The basic concept of a pool is very simple – it’s a hole in
the ground that is designed to contain water for swimming. Modern pools add
features like a heater, filter, lights, and other amenities that make that hole
in the ground even more appealing as the temperatures rise outside. Of course,
not satisfied with just a plain pool, many homeowners and businesses are
finding new and interesting ways to design their pools to stand out from the
ground and add functionality.
With this post, we’d like to touch on some of the many exciting trends in the pool design industry. As a professional in this business, it’s important to keep up with the trends so you know what your customers might want and why. Let’s take a closer look at a few of the trends that are likely to continue gaining in popularity throughout the Midwest in the years ahead.
Using Small Spaces
No longer are homeowners hung up on the hurdle of needing a
big space to install a pool. Instead, small spaces are being embraced as viable
options for pool projects, with plunge pools and small spa/pool combinations
being popular options to make the most of limited real estate. This is an
exciting trend for those in the pool industry because it means that it is no
longer necessary for property owners to have big sections of land available –
meaning that many more people can consider having a pool installed.
Understanding this trend is important because it helps you make a better pitch to prospective customers who aren’t sure that they have enough space to enjoy a pool on their property. You can point to many examples of other people who have utilized limited space effectively, and you can introduce creative ideas to make what space is available as functional as possible.
Breaking Out of the Box
There is no rule stating that a pool has to be rectangular
in shape. Yet, if you look at many of the pools built within the last
generation or so, that’s exactly what you will find. Fortunately, times are
changing, and more and more pool projects utilize interesting organic shapes to
give them more visual appeal. Instead of a bland rectangle or even square
design, curves are more and more common, which introduces a whole new
collection of design possibilities for pool projects. And, keeping with the
point we made above, using curves is a great way to fit as much pool as
possible into a limited space.
Including the Spa
Traditionally, pools and spas have been two separate
elements. Even if both are present in the same project, they are usually
physically divided in the design, so they remain two distinct pieces on the
property. That has been changing, however, as more and more spas are being
built directly into the design of the pool when it is constructed. The finished
product is a beautifully seamless piece that offers the functionality of both a
pool and a spa while looking like one continuous unit.
This look is typically accomplished by a dividing wall within the pool that rises barely to the level of the water. In this way, it’s possible to divide up the water temperature segments so the spa can be kept much warmer than the pool area. Yet, when you look at the pool, what you will see is not a segmented space but rather one that is integrated and easy to use. In addition to requiring less overall space – that theme continues – blending the spa in with the pool allows people to spend time together even if they aren’t in the same section of the water. When a spa is detached from a pool, the people in those two areas aren’t really hanging out and chatting as they swim or sit, but that changes when the two come together into a single installation.
LEDs Aren’t Going Anywhere
The use of LEDs in pool projects isn’t exactly a new trend,
but it is one that is going strong and shows no signs of slowing up. There are
just too many advantages to using LEDs in a pool for this trend to back down
anytime soon. As a starting point, using LEDs can boost safety for nighttime
swimming, as they can illuminate an entire pool easily and make it possible to
see into corners that would be dark otherwise. Other benefits of LEDs include
their extremely long lifespan, the minimal energy they use, and the countless
colors that can be produced. Lighting up a pool is a great way to get more use
out of it after the sun goes down, and LEDs are an easy choice for that job.
Integrated Automation
Finally, we can’t wrap up this article about trends without
talking about how pools are being incorporated more and more with smart home
technologies to make them easier to manage. Just as many other various systems
around the house have gradually been getting smarter and more integrated with
technology, so too are pools getting in on this revolution. When installed with
tech in mind right from the start, it’s possible to use systems that allow pool
owners to manage various settings right from their phone. This makes it easier
to check on the condition of the pool while away from home, and it simply makes
owning a pool a more convenient, enjoyable experience. Customers who already
use other smart home technologies will want their pool to be a part of that
ecosystem, and making it happen is now a simple feat thanks to many innovative
products that have hit the market.
It’s important to keep up with trends in this industry without going so far as to chase them around and wind up with pools that won’t stand the test of time. Some trends are a meaningful step forward in the look and function of pools, while others are just fads that are sure to fade quickly. Work with your clients to sort through the latest and greatest while coming up with a design plan that meets their needs. Thanks for visiting!