Making a Splash With Swimming Pool Design Making a Splash With Swimming Pool Design

By Kirsten E. Silven

Though we’ve barely begun to realistically start dreaming of Spring, soaring summer temps will be here before we know it, prompting us to once again seek the cooling relief of backyard swimming pools. Beyond the cooling effects, a pool can also serve as a serious design element of a home’s exterior living and entertainment spaces, offering the opportunity to create a functional focal point and oversized water feature of sorts that incorporates a variety of exciting visual—and even audio—effects.

When designing a brand-new pool, DJ Geddes, Vice President of Geddes Pool Company, Inc, says it’s important for homeowners to think about how much buildable space is available on the lot to ensure that a pool can fit comfortably without overcrowding the other outdoor living areas. The size of the pool is also critical to consider, along with any other surrounding features that may impact the pool’s placement, such as existing trees, the grade of the yard, utility lines and easements.

“Homeowners should always consider the cost of installation, ongoing maintenance, and any additional features they desire when selecting a pool and its placement,” Geddes added. “And if a homeowner plans to sell the home at some point in the future, they should consider how the pool will impact the resale value of the property. For example, a well-designed and maintained pool can add value to a home and make it more attractive to potential buyers.”

As for the creative process, a variety of different virtual reality and 3D design tools are available now, making it easier than ever to visualize how the pool will look before construction begins. This can help streamline the entire process, and—in the end—ensure that all expectations are met.

In recent years, registered landscape architect Rick Rushing of Rushing Design has seen an uptick in refurbishing/renovating existing—and even vintage—pools, offering another great way to add value to a property and bring the home’s outdoor living spaces up to date.

2 Nestled amid magnificent landscaping that brings a traditional feel to the space, this pool has a remarkable curved design that makes the most of the lot’s irregular shape and gives the entire area a refined, organic feel. Photo design and installation by Greenville Luxury Pools.

“We give existing pools a facelift—some dating as far back as the 1960s—by adding all new plumbing, decking and lighting, as well as new tile and plaster...whatever is needed,” Rushing shared. “Renovating an existing space typically causes less damage to the surrounding property than starting over from scratch, and adding other special features like deck jets, a fountain wall, firepit or outdoor kitchen to the pool area can also be incorporated with the design, depending on what the homeowner envisions.”

Lap pools and plunge pools have gained in popularity, offering a fabulous option for smaller spaces, while spas remain a favorite addition for homeowners who wish to expand the pool area’s offerings.

“Built-in seating areas have also become popular in recent years,” shared Geddes. “In lieu of traditional poolside furniture, some homeowners are opting for built-in seating areas within the pool itself, such as submerged benches, sunken tanning lounge areas, or even swim-up bars.”

Of course, it’s always nice to incorporate a covered outdoor kitchen and dining area near the pool so everyone can dampen the hunger that swimming always seems to bring on…without having to go inside! Other in-demand design elements include having a pool house or even just a full bath that is accessible from the home’s exterior, allowing for virtually seamless traffic flow while entertaining.

“Smart pool technology is being widely used,” Geddes added. “With the increasing availability of home automation systems, homeowners are integrating smart pool technology to control the pool’s temperature, lighting, and chemical levels from their smartphones or other devices.” continued on page 26

3 On the far edge of this pool, just a few inches of tile and coping above the water provide a look that is similar in appearance to an infinity pool, without water actually flowing over into a lower basin, which requires pumps - and sometimes can be a maintenance hassle. Here, that edge also happens to hover nine feet off the ground, which satisfies code and eliminates the need for any additional safety fencing, giving the entire area a clean appearance. As an added bonus, the pool juts out into a horse pasture, with the iconic four-plank black fencing meeting the pool wall to create a seamless and functional transition. Photo, design and installation by Rick Rushing, Registered continued from page 24

Finally, taking adequate time and care to consider the finer points of the pool area’s design can result in a finished space that is clever and aesthetically pleasing in both its form and function.

“If possible, I like to work with the grade and use it to our benefit when designing a pool,” shared Rushing. “In this way, we can integrate grade changes and multifunctional seating walls in lieu of putting up a fence to meet code requirements.”

This eliminates any chance of ending up with a “corral-like” enclosure, which can occur when fencing is installed without incorporating hardscape, the clever use of grade changes and other landscaping elements.

“With good design, you can have a dramatic pool and meet all of the necessary safety requirements at the same time,” Rushing said.

Whether building new or refurbishing an existing pool area, working with an experienced professional and taking the time to familiarize yourself with the multitude of options available will help maximize the use of space and ensure that the finished design provides a perfect backdrop for many years of fun in the sun with family and friends.

4 The goal here was to create a pool and lounge area that would encompass the entire back yard of this small neighborhood lot, with carefully planned landscaping to create a lush, tropical feel and maximize privacy. A tanning shelf, deck jets and fountain wall crafted from natural stone work with ample decking that provides plenty of seating space and winds naturally around the water’s edge, which is rimmed by natural stone coping, while a charming open-air gazebo houses an outdoor kitchen, bar and big-screen television.

5 After starting with a blank canvas, this chic, contemporary swimming pool and outdoor living area meld expertly with the home’s architecture, incorporating a firepit and fire bowl, as well as natural stone boulders, several waterfalls and plenty of loungers. Photo design and installation by Jason Brownlee.

6 Spanning 20 x 50 feet and surrounded by the picturesque rolling hills of Kentucky’s famed bluegrass, this gunite pool features beach entry and an interior tanning ledge complete with LED lighted bubblers and Ledge Lounger pool furniture. There is also a 15-foot, six-inch dolphin slide with boulder accents and step entry. The pool has a French Gray Diamond Brite™ plaster finish, with Paverdeck™ silver tumbled travertine coping, and an eightfoot round gunite spa that is also finished in French Gray, with six therapeutic blower jets. Photo, design and installation by Geddes Pool Company, Inc. Pavers and boulder hardscape by H2O Designs.