A swimming pool in your backyard is never blah. However, your pool space can do more than provide an area for entertainment. The swimming pool and its environment can add curb appeal and wow. The following four design ideas can add drama to your swimming pool.
1. Deliberate Landscaping
If you're trying to add drama to your pool area, don't just plant a couple trees for shade. You want to be deliberate in how you plan the landscaping.
The first step is to consider a theme. If you have a lagoon-style pool, you'll want tropical plants. However, with a modern pool, you may want to choose plants for their symmetry and architectural appearance.
No matter the plants you choose, the key is to have them planted in layers to create a pleasing effect. For example, place flowers in front of a tree. Likewise, create an interplay between the plants and any structure. So, if you have a wall near your pool, use it as a backdrop for striking plants.
2. Pool Lighting
At the bare minimum, you want to light your swimming pool for safety. However, you don't need to stop there. The use of LED and other lights allow contractors to add visual interest. For example, in lieu of plain white lights, the contractors can install LED lights that change color. You could even choose lights that put on a show with their changing colors.
Features attached to the pool need to be illuminated too. For example, you can draw attention to your spa with different lighting. You can also create a beautiful display of light and water by highlighting a waterfall or fountain.
Finally, don't forget to plan lighting around your pool. You don't want to aim landscape or patio lighting directly at the pool. However, if you have areas of visual interest in the landscape or patio, such as tropical plants in a planter, consider highlighting them. The goal of all your pool lighting is to create an attractive picture you can enjoy from the house.
3. Custom Liner
Choosing an upgraded liner, such as one with pebble and seashell aggregates, is a good start. Such a liner can add beauty and physical texture. However, you don't have to stop there. The bottom of your pool can create its own visual drama.
For example, one highly customized option is a resin photo bottom liner. This technology allows your designer to embed an image in the liner. The image can be further enhanced with the use of lighting.
If you don't want to go that artistic with your pool bottom, you can still get a unique and beautiful effect with tiles. Designers use glass tiles, which shine on their own and create a brilliant interplay of light and water. The contractors can lay the tiles into endless design options, ranging from subtle gradients to bold mosaics.
4. Multiple Tiers
Terraces are a good way to deal with a sloped yard. However, even if your yard is flat, you could build up visual layers by adding tiers within your pool complex.
Think of your pool as one tier. If you add a spa, have it raised instead of submerged to create the next tier. The landscaping could drop down below the level of the pool to create another tier. A raised deck can be another tier. Such a design is also a good way to make a small area look larger.
With multiple tiers, you can further add drama with special features. For instance, you could cut away a wall of the pool and have an acrylic viewing panel installed. Seeing a cross-section of the swimming pool adds wow factor.
Don't settle for a plain pool. Use custom features to create a uniquely beautiful swim area. Consult with the designers at
Sequoyah Pools for more ideas.
