Ah, that first refreshing dip in the glistening waters of your pool this summer—nothing beats it on a sultry day or a starry night. Today’s pool builders and designers have turned the swimming pool into an art form unto itself. (Take, for instance, this St. Louis space, created by Ladriere Building Company.) Homeowners are going beyond the basics when thinking about and planning their pools. It’s the “extras” that can take a backyard pool from ordinary to extraordinary. Here are five ways to make a splash with friends and family this season.
1/Water and Fire Features
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“Waterfalls offer the most value for your budget,” says John Jacobsen of Liquid Assets Pools (liquidassetspools.com). “They provide a beautiful, soothing sound.”
Kristen Sansone of Pool Tron (pooltron.com) agrees, noting that natural rock grottos and bubblers are also popular. Fire features, she adds, can also provide impact: “Fire pots with water cascading into the pool offer drama, excitement, and a relaxing ambience.”
2/Stunning Tiles
Glass tiles can give an ordinary pool upscale appeal. “The shimmering effect provides a gorgeous iridescence,”Sansone says.
Jeff Fitterling of Pool Pros of St. Louis (poolpros-stl.com) suggests exploring other options as well. “We’re seeing an increased desire for natural-looking tiles,” he says. “Not all tile has to be bright and shiny or break the bank.”
3/Colored LED Lighting
Incandescent lights are being replaced by more energy-efficient LED bulbs, available in different colors. “Colored lights add an illuminating effect at night,” Sansone says.
“We can set them so the colors rotate or stay on one color,” adds Fitterling. “When combined with a water feature, the effect is really beautiful.”
4/Spas
Soaking in a spa is a great way to unwind after a vigorous swim or to enjoy time with friends on a chilly night.
It provides “an easy and simple way to enjoy your pool year-round,” says Jacobsen, who often surrounds spas with stone to mimic the rest of the space.
5/Family Fun
Baja shelves and tanning ledges continue to grow in popularity, especially for families with young kids and adults looking to relax without being completely submerged.
Another family favorite: concrete slides, which help create “a natural look and feel,” says Sansone.
