside essential, but whether you opt for teak, stainless steel or wicker, make sure it’s high on the comfort factor. The ability to easily move a lounger around is another bonus, especially if you’re keen on catching – or avoiding – the sun.

Lastly, when it comes to the perfect pool setting, you can’t go past a cantilevered umbrella that can either tilt or rotate to ensure that you are protected from UV rays, no matter the angle of the sun. The number one reason people choose to avoid their home’s outdoor ‘room’ is lack of shelter from the heat and rain, and a premium outdoor shade umbrella will provide a super stylish and impressive addition to your favourite summertime space as well as protect against the sun's harmful rays. (HELENE RAVLICH)  PN