Dreaming of adding a backyard pool but think you don’t have enough room?
Don’t sweat it! Millions of homeowners and property managers are in the same boat, feeling pool ownership is only for those with sprawling backyards. But the good news is that new and improved swimming pool designs are revolutionizing the industry.
Here’s what’s new:
Thanks to technological advances and innovative thinking, you don’t need a sprawling estate to get in on the pool ownership fun. There are now pool options and designs available that can make the most of just about any type of outdoor space.
Contents
In this article, we’ll dive deep into:
- Why pool design matters
- Space saving pool types that really work
- Cool features you can add to a compact pool
- How to decide on the right design for your home
Why Pool Design Matters for Your Home
First things first, why does your backyard pool design actually matter?
We’ll start with the obvious…
If your goal is to preserve more of your outdoor space for use, then the shape of your pool can make a big difference. A poorly designed pool can easily consume your entire yard, leaving little room for anything else.
But, a well-designed pool can use every last inch of the available footprint while still leaving space for a patio, outdoor kitchen, fire pit, or whatever else you want to use.
And, it’s not just about square footage…
According to some recent data, home swimming pools can increase property value by as much as 7%! (Read: a big return on investment when designed and installed right.)
In order to achieve this, you’ll want to be sure to work with a pool contractor you can trust to get quality results. Pool builders like Blue Haven Pools In Jacksonville can be your partner to finding the pool design and style that will look great in your home layout while maximizing both functionality and aesthetics. (Spoiler alert: smart design is where the difference between a good pool installation and a great one is made.)
What’s really cool, though…
Is that the entire pool industry is coming together to help homeowners squeeze more fun out of smaller outdoor spaces. Compact pool designs used to mean settling for less, but not anymore.
Space-Saving Pool Options That Actually Work
OK, let’s jump in (pun totally intended)…
Not all pools are made equal when it comes to saving space and still having maximum fun.
Here are the winners…
Plunge Pools
Popular with today’s homeowners who have smaller backyards is plunge pools. These pools offer the functionality of a full-size pool but in a much more compact 12×14 footprint.
Love the idea of having a private escape to cool off on hot days and take a refreshing dip, but don’t have much space? Plunge pools could be the answer!
Plunge pools are more popular than ever because they are much more efficient to heat than traditional rectangular pools. This means lower energy bills and maintenance costs over time for homeowners.
Cocktail Pools
Cocktail pools, as the name suggests, are ideal for poolside lounging, sipping drinks, and socializing rather than exercise or lap swimming.
If you are a person who:
- Loves hosting backyard BBQs
- Desire a smaller footprint but a luxe aesthetic
- Need room for a separate BBQ area
- Want to limit maintenance costs
Then a cocktail pool is the one for you.
The main goal with a cocktail pool is to create a more relaxed, beachy feel. These types of swimming pools may also include built-in seating, tanning ledges, swim-up bars, and other fun features.
Geometric Designs
While we are on the subject of popular pool design trends, classic geometric pool shapes are also on the rise.
Simple rectangles and clean, L-shaped designs are stylish and modern. Sharp, geometric lines can actually make small pools feel larger than they are. They also maximize usable deck space around the pool edges, allowing for more furniture, appliances, and outdoor fun.
Cool Features to Add to a Compact Pool
Smaller outdoor spaces can still benefit from the pool features and amenities we all love. Here are a few of the most popular ones…
Tanning Ledges
Tanning ledges are also called sun shelves and are a popular shallow area located inside the perimeter of the swimming pool.
Sun shelves are great for enjoying time in the pool while not having to be fully submerged in the water. People who install these in their own backyards often will place chairs and other furniture directly in the water so you can lounge and tan safely.
Tanning ledges are a major upgrade because they offer so many options for usage. Parents can supervise their children’s play time without having to be submerged themselves. It’s a win-win, and it doesn’t take up any extra yard space outside of the actual pool area.
Built-In Spas
Dual use pools are another way for homeowners to save on space but not give up on any of the features they enjoy. For many, this means combining a swimming pool and spa together in one cohesive design.
These built-in spa features offer some major benefits over their freestanding counterparts by using up less room in the backyard. The spa combo features include:
- Year-round use
- Relaxation and therapeutic benefits
- Increased backyard cohesion
- Savings on footprint
Technology
Home automation technology has reached the pool industry, and we couldn’t be more excited.
Automation control systems allow you to manage the water temperature, lighting, filtration, and cleaning schedules from your smartphone. What’s more is these systems optimize the use of your pump and heater for more efficient energy use.
Smart sensors can also monitor the pool water to alert you when it’s time for chemical treatments, reducing the time spent on manual monitoring and testing.
How to Choose the Right Pool Design for Your Needs
OK, so the big question…
How do you figure out which type of pool design is best for your home and space?
As always, we recommend asking yourself some basic questions first:
Why do you want a pool in the first place?
Do you mainly want to use the pool for exercise? Relaxation? Entertainment? Or, do you simply want a backyard aquatic play area for the kids?
Answers to these questions can help you decide on a pool shape, size, and feature set that best fits your family’s needs.
How much lawn space do you want to keep?
Many homeowners are surprised when they realize how many actually want to use the yard for more than a pool. Just because your home has a pool doesn’t mean it has to be a “monopoly lawn” game gone wrong.
Factor in room for some grass, gardens, or other landscaping when designing your pool.
What’s your climate like?
Location, location, location, right?
In warm areas, pools are a very big deal when it comes to property values. For example, in Jacksonville, Florida, homes with pools sell for 24.4% more than otherwise identical homes without.
Think about these factors when it comes to your specific climate zone.
Ideate on Multi-Functional Space
The best backyard spaces tend to serve multiple purposes.
Think outside the box and plan ways that the family can use more than just the pool itself. Poolside areas are becoming fully functional outdoor living spaces with kitchens, dining areas, and fire pits.
Mix in some natural looking pool elements like organic pool shapes and waterfalls to create a backyard oasis.
Wrapping Things Up
Want to squeeze more fun out of less yard space?
With innovative pool designs and some creative thinking, this dream is now possible.
The biggest takeaways from this deep dive into new pool designs are:
- Plunge and cocktail pools offer all the functionality of larger pools in a fraction of the footprint
- Geometric shapes use clean lines and simple edges to create modern spaces with lots of deck area
- Smart features like tanning ledges and built-in spas offer great versatility without taking up additional yard space
- Technology integration is the future of easy and efficient pool ownership
Smaller backyards don’t have to mean small dreams. With the right approach and a qualified partner, any outdoor space can be transformed into a show-stopping aquatic retreat.
Thanks for reading and happy pool shopping!
